Reporton National Seminar on Digitisation and Networking of LICs in North East India

Organized jointly by: Dept of Lib & Inf Science, Gauhati Universityand Central Reference Library, Dept of Culture, GOI, KolkataDates: January 9-10, 2009The Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University jointly with the Central Reference Library, Kolkata organized a National Seminar on Digitization and Networking of Library and Information Centers of North East India during January 9-10, 2009 at the Gauhati University. The sub-themes of the seminar were: Application of ICT in LICs of NEI Libraries: present and Future; Digitization of LIC resources: planning; Role of LIS Schools; and NEILIBNET: a proposal. There were 50 papers contributed by LIS professionals from all NE States and other parts of the country including one each from neighbouring Bhutan and Bangladesh.Inaugural Session: The session was held on 9th January at the Phanidhar Dutta Seminar Hall, GU presided over by Prof Narendra Lahkar, HOD, LIS, GU. Prof OK Medhi, Vice Chancellor, GU while inaugurating the seminar urged upon the library professionals to be proactive in extending services to the society so that society gets optimum benefits of library establishments. Prof Medhi has expressed his satisfaction on the theme of the seminar as this is reflecting the present needs especially in the North East India. Sri H N Das, IAS and Former Chief Secretary, Govt of Assam speaking as a Guest of Honour described how he had received support from the libraries in developing his career as a student, teacher and administrator. Prof Alaka Buragohain, Former Head, LIS, GU speaking as another Guest speaker identified various steps to be adopted by the LICs today in order to prepare individual so that they became assets of the society. In the multicultural society, library should be more democratic and unbiased Prof Buragohain opined. LICs should initiate the process of automation and digitization of the resources for their proper preservation and use, she suggests. At the outset Prof Lahkar welcome the delegates and resource persons while Sri KK Deka from Central Reference Library, Kolkata offered vote of thanks.Prof Narendra Lahkar and Dr Dhrubajit Das were the Director and Repportuer General of the seminar respectively.Technical Session I: Application of ICT in LICs of NE India: Present and FutureChairperson: Prof C P Vashishth; Rappoteurs: Dipen Deka and Zabeen AhmedProf. P K Panigrahi, DLISc, Calcutta University presented the invited paper “Application of ICT in LICs of NE India: present and future”. Prof Panigrahi discussed on the latest application of ICTs such as web technologies like web 2.0, 3.0; semantic web; RDF etc. He discussed about the usefulness of using the Frames and Facts for retrieving information precisely from the Internet. The his paper “Information & Communication Technologies and Internet Awareness amongst Research Scholars and University Teachers of North Eastern Region of India: An Empirical Study” Dr M K Sinha from Assam University, Silchar discussed about a study he conducted on the awareness of ICTs and Internet usage among the participants attended in a workshop on research methodology. He highlighted the finding of the study and put some valuable suggestions.Lamkhogen Vaiphei and Sarangthem Bembem, DLISc, Manipur University in their paper Problems and Prospects of Automation of Special Libraries in Manipur: Pilot Survey highlighted the present scenario of some of the leading and existing special libraries in Manipur, their automation status, ICT application and services.Dr. Moses M. Naga and Angom Jeevan Singh, DLISc, NEHU, Shillong in their paper “Open Access through Community Based Information Centres: A Challenge to Library Profession” discussed about the concepts of Open Access and Open Library. The paper also discussed about open access through tele-centres and mentioned the challenges to library and information profession.Dr Ibohal Singh also from DLISc, Manipur University in his paper “Automation Status of Public Library System in the NE India“ explained the findings of a sponsored Research Project that is dealt with the situation of automation in the State Central Libraries of NE India surveyed during 2004-2005. He has emphasized on the background, information services, existence of library committee and automation status by libraries of NER.Birajit Singh, DLISc, Manipur University “ICT Application in Libraries: Scenario in Manipur” has discussed about the ICT application in 48 leading libraries of Manipur by conducting a survey. He has given the status of libraries in terms of staff component, collection development, ICT application in various access of the same.Juli Thakuria in her paper “How Effectively ICT is being used in College Libraries: a Case Study” has highlighted the stages of ICT application in the colleges of different districts of Assam.Dr Bina Medhi Lahkar, KKH Library, GU in her paper “ Effective use of E-journal by Research Scholars of KKHL, GU : A Case Study” mentioned about the accessibility of E-journals by KKHL users. More than 5000 e-journals in Science, Humanities and Social Science are available through UGC-Infonet Digital Consortium in KKH Library.Dr SK Singh, DLISc, GU in his paper “Automated Circulation System in the college libraries of Gauhati University: an analytical study” mentioned that a library cannot claim itself to be fully automated until and unless its circulation system is fully automated. He carried out a survey on use of automated circulation system in the college libraries of Guwahati and stated that in reality no college library of Guwahati is fully automated in implementing all house keeping operations of the library.Technical Session II: Digitization of Library Resources: PlanningChairperson: M N Borah; Rapporteurs: Nabajyoti Das and S KannanDr. Alaka Buragohain, Former Prof & Head, DLISc, GU presenting the invited paper on Digitization of library resources: planning highlighted the need of digitization of rare books and manuscripts. She emphasized that print media is to be first microfilmed and only microfilmed copies should be converted to digital media. She also emphasized on the right infrastructure for building up a digital library. Ms Zabeen Ahmed, Cotton College in her paper “A Project Proposal for Digitization in Academic