There advantages to using either type of library offerings. Examine the benefits. The example below is true for the College of San Mateo
Library.
| Feature/Benefit |
Actual Library |
Virtual Library |
| Open Hours |
Limited hours days and evenings |
Open to the public 24hours a day
|
| ADA Accessibility |
Most are ADA compliant |
Requires user to have access to a computer
|
| Printed Materials |
Locate, reserve, and pick up printed
resources, Journals, Magazines, Newspapers |
Locate and reserve printed resources only
|
| Journal, Magazine,
Periodical Databases |
Yes |
Yes
|
| Computer Access
to Internet Resources |
Yes |
Yes
|
Online Tutorials -The Research Process
|
Yes |
Yes |
Study Groups |
Areas available for face-to-face
discussions |
No face-to-face discussions, but
online discussion boards available for user groups |
| Assistance |
Librarians / Reference desk offer immediate help |
Assistance via phone and email
|
| Hours |
Cañada hours
CSM hours
Skyline hours |
Hours - all day
|
| Other Resources |
Computer, printer, scanner, copier
access (for a fee) |
Depends on user's personal equipment
|
