Search

This paper focuses on finding the criteria adopted by users to select free information retrieved from the Web for academic use. A close-ended questionnaire was formulated to record the opinions of the respondents. A survey for various categories of users such as post graduate students, research scholars and faculty members from five universities of Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab was administered. The category-wise and discipline-wise analysis depicted that quite a good number of respondents applied various parameters while referring to Web resources, but a reasonable number of users did not apply certain parameters to verify the nature of free information being used for educational purposes. The convenience factor leads them to depend on free Web resources which can be accessed anywhere and saves time. The findings of the study suggest that user education programs should be conducted to create awareness regarding the credibility of the subscribed library resources and their effectiveness in enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and research.

Purpose: This research work aims to study the continuous usage intention of students for digital library systems in higher learning institutions (HLI). Additionally, keeping in mind the lack of focus on academic involvement of students in existing studies, this research work attempts to examine the moderating role of academic involvement in making up the continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students at HLI. Design/methodology/approach: Cross-sectional survey design is used in this study. Target population is students pursuing postgraduate studies and using digital library systems at private universities in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The Stratified random sampling method is used wherein each private university forms one stratum. Findings: The results suggest that the students' continuous usage intention for digital library systems is significantly influenced by dimensions of digital library system quality, mediated by user satisfaction. Further, the level of academic involvement of students exerts moderating impact between dimensions of digital library system quality and user satisfaction; however, it does not exist between user satisfaction and their continuous usage intention. Research limitations/implications: This study contributes to the literature on academic involvement of students by highlighting its importance in the process of continuous usage intention. It also proposes a holistic conceptual framework for continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students and moderating impact of academic involvement. Being cross-sectional survey-based research, this study has certain limitations. Since responses were obtained at a single point in time, variation in respondents' behaviour could not be captured. Practical implications: The findings of the study can be helpful to the HLI, academic librarians, teachers, digital library systems service provider companies and government regulatory authorities. HLI need to put more effort into procuring subscriptions to reputed publications of e-books, e-research papers, e-magazines, e-reports, etc. for making digital library systems more beneficial for the students. Academic librarians need to be effortful towards building students' satisfaction through constantly upgrading software and systems and active interaction with students. Digital library systems service provider companies can also collaborate to customize their digital resources for different types of academic programs. The government can partnership with private companies for providing digital library systems in HLI. Originality/value: This research work is the first of its kind in terms of studying the role of academic involvement of students for purpose of evaluating continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students studying in Indian HLI.

This study investigates the extent of publication output and functional areas of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals. The research has been undertaken based on the primary data collected from the LIS professionals working in the various eight-state universities in Kerala, India. The population of the study consists of two hundred and sixty-six regular LIS professionals. The Census method was used for the collection of data. A questionnaire was designed and used as the instrument for extracting publication output and the relevant data. Based on the data analysis, the results show that the highest mean score for the publications of LIS professionals is in the conference papers followed by journal articles. It was also observed that the main primary functional area of most LIS professionals is in the circulation section, followed by the maintenance section and reference section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the extent of publication output and functional areas of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals. The research has been undertaken based on the primary data collected from the LIS professionals working in the various eight-state universities in Kerala, India. The population of the study consists of two hundred and sixty-six regular LIS professionals. The Census method was used for the collection of data. A questionnaire was designed and used as the instrument for extracting publication output and the relevant data. Based on the data analysis, the results show that the highest mean score for the publications of LIS professionals is in the conference papers followed by journal articles. It was also observed that the main primary functional area of most LIS professionals is in the circulation section, followed by the maintenance section and reference section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the convenience and accessibility of library services to users with disabilities at Aligarh Muslim University in India. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods through questionnaires, interview and remarks applying the IFLA checklist to investigate the scenario. The study established that AMU has a purpose-built library to accommodate users with disabilities; however, additional funds were not allocated for developing library facilities, assistive technologies and collections in the accessible formats that lead to the delivery of inadequate services to users with disabilities. Despite the availability of some specialized services, the study found that users with disabilities face numerous obstacles when using library services due to unavailability of library materials in convenient formats, lack of assistance from the trained library staff and lack of adequate training to users. The paper concludes with the recommendations to implementing guidelines of IFLA and UNESCO regarding access to library services for users with disabilities.

