Archive for December, 2009

Technology and library:Adopting new technology in rural library

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

1. Introduction:

  

Problems are experienced when introducing computerised systems by libraries in countries remote from the major centres of development and expertise in the field of library computerisation. Main problems identified are those of lack of expertise of librarians and of hardware and software suppliers, a limited market for such systems in these ‘remote’ countries and hence a limited range of appropriate hardware and particularly software available or marketed, a reliance on the products and support of major computer suppliers, and access to relatively limited resources leaving little scope for the adaptation of existing library software to suit local needs or for the development of new systems. Solutions to these problems lie in cooperation and coordination of library computerisation so that maximum benefit can be derived from available resources and expertise, a conscious effort being made to become as self-reliant as available resources will allow, the use of library systems developed abroad with as little adaptation as possible being made to them, the careful evaluation of those systems available as well as of their suppliers, and possibly in future a greater use of dedicated mini- and microcomputer-based systems as such systems become more readily available. The problems and solutions discussed are illustrated by referring to the experience of library computerisation in khandesh rural colleges.

2. New technology

2. 1. Managing electronic content:

Pressure continues to develop for developing academic library products that assist libraries in managing and providing access to electronic content-both in the form of electronic content accessed through subscriptions and that created locally. As libraries expend funds for electronic content at levels approaching or exceeding that for print, many find themselves in urgent need of appropriate automation tools.

Technology is causing important changes in how libraries in general, and undergraduate academic libraries in particular, function. It is especially fueling increased user demands and expectations for information resources and their timely delivery. Yet very little has been written regarding designing libraries to take into account the impact of changing technologies

 2. 2. Technology a mission

Most would agree that the primary function of a library would continue to be to provide organized, inexpensive access to information, no matter what its form. But technological innovation is likely to add a new need to “create on the network a knowledge-management system that enables scholars to navigate through [the] resources in a standard, intuitive, and consistent way. ” This will require new expertise and equipment to accomplish.

Thus, if anything, technology is adding to the demands for libraries to accommodate more print and non-print materials than before. In addition, it is adding the need forever more sophisticated telecommunication and computer systems to manage access to on site and external resources. Also, the library staff to help users cope with the new and varied systems must perform increased training and instruction. With regard to the need for physical space to fulfill the library’s revised mission, it becomes unlikely that less will be needed than currently, and most probably more, as described below.

            2. 3. E-learning Impact on LIC Services

In the every walk of our day-to-day life we are finding the use of technologies and libraries are not exception for that. The single force that has brought revolutionary changes in functioning of libraries is IT. The introduction and application of these modern means have evaluated and modern day library to a very high pedestal, improving and altering its image, functions and services to revolutionary extant and with great efficiency and effectiveness.

Most of the operations with library are inter-related, inter dependent and mutually supportive for the overall mission of library. Use of IT applications to interface and integrate each function with the other saves lot of staff time as the same data used not to be entered at every stage.

E-learning has brought many changes in Library Activities and Services. There are four broader areas of which E-learning has brought many changes;

 

3. Library Automation

 

 

Automation has helped libraries improving library operations and accelerating their working. Now the computers are being used in the areas like of acquisition, technical processing, circulation control and serial control.

The computer acquisition system has eased the burden for reorder checking of duplicate purchase orders and follow-up action can also taken automatically. IT has speed up the accession, processing work by elimination a large amount of repetitive and time – time consuming work Machine-readable cataloguing is easy to manipulate as it can be searched on-line and from which varies of outputs are available. On-line bibliographic databases have significant effect on collection development.

The lengthy and time consumable procedures of conventional circulation system are taken by the technological devices like computers, barcode scanners and its software’s helps in performing these operations quickly and thus saving the time of users and staff. IT helps in charging and discharging of document, reservation of documents, sending reminders, and collection of overdue, maintenance of various records.

3. 2. The Spatial Impact of Technology on Library Functions

3. 3. Monograph:

As discussed above, monographic collections, especially for undergraduate libraries, are likely to continue to grow steadily. While digitization of some materials may result in some physical space savings, there are more formats that the library needs to collect; most of these require additional space for equipment to access them, not to mention more specialized storage facilities to house them.

