STATUS AND PROBLEMS OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION IN GOVT. FIRST GRADE COLLEGES OF HASSAN DISTRICT, KARNATAKA: A STUDY

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1 International Journal of Library & Information Science (IJLIS) Volume 5, Issue 1, Jan- April 2016, pp , Article ID: IJLIS_05_01_004 Available online at Journal Impact Factor (2016): (Calculated by GISI) ISSN Print: and ISSN Online: IAEME Publication STATUS AND PROBLEMS OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION IN GOVT. FIRST GRADE COLLEGES OF HASSAN DISTRICT, KARNATAKA: A STUDY Naveen C. L Librarian, Govt. First Grade College, Gandasi, Arasikere Taluk, Hassan Dist, Karnataka. Nagesh R Librarian, Govt. First Grade College, Hirisave, C.R. Patna Taluk, Hassan Dist, Karnataka ABSTRACT The growth and development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is playing vital role in the field of library and information science and library automation in particular. The present paper is showing the status and problems of library automation in government first grade colleges in Hassan district. The study was clearly presents only 23% of Libraries are automated and main problems for library automation are inadequate staff, lack of infrastructure, insufficient funds and lack of training to library staff. This study also gives a status view of the software packages used by libraries and modules of library automation are using. It is evident from the study out of 17 libraries 14 (82.35%) libraries are using e-granthalaya, in this some of libraries are partially completed and some of are in initial stage. Further about 3 (17.65%) colleges are using Easy Lib Software. Key words: Library Automation, Government First Grade Colleges, problems of Library Automation. Cite this Article: Naveen C. L and Nagesh R. Status and Problems of Library Automation In Govt. First Grade Colleges of Hassan District, Karnataka: A Study. International Journal of Library & Information Science, 5(1), 2016, pp editor@iaeme.com

2 Status and Problems of Library Automation In Govt. First Grade Colleges of Hassan District, Karnataka: A Study 1. INTRODUCTION Library is considered as heart of institution and soul of any learning institution, which is pivot of teaching-learning process. A well-equipped and well maintained library is the foundation of modern education structure. College library plays an important role in providing overall library and information services to the patrons. College libraries are the hub of the teaching and learning activities where students and teacher scan explore the vast resources of information. In the traditional libraries users have to send more time for searching a small piece of information and for that have to depend mainly on the library professional or library staff. But in the age of information communication technology, computers are being used for day-to-day housekeeping activity of the library which saves the time avoid duplication of work and make the library service smooth and effective. In the information technology age, the academic libraries are expected to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to provide information more expeditiously and exhaustively than before. Computerization of library housekeeping operations is an important activity in this context, Automation, when used in a library or similar environment refers to the computerization or mechanization of activities (Harinarayana 1991). 2. LIBRARY AUTOMATION The term library automation refers to the phenomenon of mechanization of traditional library activities, such as acquisition, serial control, cataloguing and circulation control etc. Today the term library automation is however used extensively to refer primarily to the use of computers to perform the library activities in recent times, even the related topics such as information retrieval, semi automatic/automatic indexing network of automated systems. Library Automation is generally defined as the replacement of manual operations in libraries by computerized methods. Started in late 1970s in few special libraries it has now reached most of all kinds of libraries. Over the past three decades, libraries have changed considerably as bibliographic utilities, online catalogues; automated circulation systems and other new technologies have been implemented in majority of library operations and services. 3. NEED FOR LIBRARY AUTOMATION IN GOVERNMENT FIRST GRADE COLLEGES There are 411 Govt. First Grade Colleges in Karnataka and 24 colleges in Hassan District. The libraries of Government First Grade Colleges need to be automated for effective use of library facilities by the students and faculty members. Computerization not only eases out the job of librarians who single handily manage library activities without assistant librarians in most of the college libraries. It also helps library in providing better services to the students and faculty members. It is also mandatory for any college for undergoing NAAC accreditation/ re-accreditation. Following are some points will clear that the need of library computerization: Save the time of the users and library staff. Capacity to handle any amount of data & information. Controls library circulation editor@iaeme.com

