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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore various types of research materials in Indian institutional repositories. Design/methodology/approach – The repositories are identified from the Registry of Open Access Repositories (ROAR). The repository sites were visited to collect the data necessary for the study. Findings – The present study reveals that barring a few repositories the collections of most of the repositories are very low. The percentage of archived materials is high for journal papers, and moderate for conference papers/thesis. However it is very low for preprints/working papers, teaching resources and patents. Originality/value – The study provides an overview of archived material in institutional repositories in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the use and implementation of RFID technology at the Indian Law Institute Library and National Social Science Documentation Centre Library, New Delhi. Design/methodology/approach - A survey was conducted at the two libraries, using a structured questionnaire comprising 20 questions. Findings - It was found that after implementation of RFID in both the libraries the check-in and check-out time is reduced to less than 20 seconds per item, and use of the libraries has also increased. Neither library had calculated the saving of staff time by performing multiple check-out and check-in of items. High cost is the most significant challenge faced after implementation of RFID technology. Originality/value - The paper provides the advantages of RFID technology for libraries and recommends this technology to other libraries for faster and better services to their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose-- To describe how an institutional repository (IR) was set up, using open source software, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kharagpur. Members of the IIT can publish their research documents in the IR for online access as well as digital preservation. Material in this IR includes instructional materials, records, data sets, electronic theses, dissertations, annual reports, as well as published papers. This opens up the world of scholarly publishing in a way that causes re-examination of many of the current practices of scholarly communication and publishing. Design/methodology/approach-- Details of the hardware and software requirements are provided along with information about available open source software. The steps involved in uploading and submitting material in the IR are described. Findings-- This paper provides evidence on how to set up an IR and how to create different communities and, under each community, many collections using the DSpace software. It was found that setting up an IR is very simple but its maintenance is very difficult. One person needs to have the computer knowledge, particularly in the Linux operating system environment and must be dedicated to carry out the IR administrative activities like registration, permission authenticity, submission and grant, installation of the updating version of the software, etc. Research limitations/implications-- Before setting up an IR, the institution should have sufficient funds to acquire computer hardware and other related software, and computer knowledgeable manpower. It can also be noted that after setting up a successful IR, the administrator must train the faculty members and research scholars regarding the proper uploading and submitting of metadata into the repository. Practical implications-- Guidelines are provided to assist those in setting up an IR. Appropriate staff are required to administer and run the IR smoothly. Originality/value-- An IR provides the IIT with a central [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to give a brief description of some chemistry portals available worldwide, folowed by a description of the chemistry portal developed for Panjab University Library, Chandigarh (India). Design/methodology/approach - A well-structured chemistry portal was designed for chemistry and its allied departments at Panjab University based on studies of other chemistry portals worldwide. Findings - All the students, research scholars and faculty members of chemistry and allied subjects are deriving benefit from the use of this portal. Research limitations/implications - The paper provides information about chemistry portals available worldwide. However, only selected portals are presented. Moreover, the information sources included in the chemistry portal may also not be exhaustive. Practical implications - The paper would be of help to librarians who plan to develop such portals for other subjects. Originality/value - The success of the portal has led to a demand from other departments in the university for developing subject portals in their subject areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this research is to identify and evaluate the collections within digital libraries and repositories in India available in the public domain. Design/methodology/approach — The digital libraries and repositories were identified through a study of the literature, as well as internet searching and browsing. The resulting digital libraries and repositories were explored to study their collections. Findings — Use of open source software especially for the creation of institutional repositories is found to be common. However, major digital library initiatives such as the Digital Library of India use custom-made software. The collection size in most digital libraries and repositories is in a few hundreds. Practical implications — The paper highlights the state of digital libraries and repositories in India in late 2007. Originality/value — The paper is the first of its kind that attempts to identify and evaluate digital libraries and repositories in India. It also gives a comprehensive listing of digital libraries and institutional repositories in India available in the public domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of information communication technology (ICT) in 31 college libraries in Karnataka, India by investigating the ICT infrastructure, current