Dr. Sharmila V. Gadge, Librarian DadasahebDigambar ShankarPatil Arts, Commerce and Science College, Erandol, Dist. Jalgaon (MS) India [email protected]
Dr. Mukhyadal B. G., Librarian, Shri. V. S. Naik Arts, Commerce & Science College Raver, Tq. Raver Dist. Jalgaon(Maharashtra) India [email protected]
Abstract
The use of computers for library operation avoids respectively jobs and saves considerable amount of time, resources and labour. It also speeds up technical processing and information services. ICT has been a means to bring quality services. Systematic planning of its introduction and application will assure that the technology based information services are sustainable, and enhances the ability of library. The basic aim of present study is to highlights how much libraries have been exaggerated with theadvent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based products & services and theirpriorities have been shifted to on ICT for instance library automation.
Keywords: Information and Communication Technologies, Library Services, Library Automation, Digital Archives, Library 2.0, Mobile Services of Library
Introductions: Information is the major key to every individual success. In academics, library is the store house of information of any kind tending towards knowledge acquisition and research enrichment. The integration of ICT in libraries was not just only to add beauty to the library services but also to facilities library functions in an easy and faster means. It has been observed that some of the main objectives of applying ICT to library services have not being properly disseminated to the library users mostly postgraduate students and also library staff.The emergence of ICT is one of the wonderful gifts of modern technology which has brought great changes in the history of Library and information science. Application of ICT to library and information work hand-in-hand. North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon: The North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, established on 15th August, 1990 under the Maharashtra Universities Act, XXIX of 1989, started its academic and administrative functioning from the academic year 1991-92. Within the span of 3 years, the University is recognized under section 2 (f) in 1991 and 12 (B) in 1994 under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956. The jurisdiction of the University is extended over three districts i.e. Jalgaon, Dhule and Nandurbar, a pre- dominantly tribal and rural area of Khandesh region.There are 220 affiliated colleges and 04 University recognized Research Institutes/Centres under the jurisdiction of University. Out of these, 01 college is recognized as College of Excellence, 05 colleges have been identified as College with Potential for Excellence and 01 college has been granted autonomous status by the UGC, New Delhi Board and Government of Maharashtra. (http://nmu.ac.in/en, 10/1/18)
Objectives of the Study The objective of the study is to investigate the use of Information and Communication Technology products and services by the users of Academic College libraries affiliated to North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon.
Scope and Limitations: The scope of the study is limited to only selected Arts, Commerce, and Science College
Library affiliated to North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon Dist Jalgaon.
Methodology: This is a survey based study in which a structuredquestionnaire was designed to collect data. Fiftyaffiliated Arts, Commerce and Science Colleges in Jalgaon District out of that only 20 were selected forthe study. These institutes are from Jalgaon district.The questionnaires were distributed among the Respondents, and out of which 20 questionnaires were returned by the respondents. The data collected via the questionnaire were analyzed using simple statistical techniques.
Data Analysis: Data collected through the questionnaire was analyzed and graphically presented and interpreted. ICT based library services require various ICT equipment and technologies. The
researcher has asked regarding equipment and technologies available in their libraries.
Equipment and Technologies Available in the Library The Questions were asked regarding Equipment and Technologies available in the libraries, and the responses received was tabulated in Figure No.1
Figure No:1.Equipment and Technologies Available in the Library
The figure No.1 shows equipments and technologies present in the libraries. Maximum Librarians were provided with the facilities like computers, internet/WiFi, Printer, Telephone, Barcode reader,reprographic machine, Scanner, CCTV Camera and Barcode Printer. Facilities like LCD projector was available to few librarians. Only very few librarians were provided with E-book readers also to avail library services.
SCHOLARLY RESEARCH JOURNAL FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES ISSN: 2278-8808
JAN-MAR, 2018, VOL-7/36 Page 44
ICT Based Library Services: The questions was asked about ICT based library services provided in their library, the responses received were presented in Figure No. 2
Figure No: 2 ICT Based Library Services
It could be seen from Figure No. 2 that majority of librarians were providing OPAC,N-LIST CAS/SDI and CD- ROM services to the users. Many of them were providing access to Bibliographic databases. Very few librarians were also providing services like access to, web OPAC services and bulletin board service to their users.
ICT literacy among Library Professionals: The questions was asked regarding ICT literacy among Library Professionals, and the responses received is shown in Figure No.3
Figure No. 3: ICT literacy among Library Professionals
It can be noted From the Figure No. 3, that all the library professionals under study were able to handle automation software. Majority of library professionals were able to manage social media for providing library services. Some library professionals were knowledgeable enough to provide library services through internet and handling hardware. Only a few knew about digital library and institutional repository software.
Problems faced by the Librarians for availing ICT Based Library Services: The questions was asked about problems faced by the Librarians for availing ICT Based Library Services, and the responses received have been tabulated in Table No.4
Figure No. 4: Problems faced by the Librarians for availing ICT Based Library Services
It was noted from the Figure No. 4that most of the librarians were facing problems regarding inadequate budget, insufficient trained staff. Majority of the study was conducted in the rural area, it was observed that internet connectivity was good enough as very few librarians were facing problem for internet connectivity.Remaining librarians were having problems like compatibility of systems.
Satisfaction Level: The questions was asked regarding his/her satisfaction level and the responses received have been presented in Table no. 1
Table No.1:Level of Satisfaction in using the ICT based Library Services
Sr. No. Satisfaction Level No. of Respondent %
1 Excellent 18 90.00
2 Good 2 10.00
Total 100.00
It can be observe from the Table No 1 that 90% respondents accepted it to be excellent, while only 10%respondents considered it to be good and no one respondent considered it to be poor. It means the librarians working with the help of ICT technology very smoothly.
Conclusion: Most of the libraries were providing ICT based library services such as OPAC, bibliographic services, CD ROM, access to bibliographic databases etc. to the users. It was observed that creation of digital libraries, institutional repositories and web OPAC, which are the current trends in the library services, were lacking in the libraries under study. The problems faced by most of the librarians while providing library services were inadequate budget, insufficient trained staff, incompatibility of systems, etc. It can be concluded that the libraries were good enough in providing ICT based library services from the platforms like social media, internet as well as using library automation software and hardware.
Reference:
Adeyoyin, Samuel Olu (2005), “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy among the staff of Mogerian University Libraries”, Library Review, Vol. 54 No.4, pp. 257-266.