Unit 3.1 : Electronic Information Sources

BLIS-102: Information Sources and Services

1. Introduction

The advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has completely changed the way people create, store, and use information. Earlier, information was mainly available in printed forms such as books, journals, and reports. Much of scholarly and professional information is produced, stored, and accessed electronically today. These electronic information sources are central to teaching, learning, research, and decision-making.

2. Meaning of Electronic Information Sources

Electronic information sources are digitally generated, stored, or converted information resources made available through computers, digital storage devices, or networks like the Internet. They are accessible in various formats: text, image, audio, video, or multimedia.
Electronic information sources are digital resources that provide access to scholarly, technical, and general knowledge through electronic media, offering features like searchability, remote accessibility, and multimedia support.

3. Characteristics of Electronic Information Sources

Electronic information sources are digital, global, searchable, interactive, multimedia-rich, updated, multi-user, and integrated with library systems. These features make them superior in speed and accessibility to traditional print sources, though they also require technological infrastructure.

4. Importance of Electronic Information Sources

Electronic Information Sources (EIS) are vital in today’s knowledge society. They are widely used in libraries, universities, research organisations, industries, and government institutions because they provide fast, global, and efficient access to information. Electronic Information Sources are essential because they provide speed, accessibility, interactivity, collaboration, and sustainability in information services. They help researchers and students and assist libraries in cost-saving and space management. Despite some limitations, their importance in the digital age is irreplaceable.

5. Advantages of Electronic Information Sources

Electronic Information Sources (EIS) have revolutionised how information is produced, stored, and accessed. Compared to traditional print sources, they provide several unique advantages. The advantages of Electronic Information Sources can be summarised as convenience, speed, cost savings, timeliness, global reach, and sustainability. These benefits make them indispensable in modern libraries, educational institutions, and research organisations.

6. Limitations of Electronic Information Sources

Although electronic resources provide speed, convenience, and global accessibility, they also have several drawbacks. The limitations of electronic information sources highlight their dependence on technology, high subscription costs, unequal access due to the digital divide, problems of information overload, authenticity issues, and legal restrictions on use. While electronic resources are essential in modern education and research, these challenges must be addressed through better infrastructure, digital literacy, open access initiatives, and sustainable pricing models.