3. 4. Periodicals:

_Serials in electronic format seem to be one of the best prospects for introducing space savings in academic libraries. Journals in electronic format will no doubt continue to increase, although those in scientific, technical, and medical disciplines are doing so at a more rapid rate Another factor also points in this direction, that being the extra-inflationary increases in pricing by many publishers.

3. 5. Processing:

In most “behind the scenes” areas of the library, technology is often causing the need for more rather than less space for equipment to handle incompatible systems. While this may be ameliorated in the future, the immediate space needs for areas like cataloging continue to grow

3. 6. Reference: While technology is driving the need for more instructional space, it is impacting positively the need for space for reference materials themselves. A growing number of resources are available in electronic form, and often from resources housed outside the library. As in serials, however, collections more heavily reliant upon information in professional and scientific areas are experiencing space savings more dramatically

3. 7. Study Space: A number of authors confirm this one’s experience that technology is increasing the requirements for study space in academic libraries. Not only are more students relying on facilities like libraries on college and university campuses for studying, more space per student is required to accommodate the use of technology (e. g. , laptops and workstations).

4. Internet

The Internet plays a crucial role in the access of information resources. “Sources of information and other opportunities available via the Internet are increasing exponentially. This comes with the steady increase in Internet use for education” and research. Also, with the growth of information on the Internet and the development of more sophisticated searching tools, there is now the more likely possibility of finding information and answers to real questions. But, within the morass of networked data are both valuable nuggets and an incredible amount of junk .

When you are looking for information, where is a better place to go than a library? The Internet has some incredible electronic libraries ready for you. On a small screen of the personal computer this digital world of the library is available for users. This library in terms of digital format consists of various electronic resources, such as electronic books, electronic journals, and electronic reports. These resources are available either in CD-ROM format or available online on the Web and constitute the core of the electronic library collection. A new class of digitized documents has been added to the electronic resources category, comprising those documents either originally published in print or other formats converted into the digital format. The entire manuscript collection, over-used printed document, printed material of great archival value, photographic collections, oral history recordings, and other scattered but useful audio-visual collections are now being converted into digital format for preservation purposes.

5. Selection of good web site:

The best sites have the following characteristics:

6. Technologies for library:

  

    Modern technologies are

  

6. 1. Computer technology

   

     Computers are used to generate information computers are information processing machines which can do a variety of jobs very quickly. A computer is a machine that handles data are the facts that are gathered and entered in to the computer. Computer can access and process data millions of times faster than humans can the computer stores, retrieves, sends, receives, analysis and synthesize the data to procduce information. Computer can be used for library operations like acquisition, cataloguing, database creation and maintenance, circulation control, serials. Control information storage retrieval, communication and networking and management works.

 

6. 2. Laser technology:

  

     computer links facilitate speedy random retrieval of information. In the long run, the use of the disc may substitute for the use of actual items like books, which deteriorate quickly due to handling.

 

6. 3. Micrographic technology

 

     Micrograph means miniaturization of documents. In micrographic documents are highly reduced in size and recorded on microfilm. The micrographic technology has contributed to a considerable saving of space and facility for dissemination of information.

 

6. 4. Reprographic technology

 

     Reprography means the reproduction of graphic materials, which may be handwritten, typed or printed. This technology is very useful for libraries and it reduce the pain of the user.

 

5. 5. Audio-visual technology

 

    Audio-visual media used for holding seminars, symposia, meetings and cultural functions in libraries. Slides are useful for effective delivery of messages to selected groups of library users.

   

6. 6. Telecommunication Technology.

 

   Recreational and educational programmers can be delivered to a longer through this systems.

 

6. 7. Internet & its use in library.

  

   Physically the internet is a lot of computers connected to each other talking a common language or protocol known as Transmission Control Protocol / internet Protocol (TCPIP)

Basically, the Internet is used for following activities.

 

6. 8. Communication

  

In the modem world of information explosion, the effective and speedy communication of information is very necessary. The Internet provides electronic message and exchange services through electronic mail popularly known as E-mail. E-mail is used to send messages to other people or programmers on other computers. It is the most extensive and commonly used service on Internet.    Anything created on computers like images, photos, sound, programmers can be sending as well as received with email. E-mail is the fastest, most economical and highly is used modes of communication. Users if INFLIBNET,ERNET, NICNET etc may send and read messages, participate in discussion with special internet groups (SIG) through LISTERVERS (mailing List) and USENET (news groups).

