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SCIENTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

Dr. P. RAJENDRAN University Librarian,

SRM University, SRM Nagar,

Kattangulathur – 603 203. TN [email protected]

Dr. R.JEYSHANKAR

Assistant Professor Department of Library and Information Science

Alagappa University Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu

[email protected]

B. ELANGO Librarian,

IFET College of Engineering, IFET Nagar, Gangarampalayam

Villupuram – 605 108. TN. [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Scientometric analysis of 633 research articles published in Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research has been carried out. Five Volumes of the journal containing 60 issues from 2005 – 2009 have been taken into consideration for the present study. The number of contributions, authorship pattern & author productivity, average citations, average length of articles, average keywords and collaborative papers has been analyzed. Out of 633 contributions, only 51 are single authored and rest by multi authored with degree of collaboration 0.92 and week collaboration among the authors. Pattern of Co-Authorship revealed that the improving trend of co-authored papers. The study revealed that the author productivity is 0.34 and dominated by the Indian authors. KEYWORDS: Scientometrics, Bibliometrics, Journal of scientific and Industrial Research, Publication, Author Productivity, Collaboration pattern INTRODUCTION Scientometrics is a discipline which analyses scientific publications to explore the structure and growth of science. The bibliometric / scientometric / informetric techniques used to analyze various quantitative or qualitative aspects of a publication. It is a scientific field that studies the evolution of science through some quantitative measures of scientific information, as the number of scientific articles published in a given period of time, their citation impact, etc. The history of science and technology, philosophy of science and sociology of scientific knowledge are the related fields of Scientometrics.




The term scientometrics is often used with the meaning as the bibliometrics, originated in Russia. The application of quantitative methods to the history of science, Scientometrics is the science of measuring the science, which involves counting artifacts to the production & use of information and arriving conclusions from the counts. Bibliometrics / Scientometrics research includes studies related to the scattering & growth of literature, author productivity, obsolescence of documents, distribution of scientific literature by country, by language, etc, which helps to monitor the growth & pattern of research.

Pritchard (1969) [1] described the Bibliometrics as the application of mathematics and statistical methods to books and other media. Scientometric research is devoted to quantitative studies of science and technology – according to A.F.J.Van Raan [2].

Scientometrics applies the bibliometric techniques to science and examines the development of the sciences [3].

Main areas of Scientometrics are individual scientific documents, authors, scientific institutions, academic journals and regional aspects of science [4].

In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyze the contributions to Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research published during the year 2005 – 2009, in order to explore the author pattern, collaborative research, keywords and length of the papers among the contributions. This study covers the 633 articles of 60 issues published. SOURCE

Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research was selected as the source journal for the present research study. The Journal was started in 1942 and published monthly, by National Institute of Science communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), a premier institution of CSIR, New Delhi. It serves as an information link between generators and users of technologies and addresses to entrepreneurs, technologists, engineers, technocrats and scientists on one hand and planners, administrators and managers on the other [5]. Original research articles of interest to industry, reviews on frontiers of science and technology, articles on management and policies relating to science, technology and industrial applications are the major coverage of publications. The journal publishes articles in the following broad subject headings. Scientific Research (Application-based) Industrial Research (R & D) Industrial Research (Utilization) Industrial Development S & T Management and Industrial Management LITERATURE REVIEW Scientometric / Bibliometric / Citation studies have done earlier by different authors on the different individual journal publications and literature on specific subject areas. The following studies related to the objectives of this study have been reviewed.




Srimurugan A & Nattar S [6] analyzed the D-LIB magazine published during 2000 – 2007 which revealed that highest number of paper was published in 2005 and the lowest in 2007. Vijay K R & Raghavan I [7] analyzed the Journal of Food Science & Technology published during 2000 – 2004 and found that above 93% of contributions were by multiple authors.

A Scientimetric Analysis on Indian Journal of Physics was made by Nattar S [8] during 2004 – 2008 which revealed that the year 2004 records the highest % of contributions regarding single, two and three authored. Kannappanavar B U, Swamy C & Vijay Kumar M [9] analyzed the publishing trends of Indian Chemical Scientists during 1996 – 2000, which revealed average number of authors per paper has increased from 7.52 to 8.39. An attempt was made by Tilak Hazarika, Kusuma Goswami & Pritimoni Das [10] to analyze the contributions of Indian Forestor which found Degree of Collaboration was 0.64 among the authors. Guan & Ma [11] examined the China’s Semiconductor Literature and found mega authored papers records the higher value for Co-Authorship Index. Senthamilselvi & Srinivasa Raghavan [12] analyzed the issues of IEEE Trans on Power Electronics published during 2006 – 2008 which revealed that maximum number of papers was published between 6 – 10 pages category. A bibliometric study has been carried out by Kalyane V L and Sen B K [13] on the Journal of Oilseeds Research published during 1984 – 1992 which revealed that the keyword “Groundnut” tops the list with 53 records. Sanni S A and Zainab A N [14] examined the contributions published in Medical Journal of Malaysia during 2004 – 2008 and found 4.82% (28) of contributions were published by Malaysian authors with foreign collaboration. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The objectives of this study are to map the year wise distribution of papers to examine the authorship pattern & author productivity to determine the degree of collaboration to assess the pattern of Co-Authorship to identify collaborative pattern to find the average length of papers to find the average keywords SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY The present study tries to find out the literature growth, authorship and collaboration pattern, average length of articles and average keywords in the source journal. Five volumes (Vol. No.110 to No.119) of Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, published between 2005 and 2009 containing 60 issues have been taken into consideration to the present study. A datasheet was prepared in MS-Excel to record the data and then the data was entered




manually into it from the journal itself. The details regarding number of papers, nature of author, keywords and length of papers are collected to fulfill the objectives of the present study. The collected data was analyzed with the following bibliometric indicators. Extent of Authorship Pattern (Single vs. Multiple) Degree of Collaboration Co-Authorship Index LIMITATIONS Since the journal publishes Reviews, Research Papers, Research Reports and Book

Reviews, this study is based only on the Research Papers. This study is limited to research papers published between 2005 and 2009 only. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Year wise distribution of papers

Table 1 shows the distribution of research articles published in Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research during 2005 – 2009. The total of 633 research articles was published with an average of 126.6 articles per year. Out of 633 articles, the highest number of research articles were published in the year 2007 with 138 research articles (11.50 articles per issue) followed by the 2009 ; 132 articles, 2008 ; 131 articles, 2006 ; 117 articles and the lowest number of articles were published in the year 2005 with 115 articles (9.58 articles per issue). The average number of papers per year is 126 during the study period and the similar type of result has been drawn by Umamaheswari S [15] in the Indian Journal of Agronomy.

Table 1 – Year wise distribution of Papers

Year Vol. No.

No. of Issues

Total Papers

Research Papers

% of Research Papers

2005 64 12 127 115 90.55

2006 65 12 121 117 96.69

2007 66 12 149 138 92.62

2008 67 12 137 131 95.62

2009 68 12 144 132 91.67

Total 60 678 633 93.36 Authorship Pattern

It is observed from the Table 2, about 90% of papers were contributed by multi authors. Similarly, Nattar S (2011) [16] found 96% of papers were contributed by multi authors in the Indian Journal of Chemistry. Out of 633 papers, the highest number of papers was published by double authors and it accounts for 203 with 32.07% followed by three authored articles account for 198 with 31.28%. 17.38% of articles were published by four




authors. 8.06 % of articles were published by single authors. 7.90% of articles were published by five authors. Only 3.32% of articles were published by more than five authors. But the trend of the author pattern in the journal shows that the team size was two to four.

Table 2 – Authorship Pattern

# Authors No. of Papers %

Single 51 8.06

Two 203 32.07

Three 198 31.28

Four 110 17.38

Five 50 7.90

>Five 21 3.32

Total 633 100 Authorship Pattern year wise

The data pertaining to authorship pattern year wise have been given in the Table No.3. Regarding single authored contributions, the years 2005, 2006 & 2007 have the highest contributions with 11 and the lowest in 2009. Regarding double authored contributions, the year 2009 has the highest contributions with 55. The year 2007 has the highest contributions regarding three, four & five authored contributions with 47, 28 & 14 respectively. The year 2008 has the highest contributions of multi authored (more than five authors) with 7.

Table 3 – Authorship Pattern year wise

Year # Authors

1 2 3 4 5 >5

2005 11 40 31 19 9 5

2006 11 29 45 22 5 5

2007 11 36 47 28 14 2

2008 10 43 39 23 9 7

2009 8 55 36 18 13 2

Total 51 203 198 110 50 21 Author Productivity

The data pertaining to author productivity has presented in the Table 4. The table shows that the total average number of authors per paper is 2.95 for the 633 articles. The




years 2005 & 2006 has the relatively equal average number of authors per article when compared the total average number of authors per article. The average productivity per author is 0.34 during the year 2005 - 2009. The years 2005 & 2006 has the relatively equal productivity per author when compared to the average productivity. Productivity has been calculated with the following formula [18].

Average Authors per Paper = No. of Authors / No. of Papers Productivity per Author = No. of Papers / No. of Authors

Table 4 – Author Productivity

Year Total Number of Papers

Total Number of Authors

AAPP Productivity per Author

2005 115 338 2.94 0.34

2006 117 340 2.91 0.34

2007 138 418 3.03 0.33

2008 131 395 3.02 0.33

2009 132 375 2.84 0.35

Total 633 1866 2.95 0.34 Degree of Collaboration

In order to determine the strenth of Collaboration (DC), the following formula suggested by Subramanyam K [19] has been employed.

Where, DC = Degree of Collaboration Nm = Number of Multiple Authored Papers Ns = Number of Single Authored Papers

The Degree of Collaboration of authors by year wise is presented in the Table 5. The degree of collaboration ranges from 0.90 to 0.94. The average degree of collaboration is 0.92 during the period 2005 – 2009 and it brings out clearly that there exists a higher level of collaboration in the journal. The similar type of result has been drawn by Rajinikanth, et al [20] in the Journal of Surveying Engineering.

Table 5 : Degree of Collaboration

Year Single Multiple DC

2005 11 104 0.94

2006 11 106 0.90

2007 11 127 0.92




2008 10 121 0.92

2009 8 124 0.94

Total 51 582 0.92 Pattern of Co-Authorship

In order to assess the Pattern of Co-Authorship (CAI), the following formula suggested by Garg and Padhi [21] has been employed.

Where, Nij = Number of papers having authors in block i Nio = Total output of block i Noj = Number of papers having j authors for all blocks Noo = Total number of papers for all authors and all blocks CAI = 100 implies that a country's co-authorship effort for a particular type of authorship corresponds to the world average, CAI > 100 reflects higher than average co-authorship effort, and CAI < 100 lower than average co-authorship effort by that country for a given type of authorship pattern. For calculating the co-authorship index for authors, countries have been replaced by block. For this study, the authors have been classified into four blocks, vz Single, Two, Three and more than three authors and the results of Co-authorship index as per the formula have been presented in the Table No.6.

Table 6 : Pattern of Co-Authorship

Year Single Author Two Authors Three Authors >Three Authors

Total No CAI No CAI No CAI No CAI

2005 11 118 40 108 31 86 33 100 115

2006 11 116 29 77 45 122 32 95 117

2007 11 98 36 81 47 108 44 111 138

2008 10 94 43 102 39 95 39 104 131

2009 8 75 55 129 36 87 33 87 132

Total 51 203 198 181 633

It is observed from the Table 6, the CAI for single authors is declined from 118 in the year 2005 to 75 in the year 2009. On the other hand, the CAI for double authors is enhanced from 108 in the year 2005 to 129 in the year 2009, which indicates the pattern of cu-authorship is increasing among the contributions of the journal. On the other hand, there is a




fluctuation trend of CAI for multi authored contributions. The similar type of result has been drawn by Jeyshankar R, et al [22] in the Current Science. Distribution of Pages

Table 7 shows that 633 papers published with a total page of 3968 (average 6.27 pages per article) during the year 2005 – 2009. It is observed that the average length of the articles varied from a minimum of 5.96 pages to a maximum of 6.92 pages. The similar type of result has been drawn by Kamal Lochan Jena [23] in the Indian Journal of Fibre and Textile Research. The year 2008 has highest average page per paper with 6.92 pages while the year 2009 has the lowest average page per paper with 5.96.

Table 7 – Distribution of Pages

Year No. of Articles Total Pages Average pages per Article

2005 115 747 6.50

2006 117 699 5.97

2007 138 828 6.00

2008 131 907 6.92

2009 132 787 5.96

Total 633 3968 6.27 Average Keywords per Article

Table 8 – Average Keywords per Article

Year No. of Articles Total Keywords

Average keywords per paper

2005 115 558 4.85

2006 117 526 4.50

2007 138 597 4.33

2008 131 614 4.69

2009 132 582 4.41

Total 633 2877 4.55

Table 8 reveals that 2877 keywords have been appended to 633 papers. It is observed that the average keyword of the paper varied from a minimum of 4.33 to a maximum of 4.85 during the year 2005 – 2009. The year 2005 has the highest average keyword per paper with




4.85 keywords per paper while the year 2007 has the lowest average keywords per paper with 4.33. The overall average keywords per article are 4.55. Distribution of Indian and Foreign Contributions

Table 9 shows that out of 633 articles, 462 (72.98%) articles published by Indian Authors followed by International Authors with 159 Articles (25.12%). Only 12 (1.89%) articles published by Indian Authors collaborated with international Authors and similar type of study has been conducted by Zainab A N, et al (2009) [24]. It seems that there was poor collaboration of Indian Authors with Foreign Authors. It is observed from the data that out of 60 issues, 6 issues having the contributions only by Indian Authors.

Table 9 - Distribution of Indian and Foreign Contributions

Form Contributions %

Indian Authors 462 72.99 Indian Authors with Foreign Collaboration

12 1.89

Foreign Authors 159 25.12

Total 633 FINDINGS The analysis revealed the following conclusions. The maximum number of papers published in 2009 and minimum in 2005. The highest number of research papers contributed by multiple authors during the

study period. The degree of collaboration was 0.92. It is found that the average value for CAI was around 100 during the study period and

it reflects the world average. The author productivity is 0.34 and the average number of authors per paper is 2.95. The average pages per paper are 6.27. The average keywords per paper are 4.55. The majority of the contributions are by Indian Authors (72.99%). Papers by Indian Authors with Foreign Collaboration are minimal (1.89% of articles). CONCLUSION

The analysis explores that the majority of papers by multi authors and Indian authors. There was poor international collaboration by Indian authors. The average page is 6.27 and it is the ideal for research papers. The Degree of collaboration (using Subramanyam‘s formula) indicates that there exists a high degree of collaboration. The average Co-Authorship Index for all the authors reflects the world average in the journal and improving trend of co-authored papers. The study revealed that the journal seems to be popular among the international research community with around 25% of papers.




REFERENCES

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[3] Virgil Diodato, Dictionary of Bibliometrics. New York: Haworth Press, 1994. [4] Stock, W.G and Sonja, W. 2006. “Facets of Informetrics.” Information, 57 (8): 385-

389. [5] http://www.niscair.res.in [6] Srimurugan, A and Nattar, S, 2009. “D-LIB Magazine: A Bibliometric Study.” Indian

Journal of Information Science and Services, 3 (1): 1-4. [7] Vijay, K R and Raghavan, I. 2007. Journal of Food Science and Technology: A

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International Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(4): 055-061. [9] Kannappanavar, B U, Swamy, C and Vijay Kumar, M. 2004. “Publishing Trend of

Indian Chemical Scientists: A Bibliometric Study.” Annals of Library and Information Studies, 51 (1): 39-41.

[10] Tilak, H.K , Kusuma, G and Pritimoni, D. 2003. “Bibliometric Analysis of Indian Forestor : 1991 – 2000.” IASLIC Bulletin, 48 (4):213-223.

