Unit 5.2 : Resource sharing: Problems and Prospects.
MLIS-102 (D): Public Libraries
1. Introduction
In the contemporary landscape of libraries, the realisation prevails that solely relying on one's collection for organising library services is impractical. Libraries must inevitably rely, to some extent, on external resources due to soaring journal costs, increasing pressures on space, and the expenses associated with maintaining vast collections. These factors underscore the need for effective collaboration among various libraries.
Library cooperation in resource sharing has become imperative due to a shift from 'permanent acquisition' to 'temporary ownership.' While the former emphasises acquiring materials to anticipate the information needs of scholars and students, the latter, termed 'temporary ownership,' is criticised for its short-term application, primarily catering to immediate information requirements.
The philosophy of 'access' to information resources is an integral part of the broader framework of library resource sharing. Cooperative collection development and inter-library loan activities significantly contribute to facilitating access.
Crucially, the principle of resource sharing operates on the concept of equivalency, suggesting that libraries should not only receive resources but also contribute, irrespective of the size of their contribution. To facilitate such arrangements effectively, all participating libraries must see each other's existing resources and future acquisitions.
Information sharing among libraries is bolstered by networking, which has been a part of library service goals for several years. However, the shift in the 1980s and 1990s saw a significant enhancement in the efficiency of resource sharing through the use of telecommunications networks. Additionally, this unit delves into the implications of modern information technologies on Library Resource Sharing Services, offering case studies that highlight developments in resource-sharing within the academic sector, particularly in India.
2. Concept of Resource Sharing
The concept of resource sharing in libraries has long been an integral part of library cooperation, aimed at maximising resources for the collective benefit of participating institutions. Library cooperation historically took various forms, such as cooperative acquisition, centralised cataloguing, and inter-library loans, all geared toward leveraging available resources efficiently and avoiding duplication of efforts among libraries. Inter-library loans notably improved access to materials from diverse library collections, fostering knowledge accessibility within and across libraries.
Resource sharing broadens the scope of library cooperation by emphasising reciprocity and partnership, where each participant contributes and receives something valuable from others. This concept emerged significantly in the 1950s and 1960s due to constrained library budgets and escalating costs of books and periodical subscriptions.
Allen Kent defines resource sharing in libraries as:
“Resource sharing in libraries is defined as a mode of operation whereby functions are shared in common by several libraries in its most positive effects: Resource sharing entails reciprocity, employing partnership in which each member has something useful to contribute to others and in which every member is willing and able to make available when needed. The term 'Resource' is used to designate any or all of the professional and non-professional staff's materials, functions, services and expertise. Resource implies a thing, a person or an action to which one turns for aid and help”.
The term 'sharing' implies contributing what one owns for the benefit of others, fostering a partnership for mutual advantage. Library resources, including print and non-print materials and human resources, are shared to elevate service quality without compromising participating libraries' individual identities or objectives. However, minor operational adjustments may sometimes be necessary to facilitate effective resource sharing without undermining the interests of participating libraries.
3. Objectives of Resource Sharing
The objectives of resource sharing in libraries reflect idealistic goals aimed at ensuring convenient access to information for library users, regardless of the geographical location of resources. Essentially, libraries extend beyond their collections to meet user needs by sharing resources from other libraries. The primary reasons behind this endeavor include:
• Cost Reduction: Resource-sharing endeavours seek to reduce overall costs associated with information resources, including their duplication, processing, and maintenance expenses. By collaborating and sharing, libraries can optimise their resource utilisation and minimise redundant expenditures.
• Avoidance of Redundancy: Sharing resources among libraries helps avoid unnecessary duplication of information materials, thereby conserving resources and reducing costs for managing and maintaining duplicated content.
• Enhanced Access: A key goal of resource sharing is to broaden access to information resources for a more extensive user base. This extends access to a broader category of users who might not have had access otherwise.
• Specialized Collection Development: Resource-sharing collaboration allows each library to focus on developing specialised areas within their collection based on their particular areas of expertise or interest. This specialisation contributes to the collective pool of available resources.
The fundamental purpose of resource sharing is to maximise the availability of library materials and services while minimising expenses. The emphasis is placed on providing access to information sources rather than solely focusing on possessing and owning such resources, although ownership is only partially excluded. It is acknowledged that no single library can have all the literature available worldwide; thus, libraries rely on each other to fulfil the diverse needs of their patrons.
4. Library Resource Sharing: Problems and Prospects
Library resource sharing involves the cooperative exchange of materials, information, and services among libraries to provide greater access to resources for their users. While it offers numerous benefits, there are also challenges and prospects associated with library resource sharing.
Problems:
1. Uneven Access to Resources: Not all libraries have equal resources or collections. Smaller or underfunded libraries might need help to contribute at the same level as larger institutions, leading to an unequal exchange of resources.
2. Legal and Copyright Issues: Copyright laws can be a barrier to sharing materials, especially regarding electronic resources. Licensing agreements might restrict the ability to share digital content or access materials across library systems.
3. Logistical Challenges: Coordinating the logistics of resource sharing, such as managing interlibrary loan requests, tracking borrowed items, and ensuring timely returns, can be complex and time-consuming for librarians.
4. Technology and Compatibility: Incompatibility between library systems, cataloguing standards, or technological platforms can hinder smooth resource sharing. Integration issues may arise when accessing or sharing materials across different library networks or systems.
5. Costs and Funding: Resource-sharing initiatives often require funding for transportation, digitisation, maintenance, and administrative tasks. Securing adequate funding to support these activities can be a challenge for libraries.
6. Loss or Damage of Materials: When materials are borrowed or shared among libraries, there's a risk of loss, damage, or delays in returning items. This can disrupt the availability of resources for both lending and borrowing institutions.
Prospects:
1. Advancements in Technology: Technological advancements offer prospects for smoother resource sharing. Improved library management systems, standardised protocols, and digital repositories enhance the efficiency of resource-sharing processes.
2. Collaborative Platforms: Online platforms and networks dedicated to resource sharing facilitate more accessible access to shared resources. These platforms streamline the borrowing and lending process, providing libraries with a centralised system for managing requests and materials.
3. Increased Advocacy and Cooperation: Libraries advocating for open access, fair use policies, and broader resource sharing can influence policy changes that promote more accessible access to materials while respecting copyright laws.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Resource sharing allows libraries to build interdisciplinary collections by collaborating across different fields of study. This benefits researchers and patrons who require access to diverse resources.
5. Global Reach and Diversity: Libraries have the opportunity to expand their collections and offer diverse materials from around the world through international resource-sharing initiatives, fostering global knowledge exchange.
6. Cost-Efficiency and Sustainability: Collaborative resource sharing can lead to cost savings and sustainable practices, as it reduces duplicate purchases and encourages more efficient use of existing materials.
Addressing these challenges and capitalising on the prospects can lead to a more robust and inclusive library resource-sharing ecosystem, enabling libraries to better serve their users by providing broader access to information and materials.
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