 

  

6. 9. Document or File Transfer

  

The internet also provides the facility for document or file transfer with the help of file transfer protocol (FTP). FTP is a set of rules that enables files to be transferred from one computer to another on the net using FTP programmer or through Netscape. Software, games, documents, data etc, can be copied from any site using simple commands.

 

6. 10 Interactive Browsing.

Telnet allows internet users to log into other internet computers to access on-line database, electronic catalogues, internet information services, or to access their account. Telnet provides access to on-line public access catalogues (OPACs) maintained by hundreds of university libraries all over the world.    

  

6. 11. Bulletin Boards

Closely related to electronic mail are bulletin board systems. A bulletin board is a communication system that allows users to call in and either leave or retrieve messages, it is similar to an electronic mail system, but there are no private mail boxes, only a single large mail box. The messages may be directed to all users of the bulletin board or only to particular users. But all massages can be read by all users.

 

6. 12. World Wide Web (WWW).

It is a client-server based distributed hypertext multimedia, an information system on the internet. The WWW is an architectural framework for accessing linked documents spread out over thousand of machines all over the internet. Web is basically a client-server system. From the client-server system. From the client’s (users) point of view, the web consists of a vast worldwide collection of documents, usually just called pages for short. Web pages are written in a language called HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). HTML allows user to produce web pages that include text, graphics and pointers to other web pages.

  

7. Web-based Library Services.

  

  . WebOPAC

  . CD ROM to Web-based Indexes and Databases.

  . Electronic Document Delivery Services.

  . CAS&SDI.

  . Improved search interfaces

  . New information services, such as a home page linked to a collection of  electronic text,     databases and other internet resources.

  . Documents may be shared across all major networking platforms.

  . Information is accessible regardless of the user’s location.

  . Fill-in forms used for feedback and services.    

 

8. Changing role of library.

Mostly all the libraries faced pre-automation and post automation problems. Lack of trained staff, Lack of administrative support and technical problems were the faced in the initial stage of automation. To overcome these problems,

Many demands on the IT staff: for managing the library systems but also for new developments. Often libraries now use open source software (for instance for repositories), which nevertheless calls for devoted IT staff.

While the library is constantly changing, a different kind of managers is needed: they should be able to create and implement change. Financial expertise also becomes more important. Not only because of the different licensing agreements, but also as a consequence of decreasing budgets. Management information and benchmarking are becoming important issues.

Summarizing one might say that while the library may need less staff in the back office, there is a general need for staff with higher qualifications: user driven, IT-knowledge, knowledge of the university, knowledge of where the library is going. Also stronger managing capacities for managers and department heads are needed. And all this knowledge should be kept up to date. Last but not least, library staff should be more flexible than in the past. Libraries used to be a stable working environment. Now the only thing one can be sure of, is that the library will keep on changing in the next decades.

Status of rural library automation

For the survey 14college selected to the survey purpose in the khandesh region the result came out is as given in the table.

sr

Automation

Computer knowledge person

Budget

Internet frequency

Sufficient staff

1

X

x

x

x

X

2

X

x

x

x

x

3

X

x

x

x

x

3

Ö

x

x

x

x

4

X

x

Ö

x

Ö

5

X

x

x

x

x

6

X

Ö

x

x

x

7

X

x

x

x

x

8

X

x

x

x

x

9

Ö

x

x

x

x

10

X

x

x

x

x

11

X

x

x

x

x

12

X

x

x

x

x

13

X

x

x

x

x

14

X

x

x

x

x

Only two college started automation work. Only one college having computer knowledge person. Only one college found sufficient budget for the automation. For the internet

connection no college getting 100% speed. , and regular frequency. Only one college have sufficient staff in the library it is found that there is a budget problems except only one college

Conclusion :

Theuse of library systems developed abroad with as little adaptation as possible being made to them, the careful evaluation of those systems available as well as of their suppliers, and possibly in future a greater use of dedicated mini- and microcomputer-based systems as such systems become more readily available. The problems and solutions discussed are illustrated by referring to the experience of library computerisation in khandesh rural colleges. In general, use of new technologies is not fully adopted in the rural college due to the UN sufficient budget, expert of technology and in the rural area is not getting the broadband speed. Now duty of government and local association to give the knowledge through arrange the workshop, seminars and give the knowledge of new technology.

