Uprooted trees at Wandoor Beach as a result of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Port Blair

Uprooted trees at Wandoor Beach as a result of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Port Blair

The aftereffects of the Tsunami that arose in the Indian Ocean in the year 2004 can still be felt when one sees these uprooted giant ancient trees on the wandoor Beach. If those were the consequences of Climate change, what could be the immediate causes of the Phoni  cyclone that struck with the Indian mainland few days earlier.

Resource sharing and Networking cuts library cost

Resource sharing and Networking cuts library cost

The paper gives an overview of the ways of functioning of various institutions and organizations involved in the work of promoting networking of libraries by the use of newer information technology equipments and techniques. It further throws light on the objectives and guiding principles of these organizations. It gives an account of the funding pattern for these initiatives. It also gives a bird’s eye view of various types of existing networks viz. Star network. Hierarchical network and Distributed network. Later on, it brings forth the utility of networking and explains how it cuts library cost. It also harps on the age-old concept of resources sharing but from a new perspective. The paper finally looks in to the initiatives taken by the government of India for successfully implementing networking and resources sharing through its various schemes and projects.

Keywords: Networking, Resource sharing, Networks, Information systems, Delnet, information networks, Library cost.            

In the “Information” context a “Network is defined as a group of libraries or information centers that are interconnected for the purpose of resource sharing”. The resources include the collection of documents and the bibliographic information identifying them. The ultimate goal of such a resource-sharing endeavour for a given library or information center is to provide better service to its users.

Examples of cooperative activities in a network include acquisition, cataloguing, authority control, serials control, reference and interlibrary loans.

No single library or information center can be wholly self sufficient in responding to the needs of the research and planning community in ones own country. Thus the concept of resource sharing becomes attractive. Such resource sharing attempts would be consistent with the principles of Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC) and Universal Availability of Periodicals (UAP). UBC envisages a system in which each country undertakes the responsibility of recording the publications produced in that country and makes the bibliographic records in accordance with standard, which are internationally accepted and acceptable. UAP intends to make documents either in the original form or in the form of copies available to users everywhere regardless of when they are published, where they are published or the actual location of the documents.

PREREQUISITES OF A SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING OPERATION

1.Clearly defined objectives.

2. A stated policy and detailed plan for design, implementation and

    evaluation of the network.

3. Agreement and adherence to set guidelines and standards.

4. An ongoing source of financial support.

OBJECTIVES

            The first step in defining objective of a cooperative information network is the identification of participants needs and of the ways in which they would expect the proposed system to satisfy these needs. A network exists ultimately to serve the user, the objectives will be user-oriented and could be any or all of the following :-

·          Increase in the range and depth of the service

·         Reduction of cost

·         Elimination of record duplication

·         Creation of a union catalogue

·         Rationalization of collection development

·         Improving bibliographic control

·         Strengthening exchange agreements

·         Provision of document delivery

·         Exchange of information with other cooperative networks

·         Creation of authority files

·         Service to a wider user community

In formulating the objectives, the existing and projected financial and human resources must be considered. These objectives are not rigid. They can be modified in the light of the changing needs to network participants and their clientele.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES 

            For making and ideal networking system the following points must be taken in to consideration.

1. Need for a clear-cut definition and specification of objectives 

            It is better to organize the system as a need-based and purpose oriented to get maximum benefits out of it. It is desirable to spell out clearly as to what is intended of the system and specialization of ways and means to achieve intended or planned objectives.

2. Need for a networking manual

            Networking manual is to be drafted by competent experts by analyzing the minute details about various operations of the system. It should clearly specify the nature and degree of automation, communication link and organization structure to monitor the system.

3. Standardization

            All the member libraries should follow the standardize pattern of Information, Acquisition and processing.

4. Sense of belongingness

            Success of the system largely depends on the level of co-operation, co-ordination and mutual trust among the member libraries. Therefore a sense of belongingness of cared and shared approach is to be developed among participating libraries.

5. Trained staff members

            With the phenomenal explosion of information coupled with galloping speed of development in information technology pressurizes one to update one’s own skills and knowledge arised out of the function in the midst of networking system. Therefore the regular training of professionals is required in latest technology.

TYPES OF NETWORKS

1.      Star Network

2.      Hierarchical Network

3.      Distributed Network

Star Network

“A” is the main library, which usually possesses a mainframe computer with a very large memory. The satellites B, C, D, E, F and G are the other libraries. All the libraries are connected to the mainframe computer of library “A” and each library is provided with a terminal. The terminal is used to interact with the mainframe computer situated at A to input data and elicit required information. Each library within the network procures a book individually and process through the computer.