status of library automation, barriers to implementation of library automation and also librarians' attitudes towards the use of ICT. Design/methodology/approach - Data-gathering tools used included questionnaire, observation and informal interview with selected college librarians. Findings - Application of ICT in Indian college libraries has not reached a very high level. Lack of budget, lack of manpower, lack of skilled staff and lack of training are the main constraints for not automating library activities. Even though library professionals have shown a positive attitude towards the use of ICT applications and library automation, they need extensive and appropriate training to make use of ICT tools. Originality/value - This is a comprehensive study on the use of ICT in Indian college libraries. Its findings should help college librarians, local government and also the University Grants Commission, New Delhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to quantify the use of electronic journals in comparison with the print collections in the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Library. Design/methodology/approach - A detailed analysis was made of the use of lending services, the Xerox facility and usage of electronic journals such as Science Direct, Emerald Management Xtra, ACM, IEL Library, subscribed to by the Library. Findings - The paper finds that, although many more users at the University are accessing electronic journals, it is not affecting the use of the print collection. The numbers of transactions and photocopy requests of print articles are continuously on the rise. Research limitations/implications - More research can be done by carrying out a deep log analysis of usage statistics of e-journals. Usage statistics of some of the resources could not be accessed. Purpose - The paper provides useful information on the use of electronic journals in comparison with the print collections in a university library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Pune University Library. Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides a brief overview of background of the project, barriers faced and changes that have been experienced after the implementation of the technology. Findings - At the initial stage the library is facing problems with regard to the lack of availability of technology experts in the library for the RFID system and also for the software. Later on the library applied some solutions and tried to minimise the problems and now it has proved to be a boon for the library. Originality/value - The paper provides insight for other academic libraries wishing to implement an RFID system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – India occupies second position among the countries that have adopted DSpace open source software for institutional repositories (IRs)/digital libraries (DLs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons for DSpace being preferred over other software. It inspects various instances of Indian web-based DSpace systems including the nature and growth of collection, the geographical distribution of DSpace systems and the types of institutions that adopt and maintain DSpace. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from the official website of DSpace, Google search and from online discussion forums during July 2013 to January 2014. The 132 Indian DSpace links provided in the official DSpace website were examined. Further search was carried out on Google to identify Indian IRs and DLs that are not listed by the official website. A list of Indian DSpace websites prepared by the authors was sent to the online discussion forums for further updating. An online directory of Indian DSpace websites was created using WordPress which provided for the adding of comments. The study is limited to the web-based DSpace IRs and DLs in India. Findings – The majority of the Indian IRs and DLs listed on the official website of DSpace are not visible on the internet. Many links lead to institution websites, commercial websites and personal pages of authors. Out of 132 DSpace links, only 55 are visible on the internet to search and use. Indian libraries prefer DSpace over EPrints, Fedora and Greenstone. Many institutions could not maintain continuity of their DSpace systems in the online environment. Institutions having more funding are maintaining web-based DSpace systems. The size, economic conditions, rate of literacy and number of universities in an Indian state do not influence the maintenance of digital systems. Academic institutions involving universities, technical institutions and colleges lead in the adoption and maintenance of web-based DSpace in India. Private universities and colleges have adopted DSpace for IR/DL. Public libraries constitute a minimum percentage of web-based DSpace instances. Indian courts and Parliament have adopted DSpace. Shodhganga, the Indian ETD project, is running on DSpace. Originality/value – This is the first paper examining the adoption of DSpace by Indian libraries with a focus on online visibility and the strength of collection. It can be used to understand the pattern of technology adoption by Indian libraries over the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The present study aims to investigate the experience, contribution and opinions of users of respective institutional repositories (IRs) developed in India. Design/methodology/approach – The survey method was used. The data collection tool was a web questionnaire, which was created with the help of software provided by surveymonkey.com Findings – It was observed that 85.94 percent of respondents (154) were aware of the IR facility/service and 14.05 percent (26) were not aware of IR. More than half of the respondents, i.e. 52.43 percent (97), learned about the IR service through links provided on institutions' websites. About 36.21 percent of the respondents had not contributed to any type of repository, while 25.94 percent of respondents had contributed to their IR. A higher percentage (16.76 percent) of respondents felt it was an "easy and fast way to communicate research results". The majority of the respondents, i.e. 