The nature of the information seeking behaviour of the teachers engaged in General Degree Colleges and Teachers' Training Colleges affiliated to West Bengal State University, India, is critically analysed in the present study. The descriptive analysis is based on well structured, close-ended questionnaires which were distributed among 450 teachers. 408 of them responded from whom 376 work in General Degree Colleges and 32 in Teachers' Training Colleges. The analysis of the data shows that teachers still depend mainly on printed documents, but a changing attitude is taking place in the current ICT environment as they also start to depend on electronic documents for meeting their information needs. This paper also explores the sources used by the teachers of both groups for research activities, focusing on the variability in the use of such sources of information. Additionally, this study reveals the attitudes of the teachers towards the services provided by the libraries. It is recommended that the college libraries are restructured with internet facilities and sufficient resources, in order to meet the information needs of the college teachers. In this context, the college librarians should provide basic software training to the users, to help them access the electronic sources.

Sambalpur Univesity (SU) was started functioning from 1st January, 1967 in the Odisha State. The university imparting study and research through 27 post-graduate departments in disciplines of Science, Humanities, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Law and Commerce. The present study aims to study the research performance of SU's publications that have been indexed in Scopus during 2008 to 2012. The study also identifies the annual growth of university publication, authorship pattern, author productivity, degree of collaboration, length of paper published, most prolific contributor, prolific institution/organization, geographical distribution etc. Lotka's law of scientific productivity was used to determine the author's productivity and Bradford's is law used to determine scattering of literature in the publication pattern of the university during the period under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report on a study of the institutional repositories (IRs) in use in Indian universities and research institutes. Design/methodology/approach: Repositories in various institutions in India were accessed and described in a standardised way. Findings: The 20 repositories studied covered collections of diverse types. Most of these collections have unique content. Originality/value: The goal of this study is to study the IR software and data based on the content type, metadata and characteristics. The paper also describes the collections and some important observations from this study. (Contains 1 table and 5 figures.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the use of electronic journals from the INFONET consortium by faculty and research scholars of physics and chemistry at Kurukshetra University, India. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on the results of a questionnaire distributed to all the teachers and research scholars of the two departments. Findings: The main findings are that the respondents are more attracted towards e-journals than print journals. However, they depend more on open-source materials than those available via INFONET. Respondents also identified the need for training in using e-resources and retrieving information from them from time-to-time. Originality/value: The use of e-resources, particularly e-journals, is increasing in the developing countries. Studies such as this one are required to understand the problems faced by the users and to increase the use of e-resources. (Contains 17 tables.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the functional attributes of the automated serials control systems of the libraries in seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and provide a comparative analysis. Design/methodology/approach: Features of the serials control modules of the library management systems (LMSs) in use in the central libraries of the IITs are thoroughly studied by logging into the respective systems. Findings: The paper finds that five IITs are using LibSys and two use Virtua and Troodon for their LMS. Virtua covers most of the functional attributes that comply with the international standards, LibSys has tried to incorporate the core functionality of serials control although the compliance of standards is limited, but Troodon is lagging behind. Originality/value: The recommended attributes of the automated serials control system will definitely act as guidelines for the libraries of the IITs to upgrade their existing systems and the developers of the respective library management system software will also take the necessary initiative to make their system fool-proof by resolving the identified drawbacks. (Contains 7 tables and 2 figures.)

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. (Contains 6 tables and 8 figures.)

Purpose: This paper aims to give a brief description of some chemistry portals available worldwide, followed 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. (Contains 16 figures.)

Purpose: The paper aims to report on the 30th IATUL Annual Conference held in Leuven, Belgium, 1-4 June, 2009. Design/methodology/approach: The paper summarises the major themes of the conference as well as giving some specific details of developments at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in India, which supplement the author's presentation at the conference. Findings: The IATUL conference included a wide gamut of important issues faced by the libraries in the knowledge society of the twenty-first century. The delegates exchanged ideas and learnt of best practices prevalent in libraries across the globe. The conference provided insights into the issues of innovation, change, benchmarking, quality assurance, Web 2.0 tools, information literacy, free internet resources and so forth. Originality/value: It was a conference of immense value for library and information professionals. It raised important issues; problems faced by the libraries today and offered tentative solutions. (Contains 1 figure.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory survey as part of a presentation for the Bridging Worlds 2008 conference. It seeks to understand how library institutions in the South East Asia (SEA) region have implemented Web 2.0 technologies--blogs, RSS feeds, wikis, or the use of services like Flickr, YouTube, de.lici.ous. Design/methodology/approach: Libraries surveyed were in: Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, People's Republic of China, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. The survey relied on references in published papers, internet searches and personal contacts. Findings: The survey found that more academic libraries than public libraries were using Web 2.0. technologies. Blogs and RSS feeds were the most common. Blogs were used mainly as web publishing tools rather than as a means to engage library users. Research limitations/implications: The survey is not comprehensive. The search relied mainly on English publications and keywords, while the native language of most countries surveyed was non-English. Future research could comprehensively cover each country, by the type of library or language. Practical implications: The paper contends that Web 2.0 does not rely on technology, but more on practice and participation. The emphasis should be on relationships rather than transactions. Suggestions are offered on how libraries can adopt a Library 2.0 mindset without focusing on technology. A call is made to establish an East Asian Librarians 2.0 directory. Originality/value: The paper offers a non-technological perspective to institutions and practising professionals who are reviewing their Web 2.0 implementation.

