The document discusses web resources, including their definition, evolution over time, key features like being multi-access and easily updated, and common uses like organizing research materials and promoting interaction. It also notes challenges like requiring computer/internet access and varied quality of information online. The document categorizes common types of web resources such as search engines, online libraries and databases, productivity tools, and collaboration utilities.

1. Web Resources: Concept,
Need & Challenges
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

2. World Wide Web
The World Wide Web or WWW or W3 or Web is a global information medium which users
can read and write via computer connected to internet.
WWW allow people to locate and view multimedia-based documents, e.g., text,
graphics, animations, audios, videos, etc. via the Internet using HTTP (Hypertext
Transfer Protocol).
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

3. Web Resources
 Web resources are services and utilities located online that allow users to find, use and
share information to accomplish some task.
 The early concept of web resources was of static (non moving) files or documents.
 The meaning of the term now has a wider use to include nearly everything that can be
obtained via the Internet.
 The number of accessible resources on the Web increases on daily basis
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

4. Features
 Multi-access:
 A networked product can provide multi-access at multiple points round the clock.
 Multiple users (global reach) can use the same web‐resources at the same time at any place.
 Speed: Web resources are lot quicker
 to browse,
 To search,
 to extract information from,
 to integrate that information into other material
 to cross-search or reference among the different publications.
 Content:
 The e-resources can contain a vast amount of information, but more importantly the material can consist of mixed media i.e. images,
video, audio animation which could not be replaced in print.
 Updated:
 Web‐resources are easy to revise, update, manipulate and merge. As a results, Authors and publishers can easily maintain the resource
in the most up to date form and ensures its speedy delivery.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

5. Uses of Web Resources
 Web resources provide a convenient platform for organizing all of the materials needed for a
research.
 Web‐resources can be easily copied, stored and disseminated. Which leads to no longer
space/geographical/transfer constraints.
 Web‐collections save user’s time in access and reuse of information.
 Web Resources Promote Interaction with remote users. Most resources contain mechanisms for
users to send feedback, comments, additional information and so on.
 On‐line users taking help from authors and publishers get valuable feedback on content,
presentation, suggestions, etc. to enhance their products.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

6. Demerits
 Required computers & Internet access.
 Computer & Internet Literacy.
 Users have to use multiple resources; with varied web interfaces, from different publishers to get
all the information required by them.
 Varied information quality ‐ there is a lot of vanity publishing, promotional information,
inaccurate information, poor presentation.
 Producers do not use principles of information design, e-resource design, user interface design.
This affects the usability of e‐resources from the users point of view.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

7. Types of web resources
 Information-gathering utilities:
 Search engines: Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc…
 Online encyclopedias: Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, Americana, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus
 Online library databases: Online libraries, Thesis/dissertation, Open E‐Journal, Open Courseware
 Productivity utilities:
 Word processing: Google Docs, Zoho Writer,
 File storage and retrieval: Google Drive, Windows SkyDrive, Zumo Drive, 4 Shared
 Collaboration utilities:
 Document collaboration and sharing: Windows Live Workspace, Google Groups, Virtual exhibitions, Zoom
meet, Google Meet etc.
 Connecting and Sharing: Email, Blogs, RSS, Alerts, Employment/Career Source
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon