Unit 5.1 : Computerisation of different divisions, networking: National and Regional Levels.
MLIS-102 (D): Public Libraries
1. Computerisation of different divisions in Library
Computerisation in libraries involves the application of technology to automate various tasks and functions within a library setting. It uses computers, software, and other digital tools to enhance library operations, services, and resource management across different divisions. Here's how different divisions of libraries can benefit from computerisation:
1. Cataloging and Classification:
• Library Management Software: Utilizing integrated library systems (ILS) or library management software automates cataloguing, indexing, and organising library materials (books, journals, multimedia) using standardised methods like MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) records.
• Automated Classification Systems: Implementing technologies like Library of Congress Classification (LCC) or Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) systems for automated sorting and shelving of materials.
2. Circulation Services:
• Automation of Check-in/Check-out: Barcode or RFID technology enables faster and more efficient borrowing and returning of library items.
• Self-Service Stations: Providing self-checkout stations for users to handle borrowing transactions independently.
3. Acquisition and Collection Development:
• Electronic Resource Management: Using systems to manage subscriptions to electronic databases, e-books, and journals.
• Online Ordering: Facilitating online ordering and acquiring materials, streamlining the procurement process.
4. Reference Services:
• Digital Databases: Access to online databases, search engines, and digital repositories to assist users in finding information.
• Online Reference Assistance: Offering chatbots, virtual assistants, or online reference services for real-time help.
5. Preservation and Conservation:
• Digital Archives: Creating digital copies of rare or fragile materials for preservation.
• Environmental Controls: Implement systems to monitor temperature and humidity to preserve physical materials.
6. User Services:
• Online Catalog Access: Allowing users to search the library catalogue remotely through web-based interfaces.
• Notification Systems: Automated alerts via email or SMS for due dates, reservations, or library announcements.
7. Administration and Reporting:
• Data Management: Analyzing usage statistics and generating reports on library usage, inventory, and trends.
• Budget and Resource Management: Using software to manage budgets, track expenses, and optimise resource allocation.
8. Interlibrary Loan Services: Automated Request Systems: Streamlining the process of borrowing materials from other libraries through automated request systems.
9. Digital Libraries and Archives: Digital Asset Management: Curating and managing digital collections, including digitised books, manuscripts, photographs, and archives.
10. Training and Education:
• Library Staff Training: Providing training programs to staff for effectively using library management software and new technologies.
• User Education: Offering workshops or tutorials for library patrons on utilising digital resources effectively.
Computerisation in libraries enhances efficiency, accessibility, and services provided to users while also improving resource management and staff workflows. It empowers libraries to adapt to the evolving information landscape and meet the diverse needs of their communities in the digital age.
2. Advantages of Computerisation
Computerisation in libraries offers numerous advantages, revolutionising the traditional library system and enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and services provided to users. Some key benefits include:
1. Improved Accessibility: Digital catalogues and databases enable users to access library collections remotely. Online catalogues allow users to search for resources, check availability, and place holds or requests from anywhere with internet access, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
2. Efficient Resource Management: Computerized systems automate library tasks such as cataloguing, acquisitions, circulation, and inventory management. This automation streamlines processes reduces manual errors, and enables librarians to manage collections efficiently, freeing time for more specialised tasks.
3. Enhanced Search Capabilities: Digital catalogues and databases offer advanced search functionalities, allowing users to perform complex searches using keywords, titles, authors, subjects, or other criteria. This improves the precision and speed of information retrieval, leading to a better user experience.
4. Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan (ILL): Computerized systems facilitate interlibrary loan services by connecting libraries within networks or consortia. This allows users to access materials from other libraries, expanding the range of available resources.
5. Digital Archives and Preservation: Libraries can digitise rare or fragile materials to create digital archives, preserve valuable resources, and make them accessible to a broader audience while protecting the originals from wear and tear.
6. Remote Learning and Research: Digital libraries provide resources for remote learning and research, benefiting students, researchers, and educators who can access materials without physical visits to the library.
7. Analytics and Reporting: Computerized systems generate data that can be used for analytics, helping libraries understand usage patterns, popular materials, and user preferences. This information assists in collection development and decision-making processes.
8. Online Services and Outreach: Libraries can offer online services such as e-book lending, virtual reference assistance, online tutorials, and digital storytelling sessions, expanding their reach and engagement with diverse user groups.
9. Integration with Other Systems: Computerized library systems can integrate with other institutional systems, such as learning management systems, facilitating seamless access to resources for students and faculty within educational institutions.
10. Cost and Space Efficiency: Digitization reduces the need for physical storage space for certain materials, and automated systems streamline processes, potentially reducing operational costs in the long run.
Overall, computerisation in libraries significantly enhances operational efficiency, accessibility, and the range of services offered, transforming libraries into dynamic information hubs that cater to the evolving needs of their users in the digital age.
3. Networking at National and Regional Levels
Networking at national and regional levels in libraries involves establishing connections, collaborations, and information-sharing mechanisms among libraries, library consortia, and related institutions within a specific country or geographic region. This networking aims to facilitate resource-sharing, knowledge exchange, and cooperative initiatives to enhance library services, collections, and outreach efforts.
Here's an overview of networking at these levels:
1. National Level Networking:
• Library Consortia: Libraries often form consortia or associations at the national level. These consortia bring together multiple libraries, academic institutions, or government bodies to collectively negotiate for resources, subscriptions to databases, and other materials. They also facilitate cooperative projects and advocacy efforts.
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Systems: National-level ILL networks enable libraries to share resources. Libraries can request books, articles, or other materials from partner libraries within the network, expanding access to resources that might not be available in their collections.
• Professional Organizations: National library associations or professional organisations play a crucial role in networking. They organise conferences, workshops, and seminars where librarians and information professionals can exchange ideas, discuss best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit the entire library community.
• Standardization and Policy Development: National networking often involves setting standards for cataloguing, metadata, and other library processes. It also consists of participating in policy discussions related to copyright, access to information, and digital preservation.
2. Regional Level Networking:
• Collaboration among Libraries: A specific region collaborates to share resources, expertise, and services. This collaboration can involve joint projects, training programs, or sharing specialised collections that benefit the local community.
• Regional Library Systems: Some regions have library systems that provide centralised services or support to member libraries. These systems may offer shared catalogues, interlibrary loan services, or cooperative purchasing agreements.
• Information Exchange and Partnerships: Libraries at the regional level often form partnerships with educational institutions, museums, archives, and community organisations to expand access to information and promote cultural exchange.
• Resource Sharing: Like at the national level, regional networking facilitates resource sharing among libraries. This can include sharing digital collections, databases, or physical materials to ensure broader access for users.
Networking at national and regional levels is crucial for libraries to address challenges, leverage resources efficiently, stay updated on emerging trends, and provide better user services. These collaborations enhance the capabilities of individual libraries and contribute to the enrichment of the library landscape within a country or region.
4. Library Networks
In India, the recognition of networking libraries and the pursuit of resource sharing emerged in the 1980s, influenced by significant strides made by developed countries in this domain. During the 7th Five-Year Plan period (1985-1990), the Planning Commission's 'Working Group' on libraries and informatics, led by Dr N. Seshagiri, highlighted the necessity for modernising library services and interlinking library systems.
In 1985, NISSAT (National Information System for Science and Technology) organised a meeting by the Director-General of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research). One of the outcomes was the recommendation to establish a Science and Technology library in Calcutta and promote automation and networking within the city. Subsequently, CMC Ltd. was commissioned by NISSAT to create a feasibility report for the Calcutta Library Network (CALIBNET), which was finalised and published in 1989.
In January 1988, the India International Centre in New Delhi, with support from NISSAT, initiated work on the Delhi Library Network (DELNET). By July 1992, DELNET was officially registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
The directives outlined by the Working Group led by Dr Seshagiri paved the way for establishing the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), with its report published in 1989. INFLIBNET opened its office in Ahmedabad in 1991 and commenced operations once funds became available under the Eighth Five-Year Plan.
Concurrently, proposals were proposed to establish additional networks in cities like Chennai, Pune, Bombay, and Bangalore. As a result, apart from CALIBNET, DELNET, and INFLIBNET, various library networks were initiated in different forms in cities such as Bombay, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Ahmedabad. These initiatives marked significant strides toward modernising library services and establishing collaborative networks for enhanced resource sharing across India.
5. Advantages of Library Networking
Library networking at national and regional levels offers numerous advantages that significantly benefit libraries, librarians, and their users. Here are some key advantages:
1. Resource Sharing: Networking allows libraries to share resources such as books, journals, databases, and multimedia materials. This sharing minimises duplication of efforts and resources, ensuring more comprehensive access to a more extensive range of materials for library users.
2. Cost Efficiency: Collaborative efforts in purchasing, licensing, and resource acquisition through networking can lead to cost savings for participating libraries. By negotiating collectively, libraries within a network can often secure better deals and access resources they might not afford individually.
3. Enhanced Services: Networking enables libraries to offer expanded services and expertise. Shared expertise among librarians, joint training programs, and collaborative initiatives allow for improved services and increased knowledge dissemination to patrons.
4. Access to Specialized Collections: Libraries within a network can provide access to specialised collections that individual libraries might not possess. This enables patrons to access rare or unique materials contributing to research and educational endeavours.
5. Improved Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Services: Interlibrary loan systems become more efficient through networking. Libraries can request materials from partner institutions within the network, significantly reducing wait times for users seeking specific resources.
6. Standardization and Best Practices: Networking facilitates the exchange of best practices, standards, and policies among libraries. This ensures a more uniform and practical approach to cataloguing, metadata, and other library processes, benefiting users across various libraries.
7. Professional Development: Collaborative efforts within networks often enhance professional development opportunities for librarians. Workshops, conferences, and training sessions hosted or supported by networks allow librarians to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the field.
8. Advocacy and Influence: Networking at national and regional levels strengthens the collective voice of libraries when advocating for funding, policies, or legislative changes that impact the library sector. Unified efforts amplify the influence of libraries in shaping decisions that affect their operations and services.
9. Community Engagement: Through networking, libraries can collaborate with other community organisations, educational institutions, and local groups to extend their reach and engage with a broader audience. This fosters community relationships and encourages lifelong learning opportunities.
In summary, library networking at national and regional levels fosters collaboration, resource sharing, cost-efficiency, professional growth, and improved services, ultimately leading to a more robust and effective library system that benefits both librarians and library users.
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