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.

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.

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 and cost-effective facility for the orderly and systematic archiving of research results and other documents that is accessible worldwide. Eventually, the library hopes to build a full IR, and make the resource available to other sites using a data harvesting protocol like OAI-PMH. This paper gives an idea that setting set up interoperable IRs among the same type of institutions in a particular state or country enables data to be transferred through OAI-PMH protocol from one IR to another.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to promote and share the research output of Bennett University (BU), India through Digital Repository Services (DRSs). It aims at encouraging, assisting and accelerating the research fraternity of the university. Design/methodology/approach -- This paper explains about the initiatives adopted by the LRC at BU for developing DRS using open-space software, Dspace for long-term preservation of intellectual assets and increase the visibility of the institute in global landscape. Findings -- DRS at BU was developed with an aim to preserve and disseminate the intellectual assets of BU, encourage budding talents and increase BU's visibility in global landscape. Despite the constraints at the experimental phase, DRS at BU collected over 707 publications (October 2021) and the number is ever increasing. Though there were some initial glitches before and after the implementation process but keeping a flexible approach, LRC will continue mapping solutions for BU. Originality/value -- This paper briefs the case study of one of the core services' initiation (DRS) including its design, development and implementation at LRC-BU using open-source software Dspace (Version 5.5). Hence, it can serve as a model for future projects in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi with wide range of diverse group are the primary component of environment. Environmental conditions like humidity, temperature, light, moisture are some major factors for their sustainable growth and diversity. The cellulite activity causes the maximum deterioration to library books, covers, materials, binding of papers. Fungal spores also known for many allergic diseases like respiratory syndromes, allergy to the library workers, members and readers. As library is the basic source of most of the cellulosic fungi, as it provides ambient temperature and moisture for their proliferation. The study investigated at the two different intervals of weeks in a month. In this study it revealed that resulted the most abundant species were: Aspergillus spp. (32.3%), spp. (13.8%), Alternaria spp. (23%), Cladosporium sp. (4.6%), Trichoderma species (7%), Chaetomium (1.2%) etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main focus of the present research study reports on the information services, status of library building, sections and infrastructure facilities in selected Government Degree Colleges Libraries of North Costal Andhra Pradesh, India. Out of the 15 libraries studied, 10 do not have a separate building for library and they are housed either in administrative or part of class rooms. The degree college libraries of Srikakulam district have reported with adequate furniture, space for users, seating accommodation and toilet facilities. To understand the services offered to the users under the information services are studied-the reference services, question papers services and news paper clipping services are reported in all the studied 15 libraries. None of these libraries are offering inter library loan facility and indexing services. [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. (Contains 27 tables.)

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-a-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. (Contains 14 figures.)

The paper aims to bring out the problems and prospects of the professional development opportunities of academic library professionals in the Universities in Kerala. The study is a part of research undertaken to survey the professional development activities and educational needs of library professionals in the major Universities of Kerala in the context of developments in information communication technology. The study recommends methods to improve the knowledge and skills of library professionals. The aim of the study is to evaluate the professional development activities of Library professionals and their attitude towards continuing education programmes. In order to achieve the objectives of the study a survey was conducted with the help of structured questionnaires distributed to 203 library professionals in seven major universities in Kerala, (South India) of which 185 questionnaires were returned. Results of the analysis show that majority of the professionals have pursued higher degrees in library science or IT allied courses after entering the profession, and that they have a positive attitude towards participation in training programmes and workshops. The results show that developments in ICT have a positive influence on majority of library professionals' attitude towards continuing education programmes. (Contains 7 tables and 3 figures.)

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. (Contains 15 tables.)

Preparing a scholarly research article is a critical, creative and high level intellectual work. Preparing a research paper involves following a specific process. In which a collective approach is adopted. Which stops wasting the researcher's energy and time? Authors or researchers who prepare research articles usually have to use two types of resources. Primary or first class sources and secondary or second class sources. His research article is evaluated on the basis of these references. The researcher should understand the difference between facts and ideas. The fact is that what everyone has accepted in the form of truth does not require any evidence to prove the truth the research paper presents many ideologies and different observations. If there is any kind of doubt it is confirmed so the researcher should not mix facts and ideas. Doing so lowers the level of the research article. There is no fixed structure or template for writing a research article. Each researcher writes in his own way and in a certain way. There are different methods for doing research work, such as historical research method, descriptive research method, individual study method, survey research method, comparative research method, experimental research method, methods are used. Presents. Research Objectives Research is defined and a comprehensive outline is prepared based on observations and experience. A good type of research profile helps in preparing the structure of the study. Such as 1. Chapter Details 2. Research Problem 3. Related Research-Literature 4. Research Methodology 5. Data Analysis 6. Research Conclusion and Advice / Guidance. The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Center, Gandhinagar is an Autonomous Inter-University Center (IUC) of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi (Ministry of Education, Government of India). It is a major national program launched by UGC in March 1991 as a project under IUCAA, it became an independent inter-university center in June 1996. INFLIBNET is involved in the modernization of university libraries in India using state-of-the-art. Techniques for the best use of information. INFLIBNET is a leading organization in India to promote scholarly communication between academics and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper discusses the status of library automation among the Al-Ameen Educational Society's group of institutions in Bengaluru. The Al-Ameen Educational Society (AES) is one of the leading educational institutions in India. It has 50 plus years of legacy in the field of education. The present paper mainly focuses on the readiness of the library management software, applicability, utility, and services provided through LMS. All libraries in the AES group institutions are using modules like cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions. Fewer libraries are using digital resource management from the respective LMS, and they are yet to start DRM services for the users. It is found that even within the group of institutions using different library automation software, their level of satisfaction towards the software is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the benefit of their users, libraries and information centers are preserving a significant amount of electronic data or information in the form of text, images, and numbers. All material is distributed via CD-ROM, DVD, Internet, etc. regardless to where the computer is located or how it is stored. The function of digital libraries in the modern information world, as well as new opportunities and challenges for library services. An electronic collection of physical or digital materials that may also be found elsewhere will be referred to as a digital library. These materials must be complete works that permit full cognitive and practical involvement from people. On the Internet, there are many resources that are accessible for free, and there are also many commercial resources that libraries can subscribe to for a set fee. Many academic libraries in India have consortia-based subscriptions to electronic tools. INFLIBNET is operating consortia like e-ShodhSindhu at University level and N-List Program at College level throughout the India. This paper will discuss the major initiatives/ program taken or organized by University Grant Commission to promote higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the Government of India Initiative on linguistic data creation in Indian languages. The Linguistic Data Consortium for Indian Languages (LDC-IL) is a fully funded Government of India scheme established in 2007 to cater to the needs of linguistic resources required for the development of language technology in Indian languages. LDC-IL worked silently for more than a decade with a team of around regular fifty people and involving thousands of resource persons, covering twenty major languages of India. Part of the output of LDC-IL was launched in April 2019 by the Hon'ble Vice President of India. This paper, the first introductory paper in an academic journal, aims to give a brief of the works done by LDC-IL and how these works are crucial in the development of language technology for Indian languages. Within a short span of eight months of its release, the language resources released by LDC-IL have been procured and utilized by scores of industry and academic bodies and individual researchers, including major industry leaders like Microsoft, Google, Samsung etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, Information technology (IT) has revolutionised organisational information activities in research and academic libraries. India has the third largest university system, after the United States and China. Academic libraries and information centres serve as important sources of valuable records that aid in meeting society's information demands. In modern settings, these centres are frequently outfitted with cutting-edge IT tools to help in information acquisition, dissemination, and access to resources housed in remote archives that were previously unavailable. To this end, it is impossible to emphasise the role of IT in university libraries in India in serving their clients' scholarly needs. Space availability, technological know-how, skilled IT labour, finance, and maintenance culture are all factors to consider while establishing fully working IT compliant libraries. Following these considerations, the perception of IT resources and the availability of proper training for prospective users of these tools could offer substantial issues. Finally, this research paper discusses a number of issues that may have an impact on the full deployment of IT services in academic libraries. As a result, it is suggested that study be conducted to discover which of these characteristics play the most important roles in the transition from a paper-based system to a completely automated IT-driven academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries play a key role in encouraging literacy and cultural interest in students, staff and the community. In the present-day world, theft and vandalism has become very common and a severe problem in academic college libraries. This research paper mainly deals with work of the library professionals in investigating the book theft, vandalism, mutilation activities, and planning polices to control these malicious activities. A structured online questionnaire was prepared for the college librarians to the gather data for the research study. The research data was collected from forty library professionals. Insufficient copies of text books are the main cause for vandalism agreed upon by the majority 85% of the respondents. 80% of the library professionals mentioned to have CCTV installation which can reduce malpractices in the libraries As per the research study 100% of respondents agree that by conducting orientation program, checking the requirements of the patrons, providing the necessary resources required by them, by using wire mesh for windows and having a single way for entry and exit will help in combating vandalistic activities in the academic libraries. This study will also help the library professionals as well as the patrons to preserve and guard invaluable academic wealth of libraries for potential generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper makes a broad investigation on the libraries of universities in Gujarat, India. The paper features the job of library experts in checking book robbery, mutilation, vandalism, and planning strategy to control and beat the issue in scholastic libraries. This examination additionally explores the security challenges in the libraries of universities. The investigation expects to distinguish the causes and defenselessness of book burglary, mutilation and vandalism and the weakness of library arrangements and safety efforts. Methodology: The examination depends on information got through the dispersion of survey in the colleges of Gujarat to know the present circumstance of library and the familiarity with library experts in regards to human/man-made security. It was an organized survey planned for gathering information from the library experts in Gujarat, India. The information investigation was done through MS Excel with visual diagrams for illustrations apprehensible. Findings: The percentage of weakness is less than 50% for unsecured windows, multiple entries/exits, and untrained library staff and unfamiliarity with proper security techniques. Most of the libraries have CCTV cameras, but very few libraries have RFID systems. More than 74% libraries take inventory regularly, fifty percentage data received that librarians' workplace under lock and key system and 87% libraries operate by single door entry-exit. Originality: The result of this research contribute to all the academic university libraries regarding the security against theft, mutilation, vandalism. This study also aware the libraries regarding the upgraded and viable security through sufficient enrollment, preparing, library strategy and selection of innovation like CCTV and RFID. Research Limitation: This study has been carried out on only academic libraries of Gujarat state in India from the perspectives of human/manmade security. Practical implications: The important result in this study is that the enough text books is required to reduce the theft. Library have to change the rules of circulation and increase the loan period for books. Unawareness also observed from student side and at the time of examination they are suffer for the library books. Many libraries are not implemented grills on widow for security purpose. Library policy have to update as per the requirement and implementation is also necessary to control human security. The significant implication is RFID system not available in many libraries due to budget issue for that university management could develop the additional budget on security measures for libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New and emerging technologies have always been playing the vital role in shaping the different services of libraries. These technologies not only help the users to quick, quality and efficient services but also provide a chance to library and information professionals to think outside the box to make their services effective and responsive. Top trends will be familiar to some readers who will hopefully learn of new equipment to expand their knowledge. Other readers will be made aware of trends that are outside of their experience. This is the nature of trends in our current technological and educational environments. The change is constant, but it affects different libraries at different level. With the arrival of affordable smart mobile phones, libraries all over the world have been trying to utilise them for the betterment of their services. QR code is one of the technologies which can be used with smart phones. In India the use of QR Code and smart phones though started late but in these days emerging as basic element of their day to day life and accelerating technology adoption. In this paper author has discussed and highlighted on QR codes and their use in library. It discusses on how the QR Code technology can enhance the library services with Quick and Quality as prime role. This paper is limited to the library based use and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the expectation and perception of the users of a library of reputed special academic institute in India on quality of library services. The paper is an effort to identify a service gap within five SERVQUAL dimensions rated by the library users. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted through a survey methodology. The survey was implemented through a questionnaire based on five SERVQUAL dimensions. The data were collected by using 22 attributes of SERVQUAL for user expectations and perceptions of special academic institute library, and the gap score between expectation and perception of users was calculated. Based on the expectation mean score and gap score of each attributes, the researchers have identified the service shortfall in five SERVQUAL dimensions. Findings: The result of the study indicates that there is an overall service quality (SQ) gap in services provided by institute library. However, the library is providing relatively satisfactory services to the faculty, but it needs to enhance up to the expectation level of its services to their registered participants. From the study, the average expectation score is very high and it indicates that users expect more from the institute library, particularly in Reliability and Tangibles dimensions. Out of the total 22 SERVQUAL attributes, the result reflects that 10 SERVQUAL attributes have high expectation and high service gap. Originality/value: This paper will assist libraries to improve their library services, particularly in special academic training libraries. Determining SQ has been originated from marketing discipline that has progressively shown its value in the discipline of library and information science profession. This study contributes to the emergent body associated with SQ measures in libraries. Expectation-service gap chart and expectation-service gap grid are the major contribution and rarely found in SERVQUAL literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper aims to explore the Methods used for Implementing Knowledge Management in the University Libraries of North. The methods outline the different methods of implementing KM in libraries and this paper seeks