Definition of Virtual Library
Gapen (1993) defines virtual library as "the concept of remote access to the content and services of libraries and other information resources, combining and on-site collection of current and heavily-used materials in both print and electronic form, with an electronic network which provides access to, and delivery from, external worldwide library, and commercial information and knowledge sources".
Hence, virtual library has changed the concept of physical form of library. The approaches towards the accessibility of knowledge to the users and management of information sources by the staff, have completely changed in this scanario. The library staff needs to store and make knowledge content of the library, searchable and accessible through the computer and telecommunication network i.e. the internet. Now, instead of the users visiting the library for knowledge, the library itself reach the users, demolishing physical barriers of time and space.
Virtual library is a library without any wall. With the application of information and communication technology, the information became easily accessible. This accessibility power created the environment for such a library which can store information in digital form anywhere in the world and give access to its members through a number of electronic devices, which are capable of accessing information through network. These devices are computer, laptop, smartphone, etc. The members of the library use these electronic devices for accessing information from the library portal through the internet.