Libraries: A Case Study” discussed about the steps for development of digitization process of Cotton college library. Sri Utpal Das, GC College, Silchar on the topic “Prospects and progress of digitization of library resources in the Gurucharan College: the planning aspects” discussed about the challenges and the difficulties for a librarian to mould the concerned authority for shaping a traditional library into a digital one. He has given a blueprint of the planning and how progress has been made to organize a digital section in Gurucharan college library. In his paper “Process for Digitization of library resources and some hurdles” of Sri Tarini Dev Goswami from AIASST, Guwahati talked about the various steps and hardware & software requirements in digitization process. He also discussed about some hurdles of digitization and copyright issues in digitization of library resources.Dr. Mukesh Saikia from Tezpur University talking on “Perspective of librarianship with reference to North East India” explained the shifting of librarianship from traditional to modern arena and the role professionals in taking up the challenges in the present context. Ms Dilara Begum from NEIST, Jorhat in her topic “Digital library environment and the librarians” talked about the characteristics as well as advantages of digital library.Technical Session III: Role of LIS SchoolsChairperson: Dr R K Barman; Rapporteurs: Dr Bina M Lahkar and Dr Tilak HazarikaThe Session was started with the invited paper presented by Prof. Arjun Dasgupta, DLISc, Kolkat University on “Role of LIS schools in linking teaching and research” discussed on LIS schools in university system, present scenario of LIS schools in India, Curriculum development etc. Prof Dasgupta mentioned that earlier in the eighties basic research was given more importance than applied research LIS schools. The faculty members in India get less time for research as they are to devote more in teaching. Less number of faculty members is creating problems and the 6th pay review committee of UGC has recommended to increase the salary structure to attract qualified professionals in teaching and research. He called upon the teachers of LIS schools to write more original research papers instead of writing papers for their career development only. Regarding curriculum development he insisted that without the inclusion of ICT application it is not possible to develop the syllabus. The LIS schools should encourage the research fellows and encourage them to take a few classes to free the regular teachers for research and higher study, he suggested. Minor and major research projects, consultancy services should be encouraged in the LIS schools. The teachers in LIS schools should be ready to teach, study, doing administrative and managerial activity for the development of the LIS profession.This was followed by presentation of Gouri Sankar Karmakar of Barbhag College on “Digital library security over network environment: an overview”. He has identified some security aspects of digital library such as integrity, non-repudiation, authenticity, confidentiality, privacy and availability.Prof Narendra Lahkar in his paper “Challenges in LIS Education: Global Perspectives” pointed out that LIS courses are trying to accommodate all possible contents emerging in the knowledge domain. This has result various complexities in imparting LIS education properly. It is necessary that learner should acquire knowledge in their own apart from the course covered. The paper discussed different teaching methodologies adopted in the LIS schools and their respective advantages. Periodic analysis of job market and job requirements should be made and this should be related with the number of passing out students as LIS course is a professional one, Prof Lahkar suggest. Dr S K Singh in his paper “LIS schools in NER with reference to Gauhati University” discussed about the five LIS schools in the NE India; their courses, syllabi and evaluation system, the faculty strength including their qualification. He opined that LIS schools in the Open Universities are not proving the students the basic requirements and concentrate mainly on money making and the quality education is missing there.Bonti Borah of Saraighat College in her paper “Role of LIS schools: a case study” discussed on development of LIS schools and the role of UGC over it. She emphasized the role of LIS associations on the libraries in the development of knowledge of the librarians as well as on LIS education.Another paper presented by Apurba Jyoti Mazmudar “Library and Information Science research in Assam: an analytical overview” prepared by Apurba Jyoti Majumdar, Dipen Deka and Gautom Kumar Sarma analyzed the chronology of LIS research in various parameters viz. guide, year, gender, profession and area of research wise. Research facilities at the DLIS are highlighted. The paper highlighted the financial support received for LIS research from UGC and ICSSR and the beneficiaries in the department of GU. Technical Session IV: North East India Library NetworksChairperson: Prof. Alaka Buragohain; Rapporteurs: Nabajyoti Das and S KannanIn the session invited paper was presented by Prof AS Chandel, Former Prof, DLISc, NEHU on “North East India Library Network (NELIBNET): a feasibility proposal”. Prof Chandel discussed about the conceptual development of library resource sharing vis-à-vis library networking on the emerging areas of networking and resource sharing. Self-sufficiency of the library is abounded and augmentation of resources at the minimum cost is the aim, and then networking is the pre-requisite Prof Chandel opined.He informed that though it is delayed, it is never too late to initiate and plan for NELIBNET. He has identified the steps for the proposed network, such as Union catalogue, collection development, compilation of theses databases, Area bibliography of North East Region, statistical database and institutional repository of the region. He suggested that a network committee may be formed and some funding agencies may be approached for fund such as NEC, ICSSR, North East Regional Centre, UGC etc.S. Kannan from Serabtse College, Bhutan in his paper on “Networking of College libraries in Bhutan” discussed on advantages of library automation and networking, understanding of networking, various types of