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Library Networking and India

2008-09-13T04:14:00.000-07:00

LIbrary Networking and India

1. Introduction: The explosion in the amount of literature that isavailable, increases among the number of users andtheir different needs, and the application ofelectronic media are forcing libraries to constructand participate in networks. Magnetic tapes, floppydisks, and CD-ROMs provide enough data storagecapacity. Retrieval through telecommunicationsnetworks and access to international databases areavailable for searching for information on varioussubjects. With the advent of networks, remotetransmission of texts and graphics, video clips andanimated clips are also possible.

2. Definitions: • A library network is broadly described as a groupof libraries coming together with some agreement ofunderstanding to help each other with a view tosatisfying the information needs of their clientele.

UNISIST II working document defines InformationNetwork as a set of inter-related information systemsassociated with communication facilities, which arecooperating through more or less formal agreements inorder to implement information handling operations tooffer better services to the users. •

The National Commission on Libraries & InformationScience in its National Programme Document (1975)defines a network as Two or more libraries engaged in a common patternof information exchange, through communications forsome functional purpose.

3. Objectives:

3.1 To promote and support adoption of standards inlibrary operations.

3.2 To create databases for projects, specialists andinstitutions to provide online information services

3.3 To improve the efficiency of housekeepingoperations

3.4 To coordinate with other regional, national &international network for exchange of information anddocuments

3.5 To generate new services and to improve theefficiency of existing ones

4. Network Development in India: Some factors that are responsible for the developmentof library and information networks in India are:

• The report of the working group of the planningcommission on modernization of library services andinformatics for the seventh five year plan, 1985-90

• The National Policy on Library & Informationsystems document (1986) accepted by the ministry ofHRD, Government of India.

• The report on national policy on universitylibraries prepared by the Association of IndianUniversities (1987)

• The UGC report on information systems for scienceand technology under the Department of Science &Industrial Research (DSIR) Government of India hasbeen vigorously promoting an integrated approach tolibrary automation and networking

5. Limitations in Network Development: A network may fail in the early stages if there is notproper planning or if adequate funds are notavailable. Moreover, a common memorandum of agreementsigned by the participating libraries at theinstitutional level is essential for the success of anetwork venture. On a more practical level, catalogdata must be in a standard, machine readable form forit to be shared and exchanged. And, finally, acontinuous flow of external assistance is crucial forthe network's survival.

6. Types of Networks: Presently, there are three types of computer networks:

6.1 LAN

6.2 MAN

6.3 WAN

6.1 Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a number of related computers and electronicdevices that share information over a transmissionmedia. A typical use of LAN is to tie together personalcomputers in an office so that they can all use asingle printer and a file server. The LAN can bewithin a building or a campus wide network.

6.2 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Attempts are being made to develop this type ofnetwork in metropolitan areas such Delhi, Calcutta,Bangalore, Madras, etc.

6.3 Wide Area Network (WAN): A large-scale network, involving offices in differentcities and countries is referred to as WAN, which isspecially designed to interconnect data transmissiondevices over wide geographical areas.

7.Categories of Network Library networks have been divided into twocategories: (A)General network and (B)Specialized network.

The latter can further be divided into metropolitannetwork and countrywide network.

General Networks in India

NICNET:

Title: National Information Center Network

Sponsor: Planning Commission, Govt. of India.

Membership: Four national and regional nodes, 32 stateand union territory nodes; seventy cities and towns Services: Bulk file transfer; teleconferencing; fulltext and bibliographic retrieval services

Application: ICMRNIC Center; MEDLARS in India;Chemical Abstracts database

INDONET:

Title: INDONET data Network Sponsor: CMC Ltd (1986) = Informatics India Ltd (1989)

Membership: Commercial computer network

Services: Database services such as DIALOG,COMPUSERVE; IP; SHARP Applications: ACME; file transfer; internationalGateway

I - NET (VIKRAM):

Title: I - NET

Sponsor: Dept. of Telecommunications, Govt. of India

Connectivity: Packet switched public data networkcovering nine cities

Services: Information exchange through e-mail / FTP;Bibliographic databases

Specialized Networks

Metropolitan Networks

CALIBNET:

Title: Calcutta Libraries Network

Sponsor: NISSAT - Govt. of India

Applications: Cataloging; serials control;acquisitions; circulation

Services: CAS; SDI; union catalog; partial database;editing and retrieval of records; global information;search; full-text document delivery; libraryautomation; CALIBNET INFO Services

BONET:

Title: Bombay Library Network

Sponsor: NISSAT & NCST (1994)

