Use and Usage of Electronic Resources in Business Schools in India : FIIB Arun Kumar Librarian Fortune Institute of International Business New Delhi, India arunsuraj@yahoo.com, arun@fortune.edu.in Abstract Libraries are changing with time from mere storehouses of collection of documents to dynamic service centers. The present period is a period of digital libraries, electronic libraries and virtual libraries. All these changes demand development of modern skills to both library professionals as well as users. The information that is available in digital form, requires new and modern methods for its handling. Therefore, there is a constant need for librarians and information professionals as well as for users to learn the new skills to cope with the present situation. The present study deals with use and usage of e- resources by the members of FIIB. The paper describes about the FIIB library and its resources. The paper explains the need, scope and limitation, methodology of the study. It analyses data, summarizes findings, and gives suggestions for the improvement in the usage of e-resources. The paper concludes that the FIIB library is trying its best to provide facilities for proper use of e resources by users. Keywords: Electronic Resources; User Education Introduction Today we are living in the age of information. The information is a dynamic and unending resource that affects all disciplines and walks of life. Over last decade, electronic resources have become increasingly substantial components of academic library collection. This is due to the continuous development of Information Technology and its impact on library collection development policies due to changing demand of users for the pin pointed and exhaustive information within a short time. With the growing popularity of e-resources, the traditional libraries are gradually migrating from print documents to e-resources where providing access to information is considered more important than owning it. This has compelled libraries to rethink about their collection development functioning. Applications of Information communication technology in libraries have provided enough opportunities for e-resource development and disseminate it in the manner that their users preferred. Among e-resources, e-journals and e-books are mostly in demand by the users. Keeping in mind the changing users demand for e-resources, FIIB is top ranked in management schools in India, which has developed its e-resources remarkably. This has not only increased the service efficiency of the library but also the institutional research and publication activities have also increased. Management Education and B-Schools in India Management education is exploding like India s population, and the segment is now overwhelmingly overcrowded. There are over 1800 institutions offering management education in the country, and this tribe is growing each day. Management education started in the early fifties and the pioneering effort came from the government in setting up the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). The growth of institutions has been so phenomenal that many seem to have lost their sheen. The focus of management education underwent a change in the mid-eighties after the National Policy on Education (1986) was announced. The rapid change in science and technology mandated the change in the way out industry and infrastructure were managed, and so business education must focus on the changing environment The relevance of management in the non-corporate sector was discussed and efforts to give a fillip to this area were identified The Indian experience of managing business was unique, and also the way the business in unorganized sectors was managed was different. The policy undertook to document this diversity and make a new stream of knowledge.
574 ICAL 2009 LIBRARY SERVICES Corresponding developments did occur. Growth both in numbers and status of B- schools happened during the 1990s. A large number of multinational companies entered India, and sought to hire business graduates for their management training positions. Domestic companies, trying to compete with multinational corporations, followed suit too. Fortune Institute of International Businesses and Library FIIB was set up in 1995 as a premier institute in management education. Fortune institute builds on over 14 years of excellence and leadership in management education. Fortune Institute is ranked A+ in best B-schools of India 2008-09 as per Dalal Street Magazine and is ranked 35 th on all over India basis in the annual survey of CSR (Competition Success Review) 2007-08. The Institute has been conferred Business Schools with best Academic Input Award by Dewang Mehta Business Schools Awards, as part of Asia Brand Summit, 2008. FIIB has collaboration with Sam Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA for students exchange, faculty exchange, research and consultancy. It has student exchange arrangement with schools of business administration, Philadelphia University, USA also. FIIB library acts as the main learning resource center of the Institute and provides services and facilities to meet the knowledge and information requirements of the Institute s wide-ranging academic activities. It is adequately equipped as per the norms and standards prescribed by AICTE. The current stock of both foreign and Indian title is 15,000. The 191 periodicals subscribed by the library are vital sources for academic research and up-to-date business information. Besides, the library subscribes to three online databases, which are Ebsco-Business Source Premier, CMIE-India Trades and Prowess. These Electronic databases are great