[11] Guan, J and Ma, N 2007 “A Bibliometric study of China’s Semiconductor Literature compared with other major asian countries.” Scientometric, 70 (1): 107-124.

[12] Senthamilselvi, A and Srinivasa Raghavan, S. 2010. “Scientometric Analysis of IEEE Transaction on Power Electronics.” Paper presented at the Sixth International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics & Eleventh COLLNET Meeting, Mysore on 19-22 October, 2010.

[13] Kalyane V L and Sen B K . 1995. “A Bibliometric Study of Journal of Oilseeds Research.” Annals of Library Science and Documentation, 42 (4):121-141.

[14] Sanni, S A and Zainab, A N. 2010. “Google Scholar as a source for citation and impact analysis for non-ISI indexed medical journal.” Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, 15 (3), 2010; pp.35-51.

[15] Umamaheswari S, 2008. “Scientometric Appraisal of Indian Journal of Agronomy.” Indian Journal of Information Science and Services, 2 (1): 12-16.

[16] Nattar S, 2011. “Indian Journal of Chemistry: A Scientometric Analysis.” International Journal of Library and Information Studies, 1 (1):7-15.

[17] Meyyappan N, Srinivasan R and Shanmugasigamani K, 1999. “Bibliometric Study on Electrochemical Research based on papers published in core journals.” Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, 2 (1): 1-11.

[18] Fuyuki Y et al, 2009An analysis of the connection between researchers productivity and their co-authors’ past attributions, including the importance in collaboration networks. Scientometric, 79 (2):435-449.




[19] Subramanyam, K. 1993. “Bibliometric Study of Research Collaboration : A Review.” Journal of Information Science, 6 (1): 33-38.

[20] Rajinikanth A, et al, 2009. “A Bibliometric Analysis of Surveying Engineering Literature.” Indian Journal of Information Science and Services, 3 (1) :31-35.

[21] Garg, K C and Padhi, P. 1999. “Scientometrics of Laser Research Literature as viewed through the Journal of Current Laser Abstracts.” Scientometrics, 45 (2) :251 – 268.

[22] Jeyshankar R, Ramesh Babu B and Gopalakrishnan S. 2009. “Research Output in “Current Science” : A Bibliometric Study.” Indian Journal of Library and Information Science, 3 (3):173 – 182.

[23] Kamal, K.L. 2006. “A bibliometric analysis of the journal ‘Indian Journal of fibre and Textile Research 1996 – 2004.” Annals of Library and Information Studies, 53 (1): 22 – 30.

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WEBSITES OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS IN INDIA: A

WEBOMETRIC STUDY

JOICY A.J DR. REKHA RANI VARGHESE MLIS Student Assistant professor

Dept. of Lib and Info. Sc. Dept. of Lib and Info. Sc. Pondicherry University Pondicherry University

Puducherry- 605014 Puducherry- 605014 [email protected] [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The websites of Research and Development institutions have now emerged as the prime source of information regarding the institutions. Since website portal is an inseparable component of a Research and Development institutions, the websites of R & D institutions provide due importance to the library content / information on their homepage. Also the institution websites provide access to a lot of electronic content. Since this is the situation worldwide, the present study is an attempt to evaluate how the R & D Institutions in India present their content in the websites. Out of the 246 Research and Development institutions identified from the website http://www.indiaedu.com/research-institutes/research-institutes-india.html, 77 (31.30 per cent) properly functioning websites were analyzed. The study revealed that majority of the Research and Development institutions in India provide informative links to contacts, copyright, news and events, RTI and history. A few websites provide opportunity for user interaction in the form of feedback. It is also found that majority of the research and development institutions websites are good to navigate and find information.

Key Words: Research and Development Institution, Webometrics

1. Introduction

The tradition of Science and Technology (S & T) in India is over 5,000 years old. By

maximizing the power of technology, India can strengthen the quality and affordability of our

health care, advance climate- friendly energy development and deployment, and improve

education throughout the country. Thus it should be into the mainstream of economic

planning in the sectors of agriculture, industry and services. Intellectual capital is known to

be the prime mover of economic activity. The dominance by the West and the rise of Asian

countries like Japan and Korea can directly be related to the excellence in innovation,

technological up gradation and research and development. India’s emergence as a global

R&D hub is a process that began more than a decade ago. Realizing the promise and




potential that India has to offer in the field of R&D, FICCI instituted a special wing

dedicated to this sector.

The World Wide Web has revolutionized the communication scenario around the

globe. The websites of Research and Development institutions have now emerged as the

prime source of information regarding the institutions. Since website portal is an inseparable

component of a Research and Development institution, the websites of R & D institutions

provide due importance to the library content / information in their homepage. Also the

institution websites/ web pages provide access to a lot of electronic content. Since this is the

situation worldwide, the present study is an attempt to evaluate how the R & D Institutions in

India present their content in their websites. The academic institutions in India, in particular

the Research and Development institutions of today, are reaching to a new conquest by

improving their service base especially with application of Information Technology for

access and delivery of e-content to their clients. In this process they are also adapting to the

change, altering their image, by executing new functions and providing varieties of services

in an evolving continuum. The vast majority of institutions services are now Web-enabled

and so attention is being focused on designing user-friendly and easily managed and

maintained institutions websites. The present study attempts to evaluate the websites of the

R&D institutions in India.

2. Related Studies

Research is very important for generating new knowledge in any field and India,

being one of the fastest growing economies of the world, has put lots of importance on

research and development. Several studies have been conducted on website evaluation in

India and abroad. Konnur & Rajani (2010) examined that webometric studies are researching

to a new conquest by improving their service base especially with application of Information

technology for access and delivery of e-content to their clients. Archana (2010) made an

attempt to understand and analyze the presence and presentation of libraries of Engineering

Colleges (EC) in Kerala in their respective websites, and found that websites of academic

institutions are the prime sources of information about the institution. Libraries, being the

main provider of information for the academics, need to be represented in the respective

homepages with due importance but it is observed that even the highest scoring libraries

satisfy only half of the criteria listed for analysis. It is high time for the library professionals

associated with these institutions to be serious about the role of library websites in providing

marketing and quality services. A recent study by (2009) Tucciarone found that students rely




on information from college websites for evaluating the institution. A University’s website

now is an important tool in the information gathering stage in the consumer decision making

process. Potential student’s first impressions are influenced electronically via the website.

3. Objectives

The major objectives of the study are:

1. To find out the services and facilities provided on the Research and Development

institutions websites in India.

2. To examine the design and usability of the websites of R & D institutions in India.

3. To investigate the user services and currency of information provided by the Research

and Development institutions websites in India.

4. To examine the application of Web 2.0 technologies on the websites of R & D

institutions in India.

4. Methodology

The population of the study was the websites of the Research and Development

institutions in India. The list of the R & D institutions was identified from the website

http://www.indiaedu.com/research-institutes/research-institutes-india.html. Out of the 246

Research and Development institutions, 77 (31.30 per cent) properly functioning websites

were analyzed. The data collection was carried out during the period 11th March 2011 to 10th

April 2011.

5. Analysis and Interpretation

5.1 General Information

Table 1 shows the general information given in the websites of Research and

Development institutions in India. General information includes history, location, sitemap,

news & events and RTI. Analysis shows that nearly 80.52 percent of the Research and

Development institutions websites in India provide history on their websites. Majority (80.52

percent) of the institutions offers their news and events and about 72.72 percent of them have

given information about RTI on their website. Nearly 67.53 percent of the websites provide

details about their location and 51.95 percent of them make available their sitemap on the

website.




Table 1

General Information

General Information Yes No Total History 62

(80.52%) 15

(19.48%) 77

(100%) Location 52

(67.53%) 25

(32.47%) 77

(100%) News and Events 62

(80.52%) 15

(19.48%) 77

(100%) RTI 56

(72.72%) 21

(27.27%) 77

(100%) Sitemap 40

(51.95%) 37

(48.05%) 77

(100%)

5.2 Domain wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Domain wise analysis of R&D institutions websites in India were carried out and the

results are given in Table 2. Analysis shows that a good number (40.26 per cent) of websites

have .org domain followed by .res (28.57 per cent). Only a very few institutions (5.19 per

cent) are having .gov domain. Nearly 25.78 percent of the Research and Development

institutions are using different domains (.nic, .ac, .co, .in, .edu and ernet).

Table 2 General Information

Domain Number Percentage

.org 31 40.26

.res 22 28.57

.gov 4 5.19 Others 20 25.78 Total 77 100

5.3. Content wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Table 3 shows the content wise analysis of the websites of Research and

Development institutions in India. Analysis reveals that a good number (49.35 per cent) of

the institutions websites provide very good information about their activities, while 20.78 per

cent of them contain poor information about administrative activities. About 64.94 per cent

of the websites contain very good information about library. Nearly 64.94 per cent of the




Research and Development institutions websites contain very good search tool. Majority

(61.04 per cent) of them has included staff details in a very good manner. Majority of the

Research and Development institutions not provide much information on mission statement

(51.95 per cent) and multimedia (54.55 per cent) contents. A good number (46.75 per cent)

of the Research and Development institutions offer detailed information about their research

projects.

Table 3

Content wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Contents Very Good Good Average Poor Total

Administrative Activities

38 (49.35%)

20 (25.97%)

3 (3.90%)

16 (20.78%)

77 (100%)

Information about Library

50 (64.94%)

4 (5.19%)

2 (2.60%)

21 (27.27%)

77 (100%)

Mission Statement 28 (36.36%)

8 (10.39%)

1 (1.30%)

40 (51.95%)

77 (100%)

Multimedia 22 (28.57%)

11 (14.29%)

2 (2.60%)

42 (54.55%)

77 (100%)

Research Projects 36 (46.75%)

22 (28.57%)

4 (5.19%)

15 (19.48%)

77 (100%)

Search Tool 50 (64.94%)

4 (5.19%)

1 (1.30%)

22 (28.57%)

77 (100%)

Staff Details 47 (61.04%)

8 (10.39%)

3 (3.90%)

19 (24.68%)

77 (100%)

6.4 Format wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

From Table 4 it is clear that nearly half (48.05 per cent) of the Research and

Development institutions websites contains very good colours. Majority (51.95 per cent) of

them included figures and tables on their websites. About half (49.35 per cent) of the

Research and Development institutions websites have very good font size and readability.

Nearly 48.05 per cent of them contain very good text format (simple, concise, clear) and text

sequence on their websites.




Table 4

Format wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Format Very Good Good Average Poor Total

Colour 37 (48.05%)

30 (38.96%)

6 (7.79%)

4 (5.19%)

77 (100%)

Figures and Tables

40 (51.95%)

26 (33.77%)

6 (7.79%)

5 (6.49%)

77 (100%)

Font Size 38 (49.35%)

30 (38.96%)

4 (5.19%)

5 (6.49%)

77 (100%)

Readability 38 (49.35%)

27 (35.06%)

6 (7.79%)

6 (7.79%)

77 (100%)

Sequence 37 (48.05%)

29 (37.66%)

6 (7.79%)

5 (6.49%)

77 (100%)

Text(simple, concise, clear)

37 (48.05%)

29 (37.66%)

6 (7.79%)

5 (6.49%)

77 (100%)

6.5 Responsibility wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Table 5 shows the responsibility wise analysis of the websites of Research and

Development institutions in India. Analysis reveals that majority (62.34 per cent) of the

Research and Development institutions contain statement of responsibility. Most of the

websites have phone number (97.40 percent), Fax (97.40 percent), Postal Address (98.70

percent) and E-mail address (89.61 percent). Nearly 72.72 per cent of the Research and

Development institutions contain copyright information

Table 5

Responsibility wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Responsibility Yes No Total

Statement of responsibility 48 (62.34%)

29 (37.66%)

77 (100%)

Contact Address

Phone 75 (97.40%)

2 (2.60%)

77 (100%)

Fax 75 (97.40%)

2 (2.60%)

77 (100%)

Postal Address 76 (98.70%)

1 (1.30%)

77 (100%)

E-mail 69 (89.61%)

8 (10.39%)

77 (100%)

Copyright 56 (72.72%)

21 (27.27%)

77 (100%)




6.6 Currency of Information

Currency of the information provided on the websites of Research and Development

institutions in India are analyzed and given in Table 6. Analysis reveals that majority (77.92

percent) of the Research and Development institutions provide their current news on their

websites. Nearly 49.35 per cent of the websites have last date of updation on their websites.

Table 6

Currency of Information wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Currency of Information Yes No Total

Current News 60 (77.92%)

17 (22.08%)

77 (100%)

Date of Updation 38

(49.35%) 39

(50.64%) 77

(100%)

6.7 User Services wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Different user services provided by Research and Development institutions websites

in India were analyzed and given in Table 7. Analysis shows that majority (76.62 per cent) of

the Research and Development institutions have no provision for FAQ (Frequently Asked

Questions) on their websites. Nearly 55.84 per cent of them have no help screens, but a good

number (44.16 per cent) of them have help screens to assist users. Majority (50.65 per cent)

of the institutions has the provision to ask questions on their websites.

Table 7

User Services wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

User Services Yes No Total

FAQ 18 (19.48%)

59 (76.62%)

77 (100%)

Help Screens 34 (44.16%)

43 (55.84%)

77 (100%)

Possible to Ask

Questions

39 (50.65%)

38 (49.35%)

77 (100%)




6.8 Links wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Table 8 shows that large majority (90.90 per cent) of the Research and Development

institutions websites have at least one link on every page. Nearly 91 per cent of the

institutions web pages have links to home page. Large majority (94.80 percent) of them have

links to other websites also.

Table 8

Links wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Links Yes No Total At Least One Link on Every Page

70 (90.90%)

7 (9.09%)

77 (100%)

Links to Home Page

70 (90.90%)

7 (9.09%)

77 (100%)

Other Links 73 (94.80%)

4 (5.19%)

77 (100%)

6.9 Usability wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Usability of the websites is depends on some factors such as easy to navigate, easy to

find information, any confusing information and easier to use. The usability of Research and

Development institutions websites is analyzed and represented in Table 9.

Table 9

Usability wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Usability Very Good Good Average No Total

Easy to Navigate

19 (24.68%)

51 (66.23%)

7 (9.1%) - 77

(100%) Easy to Find Information

19 (24.68%)

51 (66.23%)

7 (9.1%) - 77

(100%) Any

Confusing Information

- - 3 (3. 90%)

74 (96.10%)

77 (100%)

Easier to Use 19 (24.68%)

49 (63.64%)

9 (11.69%) - 77

(100%)

Analysis shows that majority (66.23 per cent) of the Research and Development

institutions websites are good to navigate and find information. Nearly 63.64 per cent of the

websites are easy to use. Most (96.10 per cent) of the sites have no confusing information.




6.10 Design wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Table 10 shows the design wise analysis of the websites of Research and

Development institutions in India. Analysis reveals that majority (54.55 per cent) of the

websites have a very good look and feel. Nearly 57.14 per cent of the websites contents are

very good. Majority of the websites fit on the computer screen (70.13 per cent) and

excellently load websites on the computer (49.35 per cent). About 53.25 per cent of the

websites play Video/Audio in a very good manner.

Table 10

Design wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Design Excellent Very Good Average Poor Total

Overall Look and Feel

26 (33.77%)

42 (54.55%)

9 (11.69%)

- 77 (100%)

Overall Content 22 (28.57%)

44 (57.14%)

9 (11.69%)

2 (2.59%)

77 (100%)

Website Fit on Computer Screen

14 (18.18%)

54 (70.13%)

8 (10.39%)

1 (1.30%)

77 (100%)

Website Load Properly on Computer

38 (49.35%)

32 (41.56%)

6 (7.79%)

1 (1.30%)

77 (100%)

Video and/or Audio Play as Expected

24 (31.16%)

41 (53.25%)

8 (10.39%)

4 (5.19%)

77 (100%)

6.11 Web 2.0 Application wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

The investigator assessed the extent of use of web2.0 technologies on the websites of

Research and Development institutions in India and given in Table 11. Analysis shows that

most of the R&D institutions in India are not using Web 2.0 application such as RSS feeds

and ATOM Index. A very few (2.60 per cent) Research and Development institutions have

subscribed RSS feeds in their websites.