          Selected resources.

Library Jobs?

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

I’d love to work in a library, but I’m not sure how realistic it would be for me to get a masters degree in information and library sciences at this point in my life. Other than Library Technician, what other jobs are there in libraries? What specific education/training do librarians’ assistants need? Is there anything in the library for someone with a 3-year BA?
(If it’s relevant, I live in Ontario. )
Thanks so much!

Part time Student Jobs Ideas, College Student Jobs

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Students are always looking for part-time jobs that are not only close to the campus, but also pays very well. Student Job Search is a process that never stops and students to try to overcome some of the best jobs available part-time researchers to find. Are you a student and looking for a good job too many options? Learn to know what time jobs you can prove to be the best in the vicinity of the campus, the wages and hours too much. Computer lab manager or the Technical Support Jobs One of the best employment options for students in the campus computer lab is a manager or a technical support jobs. College and university students who seek tech-savvy and could run in the field of information technology-related activities. In addition to part-time work to pay the students, but these jobs also have some fantastic practice in higher education for students who want to make her career in the IT field. College Gym Jobs Fitness Centers colleges also offer a large part of the student job opportunities. These college gyms are a regular demand for people who can provide a service desk that fitness and other related work to meet the College Gym. If you can do aerobics and offer personal fitness training for those involved, may well be the best part-time job and I expect to get higher pay. College Library Jobs Most of the students leave the jobs available in the College Library. Students may think that a part-time library jobs are just about shopping and ordering books. In fact, a part-time job of the library also responsible for the management of interlibrary loans, the library search system for recording and other administrative tasks. However, student part time jobs in school libraries provide a comfortable and pleasant surroundings. House Sitting / House Cleaning / Babysitting Jobs professor College Campus has a number of professors who need these services to their children and pets. While working as professors, students not only get a salary, but they also appreciate the pro’s. This can also be a profitable business enterprise and the best job opportunities. Dorm Desk Attendant Jobs Although many students do not understand a dormitory desk attendant job is one of the best part-time jobs available in the university campus. This is one of those jobs for students with working hours is not unreasonable. In fact, things are quite slow. Together with a good salary, the work also involves students in safety responsibilities. Academic department administrative work, There is an extensive amount of work at the University academic departments. In support of the secretary with a lot of work, services generally hire students for part-time job. Class brochures, newspaper articles, magazine claims, faculty meeting notes, conference – a lot of work to care for and help students with the department. There are a number of part-time jobs available for students. You may see good paying jobs that do not. Students should do research, and they can easily dismantle some of the best student part time jobs in college libraries, universities, technology, fitness room, reception, etc.

Jobs with No Degrees Required

Monday, December 7th, 2009

There are still plenty of jobs in recession that do not require a degree. When times are tough and you need work, here are a few jobs that you can fall back on.

Maids and Housekeepers – Finding work as a housekeeper is best done in your local neighborhood through reputation or posting your credentials in libraries. There is a lot of manual labor but if you develop a relationship with the homeowner, you might get more referrals from their friends.

Lawn mowing – This type of work is done pretty quickly if you have a bunch of people who can separate the jobs. Get a worker for mowing, one for putting fertilizer and another for raking the grass. You might be able to finish a job in less than 30 minutes and move on to the next.

Taxi and Chauffeur – If you enjoy driving and are good with traffic routes, you can work as a chauffeur or taxi driver. The hours can be long and you might get some unruly customers, but once in a while you get a good tip for driving people to airports or farther destinations.

Security Guards – There is a bit of risk involved as a security guard but it usually only requires a background check and willingness to take on late hours. This is a difficult job to take on if you have a family or are responsible for other people with morning hours. It will also be initially hard to adjust to the sleeping times.

Fast food cook – There is guaranteed employment as fast food cook. The reason is the 300% turnover rate in this profession. Many people quit their fast food jobs for various reasons and you can take advantage of the opening. It does not take too long to learn the techniques and guidelines for how food is cooked and served.