Objective: To promote cooperation among libraries inBombay

Services: online catalog; online document delivery;IRS; interlibrary loan; dissemination of information

DELNET:

Title: Developing Library Network S

ponsor: NISSAT & NIC (1988)

Objective: To promote resource sharing; develop anetwork of libraries; collect, store, disseminateinformation

Members: 165 Institutions, 600 Libraries, 15 States inIndia, 5 from outside India

Services: resource sharing; free Software; ICE onlinefacility; books database; thesis database; Indianspecialists; database

ADINET:

Title: Ahmedabad Library Network

Sponsor: NISSAT, DSIR (1994) & INFLIBNET

Objective: To bring cooperation among its regionallibraries; to develop databases; to integratescientific and technical information systems Members: nine libraries Services: library automation; library holdings;database in progress

MYLIBNET:

Title: Mysore Library Network S

ponsor: NISSAT (1994)

Objective: Developing software tools; conductingseminar; workshops/training programs; conduct surveys

Host Site: CFTRI,

Mysore Members: 116 Institutions

Services: MYLIB Database; E-journals; food patents;CFTRI Library Bulletin; public services.

Countrywide Area Network:

DESINET:

Title: Defence Science Information Network

Sponsor: DESIDOC, Delhi

Activity: Focus on scientific, research and defenseCommunities

ERNET:

Title: Educational and Research Network

Sponsor: Dept. of Electronics, Govt. of India; UNESCO(Financial assistance from UNDP)

Members: eight institutions (5 IITs, IISc., NationalCentre for Software Technology - Bombay, CCI wing ofDept. of Electronics)

Services: Communication services such as e-mail, filetransfer, remote log on, database access, bulletinboard etc.,

SIRNET:

Title: Scientific and Industrial Research Network

Sponsor: CSIR (Commissioned Agency- NCST, Bombay) Members: 40 labs and R&D Institutions

Applications: scientific communication; leathertechnology; natural products; food technology;medicinal Plants

VIDYANET:

Title: VIDYANET (Dedicated Communication Computer Net)

Sponsor: TATA Institute of Fundamental Research,Bombay

Objectives: To provide rapid means of communicationsby linking computers at various institutions in Indiato similar networks outside the country; to stimulatecorporate research, the day-to-day exchange ofresearch information and the execution of jointprojects and publications

Services: File transfer facility; sharing of computerresources and access to remote applications,databases, libraries, etc.

BTISNET:

Title: BTISNET (Specialized Information Network)

Sponsor: Dept. of Biotechnology, Govt. of India. Connectivity: 10 Specialized Information Centres ingenetic engineering, plant tissue culture;photosynthesis and plant molecular biology; celltransformation ; bio-process engineering. Services: Data processing using applications software;online communication access; facsimile facility

INFLIBNET:

Title: Information Library Network

Sponsor: UGC (1991) Connectivity: computer communication network ofuniversities and R&D; libraries and bibliographicinformation centers throughout the country Members: 200 Universities; 400 College libraries; 200R&D

libraries Services: catalog service; database Services; documentsupply services; e-mail; BBS: audio and videoconferencing, etc.

BALNET:

Title: Bangalore Library Network

Sponsor: JRD;. Tata Memorial Library (1995)

Members: 100 Libraries MALIBNET: Title: Madras Library Network Sponsor: INSDOC & NISSAT (1993)

Members: 15 Libraries

Activity: Two important databases, a directorydatabase of current serials in Madras and a contentsdatabase covering articles published in 300 journalsavailable in Madras libraries.

Conclusion: During the recent period quite a large number oflibraries and information centers are formingnetworks. The advent of computer networking as anaccepted part of the library and informationinfrastructure has had a very significant impact onthe way in which library and information systems areperceived. India is thus on the threshold to a new eraof computer communication networks both for generalpurposes and for library and information purposes.

References :

LIS forumSarandha Singh ADIS 2nd year Student Documentation Research and Training CenterISI,Bangalore-59,India.

More details visit:http://drtc.isibang.ac.in/~sarandha

Inputs From

Free e-books sites

2008-09-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

E-Books :An e-book (for electronic book: also ebook) is the digital media equivalent of a conventional printed book. Such documents are usually read on personal computers, or on dedicated hardware devices known as e-book readers or e-book devices.
There are good number of electonic books, popularly known as e-books are available on the internet for free of cost. They are available in most of the subject areas. Some are available for browsing and many titles are for download. Please go through the following links for more information.

1.Bartleby.com
Provides free full text online access to reference, literature and verse books.

2.Books-On-Line.com
Provides access to full text of books. Includes both free and priced books in its collection. The books are available on all the subject areas classifed by using Dewey Class numbers.