Table 11

Web 2.0 application wise Analysis of R&D Institutions Websites

Web 2.0 Yes No Total

RSS 2 (2.60%)

75 (97.40%)

77 (100%)

Atom Index -

77 (100%)

77 (100%)




7. Findings

The present investigation has achieved its objectives and it provides valuable information

about the websites of Research and Development institutions in India. The major findings of

the study are the following.

1. Out of the 246 Research and Development institutions in India, only 109 institutions have

websites. Out of 109 websites, 77 websites are functioning properly.

2. A good number (40.26 per cent) of Research and Development institutions websites in

India have .org domain followed by .res (28.57 per cent).

3. Majority of the websites contain very good search tool, figures and tables on their

websites.

4. Most of the websites have phone number (97.40 percent), Fax (97.40 percent), Postal

Address (98.70 percent) and E-mail address (89.61 percent). Majority of them contain

copyright information (72.72 per cent) and statement of responsibility (62.34 per cent).

5. Majority (77.92 percent) of the research and development institutions provide their

current news on their websites. Nearly 49.35 per cent of the websites have last date of

updation on their websites.

6. More than half of the institutions have the provision to ask questions and a good number

of them have help screens to assist users.

7. Large majority (90.90 per cent) of the research and development institutions websites

has at least one link on every page and each page has links to home page. Most of them

have links to other websites.

8. Regarding usability, majority (66.23 per cent) of the research and development

institutions websites are good to navigate and find information. Nearly 63.64 per cent of

the websites are easy to use. Most (96.10 per cent) of the sites have no confusing

information.

9. Majority (54.55 per cent) of the websites have a very good look and feel. Majority of the

websites fit on the computer screen and excellently load websites on the computer.

10. Most of the R&D institutions in India are not using Web 2.0 applications such as RSS

feeds and ATOM Index. A very few (2.60 per cent) research and development

institutions have subscribed RSS in their websites

8. Discussion

The study revealed that majority of the Research and Development institutions in

India provide informative links to contacts, copyright, news and events, RTI, history. A few




websites provide opportunity for user interaction in the form of feedback. A few websites

provide links to mission statement, date-of- update. A good number of the Research and

Development institutions provide their location and sitemap in their websites. This is a very

useful feature for quick access of pages on lower levels of the website. About half of the

libraries provide some information on their search tool of the site and information about

library in their websites. Some of the websites are not well-structured and some of the

websites have dead links. The websites should be well-structured and attractive and should

offer a wide range of information. The correct use of title can produce improved results.

The websites should avoid arranging text over the whole width of the screen and

should divide long texts into smaller sections. The texts should be large enough so that

visitors can read it easily. The background color should be in contrast to the text color so that

it doesn’t obscure anything. It’s a good practice to use web safe colors like a white on black

or black on white combination for text colors and avoid animations and moving text. The

Research and Development institutions websites should avoid using banners and images that

take long time to load their websites. Instead use relevant images that have been optimized

appropriately.

It is found that all the websites provide lists of links. A good number of the websites

have search facility and links to other websites. The websites should provide simple and

advanced searching facilities. The websites should limit the links included in a text and

should provide links to as many documents as possible online. The websites should include

links to the homepage and to every WebPages of the site so that visitors can navigate through

the site with ease. The links should be clearly identified and point towards the right

destination. The institutions should ensure that the websites ’navigation is easy to use and

consistent.

All the institutions provide information about their services on their websites. A few

institutions give details of the services to researchers in their websites. It is revealed that only

two websites have deployed one or two web 2.0 technologies and among the web 2.0

technologies deployed by the websites, RSS is the most used service. The institutions should

provide a collaborative forum for discussion and sharing of information for library users. The

institutions should use web2.0 applications such as RSS. The Research and Development

institutions websites should exploit the emerging Internet technologies to attract and increase

their users.




9. Conclusion

This study gives an informative preview of the contents and design of Research and

Development institutions websites in India. Although the Research and Development

institutions have a web presence and varying levels of services, there is enormous scope for

improving the websites. Most of the web users visit the best and highly rated sites in the

world. If a Research and Development institutions website is more attractive and informative,

it can easily capture the attention of library users and web surfers.

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AWARENESS AND USE OF NATIONAL KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE CONSORTIUM OF NISCAIR:

A CASE STUDY

SAKSHI Research Scholar,

Department of Library and Information Science, KU, Kurukshetra.

[email protected]

Neeraj Uppal Inventory Manager, Woolworths Ltd.,

Melbourne, Australia. [email protected]

Dr. Joginder Singh Assistant Professor,

Department of Library and Information Science, KU, Kurukshetra.

[email protected]

ABSTRACT The present paper explains about National Knowledge Resource Consortium and examined awareness and use of the consortium by the users of NISCAIR. 70 questionnaires were distributed to the users and 63 questionnaires were received back for analysis the data. The results of the survey reveal that majority of the respondents were aware of the consortium whereas only 4.76% were not aware of the consortium. 52.38% respondents were moderately satisfied with the consortium and 23.80% were using for writing research articles. Some problems were highlighted while accessing the consortium. Providing training to its users will make maximum use of the consortium and reduce the problems faced by the users. Keywords: National Knowledge Resource Consortium, E- journals Consortium, E- Resources INTRODUCTION

Co-operation, Inter library Loan and Resources Sharing among libraries play significant role in providing effective services by reducing costs. All types of libraries are not capable of acquiring every publication and providing it to the users on demand. Recent developments in ICT have led to change in way of library cooperation. Now it is called library consortium. A lot of efforts have been taken in past few years to overcome the financial problems through consortia.” Library consortium is a group of two or more libraries which have agreed to co-operate with one another in order to fulfill certain similar needs, usually resource sharing. It usually, refers to co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration between, and amongst, libraries for the purpose of sharing information” (Bajpai, et.al, 2009). Some of library consortia set up in India are: UGC- INFONET, INDEST, Inter University




Canters, FORSA, HELINET, CSIR e- journal consortium. A consortium is helpful in getting co-operation from various libraries in acquiring electronic databases and communication of information. Now-a-days, many of the special and university libraries formed a group for getting online journals NISCAIR

National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR) came into existence on 30 September 2002 with the merger of National Institute of Science Communication (NISCOM) and Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC). Both NISCOM and INSDOC, the two premier institutes of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), were devoted to dissemination and documentation of S&T information. Now, with the formation of NISCAIR, all the multi-faceted activities have been amalgamated, making NISCAIR, an institute capable of serving the society using modern IT infrastructure in a more effective manner and taking up new ventures in the field of science communication, dissemination and S&T information management systems and services (www.niscair.res.in) National knowledge Resource Consortium

The National Knowledge Resource Consortium (NKRC) was established in year 2009. It is a network of libraries and information centres of 40 CSIR and 26 DST institutes. NKRC's origin goes back to the year 2001, when the CSIR set up the Electronic Journals Consortium to provide access to 1200 odd journals of Elsevier Science to all its users. Over a period of time, the Consortium not only grew in terms of the number of resources but also in terms of the number of users as more like-minded institutes evinced interest to join the Consortium.

In present time, NKRC facilitates access to 5,000+ e-journals of all major publishers, patents, standards, citation and bibliographic databases. NKRC provides open access resources also to its users. Resources subscribed include publishers like M/s Blackwell, M/s Springer, M/s AIP, M/s ASCE & others, Journals/Conference Proceedings, Patents, Standards, and Databases like Web of Science, JCCC, & SCI-Finder and many more e- reosurces. (www.niscair.res.in) Need of the study

There are many studies conducted to find out the use and awareness of consortium by the users. But the present work is conducted to explore the awareness of National Knowledge Resource Consortium among users of NISCAIR. Review of Literature

Bhatt (2010) studied that UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium is the most important consortium providing access to a large array of e-resources to all academic universities and colleges in India. It facilitates efficient and effective usage of e-resources for teaching and research activities.

Madhusudan (2008) conducted a study on use of UGC- Infonet e- journals in university of Delhi. The study shows that majority of respondents use UGC Infonet e- journals and there is an increasing demand for subscription of more e- journal titles in LIS.




There appears to be some need for academics to be provided with training in using e- journals.

Murthy (2008) conducted a study regarding usage of UGC-Infonet resources and found that the trend of high use of e-resources by the Indian scholars helped in reducing information gaps between rural and urban, privileged and less privileged, reachable and unreachable frontiers within the Country. This has revolutionized the Indian university campuses with a digital culture.

Patil and Parameshwar (2007) revealed in their study that UGC Infonet Consortium is much helpful in fulfilling their information needs. It was concluded that there is need to train the faculty members and research scholars in using the UGC-Infonet Journals. More number of journals should be included in the consortium.

Vishala and Bhandi (2007) UGC-Infonet project aims to create awareness to the library and information professionals, research scholars, and faculty and post graduate students of library and information science regarding the availability of the scholarly journals in the field of library and information science

Walmiki, et.al (2010) surveyed that less than 40% of the faculty members of Karnataka state universities are aware of and use the UGC- Infonet online resources and more than 60% are not using the resources. It was suggested that there is an urgent need on the part of UGC to review the resources included in the consortium in order to fulfill the needs of the faculty members. Objectives 1. To know the awareness about National Knowledge Resource Consortium among

users of NISCAIR. 2. To find out who introduced them to the access of National Knowledge Resource

Consortium. 3. To study the purpose of using National Knowledge Resource Consortium E- journals 4. To find out problems faced by the users while accessing National knowledge

Resource Consortium. 5. To ascertain whether training programme is necessary to educate the users. 6. To identify satisfaction with of National Knowledge Resource Consortium. Scope

The scope of the study is confined to the users who frequently visit to NISCAIR to fulfill their information needs. Methodology

In order to accomplish objectives, a survey was conducted through a questionnaire. The Questionnaires were distributed personally to the users and got them on the spot. Total of 70 questionnaires were distributed and 63 were received back.




Data Analysis Table 1.Gender wise distribution of Respondents

Gender No. of Response Percentage Male 40 63.49% Female 23 36.50%

Table 1 shows that out of 70 respondents 40 (63.49%) were male and 23 (36.50%) were female. Table 2. Awareness about Consortium

Particulars No. of Response

Percentage

Yes 60 95.23% No 3 4.76%

It is evident from table 2 that majority of respondents 60 (95.23%) are aware about

consortium whereas only 3(4.76%) respondents are not aware of this consortium. Table 3.Sources through which consortium is known

Sources No. of Response Percentage Library Professionals 35 55.6% Teachers 15 23.80% Colleagues 7 11.11% Web 6 9.52%

A question was asked to know, through which sources users came to know about

National Knowledge Resource Consortium. It is interesting to note that 35 (55.6%) responded that they came to know about consortium through library professionals followed by 15 (23.80%) of the respondents know the same by their teachers, 7 (11.11%) know the consortium by their colleagues and 6 (9.52%) know the consortium through the web searching. Table 4. Purpose of using consortium

Purpose No. of Response Percentage Research Needs 12 19.04% Education 13 20.63% Professional Achievement 12 19.04% Writing Research Articles 15 23.80% Current Information 11 17.46%




Data presented in table 4 revealed that 15 (23.80%) respondents use the National

Knowledge Resource Consortium for the purpose of writing research articles followed by 13 (20.63%) for education, and 12 (19.04%) to carry out research and Professional achievement, 11 (17.46%) for current information in their field of specialization. Table 5. Problems faced while accessing consortium Problems No. of Response Percentage Time Consuming 29 46.03% Limited Access to Terminals 12 19.04% Slow Speed 17 26.98% Lack of Trained Staff 5 7.93%

Table 5 shows the problems faced by the respondents while accessing National Knowledge Resource Consortium. The most common problem faced by the respondents is that of time consuming (46.03%). 17 (26.98%) are of opinion that internet has slow speed, 12 (19.04%) state limited access to terminals and only 5 (7.93%) consider that there is lack of trained staff to assist them in searching relevant information Table 6. Satisfaction level Satisfaction No. of Response Percentage Very Satisfied 21 33.33% Moderately Satisfied 33 52.38% Somewhat Dissatisfied 09 14.28% Not Satisfied - - The results from table 6 reveal that majority of the respondents 33(52.38%) are moderately satisfied with the consortium, 21 (33.33%) respondents are very satisfied with the same consortium and only 9 (14.23%) are somewhat dissatisfied. Table 7. Evaluation of Consortium Grade No. of Response Percentage Excellent 16 25.39% Good 32 50.79% Moderately Good 15 23.80% Poor - -

There is need to evaluate National Knowledge Resource Consortium. The table 7 reveal that, 32 (50.79%) respondents stated that the consortium is good, followed by 16 (25.39%) rated the same as excellent and 15 (23.80%) expressed it moderately good. It is good to know that no respondent rated it poor.




Table 8. Need of Training Need No. of Response Percentage Yes 40 63.49% No 23 36.50% Table 8 reveals that 40 (63.49%) respondents want training in using the consortium. However, 23 (36.50%) respondents stated that the training programme is not required. Findings The significant findings of the study are given below: Majority of the respondents were well aware of the National Knowledge Resource

Consortium 35 (55.6%) respondents came to know about the consortium through library

professionals. 15 (23.80%) of the respondents used the consortium for writing research articles

followed by 13 (20.63%) for education. 12 (19.04%) respondents stated that they were accessing the consortium for research

needs and professional achievement and 11 (17.46%) for current information. The most common problem faced by the respondents was time consuming while

accessing e- resources. 33 (52.38%) respondents expressed satisfaction with the consortium. 40 (63.49%) respondents attest to the fact that they needed training programme for

searching the consortium. 32 (50.79%) rated the consortium as good. Suggestions and Conclusion

The emerging technologies have dynamically changed the way information is gathered, organized, accessed, stored and consumed. E-resources are the need of the hour for research and academic activities and help in faster access and retrieval of information in various disciplines. National Knowledge Resource consortium is much helpful in fulfilling information needs. As can be inferred from the study that majority of the respondents are aware of the consortium and use e- resources for the purpose of writing research articles and research needs. Training programme should be organized for better usage of the consortium. To provide more computer systems with high speed connectivity in computer laboratories will help in better accessing and downloading of e-resources as per users’ choice References

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2. Bhatt, R.K.2010. “Use of UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium Resources by Research Scholars and Faculty Members of the University of Delhi in History and Political Science: A Study”. Library Management 31(4/5): 319- 343. Accessed November 12, 2011. http: // www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm/ doi: 10.118/0143512101104637

3. Madhusudan, Margam.2008. “Use of UGC-Infonet E-Journals by Research Scholars

and Students of the University of Delhi, Delhi: A study”. Library Hi Tech 26 (3):369- 386. Accessed November 30, 2011. http:// www.emeraldinsight.com/ 0737-8831.httm / doi: 10.1108/0737883031090330

4. Murthy, T.A.V. (2008). “Creating prosperity in the higher education institutions through UGC-Infonet E- Journal Consortium.” Accessed November 13, 2011.http://www.chillibreeze.com/articles_ various/ epublishing/ 17.% 20%seminar%20 paper%20 contents % 20 page % 20 with %20 abstract 3.pdf

5. Patil, D.B. and S. Parameshwar. 2008. “Use of UGC- Infonet Consortium by the

faculty Members and Research Scholars in Department of Chemistry of Gulbarga University: A Survey. In INFLIBNET Centre Ahmedabad. 5th International Caliber Punjab University Chandigarh: 2008”. Accessed November 13, 2011.