HIERARCHICAL NETWORK

            In this network A is the main library B1 and B2 are linked with A and C1 to C5 have formed local networks for sharing resources. For inter-library loan if the book is not availability within the network C1-C2-C3 they can interact with B1. if B1 has the required document they can get the same. If it is not available with B1, they can contact A and get the book. If it is not available with A, then A can find out whether it is available with B2 or C4 and C5. Hierarchical network is useful for acquisition, inter-library loan etc.

            The defect of the network is that the libraries of one locality cannot interact directly with the libraries of another locality.

    DISTRIBUTED NETWORK

In this network all the libraries are connected in such a way that they can interact with all the libraries within the system directly. This networking is useful for inter-library loan, exchange of documents and so on.

LIBRARY NETWORKING IN INDIA

Library networking efforts using computer communication technologies started during the late 1980s with the initiation of metropolitan/ city networks like Calcutta Library Networks (CALIBNET) and Delhi Library Network (DELNET) followed by the national level information and library network (namely INFLIBNET) of the UGC. The UGC proposed INFLIBNET for networking libraries of all the institutions of higher learning and research and development. These library networks started functioning in the 1990s only. Apart from these some more city library networks like the Bombay Library Network (BONET), the Pune Library Network (PUNENET), the Madras Library Network (MALIBNET), the Ahmedabad Library Network (ADINET), the Mysore library Network (MYLIBNET) and so on started functioning later on.

INFORMATION NETWORKS IN INDIA

            Apart from the above mentioned library networks there exist some other information networks in India. Some of these are as follows:-

NICNET (National Informatics Center Network)

            One of the main services provided by the NIC is the value-added ‘electronic mail’. It enables all users to transmit and receive mail. This mail service has been custom-designed taking into consideration the network architecture and operation environment. It provides an individual service with certain privacy measures. It provides broadcasting and bulletin services too.

INDONET

            Networking activity in India was pioneered through INDONET. The services provided by INDONET can be categorized in to the following

a.       Distributed data processing facility

b.      Computer service bureau consultancy

c.       Promotion of advanced networking technologies.

d.      Providing computer power to users across the country

e.       Public data-base service

f.       Software export.  

RABMN

a.       Computer messaging

b.      Connection to public telex network

c.       Connection to packed switched public data network (-NET)

d.      Connection to international gateway packet switch

INET

            At present the network provides the following services

a.       Interactive data communication

b.      Connection to international gateway-GPSS, through Bombay node.

c.       Connection to remote area business message network.

ERNET

            Presently the ERNET facilitates the following services:

a.       Electronic mail

b.      File transfer

c.       Remote log on (Terminal access)

d.      Bibliographic database access

e.       Audio and audio plus conferencing

 VIDYANET

            This network allows users to get the following services:

a.       Transfer files of any type: data, programmes, documents

b.      Receive and send electronic mail to one or more users.

c.       Exchange immediate messages

d.      Share computer resources

e.       Access remote application, databases, libraries

SIRNET

This network is designed to organize indigenous on-line database services on such subjects as leather technology, food technology, natural products, chemistry, radio physics, etc.

This network provides the following services:

1. Administrative information services
2. Financial information exchange services
3. Exchange of library resources
4. E-mail services

HOW NETWORK CUTS LIBRARY COST

            No library is self sufficient regarding the collection of documents. Through library co-operation, resource sharing and inter-library loan facility the documents of one library can be shared with another library. Networking helps to avoid unnecessary procurement of documents, which may be present in any another library and thus saves the library cost. It can also provide the facility of using a single file of records by which an individual library can reduce its cost to a great extent through sharing of storage and access.

CONCLUSION

            Development and management of library networks involves high commitment and tenacious work, particularly in the Indian environment where majority of the libraries do not have qualified and skilled manpower and also financial resources to introduce automation. Hence it is very essential to foster technological co-operation, not only among libraries, but also among library networks.

 

REFERENCES

1)      Devarajan, G. New frontiers of knowledge in Information Science. New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications, 2004.

2)      NISSAT. “Information Industry Promotes-use Interaction-National met”, NISSAT News letter 14(1): 3-10(1995).

3)      Raish, M. and Ensor, P. (1996) (eds). Key guide to electronic resources. Medford, NJ: Information Today, Inc.

4)      Ford, Simon (ed). Art, Art History and Design. Munchen: K.G.Saur, 2001.

5)      Tiwari Aravind. Evaluation of Electronic Libraries. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation, 2002.

Information Handling in this E-Environment

Information Handling in this E-Environment 

Introduction:

            We are living in an information world. This has come about because of the unbelievable scientific and technological progress. So much information is being generated that we are confronted with information explosion, information pollution and exponential growth of information. This is causing concern on the communication, distribution, availability, access and exploitation fronts of information, particularly so in science and technology. Management of information is thus drawing greater attention.