3.Classic Bookshelf
A very good site, makes reading online enjoyable with its customization features. Contains old clssics.

4.Computer Books
A free collection of computers from all over the world.

5.Computer and Internet Books Online
This database contains links to FREE books available online.

6.Ebrary
Holds collection of e-books on various subjects. Only viewing is free. To browse one has to download their plugin.

7.Electronic Literature Foundation: Great Books
Contains around 109 online books on literature. The site provides free access to all the works. Some of the works included are The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Dante's Divine Comedy, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the novels of Jane Austen, and more.

8.English Server Fiction Collection
This site offers works of and about fiction collected from their members, contributing authors worldwide, and texts in the public domain.

9.Freebooks4doctors
FreeBooks4Doctors is dedicated to the promotion of free access to medical books over the Internet. There are good number of titles avaialble on different aspects of medical sciences. It provides links to free of cost e-books available on different sites.

10.Free online Books
Provides links to online full text of educational and technical books. Also provides links to online course, workshops, etc.
11.Free Programming and Computer Science Books
You may download programming and computer science books for FREE!.

12.Free Tech Books
Lists free online computer science and engineering books +lecture notes.

13.Health Books
Provides links to free of charge electronic books available on different aspects of medical sciences.
14.Internet Public Library e-books
IPL provides links to around 20000 e-books on various subjects. The subjects are classified by using Dewey Decimal classification.

15.Library of Economics and Liberty
Provides access to full text of classic economics books, essays and articles.

16.Manybooks: Free ebooks for your PDA
Provides access to 10,158 eBooks formatted for reading on your Palm, PocketPC, Zaurus, Rocketbook, or Symbian cellphone.

17.National Academies Press e-books
Provides FREE online access to its e-books collection. Right now it holds around 1500 titles. Free PDF versions are available to readers from developing countries.

18.Online Books Page
The Online Books Page facilitates access to books that are freely readable over the Internet. It also aims to encourage the development of such online books, for the benefit and edification of all. Books are available in all subject areas.

19.Online Library of Literature
It contains excellent collection of literature books.

20.Open Book Project
Provides access to good number of computer books. These are available for browsing and also saving of chapters in HTML format is possible.

21.Page by Page Books Online
Contains lot of classic books, which can read online for free.

22.Project Gutenberg
Gives online access to full text of classic books on different subjects, which are published pre 1923. The project does not cover any of the copyrighted material. One can download texts required for his/her use.

23.Read Print
It is a free online library. It offers thousands of free books for students, teachers, and the classic enthusiast.

24.Sunsite India: Virtual Library
Provides links to full text of computer books. The books covered here are bit old, but still worth to visit.

25.University of California Press e-books
Around 60 titles are available for free browsing covering different subject areas.

26.University of Toronto English Library
Provides full text access to collection of classic works in English literature. The collection includes prose, poetry and fictions.

27.World e-book Library
It is a global coordinated effort to preserve and disseminate classic works of literature, serials, bibliographies, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference works in a number of languages and countries around the world. Provides free access to collection listed under 'Public'.

Web Resources

2008-09-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

Biographical Dictionary
Listings for 28,000 + important historical figures. Search by name, keyword, or date.

Libweb
Categorized access to library servers around the world, including academic libraries, public libraries, national libraries and library organizations, state libraries, regional consortia, and special and school libraries. Includes keyword search for location, library type, or library name.

Refdesk
Outstanding collection of reference links, including a list of Top Reference Tools.

Thomas
Sponsored by the Library of Congress, Thomas is the authoritative center for U.S. legislative information on the Internet. The full-text of The Congressional Record, Senate and House committee reports, bills, public laws, historical documents, and committee schedules can be found on this site. Updated daily, the site also includes custom search engines to permit searching by bill number, subject term, word/phrase, stage in legislative process, date of introduction, sponsor/cosponsor, and/or committee.

yourDictionary.com
Portal to more than 1800 dictionaries (language and specialty) in more than 250 languages.

Web 2.0 & Library

2008-09-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

1. Web 2.0: Introduction
The term Web 2.0 was reportedly first conceptualized and made popular by Tim O’Reilly and Dale Dougherly of O’Reilly Media in 2004 to describe the trends and business models that survived the technology sector market Crash of the 1990s .The term is now widely used and interpreted but web 2.0 essentially is not a web of textual publication but a web of multi sensory communication .It is user centered web in way it has not been thus far. The implication of this revolution in the Web are enormous .Librarians are only beginning to acknowledge and write about it the application of Web 2.0 to library services has been widely framed /accepted as Library 2.0.Library 2.0 is a new way of providing library services through new internet technologies with emphasis on ‘User’. This article proceeded to express that much discussed Web 2.0 is something important for librarians to become involved in as it may radically change user services and interaction.