6. Vishala, B.K. and M. K. Bhandi. (2007). “Availability of Library and Information

Science Electronic Journals through UGC-INFONET Project” Annals of Library and Information Studies, 53(2): 65-9

7. Walmiki, R. H, K.C. Ramkrishnegowda, K. R. Prithviraj.2010.”Awarenes and Use of

UGC- Infonet Digital Library Consortium by the Faculty Member of Karnataka State Universities”. Annals of Library and Information Studies.57: 33- 43

8. http://www.niscair.res.in. Accessed November 15, 2011




USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY BY THE USERS’ OF JAYPEE UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

(JUET), GUNA: A SURVEY

SHAKIL AHMAD (Librarian)

Deanship of Library Affairs University of Dammam, Dammam (KSA)

DR. ABDUL MANNAN KHAN (Library in charge and course coordinator)

Integral University, Lucknow- India DR. SULEIMAN IBRAHIM SULEIMAN ALREYAEE

Assistant Professor Imam Muhammad IBN Saud Islamic University

ABSTRACT The main purpose of the study is to know the Use of Information Communication Technology by the Users’ of Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology (JUET) and users’ satisfaction about the library collection, facilities and both, traditional services as well as IT enabled services. A well structured questionnaire was administered to the faculty members, research scholars and students of the Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology (JUET) to collect data regarding the Use of Information Communication Technology and analyze the level of users’ satisfaction. According to the users’ responses the researchers observed that a large number of users are aware about the various types of services. It is also being revealed that majority of the users are utilizing the facilities and different services provided at JUET-Library The study also show that the majority of the user preferred Internet as a source of information to full-fill their subject related information need. The overall satisfaction levels of the users’ are good. Keywords: Information Communication Technology, Users’, Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology, JUET, Guna 1. Introduction

The present century is the age of digital information system, which aims at leveraging the two-core revolutions, PC and Internet, other advancements in information processing, storage and communication technologies have revolutionized the role of the libraries and information centers all over the world. As a result, libraries are following facing new challenges, new competitors, new demands and variety of information services. The information is dynamic and unending resource that affects all disciplines and all walks of life hence, the information becomes an essential ingredient of our life and a basic input to education, research, planning and development activities. The information communication technology (ICT) is the science of information handling and processing, particularly by computers used to support communication of knowledge in scientific and technical, economical and social fields. ICT has convergence of two fold of technologies namely, computers and communication tools. In other words it is a mosaic of technologies, product,




tools & techniques have combined to provide new electronic dimension to information handling and management. 2. Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology

Jaypee Institute of Engineering and Technology, Guna was established in the year 2003 based on the MOU signed between Jaiprakash Sewa Sansthan (a not-for-profit trust sponsored by Rs. 15,000 Cr Jaypee Group) and the Government of Madhya Pradesh with an aim of becoming a Center of Excellence in Engineering and Technology. Based on our request to enable the Institute to become a State University, the Government of MP has, vide gazette extra ordinary no. 3 of 2010 dated 29th April 2010 has established Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology (JUET), Raghogarh, Guna as a private university in the State of MP under the provisions of MP Niji Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam 2007. The Learning Resource Center of JUET is a major activity centre providing facilities to the students and staff for almost 15 hours a day. The library is fully classified and catalogued and users can search for information at their own. The institute uses Library management software, Alice for Windows. LRC users know the availability status of the books and other materials through the software OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue). The library is linked with DELNET (Developing Library Network) http://delnet.nic.in, the users of LRC enjoy the access of reading materials through this network also. The library subscribes to journals of national and international repute. 3. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Shampa Paul (2007) has presented a critical discussion in his on Information communication technology (ICT) in government agencies as well as educational and research institutions facilitate an efficient, speedy and transparent dissemination of information to the public and other agencies for performance of government administration activities. The findings of this study highlight the role of Internet, particularly the World Wide Web (WWW), which has made it easier for citizens to locate and download official information and to conduct transactions. Information management agencies such as libraries and knowledge centers play a vital role in supporting transparent and accountable governance in this digital era.

Dana Hanson-Baldauf and Sandra Hughes Hassell (2009) have conducted a study to present a critical discussion on information and communication technologies (ICTs) become increasingly prevalent in modern society, improving students' competency with these technologies has become a key focus of 21st century education.

Namkee Park, , , Raul Roman, , Seungyoon Lee, and Jae Eun Chung (2009) have examined in their study the factors that influence people's adoption and use of a digital library system and tests the applicability of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of developing countries. The study suggested that external variables that affect perceived ease of use and usefulness need to be considered as important factors in the process of designing, implementing, and operating digital library systems. Such consideration will help decrease the mismatch between system design and local users’ realities, and further facilitate the successful adoption of digital library systems in developing countries.




Eustache Mêgnigbêto(2010) has discussed in their study about Information policy: Content and challenges for an effective knowledge society This study presented a critical discussion of Information policy is the set of strategies and actions defined at a geographical or institutional level in order to satisfy information needs expressed by people and assure development goals. With the development of information and communication technologies (ICT), new stakeholders appear, including both information producers and consumers, raising problems relative to authenticity, reliability, and evaluation of information, and also the problem of full and effective use of information technology. As information policy aims at providing access to timely information, it should attempt also to make people fluent with technology. Toward achieving this objective some challenges are faced which are related to access to technology, computer literacy, ability to read and write, and early childhood development. 4. RESEARCH GAP

With the advent of globalization in the realm of education, there is an information explosion. The uses of Information Communication Technology are the most popular source of researching. There is a dearth of study on Information Communication Technology in the context of Indian universities. The study with regard to use of Information Communication Technology in JUET -Guna renowned institution of India is thus a novel effort. 5. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following objectives have been pursued to study the level of use of Information Communication Technology in the referred institution: 1. To examine the level of use of Information Communication Technology services

by the Users’ of Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology (JUET), Guna. 2. To identify the place from where Users’ of Jaypee University of Engineering and

Technology (JUET) access Information Communication Technology services. 3. To find out the purpose of using Information Communication Technology

services. 4. To know the problem faced by the users’ while using Information Communication

Technology services. 5. To find out effectiveness of Information Communication Technology services. 6. To understand various factors, which discourage users’ in using Information

Communication Technology services 6. METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED

This study used questionnaire-based survey method, as many similar studies conducted earlier have also used this method for data collection. This method is also preferred as it is less time consuming and economical for a scattered population. We selected a random sample of 80 users’ from the institute. At institute questionnaires were personally distributed to the users’. Out of 80 distributed questionnaires 60 filled were returned back by the respondents at JUET showing overall response rate of 75 percent. The collected data were analyzed, classified and tabulated by employing statistical methods.




7. Need and Significance of the Study In the present era of information explosion more and more publications are becoming

web enabled. Most of the science and technology libraries have changed the contemporary outlooks towards the functions and services. The environment is rapidly changing to electronic environment. So we decided to conduct the study for measuring the use of Information Communication Technology by the users’ in the referred institution: 8. Scope and Limitations of the Study

The objective of the present study entitled “Use of Information Communication Technology by the users’ of at JUET Library-Guna””. The main purpose of this study is to find out the level of Use of Information Communication Technology by the users ‘of at JUET Library-Guna The investigator was able to identify some of major limitation such as: 1. The present study consists only to Information Communication Technology users. 2. The geographical area is restricted to Guna, Madhya Pradesh only. 9. DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION

The data collected through questionnaire have been organized and tabulated by using simple statistical methods. 9.1. AWARENESS OF ICT TOOLS It indicates that out of 24 respondents i.e. students 24(100%) was aware with computer and Internet facility, 22(91.66%) students were aware with office software, 20(83.33%) were aware with Intranet, Printer, CD-writer, Copier, 16(66.67%) were aware with Graphic software, 14(58.33%) were aware with the Scanner and Laptop, 12(50.00%) were aware with Data Projector and 10(41.66%) were with the Web Publishing Software (Table-1). It also indicate that out of 12 respondents i.e. research Scholar 24(100%) were aware with computer, Printer, CD-writer, Copier, Scanner, 10(88.33%) were aware with the Internet& Surfing, Intranet, office Software, Graphic Software, Printer, 8(66.67%) were aware with Data Projector and 4(33.33%) were aware with Web Publishing software. From the analysis of table –1 it is clear that 24(100%) faculty members were aware with computer and Internet and Surfing, 20(83.33%) were aware with the Office Software and Printer, 18(75.00%) were aware with Intranet and Web Publishing Software, (16.66%) were aware with Copier,14(48.33%) were aware with CD-Writer, 12(50.00%) were aware with the Graphic Software, Scanner and Laptop and 8(33.33%) were aware with the Data Projector.




Table 1 Awareness of ICT Tools

Sl. No.

Tools No. of Respondents (N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. Computer 24(100%) 12(100%) 24(100%) 60(100%) 2. Internet & Surfing 24(100%) 10(83.33%) 24(100%) 58(96.66%) 3. Intranet 20(83.33%) 10(83.33%) 18(75.00%) 48(80%) 4. Office Software (MS-

Office) 22(91.66%) 10(83.33%) 20(83.33%)

52(86.66%)

5. Web publishing Software

10(41.66%)

4(33.33%) 18(75.00%) 32(53.33%)

6. Graphic Software

16(66.66%)

10(83.33%) 12(50.00%) 38(63.33%)

7. Printer 20(83.33%) 10(83.33%) 20(83.33%) 50(83.33%) 8.

Scanner 14(58.33%)

12(100%) 12(50.00%) 38(63.33%)

9. CD-Writer

20(83.33%)

12(100%) 14(58.33%) 46(76.66%)

10. Data Projector

12(50.00%)

08(66.66%) 08(33.33%) 28(46.66%)

11. Laptop

14(83.33%)

12(100%) 12(50.00%) 38(63.33%)

12. Reprography

20(83.33%)

12(100%) 16(66.66%) 48(80%)

9.2. APPROACH OF AWARENESS OF E-RESOURCES

It is clear from table-2 that out of 24 respondents 18 (75.005) students were aware of ICT application with the help colleague, 6 (50.00%) research scholars were aware of ICT application with the help colleague and 4 (33.33%) got aware about the help of website.14 (58.33%) were aware of ICT application through other means. Table also shows that among 60 respondents 24 (40.00%) users were aware of ICT application with the help colleague and 14 (23.33%) were aware with the help of information broacher.




Table 2 Approach of Awareness of E-Resources

Sl. No.

Awareness Approach

No. of Respondents N=60 Students(24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member(24)

Total (60)

1. Through Teachers 06 (25.00%)

02 (16.66%)

4 (16.66%)

12 (20.00%)

2. Through Your Colleagues 18 (75.00%)

06 (50.00%)

- 24 (40.00%)

3. Through Website - 04 (33.33%)

- 04 (6.66%)

4. Through Information Broachers of Library

- - 06 (25.00%)

06 (10.00%)

5. Through Faculty and Other Sources - - 14 (58.33%)

14 (23.33%)

9.3. FREQUENCY OF VISIT TO THE LIBRARY It is clear from the table-3 that out of 24 respondents 16 (66.66%) students use the ICT application daily for personal purpose, 6(50.00%) research scholar use the use the ICT application daily for personal purpose, and 14(58.33%) faculty member use the ICT application daily for personal purpose. The table also shows that among 60 respondents36 (60.00%) users are using ICT applications for personal purpose daily, 14(23.00%) of them use several time in a week Table3 Frequency of Visit to the Library Sl. No.

Frequency No. of Respondents (N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total

1. Daily 16(66.66%) 6(50.00%) 14(58.33%) 36(60.00%) 2. Several Times in a

Week 6(25.00%) 2(16.66%) 6(25.00%) 14(23.33%)

3. Weekly 1(04.00%) 2(16.66%) - 3(5.00%) 4. Monthly 1(04.00%) 2(16.66%) - 3(5.00%) 5. Never - - 4(16.66%) 4(6.66%) 9.4. ICT APPLICATIONS APART FROM LIBRARY

Table 4 concerns with display of places, which are using by the users. Table clearly indicate that out of 24 respondents i.e. students 14(58.33%) using the ICT applications at home and 4(33.33%) using at work place while faculty members 14(58.33%) using the ICT applications at cyber cafe and also 8(33.33%) use it work place.




The table also shows that among 60 respondents 26(43.33%) users are using cyber café and also 26(43.33%) users are using workplace for using the ICT applications apart from library.

Table 4 ICT applications apart from library

9.5. FREQUENCY OF USING ICT APPLICATION It indicates the time duration for using ICT application. From the analysis it is found that out of 24 respondents 12 (50.00%) students have the 2-4 years experience in using ICT application, 6(50.00%) research scholar have more than 6 years experience and 4(33.33%) have less than one year experience3 for using ICT application and faculty members 12(50.00%) have more than 6 years experience of using ICT application (Table-5). Table also shows that 24 respondents out of 60 are using ICT application more than 6 years. Table 5 Frequency of using ICT application

Sl. No.

Frequency No. of Respondents (N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. Less than 1 year 2(58.33%)

4(33.33%) - 6(10.00%)

2. 1-2 years

- 2(16.66%) 4(16.66%) 6(10.00%)

3. 2-4 years 12(50.00%)

- 4(16.66%) 16(26.66%)

4. 4-6 years 4(16.66%)

- 4(16.66%) 8(13.33%)

5. More than 6 years

6(25.00%)

6(50.00%) 12(50.00%) 24(40.00%)

Sl. No.

Option No. of Respondents (N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total

1. At Home - 6(50.00%) - 6(10.00%)

2. In commercial places (cyber cafe)

10(41.66%) 2(16.66%) 14(58.33%) 26(43.33%)

3. Others 14(58.33%)

4(33.33%) 8(33.33%) 26(43.33%)




9.6. TRAINING TO USE ICT APPLICATION It is clear from the table –6 that out of 24 respondents i.e. students 14(58.33%) go to take training of ICT application at college and 8(33.33%) learns personally or other informal means. 8 (66.66%) research scholar learns ICT application by personally or other informal means. 4(33.33%) learns at school. Analysis of data from table –6 depicts that out of 60 respondents 20(33.33%) learns ICT application at training institute and personally or other informal means.

Table 6 Training to use ICT application

Sl. No. Frequency No. of Respondents(N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. At School 2(08.33%)

- - 2(03.33%)

2. At College 14(58.33%)

4(33.33%) - 18(30.00%)

3. At Library -

- - -

4. At training Institutes -

- 20(83.33%) 20(33.33%)

5. Learnt personally 8(33.33%)

8(33.33%) 4(16.66%) 20(33.33%)

9.7. EXPERTISE IN USING ICT APPLICATION

It is clear that out of 24 respondents 16(66.66%) students was the experienced user of ICT application, 6(50.00%) research scholar was the experienced user and 4(33.33%) use it with the help of others and 8(33.33%) faculty member were expert user, experienced user and use with the help of others. Table 7 Expertise in using ICT application

Sl. No. Frequency

No. of Respondents(N=60)

Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. I am an expert user 06(25.00%) 2(16.66%) 8(33.33%) 16(26.66%) 2. I am an experienced user 16(66.66%) 6(50.00%) 8(33.33%) 30(50.00%)

3. I am a novice user - - - -

4. I use it with the help of others 02(08.33%) 4(33.33%) 8(33.33%) 14(23.33%)

5. Learnt personally - - - -




9.8. FAVOURITE ACTIVITIES TO USE ICT 20(83.33%) has favorite activities as e-mail, 18(75.00%) have online learning, (16.66%) have surfing Internet and 10(41.66%) have download documents activity using ICT application (table-8). It also indicate 10(83.33%) research scholar using e-mail, online learning, preparing presentation document,8(66.66%) research scholar were using surfing Internet, 6(50.00%) research scholar were using chat and 4(33.33%) research scholar were using discussion forms and download documents (table-8). From the analysis of table-8 it is clear that 24(100%) Table8 Favorite activities to use ICT Sl. No.

