Even though e-books and digital libraries are becoming more commonplace – many people still do not know that there are hundreds of digital libraries that you can access online for a multitude of different topics. While it may be assumed that digital libraries only carry the basic and most popular books, the opposite is true. Many digital libraries carry books that can be used for academics, database finding, videos, and even audio recordings. While browsing online on a digital library, anything can be found.
e-Books are Available for Free At Libraries
For starters, one of the most extensive, and free, online libraries is the Internet Archive. It is home to over three million versions of texts and a million video and audio recordings. This digital library of the prime example of showing people all that digital libraries have to offer. The Internet Archive gives its users access to thousands of academic related texts, novels and graphic novels to be read for personal enjoyment, audio-books or audio recordings of interviews and famous events, and videos as well. Plus, users can access information all the way back from 1996 and earlier by using the Way Back Machine offered on the homepage.
Or, if you are more of a history buff, you could always visit the U.S Library of Congress to see all the digitalised archives. It features thousands of photography, articles, prints, newspapers, recordings, exhibits and collection from the vast history of the United States. Although, this information can be overwhelming for a single person who is only trying to find a single topic or a specific item. Which is why like other digital libraries, the Library of Congress featured an “ask a librarian” option which will link a person to a librarian and they will show them the correct information and how to access it properly.
Digital Libraries for University Students
However, if you’re a college student just looking for a legitimate source, the Stanford University’s High Wire online library is the perfect source to find thousands of academic texts along with academic journals from some of the top professionals in a certain field. Which gives students, professors, or even just researchers a haven to find accurate and secure information.
Sometimes digital libraries are either free or come with a price tag in the form of a yearly or monthly subscription. This is something that people who are considering looking for one for their own personal use should keep in mind. Students are at an advantage as most schools already use a digital library that the student does not have to pay for – while in other cases people must pay a fee. However, most digital library fees are not overly expensive, and in some cases offer discounts. Though, many digital libraries, such as the U.S Library of Congress, or ones that offer free public information, happen to be free of charge.
Overall, choosing a digital liberty is the same as choosing a shoe. You must browse through a few until you find one that fits you and your needs perfectly. Just keep in mind that digital libraries are unique and offer an array of services other than providing books to read.