113 (61.08 percent), were willing to deposit symposium/conference/seminar papers. The most important reason for contribution was found to be preservation of documents for the future. Peer review was very much acceptable as a quality control mechanism. More than half of the respondents (57.84 percent) wanted to provide open access without any barrier for their ideal repository. Research limitations/implications – Only users of the respective Indian institutional repositories are studied, and the findings are compared with other studies. Originality/value – This is the first detailed study focusing on the users and their experience of institutional repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to provide an insight into the implementation of some of the innovative Web 2.0 applications at Jaypee University of Information Technology with the aim of exploring the expectations of the users and their awareness and usage of such applications. Design/methodology/approach – The study was undertaken at the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. The LRC at JUIT serves its patrons in supplementing their research needs while creating an ambience for teaching, learning and research. The emergence of digital technologies and information and communications technology (ICT) tools in libraries has encouraged the implementation of a wide range of applications, such as digital libraries, video on demand, reference services and database services into library services. The advent of next-generation web technologies, known as Web 2.0 applications, has prompted a number of other pertinent services to be implemented to enhance the information literacy skills of the existing services. A survey method was used to understand the basic awareness and expectations of library users, and the usability of resources. Findings – The LRC has made a number of provisions to adopt some Web 2.0 applications in its library services to create information literacy. The users of the JUIT library still lack awareness about various Web 2.0 applications necessary for teaching and learning. Practical implications – The paper suggests that Web 2.0 applications can be used effectively to create information literacy amongst users. Library and information science (LIS) educators should take advantage of advances in the field of ICT and consider the learning preferences of information natives as well as information immigrants. Web 2.0 supports a constructivist approach to information awareness tools, and has great potential to socialise learning and information delivery to a greater extent. Web 2.0 technologies should be implemented as a medium of information communication, taking into account the pedagogical perspectives. Originality/value – The case study is a practical application at the Jaypee University of Information Technology. The LRC has implemented some Web 2.0 applications in the Library. The study was undertaken at the university to understand the basic awareness of Web 2.0 and to create information literacy amongst users through it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the initiative of the University Grants Commission of India in setting up the Infonet Digital Library Consortium (The Information and Library Network) in order to provide access to scholarly communication to the academic community in India. Design/methodology/approach - The context of higher education in India and the expansion and establishment of universities under the five-year plan is given along with details of e-resources that are being provided. The usage trends of e-resources from various publishers during 2004-2007 are detailed. Findings - The paper finds that there has been a qualitative increase in overall usage, but use is also dependent on a high-bandwidth connection. Originality/value - The study provides evidence of increased use of consortial services for access to e-resources in Indian higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper seeks to provide a comparative analysis of the functionality of five web-based OPACs available in Indian academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach - Same-topic searches were carried out by three researchers on the web-based OPACs of Libsys, VTLS's iPortal, NewGenLib, Troodon, and Alice for Windows, implemented in five academic libraries in India. Their functionality was compared using criteria selected from the literature on OPAC searching. Findings - The web-based OPACs investigated offered a range of facilities for searching by author, title, control number and by keywords. Federated searching across several e-collections was limited. Originality/value -This paper should be a useful source of information to librarians who are planning to introduce web-based OPACs and also for software vendors who wish to improve the functionality of their products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of ICT to disseminate preventive health care information to combat the AIDS epidemic in India. The role of information professionals in various libraries and information centres and the challenges they are facing to increase HIV/AIDS awareness are discussed. Finally, recommendations are given and the conclusion is drawn that libraries and information professionals must develop AIDS literacy programmes to cater to the growing health information needs of the community. Design/methodology/approach -- Literature search, web site information and personal interaction with the key persons associated with various HIV/AIDS awareness projects. Findings -- lack of knowledge about AIDS, its modes of transmission and ways to avoid infection, are major challenges in India. Staff in ICT-based library and information centres can make a high impact on the local community by developing community-based AIDS literacy programmes and hopefully save the society from an AIDS epidemic. There is a perceived need for providing health information services through public libraries to the illiterate rural population who are increasingly making themselves vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. However, awareness of e-channels is low, especially in rural India; one solution is to increase take-up and run AIDS awareness campaigns through electronic media. Originality/value -- A summary is provided of ICT-based projects and initiatives by libraries and other agencies to disseminate AIDS information. Few multi-type consortia have been formed in the USA and UK to develop AIDS databases and e-learning modules are listed. These can be used as examples by Indian libraries with limited resources wishing to enhance community awareness through ICT. The concerted efforts amongst stakeholders are emphasized with the objectives of enhancing information professionals' skill in the AIDS information dissemination process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To describe the development of the library management system e-Granthalaya, for public libraries in India. This is an initiative of the Indian government's National Informatics Centre (NIC). The paper outlines the challenges and the potential of a full-scale deployment of this software at a national level. Design/methodology/approach - The project is being implemented in various phases depending on the funds, infrastructure and willingness of the various state governments and library authorities. This case study provides an understanding of the challenges confronted by the NIC in the scale and scope of the deployment of e-Granthalaya. The national effort towards a "single window access" is constructively undertaken with an infrastructure deployment phase followed by a services integration phase: both of these are undertaken in tandem with local conditions and technological developments. Findings - The proposed end-product is a web-based online library service connecting public libraries in India and integrating library services in a "single window access". The authors conclude that there is a need for greater orchestration of finding provision, acquisitions of systems, data entry of catalogues, hosting and so on. Research limitation/implications - The project will be useful as a model for the automation, networking and federating of resources for other groups of libraries in India. Originality/value - The paper is a case study of design, development and implementation of the e-Granthalaya software in India's public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of various search engines and meta search engines by Indian academics for retrieving information on the web. It also aims to know whether the academics use search strategy of various search engines for retrieval of information or not, and how the Indian academics learn the various search strategies for using search engines. Design/methodology/approach – The data collection instruments used for this study were a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with students and faculty members. The questionnaire consisted of various questions which were designed to elicit the use of search engines, search strategies and method of leaning the search strategies of search engines. A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 300 duly filled copies were returned, constituting a 66.66 percent response rate. The data thus collected were analysed with the help of the SPSS (version 19.0) statistical package to present the findings in percentage and test the formulated hypothesis. Findings – The findings of the survey show that the majority of the respondents most frequently used Google (91.93 percent) and Yahoo (43.85 percent) while Dogpile and Ixquick (35.78 percent each) were less frequently used by the respondents. 65.26 percent of respondents used the search strategy for retrieving information. The study also shows that there is a significant relationship between the respondent's profession and use of search engines (p=0.018) as well use search strategies of search engines (p=0.028). Method of learning the search strategies of search engines is also associated with the respondent's profession (p=0.008). Originality/value – The results of this study have clear implications for information literacy instruction in the context of search engines. The study recommends that there is a need to conduct intensive training for students and faculty members in order for them to acquire the essential search strategies for effective information retrieval. The findings of the study will be helpful to concerned authorities to enhance the effective and efficient use of search engines by the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to study the impact of internet search engine usage with special reference to OPAC searches in the Punjabi University Library, Patiala, Punjab (India). Design/methodology/approach – The primary data were collected from 352 users comprising faculty, research scholars and postgraduate students of the university. A questionnaire was designed as the data collection tool to obtain information on the impact of the web on OPAC. The data thus collected were analysed with the help of the SPSS (version 14.0) statistical package to present the findings in percentage and ranking formats. Findings – The study revealed that the information-searching behaviour of academicians was changing significantly in the web environment. A large number of users explored the web to garner relevant information for academic purposes. The majority were influenced by search engines because they also used OPAC, like the search engines. It is also clear from the study that internet search engines not only affected OPAC users in developed countries, but also impacted upon the less developed countries like India. Thus, it is more a battle of survival and sustainability for the OPAC vis-à-vis its close contemporary the web-search engine. Originality/value – This is a pioneering work in India studying the impact of web searching on OPAC users. Keeping in perspective the approach of twenty-first century users, the present research suggests recommendations for designing a user friendly OPAC that entails simplistic search strategies for university libraries of India and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine the various features and components of web-based online public access catalogues (OPACs) of IIT libraries in India with the help of a specially designed evaluation checklist. Design/methodology/approach – The various features of the web-based OPACs in six IIT libraries (IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Roorkee) are evaluated. The evaluation approach taken was similar to that of Luong and Liew with minor modifications, comprising 122 dichotomous questions with 174 features and categorized as 11 broad categories. Findings – The study explored different features of web-based OPACs, of which page layout received the highest average scores with 93.33 percent, followed by the general features category with 90 percent. In contrast, session filters was the weakest category with only 40.47 percent. The results indicated that some web-based OPACs reached the maximum scores for some categories. The results also indicated that VTLS-based and LibSys-based OPACs had the higher score on average (74.7 percent) and the iitKlas-based OPAC of IITK received the lowest score of 44.2 percent. None were rated excellent. Only 50 percent of the web-based OPACs studied achieved an above average ranking, of which Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) had the highest total score (131), and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) had the lowest total score (77). Almost all of the web OPACs studied lacked federated search, adjunct thesaurus help and spell check facilities, which seems to raise many questions regarding the facilities provided in the OPAC 2.0 environment of today and hence needs to be addressed as a priority in the subsequent generations of the web-based OPACs and their development. Practical implications – It is hoped that the libraries at the IITs will attend to the lacunae and soon develop fully functional web-based OPACs with Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies. Originality/value – The findings of the study will not only guide study librarians and other newly established institutions but also ILMS vendors, so that they can overcome the limitations faced by users and improve their products as OPAC 2.0. This will also help the in-house web-based OPACs of IIT Kanpur and IIT Roorkee to compete with other reputed ILMS-based OPACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the progress India has made in its move towards a knowledge-based economy with details of how the Indian Government has demonstrated its commitment to the development of fundamental pillars of knowledge sharing infrastructure, knowledge workers and a knowledge innovation system. Libraries are identified as key players in building an inclusive knowledge economy (KE) for a country. Design/methodology/approach - An empirical study of the initiatives taken by Government of India as well as premier institutions and non-governmental organisations in the area of information literacy, lifelong learning and knowledge repository development was undertaken. These are reviewed to report on the contribution each of them has made in the development of KE in India. Findings - The practice-based examples of how information and communication technology (ICT) projects are influencing contemporary Indian society and an account of government policies in regard to ICT implementation and development towards a KE are presented. The impediments in the process of KE in India are identified and recommendations are made. Originality/value - This is an attempt to bring together initiatives and projects initiated by the Government of India as well as other agencies aimed at developing a knowledge-based society which will ultimately lead to a KE in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present the results of a research study conducted to assess the perceptions and opinions of 100 staff working in libraries on the impact of using IT on library housekeeping operations and information services, in eight central university libraries in India. Design/methodology/approach – Data gathering tools used include questionnaire, observation and informal interviews with selected library professionals. Findings – Iinformation technology had a tremendous impact on the efficiency of library operations and the delivery of information services. Use of IT has facilitated networking and resource sharing, eliminated duplication of effort, improved the speed of operations, increased access to information resources and improved the quality of information services. Originality/value – This is a pioneering study on the impact of using IT in the central university libraries in India. The findings of the study would help practising librarians, policy makers, management and the University Grants Commission to promote the use of IT in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this study is to investigate the use and usability of e-books from the perspectives of users in an academic and research environment. Design/methodology/approach — This study involved an e-mail questionnaire to survey researchers in the academic and research environment of the Indian Institute of Science regarding their use of e-books. Findings — The responses indicated that the students tend to use this new technology more often than faculty members and staff. Those who did use e-books mostly used reference and technical material. The highest response was from the Centre for Ecological Science, followed by the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, and then the Department of Molecular Reproduction and Development and Genetics. The majority of the respondents have used computers for over five years for a variety of purposes including e-mail communication, internet browsing and text processing as well as for other advanced uses such as numerical computing and DNA sequence analysis. However, the use of e-books appears to be very low, indicating a requirement for creating awareness and user education about both software and hardware related to e-books. Only 37 of the 104 respondents had used the free trial offer from Kluwer and Edutech eBooks during July 2004. Originality/value — There has been no previous study reported which has investigated users' perspectives of e-books in an academic and research environment in India using a questionnaire method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]