2. Web 2.0: The concept
Web: The World Wide Web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed remotely via Internet with a Web browser. A user views web pages that may contain text, images videos or multimedia and navigate between them using hyperlink. The WorldWideWeb was created in 1989 by Sir Tim Brenner Lee, working at European Organization for Nuclear Resources in Geneva, Switzerland and released in 1992.Since then the Bernners lee has played an active role in guiding the development of Web

Web 1.0: The Information published in Web 1.0 in a static manner .It is just like a simple word document on the web with pictures and formatting done neately.Hyperlinkinng the web pages and book marking were two of the most important aspect of Web 1.0

Web 2.0: The term was coined by Tim O’Rilley .The information published in Web 2.0 is very different .There is a very high importance given on usability and sharing .the information published in Web 2.0 travels like wildfire either partial or in full. It is user centric that encourages constant and purposeful change also inviting user participation in the creation of both physical and virtual services they want.

Some examples of the move from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 include:

Personal websites, E-mail mailing list → Blogs, Wikis RSS feeds
Britannica Online → Wikipedia
Directories → Tagging
Stickiness → Syndication

Web 3.0: Most of the technology oriented people are familiar with Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 terminology some how .Over the last few month term Web 3.0 is slowly catching peoples attention .We are not there yet but Web 3.0 is being quite often in Blogosphere other technology sites. To be honest there are varied perceptions of what Web 3.0 is? simply put it is purely a word coined as the next version of Web 2.0.One basic thing that every one accept is Web 3.0 will be a maze /network of application operating homogenously .the use can do any thing and every thing they want from a single sources on the web

3. Web 2.0: Feature
Web 2.0 is not a movement, not a cause, not a craze it is simply a description what is happening .It is an Internet Communication and productivity tools that are:

User Centered
Collaborative
Social
Interactive
Content rich
Multimedia rich
De-centralized (control)

4. Web 2.0: Manifestation of Web 2.0
Web 2.0 is a new way of providing services through new internet technologies with emphasis on ‘User Centered’ change and interaction .It gets better the more users are involved in the process of interacting. The manifestations of Web 2.0 are:

RSS
Blogs and Blogging
Wikis
New programming tools-Ajax, API, MashUps, Widgets etc
Personalization and my profile
Social Networking
Pod casting
Streaming Media-Audio Video
Personalized Alerts
Instant messaging and Virtual reference
Photos-Flickr Picasa
Open access, Open Sources, Open content
Review and user driven ratings etc

5. Web 2.0: Opportunities in the library
As Web 2.0 has been branded a ‘movement’ and passing ‘fad’ by some of the traditionalists’ .The opportunities in the library one can not be ignored. There are lots of reasons to do it:

IM (Instant Messaging) interaction between Librarian and User
Tagable database
MashUp of multiple database and media
Interactive and media rich
Library Blog, Library wiki, RSS feeds etc
E content
Personalized OPAC with suggested readings, bookmarks, user commendations, discussions

6. Library 2.0
The rate of technological change is mind bogging and the amounts of things one can do on the web are also. Libraries need to keep what is out there and what patrons want. Hence, Library 2.0.Library 2.0 is a loosely defined model for a modernized form of library services that reflect a transition within the library world in the way that services are delivered to user. The concept of Library 2.0 borrows from that of Web 2.0 and Business 2.0 and follows the same philosophies. This includes User-Centered, Collaborative, Social, Interactive, and Multimedia rich.
The term Library 2.0 was coined by Michael Cassy on his Blog Library Crunch.Cassy suggested that libraries are at a cross roads of where many of the elements of Web 2.0 have applicable value within Library Community. Library 2.0 attempts to harness the library user in the design and implementation of library services by encouraging feedback and participation. Ultimately the Library 2.0 model of services will replace services traditional, one directional service offerings that have characterized libraries for centuries.

7. Library 2.0: Services
Library 2.0 covers a wide field from tagging OPAC, IM (Instant Messaging) at the reference desk to forming virtual communities and encouraging participation in content development, policy formation and resources selection and management. The future of this technology in the library field is interesting

7.1 Synchronous Messaging
This technology has already been embraces quite rapidly by the library community. More widely known as Instant Messaging (IM).It allows Real time text communication between individuals. Libraries have begun employing it to provide Chat Reference services where patrons can synchronously communicate with libraries much as they would in a face to face reference context. Librarian may do well to continue adopting this technology as it allows reference service in an online media closely approximate the more traditional services of the physical library.