Favorite activities No. of Respondents (N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. E-mail

20(83.33%) 10(83.33%) 24(100%) 54(90%)

2. Chat

04(16.66%) 06(50.00%) 04(16.66%) 14(23.33%)

3. Discussion Forums 08(33.33%)

04(33.33%) 12(50.00%) 24(40.00%)

4. Video conferencing 02(08.33%)

02(16.66%) - 4(6.66%)

5. Download music, films 10(41.66%)

04(33.33%) 16(66.66%) 30(50%)

6. Surfing Internet 16(66.66%)

08(66.66%) 16(66.66%) 40(66.66%)

7. Online learning (E-Learning)

18(75.00%)

10(83.33%) 16(66.66%) 34(56.66%)

8. Preparing presentations, documents

14(58.33%) 10(83.33%) 04(16.66%)

28(46.66%)

9.9. PROFICIENCY IN USING ICT APPLICATION FOR PERSONAL PURPOSE

It Is Clear that out of 24 Respondents i.e. students 18(75.00%) has very frequency for informative purpose: To find and use information. 12(50.00%) has very often frequency for communication purpose: To exchange and to transmit information with using E-mail, chat etc through Internet.

Out of 12 research scholar 6(50.00%) research scholar have very often frequency for informative purpose and communicative purpose, 4(33.33%) research scholar have often




frequency for functional: To use and manipulate existing information services and creating: To compose compile produce information.

Table-9 also indicates that out of 24 faculty member 14(58.33%) have very often frequency for informative and communicative purpose and 10(41.66%) had very often frequency for functional purpose. 4(33.33%) had often frequency for informative and communication purpose. Table 9 PROFICIENCY IN USING ICT APPLICATION FOR PERSONAL PURPOSE


RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. Informative purpose

18(75.00%) 6(50.00%) 14(58.33%) 38(63.33%)

2. Communication purpose

12 (50.00%) 6(50.00%) 14(58.33%) 32(53.33%)

3. Functional purpose

-

4(33.33%) 10(41.66%) 14(23.33%)

9.10 (a). PROFICIENCY IN USING ICT APPLICATION FOR PERSONAL USE

When the users were asked about the proficiency in using ICT application for personal use to them, their answers were as follows. Out of 24 Respondents i.e. students in Word Processing, 10(41.66%) were excellent and 6(25.00%) good, in presentation tool 10(41.66%) were excellent and 6(25.00%) were good in E-mail 16(66.66%) were excellent and 6(25.00%) were good in chatting 6(25.00%) were excellent and 6(25.00%) were good and in internet browsing 16 (66.66%) were excellent.

While out of 12 Research scholar 6(50.00%) research scholar were excellent in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation tool (Power Point), and e-mail. 8(66.66%) were excellent in Internet browsing and 4(33.33%) were excellent in Web page design. 6(50.00%) research scholar were good in Spreadsheets and e-mail. 4(33.33%) were good in chat.

Out of 24 Respondents i.e. faculty member of JUET 10(41.66%) were excellent in e-mail, 8(33.33%) were excellent in Internet browsing and Word Processing, 6(25.00%) were excellent in chat. 10(41.66%) user were good in Word Processing, e-mail, Internet browsing and 6(25.00%) were good in presentation tool (Power Point). Table 10 (a)

PROFICIENCY IN USING ICT APPLICATION FOR PERSONAL USE Sl. No.

Frequency No. of Respondents(N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. Word Processing (Excellent)

10(41.66%) 6(50.00%) 8(33.33%) 24(40.00%)

Word Processing 6(25.00%) - 10(41.66%) 16(26.66%)




(Good) 2. Presentation Tool

(Excellent) 10(41.66%) 6(50.00%) - 16(26.66%)

Presentation Tool (Good)

6(25.00%) - 6(25.00%) 12(20.00%)

3. E-mail (Excellent) 16(66.66%) 6(50.00%) 10(41.66%) 32(53.33%) E-mail (Good) 6(25.00%) 6(50.00%) 10(41.66%) 22(36.66%)

4. Chatting (Excellent)

6(25.00%) - 6(25.00%) 12(20.00%)

Chatting (Good) 6(25.00%) 4(33.33%) - 10(16.66%) 5. Internet browsing

(Excellent) 16(66.66%) 8(66.66%) 8(33.33%) 32(53.33%)

Internet browsing (Good)

- - 10(41.66%) 10(16.66%)

6. Spreadsheets (Excellent)

- 6(50.00%) - 6(10.00%)

Spreadsheets (Good)

- 6(50.00%) - 6(10.00%)

7. Web page design (Excellent)

- 4(33.33%) - 4(6.66%)

9.10 (b). PROFICIENCY AND ICT TOOLS FOR STUDY/RESEARCH PURPOSE Table gives the idea about the tools used by the users of the JUET- library Guna,

which ICT tools are most useful to study/research purpose. Data from the table indicate that in using Internet for study/research purpose out of 24

respondents i.e. Research Scholar in use of Internet 8(33.33%) were excellent, in use of e-mail 7(29.16%) were excellent and 6(25.00%) were excellent in Word Processing. While out of 12 Research scholar 5(41.66%) research scholar were excellent in Word Processing. 4(33.33%) were excellent in use of Internet and e-mail.

Out of 24 Respondents i.e. faculty member of JUET 4(16.66%) were excellent in e-mail, and use of Internet for study/research purpose, 3(12.50%) were excellent in use of e-mail. Table 10 (b)

PROFICIENCY AND ICT TOOLS FOR STUDY/RESEARCH PURPOSE Sl. No.


RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. Word Processing (Excellent)

6(25.00%) 5(41.66%) - 11(18.33%)

2. E-mail (Excellent) 7(29.16%) 4(33.33%) 4(16.66%) 15(25.00%) 3. Internet browsing

(Excellent) 8(33.33%) 4(33.33%) 3(12.50%) 15(25.00%)




9.10 (c). PROFICIENCY AND ICT TOOLS FOR STUDY/RESEARCH

REQUIREMENTS. When the users were asked about the proficiency in using ICT application for

study/research requirements, their answers were as follows. Out of 24 Respondents i.e. students in Design and maintenance of Dynamic Website(s), anybody was not excellent 4(16.66%) were not capable in design and maintenance of website. 3(12.50%) were not capable in developing software and new application.

While out of 12 Research scholar 3(25%) were excellent in Design and maintenance of Dynamic Website(s), 2(16.66%) were good in setting up and moderating discussion groups, chats, blogging etc.

Out of 24 Respondents i.e. faculty member of JUET 3(12.50%) were good in Design and maintenance of Dynamic Website(s), and nobody was capable for developing software and new application and setting up and moderating discussion groups, chats, blogging etc. Table 10 (c)

PROFICIENCY AND ICT TOOLS FOR STUDY/RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS.


RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. Design Website (Excellent)

- 3(25.00%) - 3(5.00%)

Design Website (Good)

3(12.50%) 3(5.00%)

Design Website (Not Excellent)

4(16.66%) - - 4(6.66%)

2. Maintenance Website (Excellent)

4(16.66%) 3(25.00%) - 7(11.66%)

Maintenance Website (Good)

- - 3(12.50%) 3(5.00%)

Maintenance Website (Not Excellent)

- - - -

3. Developing software (Excellent)

- - - -

Developing software (Not Excellent)

3(12.50%) - - 3(5.00%)

4. New Application (Excellent)

- - - -

New Application (Not Excellent)

3(12.50%) - - 3(5.00%)

5. Setting Up (Good) - 2(16.66%) - 2(3.33%) Setting Up (Not Good)

- - - -

6. Moderating Discussion Groups (Good)

- 2(16.66%) - 2(3.33%)

Moderating Discussion Groups (Not Good)

- - - -




9.11. BARRIERS TO USE ICT APPLICATION

Table gives idea about the barriers to use ICT application that which a barrier have major constraints, minor constraints and not a constraint. Data from the table-11 indicates that 9(37.50%) Reliable Power supply, 8(33.33%) Connectivity Cost (Connecting to Internet), 7(29.11%) Knowledge of using ICT and Availability of online information, 6(25.00%) Availability of Internet service providers and Availability of sufficient bandwidth research scholar says that these are not constraints.

A mostly research scholar says that all barriers have not a constraints for the use of ICT application. It also indicates that faculty of JUET give the response for it as that 5(20.83%) Reliable Power supply, 4(16.66%) Connectivity Cost (Connecting to Internet), Knowledge of using ICT, Availability of Internet service providers, and Availability of sufficient bandwidth is not a constraints.

Table 11 BARRIERS TO USE ICT APPLICATION Sl. No.


RS (12)

Faculty Member (24)

Total (60)

1. Reliable Power Supply

9(37.50%) - 5(20.83%) 14(23.33%)

2. Connectivity Cost 8(33.33%) - 4(16.66%) 12(20.00%) 3. Online Information 7(29.11%) - - 7(11.66%) 4. Internet Service

Providers 6(25.00%) - - 6(10.00%)

5. Sufficient Bandwidth 6(25.00%) - - 6(10.00%)

9.12. USE OF ICT APPLICATION IN LIBRARY SERVICES It indicates that out of 24 respondents i.e. students 22(91.66%) was using Internet

facility, 20(83.33%) were using the online Search, 10(41.66%) were using the reprographic Service and 08(33.33%) were using Indexing Service (Table-12). It also indicates that out of 12 respondents i.e. Research scholar 8(66.66%) was using the Internet facility online search. 06(50.00%) were using the abstracting service and reprographic Service. 04(33.33%) was using the Surfing Internet. From the analysis of table –12 it is clear that 11(45.83%) faculty members were using the online search and 10(41.66%) was using the Internet facility.




Table12 Use of ICT application in library services

Sl. No.

Services No. of Respondents (N=60) Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty (24)

Total (60)

1. OPAC

- - -

2. Article Indexing

10(41.66%) 02(16.66%) 03(12.50%) 15(25.00%)

3. Adhoc Bibliography

02(08.33%)

02(16.66%) 02(08.33%) 6(10.00%)

4. Abstracting Service

10(41.66%)

06(50.00%) 03(12.50%) 19(31.66%)

5. Indexing Service 08(33.33%)

- 02(08.33%) 10(16.66%)

6. Translation Service

02(08.33%)

02(16.66%) 02(08.33%) 6(10.00%)

7. Surfing Internet 06(25.00%)

04(33.33%) 05(20.83%) 15(25.00%)

8. Online Search 20(83.33%)

08(66.66%) 11(45.83%) 39(65.00%)

9.

Internet Facility 22(91.66%)

08(66.66%) 10(41.66%) 40(66.66%)

10. Reprographic Service

10(41.66%) 06(50.00%) 05(20.83%) 21(35.00%)

9.13. ICT APPLICATION HELPS YOU The data of the table-13 reveals that the out of 24 respondents 18(75.00%) students, 2(16.66%) RS, and 24(100.00%) faculty member) says that yes for the answer of the question does the ICT application helps you to be better informed and stay ahead or help you in any other form. Table13 ICT application helps you

Sl. No.


RS (12)

Faculty (24)

Total (60)

1. yes 18(75.00%)

02(16.66%) 24(100.00%) 44(73.33%)

2. No 02(08.33%) 08(66.66%) - 10(16.66%)

3. Not Sure

04(16.66%)

02(16.66%) - 06(10.00%)




9.14. ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE ICT APPLICATION

It is clear from table-14 that out of 24 respondents 20(83.33%) students were encourage with use Free access to ICT applications and Knowledge to use ICT applications 18(75.00%), Free access to applications, Low cost/Cheaper access to technology and Availability of relevant digitized information, encourage them to use ICT application.(Table-14) Table also shows that among 12 research scholar 8(66.66%) says that Availability of enough Time encourages them to use ICT Application. 6(50.00%) encourage with the Low cost/Cheaper access to ICT and applications, free access to applications Low cost/Cheaper access to technology, Availability of relevant digitized information Availability of ICT applications. It also indicates that among the 24 faculty member 8(33.33%) encourage with the Free access to ICT applications and 7(29.26%) encourage with the Low cost/Cheaper access to ICT and applications. Table 14 ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE ICT APPLICATION

Sl. No.


RS (12)

Faculty (24)

Total (60)

1. Free access 20(83.33%) 8(66.66%) 8(33.33%) 36(60.00%) 2. Low

cost/Cheaper access

18(75.00%) 6(50.00%) 7(29.26%) 31(51.66%)

9.15. SATISFACTION WITH LIBRARY PERFORMANCE We can understand the satisfaction label of the users with library performance from the table-15. Data indicates that 14(58.33%) students were satisfied with the library performance. It also shows that out of 12 research scholar 8(33.33%) were satisfied with the library performance. And also faculty member were satisfied with the library performance. It is clear from the table that 10(41.66%) faculty member also satisfied with the library performance. Table15 Satisfaction with Library performance

Sl. No.

Option No. of Respondents Students (24)

RS (12)

Faculty (24)

Total (60)

1. Extremely satisfied 6(25.00%) 2(16.66%) 1(04.16%) 9(15.00%) 2. Satisfied 14(58.33%) 8(33.33%) 10(41.66%) 32(53.33%) 3. Neutral 2(08.33%) 2(16.66%) - 4(06.66%)

4. DIS Satisfied - - - -

5. Extremely Satisfied - - 1(04.16%) 1(01.66%)




10. Conclusions, Findings, Suggestions and Recommendations. Many earlier studies have suggested that several factors need to be studied to measure

library effectiveness. The present study investigated Use of Information Communication Technology by the Users’ of Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology (JUET), Guna. The study indicates that all respondents were well aware with the computers. It reveals that all students were aware with the internet and surfing all research scholars were aware with the scanner, CD-writer, laptop and copier and faculty at JUET were aware with internet and surfing. Most of the students were aware with ICT application through collogues and research scholars were aware through website while other faculties at JUET were aware through other faculty. A small numbers of research scholars were aware with ICT application through membership of library. In order to assess the frequency of using ICT application mostly students, research scholars and faculty member are using ICT applications daily while a limited students, research scholar are using ICT application once a week and once a month. The opinion about the searching of documents revealed that a large number of users are searching documents themselves. Most of the users are satisfied with the opening hours of library. Finding also reveals that majority of users’ satisfied with the location of the library. It is also observed that most of the students were use of ICT application apart from library at work place, research scholars were using it at home while faculty of JUET were using ICT application at cybercafé and workplace. Majority of the users are not aware about Boolean logic to search the materials in OPAC. In order to known the time duration for using ICT application among the users of the library, it is observed that majority of the research scholar were using ICT application from 2-4 years, research scholars were using it from more than 6 years. Most of the research scholar has got training to use ICT application at college, research scholars learnt personally or other informal means while other users have got training at training institute a small student have got training to use ICT application at school. it is also observed that a large number of students and research scholars were experienced user in using ICT application while faculty at JUET were equally expertise as experts’ user, inexperienced user and use it with the help of others. The favorite activities to using ICT of the research scholar were E-mail, surfing internet, on line learning, research scholars favorite activities to using ICT were E-mail, online learning, preparing presentations, and surfing internet and other users favorite activity were E-mail, online surfing, download documents, surfing internet and discussion form it is interesting that no users have interest in blogging. The maximum research scholar was using Internet facility, online search as library services The maximum users of JUET were feel that ICT Application helps them to be better informed and stay ahead or help you in any other form. Majority of the users were satisfied with the library performance. The Suggestions and Recommendations have been offered which are as follows: Feedback should be sought from the users and the services need to be evaluated

regularly to decide their utility.