to know about the procedures to be followed for implementing KM, LIS professional's level of awareness about KM, benefits of implementation KM and the obstacles faced by LIS professionals during KM execution. A total of 280 LIS professionals working in 20 select state universities were approached for the collection of data. In order to obtain a large and representative sample of LIS professionals, stratified random sampling is being used. The study was delimited to the 20 Government state universities (having all disciplines) and listed on the University Grants Commission's website (Govt. of India) and comes under the northern region of India. The main libraries of the universities were covered in the study, whereas departmental libraries were excluded. It has been found that there was no significant difference regarding the awareness of KM between the Professional Assistants and the rest of the LIS professionals. It has been also noted that LIS professionals assumed that the major benefit of KM implementation that it helped to improve library services & operations. Furthermore, the major barriers to the implementation of KM are lack of training, lack of rewards / incentives for innovative performance, lack of human resources, lack of knowledge sharing culture, hesitation to adopt the change by LIS professionals and misunderstanding about the knowledge management on the part of the library staff to incorporate knowledge management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyzed systematically the doctoral research works produced by Indian Universities in the discipline of Library and Information Science (LIS). This study aims to find out the developmental pattern, current trends, popular focused areas, most productivity universities, and supervisors, as well as language and gender-wise productivity of LIS theses. Based on two Indian data sources a database was developed on LIS doctoral research and inferences were drawn as per the research questions formulated. It was observed that altogether 957 doctoral theses have been guided by 382 supervisors from 105 universities in India. Lotka's law of scientific productivity was applied for the first of it's kind to the 'guide-ship pattern of doctoral works' and found validated. Five broad areas of research are found to be the most focused themes of Indian LIS research. This paper highlights the evolution and pattern of LIS research to identify the areas that have influenced the scholars most and to know the direction of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, a part of author's doctoral research, examines the various e-resources to which the users of Agricultural Universities in India have access and how frequently these resources are being used by the agricultural scientists, researchers, students. Data collected through a structured questionnaire from 242 users and 20 Librarians from 20 State run Agricultural Universities in India constitute the database for the present investigation. Additionally, the study also investigates the membership of various consortiums availed by the users and whether the respondents have access to some of the key e-resources of other institutions including frequency of usage of subject gateways, blogs and wikis in the domain of Agricultural Sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Open source software is used widely across different continents though its adoption in libraries depend upon varioius factors. Type of library, availability of staff, qualification and skill sets of the librarian and other staff, support of the management, library budget, time availability, independence to the librarian are just some of the factors that may determine adoption of open source software. This paper tries to understand if gender of the librarian also has any significant impact on adoption of open source software. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is conducted in India focusing on libraries of the private management education institutions in the Noida and Ghaziabad of the Uttar Pradesh, a state of India. Data is collected using Google Forms. After normalization of data, analyis of the data is conducted using SPSS 18 version after conducting reliability analysis on the major vaiables for reliability of the data. The sample is chosen due to very large number and different types of educational institutions providing management education in this geographical area. Findings: This study confirms that more and more libraries are adopting open source software now however adoption rate of open source software among female libraries is lesser. It is evident from the study women are not lagging behind due to qualification or skill sets but their other responsibilities i.e. family responsibilities cause work-life imbalance and hence they do not take much risks and try to adjust in pre-defined boundaries. Survey results also indicate if employer provides risk free environment to female librarians then adoption of open source software may become faster. Originality/Value: This study is entirely original work of the authors and is based upon data collected using google forms after distribution among various libraries. Results of this study may help in employers and government to take up women-friendly measures that ensure worklife balance and provide a women-friendly environment so that they can use their knowledge and skills for betterment of their libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the current status of In-house digital repository initiated by the engineering college libraries of Odisha. Now the engineering college libraries have initiated a significant effort in the field of digitization that a digital repository helps to manage and capture their intellectual assets of the institutions. In this context, the study aimed to initiate innovation that has been made by engineering college libraries of Odisha. Libraries have been preserving the intellectual assets i.e. study material, question paper, NPTEL web/ video courses, Back volume, thesis & dissertation, and books. For digitization, the libraries are using some open source software and commercial software. This helps the libraries disseminate the information on a finger tip. In addition to this, this study gives its best efforts to explore the area of the in-house digital repository initiation, the types and contents of the archive for in-house digital repository, recognition of the source of preservation and finally finding out the skills of the manpower engaged in the digital repository activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey paper aims to find out how far the security is a concern and how the university libraries are lacking in this sector. The paper reviewed the literature on security issues and identified issues are verified through a survey of 21 University Libraries of West Bengal. The study finds out that security is a neglected area in libraries and only 5 university libraries have been able to cross a significant role. There is a need to evaluate the security scenario in the libraries of India and emphasis should be given on such issues. There has been more concern about the service but there is a need to put emphasis on the security management area in the library and information centre. [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]

