During the pandemic, digital libraries rose to fame by providing digital copies of books, the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), is an initiative developed and operated by IIT-Kharagpur. This digital library provides books to a diverse audience, including students, teachers, researchers, librarians, professionals, specially-abled users, and lifelong learners.
It has a multifaceted learning environment as it contains educational resources, ranging from traditional formats such as e-books and audiobooks to cutting-edge materials like lecture notes, thesis, reports, articles, journals, and simulation tools.
The platform is not only accessible through its official website but also through dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, ensuring that learners can access educational content anytime, anywhere. The NDLI’s design goes beyond providing standard educational materials to address the needs of specially-abled individuals too. By offering content in ten languages, NDLI breaks down linguistic barriers, ensuring that learners can access materials in their preferred language. This inclusivity not only embraces the cultural diversity of India but also makes education a more personalized and accessible experience for all.
The users, regardless of their social and economic background, can freely download educational materials, ranging from textbooks and audiobooks to sample papers, videos, and articles. This provides an environment where knowledge is not confined by financial constraints, promoting a democratized and equitable education system.
It also has a user-friendly interface and accessibility through dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS devices further enhancing NDLI’s outreach. This accessibility extends beyond traditional desktop use, empowering learners to access educational content anytime, anywhere.
Enhanced access through registration adds another layer to NDLI’s functionality. While basic browsing is open to all users without the need for a username or password, those seeking full access, especially to items covered by national licensing, can register and create a user ID and password. This registration process not only ensures enhanced access but also contributes to a more personalized and tailored user experience, allowing learners to explore a broader range of educational materials.
The richness and diversity of NDLI’s repository play a major role in shaping its impact. Integrating content from various Indian Institutional Repositories, NDLI offers more than 60 types of learning resources, including books, articles, manuscripts, video lectures, and theses. Beyond being a repository of digital resources, NDLI embodies a vision for an inclusive, accessible, and dynamic education system. As it continues to evolve, NDLI is an example for integrating technology into education, breaking down barriers, and making education a transformative force for all.