network and network topology. He proposed the star network topology for networking of college libraries in Bhutan. He explained the status of College libraries in Bhutan and status of library automation followed by some essential factors to be followed in networking and problems and suggestions on networking.Dhiru Barman, DLISc, GU in the paper “Networking of College libraries in greater Guwahati: a plan” (Kukila Goswami is co-author) has proposed a network for Guwahati College Libraries. She has proposed a Model for GCLNET i.e. in Star Topology, where B. Barooah College Library may be selected as the Central Node.Dr Tilak Hazarika, Tezpur University in his paper “North East India Library Network (NEILIBNET): the gateway for harnessing LIS services in NE India” has presented the concept & background of Resource sharing & Networking. He has presented a feasibility report on NEILIBNET. He has proposed some broad objectives and discussed on Operational, Economic and Technical feasibility. He preferred for MARC-XML standard for development of common database.Deepshikha Pathak in the paper “Gauhati University Repository: A model” (Co author: Dipen Deka) talked about the need of Institutional Repository (IR), which will enhance the visibility, status and standards of the University. She has identified some challenges to be faced for developing IR and advocated for constitution of three types of Committee for creation of IR, which is discussed with 12 modules.Dr. Dhrubajit Das from SB Deorah College in his paper on “Networking of Libraries and Information Centres in NE India (NELIBNET): a proposal for resource sharing” (Utpal Sarma: Co-author) has proposed a model of library network in the NE India covering all the academic, special and public libraries, which will be the pioneer of computer communication network in NE India. Valedictory Session was held on 10th January at 3.30 pm presided over by Prof Narendra Lahkar where Dr Dhrubajit Das, Rapporteur General gave a brief report of the seminar and proposed some recommendations for discussion and adoption. Sri Swapnanil Barua, IAS, Director of Library Services, Assam and Dr Jitram Dutta, Academic Registrar, GU were the Guests of honour. Sri Swapnanil Barua requested the library professional to work for the development of libraries in the region especially he referred to poor public library system which needs proper attention of the society for its development. Dr S K Singh proposed vote of thank. Besides others, Dr Singh offered special thanks to the Central Reference Library, Kolkata for extending financial support towards the organisation of the national seminar.The following recommendations were adopted:Recommendations1.1 Libraries of the NE India need to initiate the process of automation without delay. Concerned authority should provide fund in automation process. At the same time library staff should take the lead in automating their libraries.1.2 Support centers should be established for guiding/ providing solutions to the problems faced by the professionals in implementing the ICTs in the libraries in the region. UGC-INFLIBNET Center be approached for establishing such a center at Guwahati for the Academic library system while NIC be moved (through RRRLF) for P ublic library system.1.3 LIS schools of the region should be entrusted with the job for planning and implementing ICTs in libraries.1.4 Lack of user awareness in using the various e-resources in the University libraries has been highlighted in the seminar and it is recommended that proper user education programme should be undertaken by the university libraries. 2.1 It is recommended that a forum consisting of both library professionals and computer personnel having experience in digitization activities may be formed for providing guidelines and standards for digitization of library resources in NE India. Department of Library & Information Science, Gauhati University may take initiative in this regard of providing guidelines preferably through the website of the department.2.2 For digitization and indexing of digital resources for effective retrieval of information, knowledge of metadata integration and web technology for the library professionals become more important than ever. Considering the importance of metadata, it is recommended the LIS schools of the region should organize workshops on metadata and latest web technologies for the LIS professionals of NE India. It is also recommended that in the course contents of such training and workshops digitization of library resources on scanning and OCR technology can be included. 3.1 LIS course curriculum should be revised in such a way that after completing MLISc there should remain no lacuna for a student to go for complementary courses like PGDCA or PGDLAN.3.2 Periodic analysis of job market and job requirements in LIS be performed. LIS schools should produce professionals at par demands in job market. 3.3 LIS faculties should concentrate writing original research papers besides writing papers for their career development.3.4 The LIS schools should encourage the research scholars of each school for taking few regular classes to free teachers enabling them for research and higher study.3.5 Provision of internship in LIS course be introduced for preparing professionals to take up jobs in right perspectives. 3.6 Concerned university authority should extend all possible help the LIS schools of the region enabling them in overcoming the constraints towards developing a better research environment. 4.1 It is recommended for establishing the NEILIBNET, linking different libraries of the region in the network. In the first phase, academic libraries - Colleges and Universities, which are already automated can be linked. UGC- INFLIBNET center should be taken into account in such initiatives in order to mobilize the resources and expertise. 4.2 A committee in the form of “NEILIBNET Committee” can be constituted for planning and designing of such a network. The DLISc, GU should take initiative in this regards. 4.3 Govt departments/ organizations like NEC, DoNER (GOI), INFLIBNET, RRRLF and the DST (GOI) may be approached for necessary funding.
Report Prepared By: Prof. Narendra Lahkar, Head, DLISc, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam (India)
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