7.2 Streaming Media
The streamining of video and audio is another application that many might considers as Web 1.0 as it also predates Web2.0 thinking and was widely employed before many of the following technologies had even been invented. But for reasons similar to synchronous messaging it is here considered Web 2.0 .Certainly for libraries to begin maximizing steaming medias usefulness for their patrons, 2.0 thinking will be necessary. The association of College and Research Libraries Instruction section provides a database of tutorials, many of which are Web 2.0 in their nature called Peer Reviewed Instructional Materials online (PRIMO).Many of these tutorials use flash programming, screen-cast software or streaming audio – video and couple the media presentation with interactive quizzing; users respond to question and the system respond in kind.

7.3 Tagging
Tagging refers to the process by which users assign terms meaningful to them to a resource in the online environment.Tagging is essentially Web 2.0 services because it allows user to add or append content (data) .Tagging enable users to create subject heading for the object at hand. In Flickr user tag pictures. In Library Thing they tag books In Library 2.0 user could tag the library collection and there by participate in the cataloging process .The catalog of Library 2.0enable users to follow both standardization and user tagged subject; whichever makes most sense to them .In turn they can add tags to the resources .The user responds to the system, the system to the user. This tagged catalog is an open catalog, user centered catalog .It is the Library science at its best

7.4 RSS Feeds
RSS feeds and other related technologies provide users a way to syndicate and republish content on the web. Users republish content from other sites or Blogs on their sites, aggregate content on other sites in a single place, and ostensible distill the web for their personal use. Already libraries are creating RSS feeds for users to subscribe to, including updates on new items in a collection; new services and new content in subscribe databases. New product like BlogBridge: Library from the house of BlogBridge and similar RSS aggregator applications enable users to have a single coutomized, personal library page that syndicates all the library content of interest to them and their research eliminating irrelevant information and allow users to control that page and content.
But libraries have yet to explore ways of using RSS more pervasively.

7.5 MashUp
In web development, a mashup is a web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool. Content used in mashups is typically sourced from a third party via a public interface or API (web services). Other methods of sourcing content for mashups include Web feeds (e.g. RSS or Atom), and screen scraping,etc
Library 2.0 is a MashUp. It is a hybrid of Blogs,Wikis,Streaming media,Instant Messaging(IM),Social networking .It allows users to edit OPAC,saves user’s tag,facilitattes IM conversation with librarians and the user is able to make all or part of their profile public.Library 2.0 is completely user-centred and user driven .It is a MashUp of traditional library services and innovative Web 2.0 services.

7.6 Blogs and Wikis
Blogs and Wikis are fundamentally Web 2.0 services and their global proliferation has enormous implication for libraries.Blog may indeed be an even greater milestone in the history of publishing than web pages. The difference is that the easy-to-use tool available for blogging takes away the barriers to getting online. They enable rapid production and consumption of web based publications.
Wikis are essentially open web pages where anyone registered with the Wiki can publish to it. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites.The collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia is one of the best-known wikis.
In addition Library wiki as a service can enable social interaction among librarians and patrons ,essentially moving the study group Online.As user share information ask question ,answer questions within a wiki.
Altogether blogs and Wikis are relatively quick solution for moving librrary collection and services into Web 2.0

7.7 Social Networks
A social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are web based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services.Social networking has created powerful new ways to communicate and share information.My Space ,Face Book,Orkut,Flickr are the social networks that have enjoyed massive popularity in the in the Web 2.0.These sites facilitates users to share information,photos with others.
LibraryThing is a prominent social cataloging web application for storing and sharing personal library catalogs and book lists.LibraryThing was developed by Tim Spalding and went live on August 29, 2005. The primary feature of LibraryThing is the automatic cataloging of books by importing data from booksellers and libraries through Z39.50 connections.It is simple way to categorize books according to how a user thinks of them. One can access catalog from anywhere. Library Thing also connects people with the same books, comes up with suggestions for what to read next, and so forth.

8. Library 2.0: India’s perspective
it is catching America & Canada
Many libraries have made encouraging advances in their electronic offerings by providing access to top-quality databases, downloadable audiobooks and music, and instant messaging reference services
In India, we are still at the start of Library 2.0 revolution

9. Issues
Understanding the challenges
Libraries do not market themselves or their services
Many libraries don’t have enough infrastructure
Library staff needs more training
Libraries need more innovative programming

Inputs from :
Wikipedia
LibraryThing
The Telegraph
LibraryCrunch
Google