Use of Electronic Resources for Buddhist Studies: A Case Study

Abstract

Electronic resources are two types. They are online e–resources and off line e–resources. An "electronic resource" is defined as any work encoded and made available for access through the use of a computer. It includes electronic data available by (1) remote access and (2) direct access (fixed media). In other words: Remote access (electronic resources) refers to the use of electronic resources via computer networks. (AACR2, 2002 edition; glossary) Off–line eresources are CD–Rom, Thipitaka –CD, Mettanet – CD, Dhammapada–CD, Diskettes, VCD/ DVD, e–card. Online e-resources are Institutional & Personal website, OPAC & web OPACS, Electronic Databases e–publications, e–books, e–journals, and e-prints, e–articles. There are Encyclopedias, full-text journals, Newspapers, company information, e-books economic data ―digital images" industry profiles, market, Research, dictionaries in electronic resources. This study is on how to use electronic resources for Buddhist Studies. We can find information on Buddhism from Chatta sangayana CD, Dammapada CD and other Dhamma CD. Today we have computer and internet facilities. Therefore, without books, we can study on Buddhism. As a web page, Buddha Net covers all Buddhist resources. There are Buddhist manuscripts, suttas, jathaka tales, online courses and rare books such as Vimukthimagga. E – Library concept on web helps to reader every time to find and search Buddhist sources. Pali Canon and other important Dhamma books are availble as PDF, e-books, and e- journals in web pages. Example: Buddhist studies virtual library, Pali text society and vipassana research institute. These Libraries provide access to a variety of electronic books, as well as the other printed works (such as essays, poems, or historical documents). Some of these electronic books and texts are part of large, searchable databases.