Digitization in Academic Libraries

Digitization is the conversion of any analog (printed) material such as books, journals, photos, maps, etc. into electronic forms through the application of various technologies and techniques. Data compression technique can be used to increase both space and time efficiency. Transmission by digital mode gives higher speed and accuracy. Analog and digital data signals are inter-convertible. Therefore, it is possible to switch from electronic form to the printed form and vice versa. A digital library is designed to enable users access the required information electronically from anywhere. In a digital library most of the functions of the traditional library are carried out online. Additionally it offers more services not possible until a few years ago.. The advantages of digitization include increased accessibility, flexibility of operation, lower production cost, preservation of original source materials and fast retrieval of information. The initial cost of building a digital collection in a library may appear prohibitive but it has proved more cost effective in the long run. This paper briefly discusses the digitization process.. Advantages and disadvantages and the future of digitization are mentioned. The creation of the Web page of IIT Kanpur library and what has been gained and what is lost are summarized.