resources for acquiring information related to Indian commodities and Indian companies. Objectives The objectives of the present study are to make an assessment about the use of e-resources by the library members/users of the FIIB. Thus the study is concerned with the following objectives. To know how many library members access the e-resources To find out the frequency of usage of the electronic journals To find out the quantum of electronic journals access in a month To identify the initiator who introduces accessing e-journals to the respondents To find out which online database is much demanded by users To find out which materials of e-resources is used more frequently To find out the main advantages of using e- resources To identify the problems faced by the respondents while accessing the e-resources Scope and Limitation The study confines itself to the use and usage of e- resources by the library members (Students, Faculty and Non Teaching Staff) of FIIB only. Further among different types of e-resources, the study includes only online electronic journals/databases on the management subjects, which are subscribed by the library. Methodology For the proposed study, questionnaire method was adopted. Accordingly a structured questionnaire was prepared keeping in mind the objectives of the study. Then the questionnaire was distributed to the users of library who use the e-resources. The collected data were tabulated and then analyzed with the applications of statistical tools. Analyses and Interpretation of Data The questionnaire was distributed to 100 numbers of library users, out of which only 82 responded with the filled in questionnaire (82%) with this rate of response it was decided to carry out the analysis work. Table 1 reveals that out of 100 members 82 (82%) responded positively where as 18 (18%) library users did not respond to the questionnaire. Table 2 shows that all respondents were aware about the e-resources subscribed by the FIIB library, which is a healthy sign. Table 3 indicates that the larger number of 52(63.5%) respondents came to know about the e-resources mainly from Library Notice/E-Mail followed by 22(26.9%) from colleagues, 04(04.8) from office circular and only 2(04.8%) each from Institute website Table 1: Response to Questionnaire Sl. No. Response Category Number of Respondents Percent Response 1. Responded 82 82 2. Not Responded 18 18
RESOURCE USAGE STUDIES ARUN KUMAR 575 Table 2: User Awareness About E-Resources Subscribed by Library Sl. No. Response Category Number of Respondents Percent Response 1. Yes 82 100.0 2. No 00 000.0 Table 3: Source of Information About the E-Resources Sl. No. Source Number of Respondents Percent Response 1. Office Circular 04 04.8 2. Library Notice/E-mail 52 63.5 3. Colleague 22 26.9 4. Institute Website 02 02.4 5. Institute Newsletter 02 02.4 and Institute Newsletters. It shows that Library Notice/ E-Mail is the chief source of information for users. Table 4 shows that the larger number of 32(39%) access online resources daily basis followed by 22(26.9 %) twice in a week), 18(22.0%) once in a week, 06(07.3%) once in month and 04 (04.8%) when feel like. Table 5 shows that the larger number of 26 (31.7%) respondents spent 10 to 12 hours per week in accessing online e-resources followed by respondents18 (22.0%), 16 (19.5%), 14(17.1%), 6(7.3%), 2(2.4%) spent 7 to 9, 13 to 15, 4 to 6, less than 3 and more than 15 hours respectively. Table 6 shows that the larger number of 40(48.8%) respondents access 7 to 9 e. journals during a search followed by 18(22.0%) respondents access 4 to 6 journals; 14(17.1%) respondents access 1 to 3 journals and 10(12.1%) respondents access 10 and above journals. Table 4: Frequency of Access to Online Resources Sl. No. Frequency Number of Respondents Percentage 1. Daily 32 39.0 2. Once in a Week 18 22.0 3. Twice in a Week 22 26.9 4. Once in Month 06 07.3 5. When Feel Like 04 04.8 Table 5: Time Spent on Accessing Online Resources Sl. No. Duration Number of Respondents Percentage 1. Less than 3 Hours Per Week 06 07.3 2. 04 to 06 Hours Per Week 14 17.1 3. 07 to 09 Hours Per Week 18 22.0 4. 10 to 12 Hours Per Week 26 31.7 5. 13 to 15 Hours Per Week 16 19.5 6. More than 15 Hours Per Week 02 02.4 Table 6: Number of E-Journals Surfed/Accessed per User Search Sl. No. Number of E-Journals Number of Respondents Percentage 1. 01-03 14 17.1 2. 04-06 18 22.0 3. 07-09 40 48.8 4. 10 and Above 10 12.1
576 ICAL 2009 LIBRARY SERVICES Table 7: Numbers of Users Searching Databases/Journals Sl. No. Online Databases Number of Respondents Percentage 1. CMIE-Prowess 16 19.5 2. CMIE-India Trades 16 19.5 3. DELNET 12 14.6 4. Ebsco-Online Journals 26 31.7 5. FIIB Virtual Link 12 14.6 Table 7 shows that the larger number of 26(31.7%) respondents access frequently Ebsco-Online Journals database followed by each 16 (19.5%) CMIE-Prowess and India Trade and each 12 (14.6%) DELNET and FIIB Virtual Link Ebsco-Online Journals Database is very much popular among the library members. Table 8 shows that larger number of 82(100%) respondents search journal article (Full Text) followed by 48(58.5%) conference proceedings, 20(24.39%) subject information company reports, each 16(19.5) News clipping and journal article abstract and 14 (17.1) case studies. Table 8: Types of Material Searched Table 9 indicates that the larger number of 78 (95.2%) respondents have opined that the e-resources are most required for study, teaching and research whereas only 04(4.8%) respondents have opined that it is required for the same purpose. None of the respondents has held that e. resources are least required and not required. Table 10 indicates that the respondents have multiple opinions regarding the