3 Naveen C. L and Nagesh R Speedy processing of information and its retrieval. Error free services. Keep up to date records. Give modern IT bases services to the users like OPAC and use of barcode technology. Standardization of library procedures and proved new services. 4. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Singh (1975) in "Automation in Libraries" explains concepts use and impact of automation on libraries including data processing equipment. It also describes the state of automation in number of libraries and information centers in several countries and serves as an introduction to subject of automation and application as viewed from working of modern library. Tedd (1977) in his document "An Introduction to computer based library systems" provides a background the rapidly increasing use of computers both in library housekeeping applications and information retrieval systems. It highlights the history of library automation and also shows how computers can be used to produce different type of automated index. Gupta, Krishna das (1979) there has been a strong negative attitude to the automation of libraries in India due to economic constraints, although the principle of automation is now accepted because of the volume of information. Harinarayana (1991) in his study "Concept of Library Automation" highlights the concepts of automaton and automation operations services in a modern library. It states that scope of library automation involves automation of routine works, services, office work and scientific management of libraries. Bansode, Sadanand and Periera, Shamin (2008) conducted a survey on the status of the library automation in the college libraries of Goa State. Pusad (M.S.). Rajput and Gautam (2010) examined the status of library automation and problems in its implementation in special libraries of Indore city, Madhya Pradesh. Jayamma K V & Krishnamurthy M (2015) has highlighted on the scenario of library automation in the college libraries of Bangalore city in Karnataka state. Ajay Kamble (2015) in his study entitled "Status of library automation in the Institutions of Higher Studies in Punjab" gives an overview of major facets of automation activity and surveys the current state of computer application in 6 areas of library work. For each area discussion briefly indicated the motive of automation and describes current dominant approaches citing examples of representative products and services. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY Some of the major objectives of the study are; To find out how many libraries have undertaken automation. To find out which areas library functions and services are automated. To find out present status of the library automation. To find out barriers to library automation faced by library staff. To find out whether sufficient staff is available to carry out automation editor@iaeme.com

4 Status and Problems of Library Automation In Govt. First Grade Colleges of Hassan District, Karnataka: A Study To know about the software used in the library automation? To know the source of fund for library automation. 5. METHODOLOGY This article is based on comprehensive survey carried out by the authors with specific intention to assess the present status of library automation in Government First Grade College libraries in Hassan district. A structured questionnaire was used as the tool for the survey. The questionnaire has been developed by consulting a number of previous automation surveys. As there are 24 Government First Grade college libraries in Hassan, all are covered in the study instead of limiting to a sample. The questionnaires were sent to the Librarian through mail and post. Some questionnaires filled through phone contact, direct observation and face to face interview methods. Out of 24 libraries, 17 filled questionnaires received from the G.F.G.C. libraries. 6. EVALUATION OF STATUS AND PROBLEMS OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION 6.1. Table 1: Basic details of colleges with establishment, 2f/12b/NAAC and status of Permanent Librarian. Establishment before % after % 2f % 2f & 12b % NAAC Permanent librarian % 1 to % Collection of Books to % Table 1 depicts out of 17colleges, 10 (58.82%) colleges are established before 2007 and remaining 7 (41.18%) colleges are established after Out of 17 colleges, 12 (70.59%) colleges got 2f, 6 (35.29%) colleges got 2f & 12b (35.29%) and only 5 (29.41) colleges are accredited with NAAC grade. Out of 17 college libraries, 8 (47.06%) libraries had bellow books, 04 (23.53%) colleges had between to books and 05 (29.41%) colleges had above books Table 2: Status of Library Automation. Automation Status Completely Automated Partially Automated Initial Stage Table 2 shows out of 17 college libraries only 04 (23.53%) college libraries are completely automated and 08 (47.06%) college libraries are partially automated, and remaining 05 (29.41%) college libraries are still in initial stage. Overall only 23% of college libraries in Hassan district are completely automated. Since lack of financial assistance, govt. degree colleges are using open source software for their library automation and due to this majority college libraries are partially automated. above % 31 editor@iaeme.com

5 Naveen C. L and Nagesh R 6.3. Table 3: Software used for Library Automation. Name of the Software E-GRANTHALAYA LIBSIS 0 0 NEW GEN LIB 0 0 KOHA 0 0 EASY LIB ANY OTHER 0 0 Table 3 reveals out of 17 college libraries, 14 (82.35%) libraries are using e- granthalaya as library automation software (Open Source Software) and remaining 3 (17.65%) college libraries are using easylib as library automation software (commercial software) Table 4: Areas/modules of Library Automation Areas/modules Acquisition Cataloguing Circulation Serial Control Budgeting Information Retrieval OPAC RFID SMS Facility Any other Table 4 depicts that more than 55% of libraries are automated in the areas of acquisition, cataloguing and circulation and only few colleges (less than 20%) are using library automation software for serial control, budgeting, information retrieval, OPAC and SMS facility Table 5: Financial sources for library automation Funding Agency DCE, GOK 0 0 UGC CDC/CDF 0 0 RUSA 0 0 Any Other DCE, GOK= Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Karnataka. UGC=University Grants Commission CDC/CDF= College Development Committee/CDF=College Development Fund RUSA=Rastriya Ucchatha rshikshana Abhiyana Table 5 shows out of 17 colleges, only 03 (17.65%) colleges were received UGC fund for library automation and remaining 14 (82.35%) colleges were not received any financial assistance for their library automation. Due to lack of financial assistance majority college libraries are not completely automated editor@iaeme.com