In order to increase use of on-line resources by the users, it is recommended that frequent “information literacy” programmes should be conducted by the library to educate the users on the effective use of internet and e-resources.

In information age society libraries must be equipped with Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES).

Web-OPAC should be started in the library under study. Library should acquire high-speed connectivity to overcome the problem of slow

downloading. In-house databases should be developed by the libraries To provide on-line services efficiently and effectively, number of computers should

be increased in the library in all the universities. The staff of library must be skilled enough to assist the users when they face any

problem in accessing on-line services. In order to satisfy users’ expectations and need, it is suggested that strengthening of

subject collection with special reference to research collection must be given highest priority in university libraries

11. References: 1. Paul, Shampa. (2007), “A case study of E-governance initiatives in India”, The

International Information & Library Review, Vol. 39, No.3-4, pp, 176-184 2. Baldaufa, Dana Hanson and Hassell, Sandra Hughes (2009), “The information and

communication technology competencies of students enrolled in school library media certification programs”, Library & Information Science Research, Vol. 31, No.1, pp. 3-11

3. Park, Namkee, Roman, Raul, Lee, Seungyoon and Chung, Jae Eun. et.al.(2009), “User acceptance of a digital library system in developing countries: An application of the Technology Acceptance Model International” Journal of Information Management Vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 196-209.




ICT LITERACY AMONG LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS IN THE ENGINEERING COLLEGE LIBRARIES OF TAMIL NADU: AN ANALYTICAL

STUDY

DR. S. THANUSKODI Assistant Professor

Library & Information Science Wing, Directorate of Distance Education

Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar – 608 002 E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

(The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the important buzzword of today’s`

world. It has changed the society into Information Society and our way of life. It has been integrated in every walk of life, ICT includes computers and communication technology for processing, storage and its retrieval of Information faster and effective. Information and communication technologies have introduced new methods of teaching and conducting research and have been brought into education facilities for online learning, teaching and research collaboration. This paper is primarily concerned with self- efficacy in the context of information literacy. The focus is primary on the concept of self efficacy, followed by attainment of self efficacy beliefs. Considerable effort has been invested in the paper for the outcome of a comprehensive study on information literacy of engineering college library professionals, with special reference to rapidly changing scenario of divergent information resources and its assorted formats and media, which are immensely affected by the ever-growing information and communication technology in 21st century. The study found that the respondents indicated that 95.12 percent of professionals have knowledge in computer fundamentals, 81.07 percent in Internet, 42.68 percent in multimedia and only a very few professionals 29.26 percent have knowledge in computer programming).

Keywords: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Internet, Multimedia, Search Engines, Web-Resources, Automation, OPAC. Introduction

Information is the lifeblood of democracy and it is considered as the vital source of power. Information literacy is currently understood as embracing the ability to define a problem, find information to solve the problem, evaluate information and use it effectively. Information literacy as a way to move efficient access, evaluation and use of information should be taken into account and used for improving information end users. It is a set of information and knowledge of skill that enable individuals to recognize when information is needed and when it is not, how to locate, evaluate, integrate, use and effectively communicate information in an ethical way.

In short information literacy means knowing information about information. Information literacy refers to a constellation of skills revolving around information research and use. Hence, the library professionals should acquire the skills to access and use efficiently and effectively the myriad sources of information, information and communications technology, search techniques and knowledge of e-resources so as to satisfy




successfully the various complex information needs of the users. The library professionals as the information providers / information facilitators should act as library managers to guide and educate the student community for self- sufficiency and independent learning and information literacy is one such potential tool that empowers the learners (Choudhury,2009).

Over past few decades, the library environment has changed considerably in terms of collection, organization and services. The e-resources (both online and offline) have occupied a considerable space in the library collection, the transaction of library materials are fully automated, new web based services are offered by libraries to attract users participation in redesigning the library system and services and so on. These changes are mainly due to the development and impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries which have also made sea changes in all walks of life. The ICT tools and services are being used in libraries to mange libraries more efficiently and to cater users demand properly. In this changing library scenario, the library and Information professionals must possess adequate ICT skills to manage the modern libraries, more specifically the academic libraries . They need to acquire continuous knowledge and skills on the fast changing Information Communication Technology to provide better library services to users (Sunil Kumar Satpathy,2011). Literature Review: In any field of study, the existing literature constitutes a base on which all further research is carried out. The Encyclopedia of Educational Research says that the related literature is the embodiment of complete informational knowledge of any specific subject or topic of research. This helps the researcher to highlight the studies and their findings related to the problem undertaken for research. The researcher feels that there is a need for review of literature, which has some relation to the relevant area and considers the most important pre-requisite to actual planning and conducting the study. Therefore, the researcher made an elaborate review of the research material available on the study. 1. Rehman, Majid and Baker (1997) interviewed 60 top and middle-level managers of

academic libraries in Malaysia to validate a list of competencies (knowledge and skills) required by entry-level academic librarians. They identified sets of foundation and operational competences namely: knowledge of collection, automation, information technology, database design and management. The competences to work with different information systems and resource sharing consortia were perceived to be a need for future years.

2. Al-Ansari (2002) report a questionnaire survey on the current continuing professional development practices and perceptions of academic library employers about skills that need to be developed in their staff in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It was found that systematic staff development program is generally lacking. Current continuing professional development activities focus on immediate institutional needs. Information and communication technology skills preferred relate to automated systems, electronic resources, networking, and multimedia application.




3. Joint (2003) attempts to flesh out the heterogeneous skills required by LIS professionals by relating them to past and present practice, and sketches possible paths along which digital library training might evolve.

4. Mahmood (2003) provided a list of 75 competencies needed by entry-level academic librarians. Validated by 70 chief librarians of universities and post graduate level colleges from the public and private sector, ten competencies, were recognized as the most essential competencies, seven of which belonged to information technology category. The validated list was then compared with the curricula of LIS programs in Pakistan.

5. Kavulya, (2007) identifies priority areas of training and critical IT skills required by LIS professionals in relation to current job market and performance requirements.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: For the present study, some of the specific objectives are made:

To know the ICT literacy among the library professionals in engineering colleges. To construct strategies for locating information To understand the present status of the librarians & their ICT Knowledge. To find out the problems faced by the LIS professionals in engineering colleges in

Salam, Tamil Nadu. To evaluate information obtained from different sources; To organize, apply and communicate information to others in ways appropriate to the

situation; To support and enable users to interact with knowledge resources in creating

awareness among users; To accept change and adapt to new circumstances in library environment and to

provide quality service. To provide/suggest some of the recommendations for the development of engineering

college libraries in tamil nadu state. Methodology: In order to collect the comprehensive and relevant data from the library professionals of the fifteen engineering colleges in Salem, Namakkal and Coimbatore district, a structured questionnaire was designed and interview method was also adopted as the tool for collection of data. The questionnaire was formulated keeping in view, the objective and various facers of the study and the questionnaires were personally distributed and collected with constant personal pursuance and the data obtained from the filled in questionnaires, later classified, analyzed, tabulated and logically interpreted.




Data Analysis and Discussion: Analysis of data is the ultimate step in research process. It is the link between raw

data and significant results leading to conclusions. This process of analysis has to be result oriented. Gender-Wise Distribution: A detailed analysis of the data and its interpretation is presented below in the form of tables and graphs. The particulars of the sample studied for this research work is presented in the table No.1 below. Table 1: Gender -Wise Distribution of Respondents

Gender No. of Respondents Percentage Male 64 62.74 Female 38 37.26 Total 102 100.00

Fig.1 Gender wise distribution of Respondents

It is shown in table-1, 62.74 percent of populations studied were males and only 37.26

percent of total were females. Table.2 District wise distribution of Respondents Name of the District No. of

Respondents Computer Literate Percentage

Salem 34 26 76.47 Namakkal 28 20 71.42 Coimbatore 40 36 90.00

62.74

37.26

Male

Female




In rapid growth and wide spread of information and communication technology the library professionals have made themselves fit to cope with the modified services and activities of libraries. In this context table-2 clearly explains that the highest 90 percent of library professionals are ICT literate in Coimbatore district in comparison to 76.47 percent in Salem district and only 71.42 percent in Namakkal district. Computer Courses undertaken Table-3 Computer courses undertaken

Type of computer course Number Percentage Short term course 17 20.74 DCA course 21 25.60 PGDCA Course 34 41.47 Degree 10 12.19 Total 82 100.00

Fig.2 Computer courses undertaken

In order to target the increasing users’ ever-changing demand and rising needs of the age library professionals should undergo certain type of computer training to prove own self adventitious in tendering services in the library. In relation to this issue the table-3 depicts that the library professionals of engineering colleges are in leading position as computer education undertaken by them which includes 41.47 percent have undergone PGDCA course, 25.60 percent DCA course followed by 20.74 percent have undergone short term course and 12.19 percent have done degree course.

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25

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DCA course PGDCA Course Degree

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Computer Skill: Computer skills are very much needed to every LIS professional in the digital environment. So, to know the level of ICT awareness from the respondents, the question is distributed to them. Table-4 Computer Skill

Type of Skill Number Percentage Computer fundamentals 78 95.12 Programming 24 29.26 Internet 67 81.07 Multimedia 35 42.68

Note: Total sample exceeds the required size since the questions are multiple choices

Fig.3 Computer Skill It might perhaps be useful to understand the efficiency of professionals on the basis of their computer skill in their day to day activities at work place. The table-4 shows that the library professionals of engineering colleges are highly skilled. As the respondents indicated that 95.12 percent of professionals have knowledge in computer fundamentals, 81.07 percent in Internet, 42.68 percent in multimedia and only a very few professionals 29.26 percent have knowledge in computer programming. Sources of Training: Training & Development is essential to every employee of any organization, for library, it is very essential, because it is a service as well as public institution.

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Computer fundamentals

Programming Internet Multimedia

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Table-5 Sources of Training Sources Number Percentage Self study 13 15.85 By the library 38 46.35 In a computer institute 10 12.19 By any outside agency 21 25.61 Total 82 100.00

The precision to what the table-5 transformed that probable all the library professionals of engineering colleges have undergone training from certain sources. Out of 82 respondents, 46.35 percent were provided training by the library, followed by 25.61 percent by outside agency, 15.85 percent by self study and a very few respondents 12.19 percent were provided training by the computer institute. Type of Training Needs Table-5 Type of Training Needs

Training Need Number Percentage Use of bibliographic resources 24 29.26 Use of on-line catalogue 58 70.73 E-books / E-journals 35 42.68 Internet tools and techniques 30 36.58 Search techniques / strategies 14 17.07 Library management software package 78 95.12 Evaluation of information resources 6 7.31 Handling, preservation, conservation of book and non-book materials

4 4.87

Note: Total sample exceeds the required size since the questions are multiple choices Over the time, the innovation of computer and communication technology spread round the corner and collaboration of these with libraries day to day activities as well as services, has a wide ranging impact on the library professionals to be competent enough to cope with the new environment for working comfortably. In this regard they are to be provided requisite training so far as to be able to render multi various services to the potential users. The table-5 clearly connotes that the highest 95.12 percent of library professionals need training on handling library management software packages followed by 70.73 percent for use of online catalogue, 42.68 percent for e-books and e-journals, 36.58 percent need training for Internet tools and techniques. Library Automation:

Library automation is need today’s` library and Information Centers in the ICT era for providing the needed information the all types of the user community. For that, the question is distributed to the respondents and the responses ware presented in the below




Table 6. Table-6 Knowledge of Library Automation

Response Number Percentage Yes 54 65.85 No 28 34.15 Total 82 100.00

Library automation has become the bare necessity for each and every library; hence

all library professionals need to have basic knowledge of library automation. The present study collected data on this which has been tabulated in table-6. The analysis of data reveals that out of 82 respondents, 54 (65.85%) have knowledge of library automation where as 28 respondents (34.15%) do not have this knowledge. Table-7 knowledge of library automation software

Library Automation Software Number Percentage CDS/ ISIS 44 53.65 LibSys 58 70.73 E-Granthalaya 20 24.39 SOUL 36 43.90 Open source software 28 34.14


Fig.4 knowledge of library automation software

Further data were collected on the level of knowledge of various library automation software by the Library professionals which has been tabulated as table-7. The analysis of data of table-7 shows that out of 82 respondents, who possess knowledge of library

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CDS/ ISIS LibSys E-Granthalaya SOUL Open source software

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automation, maximum number of respondents have knowledge of LibSys automation software, followed by CDS/ISIS, SOUL, Open source software and E-Granthalaya library automation software. Digital Library / Institutional Repository Table-8 Knowledge of Digital library / Institutional Repository


Digital library and Institutional repositories have become the latest ICT tools of

libraries. The study attempts to collect data on this latest ICT tools which is tabulated in Table8. The analysis of data shows that as high as 63 respondents out of 82 (76.82%) have knowledge of this where as 19 respondents (23.18%) do not have. Table-9 Knowledge of Digital library / Institutional Repositories software

Digital Library Software Number Percentage GSDL 54 65.85 DSpace 35 42.68 E-Print 13 15.85 NewGen Lib 27 32.92


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Fig.5 Knowledge of Digital library / Institutional Repositories software

Further attempt was made in the study to know about the level of knowledge of library professionals on various Digital Library /Institutional Repository software and data collected on this have been tabulated in table-9. It is evident from the analysis of data of table-9 that, out of 82 respondents who posses the knowledge of digital library/institutional repositories software, maximum professionals have knowledge of GSDL, followed by DSpace, NewGen Lib and E-print. Evaluation of Web-Resources: Table-10 Evaluation of Web-Resources


The approach of the library professionals on evaluation of web-resources as presented in table-10 indicates that maximum 65.86 percent professionals possess knowledge in evaluating web-resources of engineering college, while 34.14 percent professionals do not have efficiency in evaluating the web-resources. Use of search tools Table-11 Use of Search Tools

Search Tools Number Percentage Search Engines 58 70.73 Meta Search Engines 45 54.87 Online bibliographic databases 30 36.58 Web portals / Subject portals / subject gateways

17 20.73


Fig.6 Use of Search Tools

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Digital Video Disc

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Data presented in table-11 relating to use of search tools denotes that 70.73 percent professionals use search engines followed by 54.87 percent professionals use meta search engines, 36.58 percent professionals use online bibliographic databases and 20.73 percent library professionals use web portals/subject Gateways. Use of Search Engines: Table.12 Use of Search Engines

Name of Search Engines Number Percentage Yahoo 48 58.53 Google 64 78.04 Rediff 30 36.58 Alta Vista 25 30.48 Lycos 18 21.95 Bingo 10 12.19 HotBot 6 7.31

Note: Total sample exceeds the required size since the questions are multiple choices A study of data in table-12 indicates the respondents satisfaction on search engines. It

can be assessed with the help of 7 search engines. The respondents’ satisfaction towards utilization of 7 search engines can be observed from the following discussion. 78.04 percent of respondents use Google search engines followed by 58.53 percent use Yahoo, 36.58 percent use Rediff, 30.48 percent use Alta Vista, 21.95 percent use Lycos, 12.19 percent use Bingo and 7.31 percent use HotBot. It could be seen clearly from the above discussion that respondents have high level use of search engines such as Google and Yahoo. Use of Storage Media Table-13 Use of Storage Media

Type of Storage Media Number Percentage Floppy 8 9.75 Compact Disc 68 82.92 Digital Video Disc 55 67.03 Pen Drive 78 95.12


Fig.7 Use of Storage Media




Now we are moving from the typographical age to the electronic era. As a result of these developments there are a large number of options i.e. Floppy, CD, DVD and Pen Drive etc. for recording and preservation of information resources in addition to print on paper. Use of these storage media has spread over all the levels of society as we;; as in library. So the library professional must keep adequate skill in using these storage devices. In this context table-13 clearly shows that the highest 95.12 percent professionals use pen drive followed by 82.92 percent use CD, 67.03 percent use DVD and 9.75 percent use floppy. Skill in using OPAC and Web-OPAC Table-14 Skill in using OPAC and Web-OPAC


This is the age of automation and digitization. Everywhere, there is rapid initiation and application of automation, digitization and networking programmes. In automated libraries the use of OPAC is a must and the professionals should be well versed for the use of these. In this regard the table-14 connotes that the maximum 70.74 percent of professionals use OPAC and Web-OPAC, while the 29.26 percent professionals of engineering colleges do not have skill to use OPAC and Web-OPAC. Constraints in acquiring ICT skills Table-15 Constraints in acquiring ICT skills

Constraints Number Percentage Tight working schedule 76 92.68 Poor infrastructural facilities 38 46.34 Lack of cooperation from the authority 28 34.14 Poor in service training provision 54 65.85 Personal inabilities 15 18.29

Note: Total sample exceeds the required size since the questions are multiple choices Data have been collected on the constraints faced by library professionals in acquiring

ICT skills and have been tabulated in table-15. The analysis of data of Table15 shows that the main constraint in acquiring ICT skills by library professionals is tight working schedule as 76 respondents out of 82 have responded to this (92.68%). It is followed by other responses such as poor in-service training provision (65.856%), poor infrastructural facilities of the library (46.34%), lack of cooperation from the authority (34.14%) and personal inabilities (18.29%). Recommendations: After careful observation of the present investigation/study, the following recommendations were made: 1. Library professionals should be encouraged and deputed by the authority to attend

seminars, workshops, conferences, training programmes on library management software, IT tools, Search techniques.




