Undoubtedly you are well-versed in the term “library“. Due to technical advancements and the information society, this concept has been extended to “virtual libraries” in recent years. Let’s start with some background information!
What is a virtual library?
According to Pedro Schwartz, a library is defined as a collection of classified and arranged information resources with physical access to the documents. However, thanks to the implementation of new technologies, most individuals no longer look for their files in the physical spaces designated for them, but they do it through their electronic devices. Therefore, libraries, in addition to being tangible spaces, have now evolved into digital information universes.
As a result, a virtual library is an intangible environment in which a user can search for bibliographic references, digitized books, movies, documentaries, infographics, newspapers, and databases through a virtual medium.
Virtual library vs. physical library
In ancient times, libraries were considered the heart of towns. These physical spaces housed great literary works as well as historical and economic writings. However, they have evolved to become virtual spaces, managing to store more elements of our creation and collective memory.
Currently, these two types of libraries are available to users. One preserves knowledge in a physical and tangible form, while the other does it through digital media that remains available on the network without limits of time or space.
You may be interested in ➡ ️ What is the HyFlex teaching model?
What are the advantages of virtual libraries?
- Information for everyone, regardless of location, time, or professional role.
- Savings in human and material resources.
- Information in less time as quick searches and valuable information is at the click of a button.
- Constant updating which allows us to keep up with trends, studies, and new theories.
- Accessibility as getting to the library does not require people to leave their homes or travel a considerable distance.
- Many topics on a single page!
CloudLabs: a virtual library
Traditional methods of obtaining and disseminating information have been transformed due to advances in science and technology. In CloudLabs, people can find a virtual library where they can consult and put into practice knowledge through learning units and laboratory simulators in areas including the following: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Robotics, Electricity, Environmental Management, Administration and many others that are part of the STEM and vocational areas.
In CloudLabs, students can reference multiple resources to increase their understanding through the application of principles. This way, they can learn through experimentation and testing of theories applied to reality thanks to the problem-solving approach.
Additionally, these laboratories allow practices to be performed as many times as necessary and always with random data. With the aforementioned, students are being prepared to face the challenges of everyday life in the professional sphere from the first grades of school. For example, a student can use CloudLabs Virtual STEM to learn about plant and animal cells, identify their parts and functions, as well as apply the concepts in a real-world setting, such as that of a biologist in a laboratory.
This resource also allows:
- Not to incur maintenance expenses.
- Not to make purchases of new materials only during certain periods of time.
- Make a positive contribution to the environment.
- Apply the knowledge acquired.
- Accessibility of resources in online and offline mode.
If you want to learn more about CloudLabs and how to implement a resource library, contact us.
References.
Schwartz, P. (1998). Bibliotecas virtuales. In XIV Congreso de Estudios Vascos: Informazioaren Gizartea= Sociedad de la Información= Société de l’Information. San Sebastián: Sociedad de Estudios Vascos (pp. 263-267).
