Harnessing electronic information resources through prospective consortia approach: a national necessity

Earlier information resources were considered physical entities but now these have evolved from traditional print documents to electronically stored information resources. In this time of lessening finances, myriad forms of resources and rising expectations of user community, libraries face many challenges to operate competently. The demand to provide more electronic information resources often results in a need to find creative ways to get the most out of our limited financial resources. Present paper discusses the Electronic Information Resources (EIR) in detail explaining their advantages and various types. Also depicts how consortia approach will be helpful in harnessing EIR for a developing country like India. The paper also tries to describe major prerequisites for consortia initiation and benefits that can be expected from a successful consortium. It is concluded that Indian libraries must seriously think, proceed and commence consortium movement for maximum utilization of EIR at a reduced cost, time and space