6 Status and Problems of Library Automation In Govt. First Grade Colleges of Hassan District, Karnataka: A Study 6.6. Table 6: Status of Bar Coding Bar Coding Completely Done Partially Done Initial Stage Not yet started Table 6 reveals the status of bar coding that out of 17 college libraries, only 04 (23.53%) libraries are completely done, 04 (23.53%) colleges are partially done, 08 (47.06%) colleges are still in initial stage and only 01 college not yet started Table 7: Barriers of Library Automation Barriers Insufficient Funds (Finance) Inadequate Staff Lack of Training Lack of Infrastructure Lack of IT Knowledge Any Other Table 7 depicts the various barriers in doing library automation that out of 17 college libraries, 11 (64.71%) libraries are facing lack financial assistance for their library automation, and majority colleges that mean 15(88.24%) colleges are facing inadequate staff as barrier of library automation. 10 (58.82) college library professionals are not trained well and remaining 12 (70.59%) college libraries are facing lack of infrastructure. Overall in this table clearly shows that majority college libraries are facing multiple barriers/problems for their library automation. 7. FINDINGS The following findings have been identified during the study. 1. It was seen that only 23.53% (4) College libraries were fully automated, whereas % (8) were partially automated, and % (5) were in initial Stage. 2. It is found that majority of college libraries using e-granthalaya (82.35) for automation. 3. Most of the college libraries not getting any funds for the purpose of library automation. Hence they are using open source software s (free software). 4. It is found that majority of college libraries are in initial stage in bar coding of their resources. 5. It was found that majority of libraries are managed their library automation by stand alone (single) computer. 6. It was founded that majority of college libraries facing major problem of inadequate staff & infrastructure. 7. It is found that majority respondents need training in library automation editor@iaeme.com

7 Naveen C. L and Nagesh R 8. SUGGESTIONS This study would like to give following suggestions for introducing and developing effective library automation in all government first grade college libraries. 1. Parent body of government first grade colleges need to be provided basic ICT infrastructure like desktops with good configuration, power backup, bar code printer, bar code reader, scanner and internet connection to make a library automation. 2. Remaining 76.4% of libraries need to be completely computerized in future for providing better and efficient services to users. 3. Choice of the library software must be carefully considered with emphasis on the ability to meet particular library needs. 4. Vacant post of assistant librarian and library assistants needs to be filled up and new posts should be created as per requirement. 5. Computer and automation software training should be provided and made mandatory for all the library staff. Than only staff will be more comfortable with library automation functions and modules. 6. Required financial fund need to be provided to incorporate all modules of library automation in libraries. 9. CONCLUSION Library automation brings great changes in the functioning of the library and proving effective and efficient library services. Automation of libraries is still in formative stages in government first grade colleges in Hassan district. By library automation, librarian scan handle library functions more effectively and can provide good services to the users. Some of libraries are using library automation only for few modules like acquisition, circulation and cataloguing. Libraries should introduce all modules in their library automation like OPAC, Serial Control, stock verification, budgeting and etc. REFERENCES [1] K. Ajay, and S. Gurpreet, Status of Library Automation in the Institutions of Higher Studies in Punjab, Library and Information Scinece Compendium, 2010, [2] S. Y. Bansode, and S. Periera, A Survey of Library Automation in College Libraries in Goa State, India, Philosophy and Practice, 2008, 1-7. [3] N. S. Harinarayana, Concep of Library Automation, Herald of Library Science, 30 (3-4), 1991, [4] K. V. Jayamma, M. Krishnamurthy, Automation of College Libraries in Bangalore City: A Study, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Management Studies, 3 (9), 2015, [5] S. D. Kadam, Engineering College Libraries in Maharashtra State with Special Reference to Library Automation: A Survey, e-library Science Research Journal, 2 (3), 2014, 1-6. [6] S. B. Kemdarne, N. B. Khot, and S R Birje, Perspective in Library Automation and Networking of Dental College Libraries in Bangalore: Status, Problems and Prospects, International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology, 2 (2), 2012, [7] V. Patil, Library Automation and Networking: Need and Importance of Maharashtra Public Libraries, Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, 2 (3), 2013, editor@iaeme.com

8 Status and Problems of Library Automation In Govt. First Grade Colleges of Hassan District, Karnataka: A Study [8] P. Sekar, and K. C. A. Majeed, Library Automation in Engineering College Libraries Affiliated to Anna University in Thanjavur and Thirvarur District: A Study, International Journal of Digital Library Services, 5 (2), 2015, [9] A. Upadhyay, B. V. Pandey, and C. B. P. Shrivastava, Status, Problem and Prospects of Library Automation in Engineering Colleges of JabValpur City: A Study, International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 2 (4), 2012, [10] S.L.Mohammed Sajeer. Technology and Services for Library Automation. International Journal of Library & Information Science, 1(1), 2012, pp [11] Onyenachi, Joy C, Akidi, Juliana O and Onyekweodiri Nnamdi Emmanuel. Public Library Services for Rural Transformation. International Journal of Library & Information Science, 4(2), 2015, pp [12] R. Verma R, Status of Library Automation in University Libraries of Kanpur: A Comparative Study, International Journal of Scientific Research, 2 (7), 2013, editor@iaeme.com