users friendliness factors in accessing e-resources. Maximum number of 78(95.12%) respondents have opinion that the main friendly factor is simultaneous usage followed by 74 (90.24 %) downloading facility, 68(82.92%)easy Sl. No. Type of Materials Number of Respondents Percentage 1. Journal Article (Full Text) 82 100.0 2. Journal Article (Abstract) 16 19.5 3. Conference Proceedings 48 58.5 4. Case Studies 14 17.1 5. Subject Information-Company Reports 20 24.39 6. News Clippings 16 19.5 Table 9: Requirement for E-Resources for Study, Teaching and Research Sl. No. Requirement Number of Respondents Percentage 1. Most Required 78 95.2 2. Required 04 04.8 3. Least Required 00 00.0 4. Not Required 00 00.0 Table 10: Users Friendliness of Accessing E-Resources Sl. No. Friendly Factors Number of Respondents Percentage 1. Less Time in Searching 62 75.60 2. Availability of the Journal Much 50 60.97 Before the Print Copy 3. Simultaneous Usage 78 95.12 4. Easy Accessibility 68 82.92 5. Downloading Facility 74 90.24 6. Author Contacted Directly Through 54 65.85 E-Mail 7. Archival Facility 58 70.73
RESOURCE USAGE STUDIES ARUN KUMAR 577 Table 11: Problems in Accessing E-Journals Resources Sl. No. Problems Number of Respondents Percentage 1. Searching Different Specific e Journal 10 12.19 2. Host website is Slow 42 51.21 3. Searching Instruction is Complicated 08 09.75 4. Facility for Copying is not Sufficient 25 30.48 accessibility, 62 (75.60%) less time in searching archival facility 58(70.73%) and54 (65.85%) facility to contact with the authors. Table 11 shows that the larger number of 42(51.25%) respondents faced problems to accessing the e- journals because the host website is slow followed by 25 (30.48%) facility for copying is not sufficient, 10(12.19%), searching of specific e-journals and 8 (9.75%) searching instruction is complicated Findings The findings of the study are summarized as follows. Almost all members of FIIB library are aware of the e-resources. The members were informed about the e- resources of the FIIB Library from the Library Notice and e-mail; hence the Library seems to be the main initiator for the use of these e- resources. Most of the library members access the e-journals daily, which is a good sign for any academic institutions. Most of the library members access e-journals 10 to 12 hours per week, which is also good sign for any library. During a single session most of the respondents search 7 to 9 journals, which shows their interest in e-resources Ebsco Online Journals are mostly in use by the library members Among different types of materials available online, the respondents mostly use the full text journals. Most of the respondents think the importance of the e-resources is very much required for study, teaching and research The main advantages as opined by the library members are simultaneous usage facilities of e- resources The main problems in accessing the e-resources as pointed by the respondents is the speed of host website which is very slow in some time. Suggestions The importance of e-resources in any library is immense. Now a day, no library can ignore its advantages over print collections. FIIB library is not an exception to this. However to provide much better service particularly in the usage of e-resources by the members, some suggestion have been made as follows. Development of infrastructure facility for accessing e-resources by the users Better facility for copying the downloaded materials Adequate training programme for users for proper use of e-resources Negotiation with the publishers/consortia regarding the speed of the host website More personalized service required to users by the library staff in accessing the e-resources Conclusion With the information superhighway on its way, we are currently witnessing a paradigm shift from modernity to cybernetic. In this new age, old established theories, frameworks and concepts are under challenge and a fresh breeze of discourse is blowing. There are epoch-making times for the management education and research, which is entering a new erathe Mind Extension era. FIIB library is one of the models among the top B-Schools in India, which is trying its best in these regards. Suggested Readings 1. Anandan (C) and Gangatharan (M) Eds. Digital Libraries: From technology to culture. Delhi: Kanishka. 2006. 2. Armstrong (Annie) and Georgas (Helan). Using interactive technology to teach information literacy concepts to undergraduate students. Reference Services Review; 34(4); 2006; 491-497. 3. Bancroft (Donna) and Lowe (Susan). Helping users help themselves: evaluating the off campus library services website. Journal of Library Administration; 45(1/2); 2006; 17-35. 4. Competition Success Review. GHRDC B-Schools Survey 2007-08. Vol. XLIV; Nov 2007; 5; 86. 5. Fortune Times. Fortune Institute wins prestigious Dewang Mehta Business School Awards.6; 4; 2009; 2. 6. Jenopir (Carol). Building bridges to information products and services. Information Services and Use. 26(3); 2006; 213-221.
578 ICAL 2009 LIBRARY SERVICES 7. Kanamadi (Satish) and Vichare (Vishakha). Information literacy programmes for social sciences: a tool for harnessing e-resources. SRELS Journals of Information Management; 43(3); 2006; 283-293. 8. Majumdar (S) and Singh (Rajesh). Information literacy competency program for social sciences: A DULS Initiative. In Shaping the Future of Special Libraries Beyond Boundaries.Edited by S M Dhawan et al. Delhi: Ane, 2009. p.133-151. 9. Mckinstry (Jill). Collaborating to create the right space for the right time. Resource Sharing and Information Networks; 19(1), 2006; 137-146. 10. Silburn (Ruth). The reference library is alive. Refer; 22(3), 2006; 8-10.