A computer network is an interconnection of various computer systems located at different
places. In computer network two or more computers are linked together with a medium and data
communication devices for the purpose of communicating data and sharing resources. The
computer that provides resources to other computers on a network is known as server. In the
network the individual computers, which access shared network resources, are known as
workstations or nodes.
Developed in North America, the Internet has rapidly spread around the world in the past decade
and has had an impact on the lives of millions of people. Many could not work effectively
without it. Over the past few decades a variety of new and exciting information services have
appeared on the Internet, each with its own distinct characteristics. Computer and Communication
technologies have revolutionised the whole world of information and have penetrated in areas
beyond libraries transforming nearly every facet within society. Powerful PCs, sophisticated
network technologies, affordable telephone lines have given a boost for Internet. Use of the
Internet and other network resources is changing the traditional library functions. While in the
1980’s and early 1990’s the Internet’s modalities were changing traditional library functions and
was used mainly for communications, database searching, and bibliographic access etc. Today,
the Internet’s modalities are changing or augmenting traditional functions of library profession
such as the information transfer process and the perceived nature of information itself.