2. The library authorities need to provide necessary scope and motivation to upgrade the ICT literacy of library professionals.

3. They should know about different consortiums and benefits of a library being member of it.

4. The engineering institutes need to develop the infrastructural facilities of their libraries so that the ICT literacy of library professionals can be best used.

5. They should be provided requisite financial benefits for rendering highly technical and modern library services to the users as they demand.

6. The library schools of Tamil Nadu need to change their curricula focusing more on ICT and changing library environment.

Conclusion: Information and Communications Technology(ICT) or Information Technology (IT)

usually a more general term that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications , computers, middleware as well as necessary software, storage- and audio-visual systems, which enable users to create, access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. The library professionals must possess sufficient knowledge of new ICT skills such as library automation, e-resources management, content management, organization of information on Internet and Intranet, developing and maintaining digital libraries/institutional repositories, web based library services etc. The sole aim of the survey is to understand and sketch a framework of information literacy level of library professionals of fifteen major engineering colleges in the state of Tamil Nadu, in order to meet the ever changing demand of users. Professionals with right ICT skills and expertise will have plenty opportunities in future and will be crucial to the management of technology intensive libraries. References: 1. Anwar, M.A. and Al-Ansari H. (2002). “Developing working LIS professionals in the

Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a study of the perception of deans and directors of academic libraries”. The Electronic Library, 20(3):231-240.

2. Choudhury, B.K. and Bipin Bihari Sethi 2009. “Computer Literacy of Library Professionals in the University Libraries of Orissa: An Analytical Study”. IASLIC Bulletin, 54(1):15-30.

3. Joint, N. (2003). “Staff development and training in the digital library environment”. Library Review 52 (9):417 – 421

4. Kavulya, J.M. (2007). “Training of library and information science (LIS) professionals in Kenya: A needs assessment”. Library Review 56 (3):208 – 223.

5. Mahmood, K. (2003). “A comparison between needed competencies of academic librarians and LIS curricula in Pakistan”. The Electronic Library, 21(2):99-109.

6. Rehman, SU, Majid S and Baker ABA, (1997). “Competencies for future library professionals of academic libraries in Malaysia”. Library Review, 49(6):381-393.




APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARIES: AN OVERVIEW

DR A VIJAYAKUMAR,

Librarian, Devaswom Board College, Sasthamcotta, Kollam, Kerala- 690521

SUDHI S. VIJAYAN,

Technical Assistant, Kerala University Library, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 034

ABSTRACT Information is an indispensable for human development as air is essential for the survival of all living organisms on earth, including human beings. The pace of change brought about by new information technologies has a key effect on the way people live, work, and play worldwide. The increasing role played by information technology in the development of library services for an active reaction to the challenges of the information service providing. The paper attempts to discuss the fast development of Information Technology and its application in the library services. Today libraries are equipped to accomplish the newly Information Technology based services. Information Technology enabled services fulfill the information needs of the users at the right time in the right place to the right person. Key words: Information Technology, Libraries, Electronic Library, Digital Library, E- Resources 1 INTRODUCTION Information is the key factor of any kind of research and development. Information is a fundamental resource which is essential for survival in today’s competitive and wired world. The information itself and way it is accessed have undergone changes owing to the developments in information and communication technology. It is a vital ingredient for socio-economic and cultural development of any nation or individual. According to Kemp” Information is considered as the fifth need of man ranking after air, water, food and shelter”1. The value of information in every human endeavor cannot be overstressed. Quick and easy access to every required information is a supreme importance especially for libraries 2. Information technology application and the techniques are being used by the libraries for information processing, storage, communication, dissemination of information, automation etc. Further, origin of internet and the development of World Wide Web revolutionized the information communication technology. Recognizing the advantages application of information technology the libraries are essential to provide the facilities to their user community 3. 2 INFORMATION

Information is universal- it is known to all men in all languages, there may or may not be precise or apt word in a language to describe the term ‘information’ but surely it is there. We receive the information throughout the day. According to Shannon and Weaver ‘Information is any stimulus that reduces uncertainty”. Another definition by Ching- Chin




Chen and Peter Hernon defines information as “all knowledge, ideas, facts, data and imaginative works of mind which are communicated formally and or informally in any format”.

This information that is so vital to human life, where does it come from? An in-depth study of how information is generated would be a difficult task, but is it can be safely be concluded that research is one of the better known areas where information takes root. Most of what we know today is a result of research. The work of experts in the fields of science, technology, social science and the humanities continue to give birth to information that is beneficial to the whole society. The government, understanding the major role that R&D plays, also continues to pour funds into these fields as a result of which more and more information is generated- so much so that the world is being bombarded with information leading to the phenomenon termed ‘information explosion’ 4. 3 INFORMATION NEED

The Librarian’s Thesaurus defines information need as “that need which library services or materials are intended to satisfy” 5.

Maurice B. Line has defined information need as, “what an individual ought to have for his work, his research, his edification, his recreation etc”6. 4 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY a) According to the Webster’s New encyclopedia, “Information Technology is the

collective term for various technologies involved in the processing and transmission of Information they include computing telecommunications and microelectronics” 7.

b) According to ALA Glossary “Information Technology as the application of computers and technologies to the acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information”8.

c) According to the British Department of Industry, it defines Information Technology as “The acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by microelectronics based combination of computing and telecommunication 9”.

4.1 COMPONENTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Technological change is becoming a driving force in our society. Information technology is a generic term used for a group of technologies. Following are the major components of information technologies as most relevant in modern library and information system.

Networking

&

Distributin

Informatio

n Process

Data

Display

Mass

Storage

Software

Computers




4.2 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: INFRASTRUCTURE The adaptation of any new technology requires the presence of an infrastructure with which it acquires, learn and successfully apply the technology. This includes sufficiently available human resources, well developed telecommunication networks, research and development capabilities and capital for investments10. 5 APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARY The library is the main information centre which can make use of the fat development IT for the benefits of mankind as a whole. The librarian’s preference of IT should include all those technologies which are expected to be used in the library activities/ operations and other library services for collection, processing, storage, retrieval and dissemination of recorded information, the fast developing information technologies have showered almost every areas of application including libraries. In case of libraries, these are good use in the following environments. a) Library Management: Library management includes the following activities which

will certainly be geared up by the use of these fast IT developments: Classification, Cataloguing, Indexing, Database creation, Database Indexing.

b) Library Automation: Library automation is the concept of reducing the human intervention in all the library services so that any user can receive the desired information with the maximum comfort and at the lowest cot. Major areas of the automation can be classified into two -organization o f all library databases and all housekeeping operations of library.

c) Library Networking: Library networking means a group pf Libraries and information Centres are interconnected for some common pattern or design for information exchange and communication with a view to improve efficiency.

d) Audio-Video Technology: It includes photography, microfilms, microfiches, audio and tapes, printing, optical disk etc.

e) Technical Communication: Technical Communication consisting of technical writing, editing, publishing, DTP systems etc. 11

6 IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARY The IT has wide ranging impact on library and information work. Information

activities have undergone rapid transformations from conventional methods, consequent upon introduction of new technologies. This summarized with the help of a table.

SL. NO.

INFORMATION ACTIVITY

CONVENTIONAL METHOD NEW TECHNOLOGY

1. Generate, Originate Writing, Typing Word Processing, Text editing, Character Recognition, voice Recognition

2. Preserve, Store Manuscript, Paper-Print Media Electronic Publishing, Magnetic Storage, Videotext, Tele-text. Computer disk, ROM

3. Process Classification, Cataloguing, Indexing

Electronic data processing, Artificial intelligence/ Expert systems.

4. Retrieval Catalogues, Indexes Database management system, Information retrieval off-line, On-line.

5. Disseminate/ Lists, Bibliographies, Abstracts, Electronic mail, Electronic document




Communicate Hard Copies delivery, Computer conferencing , Telefacsimile, View data

6. Destroy Physical weeding Magnetic erasers, Optical erasers, re-use the medium 12.

7 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY All computer based systems should be user friendly and should satisfy as many of the following factors as possible:

Some of the advantages of information technology include: a. Easy to gather different library activities. b. Collaboration and creation of library networks c. Avoid repetition of efforts within a library d. Increase the range of services offered e. Save the time of the users f. Increases efficiency g. Speedy and easy access of information h. Improves the quality of library services i. Enhance the knowledge and experience j. Integration within the organizations. k. Improve the status of the library l. Improve the communication facilities m. More stable n. Helps to attract the users. o. Remote access to users p. Round the clock access to users q. Access to unlimited information from different sources r. More up to date information s. Information flexibility to the users t. Reforming and combining of data from different sources u. Reduce the workload of the library staff

Some disadvantages of information technology include: a. Insufficient funds b. Operational costs are exceeding year by year. c. Inadequate trained staff d. Unemployment 13. 8 CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BASED SERVICES

Information technology based services can organize on the basis of three main criteria.

I. Apparatus and Amenities II. Customer Services

III. Electronic Sources




I. Apparatus and Amenities: The equipments and facilities available in the library are illuminating in the following headings.

a) Computers: Computer-based technologies have become dominant forces to shape and reshape the products and services the academic library has to offer. The success of the IT enabled services in the library is based on the efficiency of the equipment provided in the library i.e. most modern technology, not on the basis of number of equipments.

b) OPAC: An Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is an online database of materials held by a library or group of libraries. Users search a library catalog principally to locate books and other material physically located at a library 14.

c) Union Catalogue: A union catalog is a combined library catalog describing the collections of a number of libraries. Union catalogs have been created in a range of media, including book format, microform, cards and more recently, networked electronic databases. Union catalogs are useful to librarians, as they assist in locating and requesting materials from other libraries through interlibrary loan service 15.

d) CD-ROM: Presents a state-of-the-art review of the applications of CD-ROMs in academic libraries, embracing all aspects of library involvement and staffing implications. Concludes that CD-ROM is having a huge impact on the way academic libraries function and the services they offer to their users 16.

e) Scanner: In computing, an image scanner—often abbreviated to just scanner— is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image. Mechanically driven scanners that move the document are typically used for large-format documents, where a flatbed design would be impractical 17.

f) RFID: Radio frequency identification is a term used for technologies utilizing radio waves for identifying individual items automatically. The most common way is storing a serial number identifying a product and related information on a microchip attached to an antenna. RFID is used very similar to bar codes 18.

g) Tele text: Teletext is a television information retrieval service developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. It offers a range of text-based information, typically including national, international and sporting news, weather and TV schedules. Teletext information is broadcast in the vertical blanking interval between image frames in a broadcast television signal 19.

h) Facsimile: A facsimile is a copy or reproduction of an old book, manuscript, map, art, or other item of historical value that is as true to the original source as possible. It differs from other forms of reproduction by attempting to replicate the source as accurately as possible in terms of scale, color, condition, and other material qualities. For books and manuscripts, this also entails a complete copy of all pages; hence an incomplete copy is a "partial facsimile" 20.

i) Photocopy: A photocopier is a machine that makes paper copies of documents and other visual images quickly and cheaply. Most current photocopiers use a technology called xerography, a dry process using heat. Photocopying is widely used in library 21.




j) Printing technology: In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text and/or graphics of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies 22.

k) Barcode: A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) is an electronic device for reading printed barcodes. Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones. Additionally, nearly all barcode readers contain decoder circuitry analyzing the barcode's image data provided by the sensor and sending the barcode's content to the scanner's output port 23.

II. Customer Services

a) Document delivery services: The Document Delivery Service (DDS) delivers copies of journal articles and book chapters from participating Libraries. Fees apply for most Document Delivery Services. To fulfill the information needs of the end user through information/document supply is a document delivery service. This service is provided on No Profit - No Loss Basis and Expected to be prompt 24.

b) Interlibrary loan: Inter library loan means a cooperative arrangement among libraries by which one library may borrow material from another library. In other words a loan of library materials by one library to another library.

c) Indexing and abstracting services: a method which is used to retrieve information form a table in memory or a file on a direct access store or the art of compiling an index. The preparation of abstracts, usually in a limited field, by an individual, an industrial organization of r restricted use or a commercial organization: the abstracts being published and supplied regularly to subscribers. Also the organization producing the abstracts. Such services may be either comprehensive or selective 25.

d) Chat services: Online chat may refer to any kind of communication over the Internet, that offers an instantaneous transmission of text-based messages from sender to receiver, hence the delay for visual access to the sent message shall not hamper the flow of communications in any of the directions. Online chat may address as well point-to-point communications as well as multicast communications from one sender to many receivers 26.

e) CAS: The purpose of a current-awareness service is to inform the users about new acquisitions in their libraries. Public libraries in particular have used display boards and shelves to draw attention to recent additions, and many libraries produce complete or selective lists for circulation to patrons. Some libraries have adopted a practice of selective dissemination of information 27.

f) SDI: Selective dissemination of information ("SDI") was originally a phrase related to library and information science. SDI refers to tools and resources used to keep a user informed of new resources on specified topics. Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) was a concept first described by Hans Peter Luhn of IBM in the 1950's 28.

g) Scanned copies: A scanning service for material not available electronically, which is held by the Library. This includes articles from journals and chapters from books.




Users of the service should be aware that we operate within the restrictions of the Copyright Act 29.

h) Bulletin board services: A Bulletin Board System, or BBS, is a computer system running software that allows users to connect and log in to the system using a terminal. Once logged in, a user can perform functions such as uploading and downloading software and data, reading news and bulletins, and exchanging messages with other users, either through electronic mail or in public message boards 30.

i) Electronic services and e- resources: The important fact is convincing many libraries to move towards digital e-resources, which are found to be less expensive and more useful for easy access. This is especially helpful to distant learners who have limited time to access the libraries from outside by internet access to commonly available electronic resources, mainly CD-ROM, OPACs, E-Journals, E-Books, ETD and Internet, which are replacing the print media 31.

j) Digital library: A digital library is a library in which collections are stored in digital formats and accessible by computers. The digital content may be stored locally, or accessed remotely via computer networks. A digital library is a type of information retrieval system 32.