The paper provides an overview of the research conducted on various aspects of Information Literacy. Many studies have been conducted in India and abroad on different facets of Information Literacy and pinpointed that information literacy is an essential skill in the era of information explosion. This paper provides an outline of the research done on Information literacy all over the world. By analysing 104 studies on information literacy, the present study indicates that Information Literacy is an essential skill in the current society. The importance of libraries in imparting information literacy is also mentioned in many studies. The literacy training has to be started at the school level, and it should be included in the curricula. The review shows that the only solution to reduce the digital divide gap among the information-rich and information-poor citizens is information literacy. Many initiatives have been started in India to bridge this gap. Many organisations and Associations like UNESCO, IFLA, American Library Associations, Society of Colleges, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) have framed different standards and Information Literacy models for various types of information users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the impact of the current pandemic caused by COVID-19 on the academic libraries in India. It identifies four areas concerned with an academic library namely, space, collection development, service, and the overall management to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by them in view of the COVID-19. It shows how COVID-19 posed several challenges to run the academic libraries in India in comparison to pre-COVID-19 period regarding these areas. It also presents the opportunities to the libraries. It suggests that that if the libraries use these opportunities, it may prove to be beneficial to it in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of information technology, the demand for e-resources has been growing day by day. Advancement of ICT infrastructure leads to the wide use of e-resources. Nowadays, users can access e-resources on their desktops. N-LIST is an initiation to provide selected e-journals and e-books to the registered colleges in India. The present study was carried out among post-graduate students in autonomous colleges of Kerala. The study aims to examine the awareness and use of N-LIST e-resources, purposes of use, level of satisfaction, and problems faced by postgraduate students while accessing N-LIST e-resources. For this purpose, the investigator prepared a well-structured questionnaire as a tool for data collection. The hypotheses of study demand the use of different statistical techniques, such as simple percentage methods and the ANOVA test. The present study reveals that the majority of respondents are aware and use N-LIST e-resources. However, daily usage of N-LIST e-resources among post-graduate students is still not up to the mark. Based on the findings, the paper recommends that college libraries should enhance their infrastructure and provide proper Wi-Fi facility for the optimum utilisation of the N-LIST e-resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UGC is providing access to scholarly electronic resources (e-resources) to Indian universities through the UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium. Access to subscribed e-resources is being provided free of cost to member universities. The whole program is funded by the UGC and executed by the INFLIBNET Centre. Now, the UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium is in its 11th year and it has been expected that privileged academicians are utilizing available e-resources extensively and optimally. In this paper an effort is being made to assess, how social science faculty working in Indian universities have been using e-resources, what are the problems they are facing in accessing them, and what are the efforts made by INFLIBNET to spread awareness about such an ambitious initiative of UGC among social science faculty members. This paper also highlights some important issues with respect to use, acceptance and planning of this consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Social networking sites play a major role in promoting library services and products to its user community. In this Covid-19 Pandemic and lockdown period, physical communication was locked and online web communication technology proved a powerful tool to bridge the gap between the library and users. The users were unable to reach the libraries during this pandemic period. The librarians used social networking tools to provide information during this pandemic period. The libraries provided a variety of services to its user community. The purpose of this paper is to show how effectively the libraries used Social Networking Sites for marketing & promoting the library and information products & services to their users during this pandemic and lockdown period. A structured online questionnaire was used for data collection. The targeted population was academic librarians working in colleges in Goa, India. From the study, it was found that Social networking sites play a major role in marketing and promoting library and information products and services during this pandemic period. Maximum librarians are using the Library website, Facebook and WhatsApp tool for marketing and promoting the library services and products to reach their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the damage suffered by the prominent libraries of Kashmir during September 2014 