Unit 3.2 : Electronic Information Sources: E-Journals, E-Books, Databases, and Electronic Theses and Dissertations

1. Introduction

Electronic information sources are central to modern libraries and academic institutions. E-Journals, E-Books, Databases, and Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) are the most widely used. These resources provide instant, reliable, updated information supporting research, learning, and professional development.

2. Electronic Journals (E-Journals)

E-Journals are scholarly periodicals that are published in digital form. They may exist only in electronic format or digital versions of printed journals. Most e-journals are peer-reviewed, which ensures authenticity and academic credibility. Their prominent features include quick publication cycles, advanced search functions, hyperlinks to references, and multimedia support. Unlike printed journals, multiple users can access them remotely and simultaneously. E-journals are the backbone of research and higher education because they provide the latest findings, case studies, and review articles. They eliminate the delay caused by print publishing, helping researchers keep up with rapid field developments.
Examples:

• ScienceDirect (Elsevier): Scientific, technical, and medical journals.
• JSTOR: Digital archive of academic journals in arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ): A collection of free, peer-reviewed journals.

Characteristics:

• Peer-reviewed and academically credible.
• Available online, sometimes alongside print versions.
• Frequently updated and published faster than print.
• Contain hyperlinked references and search options.
• Can integrate multimedia (audio, video, datasets).

Advantages:

• Provides the latest research and information quickly.
• Easy keyword or subject search saves time.
• Accessible from anywhere, anytime.
• Simultaneous access by multiple users.

Limitations:

• Many are subscription-based and costly.
• Access restricted by license agreements.
• Sometimes requires high bandwidth.
• Dependence on the ICT skills of users.

3. Electronic Books (E-Books)

E-Books are digital versions of printed books or “born-digital” works created for electronic platforms. They can be read on computers, tablets, smartphones, and dedicated e-readers like Kindle. E-books often include interactive features such as hyperlinks, annotations, multimedia content, and dictionary tools, which make them more flexible than printed books. E-books are portable, searchable, and convenient for users who prefer reading on digital devices. They allow libraries to simultaneously offer unlimited copies of the same book to multiple users, saving space and cost. E-books are also vital for distance education and online learning programs.
Examples:

• Google Books – A digital collection of millions of books.
• Project Gutenberg – Free e-books, especially classics in the public domain.
• Springer E-Books – Academic and scientific books available digitally.
• National Digital Library of India (NDLI), ePGPathshala, NPTEL e-books.

Characteristics:

• Portable and easily downloadable.
• Searchable with keywords and indexing.
• Hyperlinks and annotations supported.
• May include multimedia (audio narration, videos, 3D images).
• Accessible across multiple devices.

Advantages:

• Saves physical space in libraries.
• Multiple users can access the same book simultaneously.
• Easy to carry thousands of titles in one device.
• Supports distance learning and e-education.

Limitations:

• Eye strain due to screen reading.
• Digital rights management (DRM) restrictions.
• Subscription or purchase costs for some collections.
• Dependence on the internet or devices.

4. Databases

Databases are organised collections of data or information stored electronically and accessible through search tools. They may include bibliographic records, abstracts, full-text documents, statistical data, or factual information. Databases are usually subscription-based and are considered essential tools for academic research. Databases are highly structured, searchable, and reliable, making them indispensable for literature surveys, citation tracking, and educational assessments. They save researchers time and provide comprehensive coverage of subject areas.
Types of Databases:

• Bibliographic Databases: Provide bibliographic details (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science).
• Full-Text Databases: Provide complete access to research articles, books, and reports (e.g., ProQuest, EBSCOhost).
• Numeric/Statistical Databases: Contain numerical and statistical datasets (e.g., UN Data, World Bank Data).
• Factual Databases: Provide verified facts, chemical properties, and biomedical information (e.g., MEDLINE, Chemical Abstracts).

Characteristics:

• Highly structured and indexed.
• Provide bibliographic, full-text, numeric, or factual data.
• Allow advanced search and filtering.
• Continuously updated.

Advantages:

• Saves time with advanced search tools.
• Provides comprehensive coverage.
• Reliable and authoritative.
• Useful for literature reviews and citation analysis.

Limitations:

• Subscription costs are high.
• Requires ICT skills to search effectively.
• Sometimes the interface is complex.
• Access restrictions after license expiry.

5. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

ETDs are digital versions of academic theses and dissertations submitted by students and researchers as part of their degree requirements. These works contain original research and are valuable sources of detailed, first-hand information on specific topics. ETDs are usually stored in institutional repositories and accessible through open access platforms or subscription databases. ETDs promote transparency, knowledge sharing, and open access to research. They help prevent duplication of work and serve as valuable references for future researchers. They also showcase the research output of universities and strengthen academic collaboration.
Examples:

• Shodhganga (INFLIBNET, India) – A digital repository of Indian theses and dissertations.
• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (PQDT) – One of the largest global collections of ETDs.
• Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) – International initiative promoting open access ETDs.

Characteristics:

• Contain original, first-hand research.
• Stored in institutional repositories and global databases.
• Searchable and retrievable in full-text.
• Promote open access and long-term preservation.
• Serve as reference tools for future research.

Advantages:

• Provide detailed and original research.
• Freely accessible in many repositories.
• Helps avoid duplication of research work.
• Promotes institutional visibility and academic sharing.

Limitations:

• Some ETDs are under embargo (restricted access).
• Quality may vary depending on the institution.
• Requires good indexing for easy discovery.
• Dependence on ICT and the internet for access.

E-Journals, E-Books, Databases, and ETDs represent the core components of electronic information sources. They provide rapid, global, and reliable access to scholarly knowledge. These four sources have transformed libraries into digital knowledge hubs, making information more accessible and valuable for research, education, and decision-making.

6. Comparative Table: Electronic Information Sources