III. Electronic Sources a) Audiovisual materials: The Audiovisual Collection contains a wide range of audio-

visual material to support the research and study needs of staff and students 33. b) Internet: With the advent of digital revolution, communication has become easier and

faster and decision are mad instantaneously. The internet which is the latest among the superhighways has cut down the distance and made it easier to have access to information to all people at all places and at all the times 34.

c) Library website: Library website helps to recognize the facilities and information sources available in the library. In most of the library website online catalogue is included. Online catalogue helps to ascertain a client whether the information is available in the library.

d) Database: A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality, in a way that supports processes requiring the information 35.

9 CONCLUSION As eventual remarks, it is reminded that libraries are operating in a quickly changing situation, they should be aware of latest technologies to continue and maintain the importance of the service offerings. Utilization of Information Technology in present libraries is optimistic to gain right information at the right time in the right place and at the right cost. Information Technology helps to progress the rank of the library and it condense the work stack of the library professions. Information Technology has broken the worldwide boundaries, new apparatus and methods help to provide better services to our clients.




REFERENCE: 1. Pujar, S.M.” Information use by economists: A Study”, Annals of Library and

Information Studies, Vol.54, December 2007, p190-194. 2. Uwaifo, Stephen Osahon.” The role of information technology in local government

administration in Delta State Nigerai: A case study of Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government area”, Library Hitech News, No: 2, 2006, p17-21.

3. Naggi Reddy, Y” Information technology based services in a university Library: A user satisfaction survey”, Annals of Library and Information Studies, Vol.53,March 2006, p15-17.

4. Laloo, Bikika Tariang. " Information Needs, Information Seeking Behaviour and Users”, New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications,2002, p1-2.

5. Soper, M.E. “The Librarian’s Thesaurus: a concise guide to Library and information terms”, American Library association, Chicago, 1990, p2.

6. Line, Maurice B. “Draft definitions: Information and Library needs, want, demand and uses”. ASLIB proceedings. 26, 1974, p 87.

7. Devarajan, G. “Applied research in Library and Information Science”, New Delhi; Ess Ess Publications, 2005, p 74.

8. Ashok Babu, T. “Modern Information technologies: Their impact on Library Services”, Library Information Technology in modern era: Libraries and Librarians in New Millennium, New Delhi; Commonwealth, 1999, p 65-72.

9. Singh, Mahednra Pratap., “Use of Information Technology in Library and Information Science”, New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications, 2008, p 21.

10. Tariq Ashraf. “Library services in electronic environment: Changes, Challenges issues and strategies”, New Delhi: Kaveri Books , 2004, p130.

11. Dabas, C. “IT applications for TQM and Library marketing”, New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications, 2008, p 40-42.

12. Kumar, PSG, “Information Technology: Basic Concepts”, New Delhi: BR publishing Corporations, 2003, p9-17.

13. Kannappanawar, B.U “Problems and prospects of Information technology in R&D Libraries “Dr. P.S.G Kumar festschrift Library and Information Profession in India, Vol-1, Part-2, Delhi; B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2004, p612-617.

14. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_public_access_catalog 15. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_catalog 16. http://lis.sagepub.com/content/26/1/23.short. 17. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_scanner 18. Mehrjerdi, Yahia Zare “RFID: the big player in the libraries of the future” The

Electronic Library Vol. 29 No. 1, 2011, pp. 36-51. 19. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletext 20. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax 21. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photocopier 22. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_(computing) 23. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode_reader




24. http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/dept/access/circ/ill/dds.php 25. Kawatra P.S. “Dictionary of Library Science”, New Delhi: Crest Publishing House,

2002, p 3-155. 26. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_chat 27. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/147047/current-awareness-service 28. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_dissemination_of_information 29. http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/CSL/serv.html 30. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulletin_board_system 31. Sharma, Chetan “Use and Impact of E-Resources at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha

University (India): A Case Study”, Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship, Vol. 10, No. 1.2009. Available from http://southernlibrarianship. icaap.org/content/v10n01/sharma_c01.html.

32. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_library. 33. http://library.canterbury.ac.nz/services/av.shtml 34. Indra Kaul “Internet services for library and information centres “Dr. P.S.G Kumar

festschrift Library and Information Profession in India, Vol-1, Part-2, Delhi; B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2004, p725.

35. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database




Open Access Archives of Doctoral Dissertations in the Mahatma Gandhi

University: A study of the feasible access by the research scholars

Jasimudeen S and Maghesh Rajan M

Mahatma Gandhi University Library, Kottayam.

Abstract

The remote access of full text resources is easier now days as a result of increased sophistication

and availability of technology. Conversion of documents to digital form is a major milestone in the direction of

making communication more transparent and flexible. Theses and dissertations are supposed to be an untapped

and under-utilised asset .The emergence of ETDs and studies on their use and access reveal the fact that the user

community needs the digital versions of documents for their immediate research needs. The purpose of this

paper is to provide an overview of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) initiative of Mahatma Gandhi

University, Kottayam, Kerala. The general pattern of information source access by the scholars was given an

importance for the study. A pattern of descriptive survey design was adopted to support the study and a

questionnaire was used to collect data. More than 125 respondents were selected in random from major braches

of subjects indented for the study.

KEYWORDS: Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETDs), On-line Access, Deep

indexing, E-Initiatives, Archives, Unicode,MGU theses,Nitya D’Arch

Introduction:

Availability of documents in the e-format version is a major phenomenon of the

information explosion era. All are aware about e-mail, e-journal, e-book, e-learning

etc. ETDs (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) are yet another member joined to the

large e-family recently. “An ETD is a document that explains the research or

scholarship of a researcher/student. It is expressed in a form simultaneously suitable

for machine archives and worldwide retrieval. The ETD is similar to its paper

predecessor. It has figures, tables, footnotes, and references. It has a title page with

the authors' name, the official name of the university, the degree sought, and the

names of the committee members. It documents the author's years of academic




commitment. It describes why the work was done, how the research relates to

previous work as recorded in the literature, the research methods used, the results, and

the interpretation and discussion of the results, and a summary with conclusions. The

ETD is different; however, it provides a technologically advanced medium for

expressing your ideas”.1 The explosion of new computer technology helped to

incorporate features such as sound, video, graphics, and hypertext links or search

tools in the documents produced. The ETD (Electronic Thesis/Dissertation) initiative

is an effort to help scholars create works of scholarship that are interactive, visually

appealing, and readily accessible to a large audience of interested readers across the

globe.

Mahatma Gandhi University Online Theses Archive

About 1200 theses have been digitized and uploaded in the Mahatma Gandhi

University Online Theses Digital Library. Mahatma Gandhi University Online Theses

Digital Library is first of its kind by any Indian University to apply a special archiving

package for hosting in the web the entire knowledge it generated through doctoral

research Programmes. The package Nitya D’ Arch used for developing and hosting

the collection has multilingual search facility, multilingual online keyboard and it

satisfies UNICODE standards. Presently it covers English, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil

and Kannada.The specificity in search and retrieval offered by Online Nitya for MGU

theses archive is not available in any other digital archives developed or used in India

at present. Its metadata can be made OAI-PMH (Open Access initiative - Protocol for

Metadata Harvest). For the special work of the University, the archive has been

selected to be the best online resource by “Intute consortium” of European Union for

education and research in the fourth place and has also bagged the Best Kerala state

E-governance Award of 2009.2 The MGU Dissertation archive is live in Internet

without any failure 24 hrs 365 days a year since its launching by Dr. APJ Abdul

Kalam at www.mgutheses.org for free access worldwide.




Objectives of the study

To explain the Searching Interface of the MGU Digital Archive.

To analyse and study the current updating process.

To observe and evolve the higher use of soft copy than the hard copy, if any.

To understand and study the effective download/ print option facility ensured.

To provide WIFI facility for the effective access at any time.

To analyse the infrastructure facility for the both hard copy stack and soft copy

lab.

Literature Review

An attempt has been made in this paper to review briefly the important studies in the

area of Digital Archiving and Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) Initiatives.

BROWN (2010) 3 summarises existing research into the attitudes of graduate

students and their supervisors towards electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs).

Research was identified from Germany, India, Italy, South Africa, the UK and the US.

BROWN AND KATHY (2010) 4 discuss some case studies which form part of the

‘Influencing the Deposit of Electronic Theses in UK HE’ project, commissioned by

the JISC and led by UCL.

COLES AND KATHERINE (2010) 5 explain what was involved in the transition from

ETD-db to EPrints for thesis collection and how the Caltech Library took advantage

of the flexibility of the EPrints platform to meet our requirements. It also suggests

ways that other institutions may be able to adopt and build on what they have done,

and why EPrints may be a good electronic thesis repository solution for other

institutions.

HOROVÁ AND RADIM (2010) 6 report on the issues at the Academy of Performing

Arts in Prague (AMU) to switch over to an Open Source system, Dspace. Metadata




based on the Dublin Core Standard was extended to include the relation element

qualifiers. The modules for editing and displaying were modified to permit searching

and viewing of the related documents. Video and audio players were integrated into

the system to make the related multimedia files available directly from the primary

record page. A handle server, which generates persistent identifiers, was

implemented. The automatic transfer of metadata from the AMU Study information

system, KOS, into the repository was enabled, along with automated OAI-PMH

harvesting into the national registry.

KOULOURIS AND ANGELOS (2010) 7 describe the e-submission tool, its

procedures and evaluates its use at National Technical University of Athens .The

paper shows that the tool helped NTUA users in submitting their e-theses, and the IR

staff in organizing efficiently the service workflow and the data integration into the

DSpacesystem. The process weaknesses rectifications will enhance the service and

allow its broadness to all NTUA departments. This tool implementation may start a

debate to the DSpace community in using proxies between DSpace platform and the

end user, as an alternative.

A RAMIREZ AND GAIL (2010) 8 share view about Information privacy is an

important consideration when transitioning university collections from paper to

electronic access. The student privacy regulations have rarely been addressed in the

literature for online electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). The Family

Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and its relevance to student work are

discussed.

RATANYA (2010) 9 presents a brief introduction of the importance of ETD as

materials for open access. This is with emphasis on the Kenya Information

Preservation Society (KIPS) project which has, since 1993, been digitizing theses

from a number of participating institutions across the country. The paper relies

heavily on literature derived from existing documentation, online searches and

website exploration, and the KIPS's union list of theses and dissertations CD-ROM. A




number of contracted employees (scanning and input) were also interviewed in order

to provide statistics about the contributing institutions.

Search interface of MGU On line Digital Archives

The user interface of MGU Online Theses Digital Archive is very simple and is

similar to Google Search Engine. Subject keywords are to be entered in the search

box given in the home page. Then we have to click the “search “button.”Author

listing” and “title listing” in alphabetical order can also be had from the hyper links in

the homepage itself.

Figure 1

MGU Archive home page

When

the “search “button is clicked a list of relevant theses is displayed. All the titles of the

retrieved theses having the search term in title, as well as highly relevant to search

topic are first displayed. After that in continuation all the sections in other theses

related to the query are listed. The list of theses generated by a query can be printed

for future reference if essential.




Figure 2

List of relevant theses

From this list user can chose the required title or theses or the section of any theses.

For this the user has to click at the concerned item in the list .This opens the

concerned full text and the user can go to the full text of the thesis or concerned

section.

Figure 3

Navigating through full text




Once the full text is opened, user can navigate through entire thesis back and forth.

Book marks provided on the right side of the screen help the user to go to the relevant

chapters instantly if needed. At present downloading of the theses or printing of full

theses or selected pages are not permitted. Only one selected page can be printed at a

time.

Advanced search

Searches can be made specific to categories like TITLE or SCHOLAR or

GUIDE.”Advanced Search option” permits the user to build complex Boolean queries

in single steps. Specifying “Marx' and “education” in the title field will retrieve theses

having both these words in the title.

Figure 4

Advanced search




Multilingual search facility

Malayalam

Mahatma Gandhi University Online Theses Digital Library has multilingual, search

capability ( i.e. for searching malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telungu, Hindi, other

Indian scripts,a nd English).

Figure 5

Malayalam searching

If the user is not very familiar with the Malayalam or any key board user, the user can

click on the keyboard symbol on the right side of the search box and get the

Malayalam online keyboard in the screen. By clicking on the letters, user can type the

query in the search box.




Multilingual search facility

Hindi,Tamil,Kannada

Figure 6

Multilingual search key board

By clicking on the TAB at the left side of the key board ,user can get the list of Indian

language keyboards that are active and select Hindi or other languages in the same

way in which Malayalam was selected .Event though Tamil and Kannada theses are

not available in the collection ,facilitates for those scripts also activated by default and

those language theses can also be uploaded and searched through concerned language

provision in the archive.

Methodology for user survey

To achieve the objectives of the study under taken in this paper, the survey research

method was adopted to collect the data from the population of 125 research scholars. .




Out of the population of 152 part time and full time research scholars, 125 scholars

were issued the questionnaire, of them 110 scholars were promptly returned so that

the response rate of the study was 88 %. The scholars were issued the questionnaire

by the authors during the time of their information search and some of them were

issued in person.

Data Analysis

The majority of the respondents are the research scholars in the University,

of them 88% of persons replied to the questionnaire which let us to reach an inference

that the study on the use of e-thesis is inevitable. Almost 91% of respondents are

aware of the e- archive of the University by the Orientation programme of the Library

and remaining 19 respondents by on -line.

More than 86% of the respondents are using the Internet service to access

the e- thesis every day and remaining of 15 persons use this service in between 2-5

times per week. Out of 110 respondents, 55% of the population spent the time for

searching the subjects of their study and related areas. Almost 27% of the

respondent’s search is based on Keywords of their research, 4.5% of them spent for

the model and pattern of the thesis and remaining 13.5% is using this source for

comparing their findings.

More than 95% of respondents put their regrets that the e-thesis is not

available in open access for downloading and the remaining 5 scholars replied that

many theses of the university are available for downloading from Shodh Ganga E-

thesis archive hosted by INFLIBNET.

As the e-thesis work is a continuous process in general, the currency

and update of e-thesis is still pending since 2008,reported by 93.63% respondents.

Whereas the infrastructure of the stacking of the hard copies and the soft copy Lab are

so isolated where 90% of the respondents showed their reluctance in referring the

hard copy due to the distance of stack, the remaining 15 scholars do not like to refer




the hard copy. Out of 110 scholars, 80% of the respondents like to refer the hard copy

than the soft one due to the easiness of reading and the remaining 20% are placed

their opinion to provide LED monitors to avoid the rays of the computers. Almost

90% of the respondents based on the search by deep indexing and remaining 10% are

generally using the Key terms. The Book marking navigation process is supported by

91% of the respondents. Almost 96% of respondents placed their opinion on

providing WIFI facility to access the e- thesis from anywhere in the campus.

Conclusion:

As the emergence of e-thesis archive is so inevitable and very useful documents so far

accessible on line and it is a necessity that the higher educational institutions should

have to maintain and develop such archives of their own so the documents can be

preserved in such a way for the future and easy access for effective use in present.

The University libraries have to undertake the Orientation programme to announce

their resources and effective way to use them. The search strategies and methods

should be inculcated to the scholars in a periodical interval as like the use of online

journals. The e-thesis archives should be made open access so that the scholar can

access the document from anywhere and necessary download and print option should

also be given so that the search purpose will be satisfied. The research is the way to

the creation of new knowledge and innovations, so that process of the on line e-thesis

should be encouraged.

REFERENCES:

1. UNESCO ETD Guide. Retrieved on 12 July 2011 from:http://etdguide.org/

2. www.mgutheses.org. Accessed on 10 July 20011

3. Brown, Josh. Literature Review of Research into Attitudes towards Electronic

Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). UCL Eprints ,2010




4. Brown, Josh, and Kathy Sadler. Vision, Impact, Success: Mandating Electronic

Theses. Case Studies of E-theses Mandates in Practice in the UK

5. Coles, Betsy, and Katherine Johnson. Moving Electronic Theses from ETD-db to

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