floods. The work provide an insight about the response and recovery measures being taken during and after the floods respectively in ten prominent libraries of Jammu & Kashmir [six Academic libraries (S.P. College Library, Women’s College Library, Govt. Degree College Library – Bemina, Amar Singh College Library, Gandhi Memorial College Library and College of Education Library); three Special libraries (J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages Library – Srinagar, Govt. Medical College Library – Srinagar and J&K High Court Library) and one Public library (Sri Pratap Singh library)].Design/methodology/approach A variety of data collection tools and techniques such as interview, questionnaire, observation, etc., were used to collect the data. The collected data have been tabulated and analyzed to derive meaningful conclusions and findings as per the set objectives of the study.Findings The results reveal that although libraries in Kashmir are prone to disasters like floods; yet, none of the library seems to be prepared to bear or cope such a disaster. The findings provide a gloomy picture of libraries when it comes to the measures being taken by these libraries during and after the floods to protect their resources. The paper highlights the inefficiency and incapability of libraries (in terms of disaster management) by finding that most of the libraries are without a disaster response and recovery plan as well as a disaster response and recovery team. The study recommends that some tangible measures if taken can save precious resources hosted in libraries.Practical implications The current study can help the stakeholders to chalk out scientific and systematic policy and plans for library and information centers that can be executed with minimum of fuss and anarchy.Originality/value The study offers working knowledge to library professional on ground for effective management of assets and resources in pre- and post-disaster scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature about oriental manuscript collections in India and provide an overview of the area. Design/methodology/approach – A core set of literature on oriental manuscript collections in India was retrieved after doing a thorough literature search in different databases. Literature on various aspects of this topic was reviewed. The paper is organized based on various themes to make the study fruitful for various sections of society. Findings – Oriental manuscripts are present in different research libraries, university libraries and public libraries in India but university libraries are leading others in preserving these manuscripts, with few exceptions. Manuscripts are available in different oriental languages but mostly in Sanskrit. Every religious sect in India has contributed immensely in collecting and preserving these manuscripts. The contribution of famous kings of Indian history is also enormous in this regard. Research limitations/implications – The review does not claim to be exhaustive, as most sources might have been skipped during the study for their non-availability. Originality/value – This paper provides a concise overview of manuscripts present in different Indian libraries and research institution/universities and provides a valuable entry point to the field of Indian manuscripts for research scholars, information scientists and other interested parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian Research Information Network System (IRINS) is a research information management system that provides details of publications and citations by researchers in academic and research institutes in India. It is an undisputed fact that the productivity of researchers is not uniform within and beyond institutions. A quantitative study was formulated to compare the productivity of researchers within and between categories of central university, state university, deemed university, private university, and college. The coefficient of variation (C.V.) and coefficient of range (C.R.) was measured to know about dispersions among data of publications, patents, Scopus citations, and Crossref citations. It was found that central universities and state universities have a higher number of publications and citations whereas colleges have less number of the same. Private universities have less number of publications, however better than colleges in case of citations. Deemed universities have the highest dispersions within the group. It is suggested to increase subscriptions of quality resources in the colleges and private universities and upgrade library services to enhance the quality and quantity of publications by researchers there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of exchange rates of foreign currencies on the material budget in the libraries in India. Design/methodology/approach - A sample of journals costing in foreign currency was selected for the purpose of study. A comparison of inflation rate pertaining to serial price is done with the general rate of inflation in India. Findings - The paper finds that exchange rates of foreign currencies have extensive impact on the acquisitions budget of the libraries in India. Practical implications - Academic institutions may protect the buying powers of the libraries while allocating funds, keeping in mind the strengthening or weakening of Indian Rupee in comparison to foreign currencies. Originality/value - This is one of the comprehensive studies on the impact of foreign exchange on subscription in Indian libraries system. [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]