            Information is recognized as both national and international resource and it should be utilized for the socio-economic, scientific and technological progress of mankind as a whole. Information is the basic need of the human beings. The crucial role that information plays can be gauged from the vast areas of human activities in which it finds application that includes: growth of knowledge and wisdom, decision-making and management, research and development, manufacture and industry, education and training and academic writing. No one can deny the fact that information is a vital input in research, education and training etc more so in the current digital environment.

Key Words: Information handling, Digital environment, Information handling activities, Digital resources.

Information needs and uses in the current digital environment

          Most of the studies concerning information needs and uses have concentrated in characterizing users by their needs and uses. One way to group user needs and uses has been subject disciplines and many government and non-government agencies have recognized and supported broad information channels according to disciplines such as-chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, psychology, aeronautics, etc. The information contained in reports, articles, monographs, books and other media are not often provided through a common channel. Periodicals, of course serve as a mechanism to further augment the out reach of the information to the user at the right time. But still there exists a gap between their publication and ultimate reach to the users.

            Information has only dormant value unless it is used. One uses information sources either to acquire or to retrieve specific information or browse to discover new facts. Information itself is used to

1)      Support or disprove a theory

2)      Describe and, or

3)      Create new ideas 

4)      Modify an existing material

5)      Recreate a piece of information

The purpose for which information is acquired or used by the individual indicates his role and decides the type of information he seeks. A scientist generally needs latest information of original nature, whereas a development engineer is more concerned with information of applied nature, preferably structured and illustrated. Similarly a manager’s interest is more likely to be in information on marketing, production, government policies etc.

INFORMATION HANDLING    

          The subject of information handling as a discipline field for the serious investment of effort and money has as yet a very short history, only since the postwar period of the late 1940’s has there been any substantial activity in what is variously termed as documentation, information retrieval, data processing and information processing. Each of these terms describes a particular branch of the generic subject-information handling. The first objective of information handling system is the systematic presentation of current material .It is aimed at saving money for the organization because it reduces the time and effort expended in the preparation of active research. Thus the information handling activity is known as the process of acquisition to dissemination of information to the right person, at the right time in a right fashion.

           

            The phenomenal increase in research and the enormity of manpower employed in such activities, coupled with the high growth rate of industries and defense activities have changed the whole complexion of information generation, communication and transmission in the last 25 years or so. Recent developments in computer technologies have given a new dimension to this activity. While the role of information is becoming more and more crucial. Its collection, organization, dissemination and usage is becoming more and more complicated. This is mainly due to (a) the generation of information, (b) different languages in which it is communicated; (c) proliferation of transmission media: (d) un-evenness of quality of information, security, restriction; and high rate of obsolescence.

            To handle this new type of information there is an urgent need for new information handling agencies with all the new requisite technologies. And the already existing agencies {such as libraries, information analyses centers, Publication announcement distribution and disseminating centers (Learned societies etc), Document generators/ user’s organizations, Documentation centers etc.} needs to reorganize their services and activities in such a way so as to satisfy the users needs in the changed scenario. There activities in the present era should be something like this.

(1.)   Libraries:

           

  The primary function of a library is acquisition, processing of these newly   acquired items and all other traditional functions. But despite the tryst with computer and IT for library facilities there is a need for concerted efforts on the part of library professionals on leasing digital access rights to commercial sources as well as other such agencies engaged in digitization of

copyright owned/free local contents. Despite the technology getting cheaper with its every advance, the information products are becoming dearer and dearer. Perhaps one reason, which accounts for this inverse relation is the fact that the information products which have made a mark internationally are being produced in the developed countries where the labour cost is exorbitant. Only those who can judiciously apply the technology will be able to provide better information services, and that is the lesson we have gathered in the last decade. As we move on, we still see more opportunities of an eventful ‘Cybrarianship’.   

(2.) Information analyses centers: 

These centers concentrate on information rather than documents. With the emergence of new technology, their sources of information have increased manifold and also diversified. From these diversified sources like earlier they have to acquire, catalogue, and index with a view towards reviewing, analyzing, evaluating, synthesizing, integrating and otherwise reporting on the content and substances of documents both in formal and in digital forms. Here in these information Analyses centers the emphasis is on specific subject areas of interest of the specialists. The output consists of reports, reviews, forecasts and abstracts etc.

(2.)   Publication announcement distribution and dissemination  centers (Learned societies and other organizations):

The primary function of such centers is to acquire, abstract, index, copy, publish, announce and disseminate documents for the purpose of providing documents or secondary material to a large number of users. The only change that they will encounter is the wide range of sources available now on-line and off-line.

     (4.) Document Generators/Users:

Government departments and industrial organizations primarily come in this category. They are chiefly concerned with the origination and use of information and in the pursuit tends to be mission oriented and would encompass most available information sources from a vast reservoir of resources.

     (5.) Documentation centers:

       It is an extension of the traditional library functions with the collection         emphasis moving from books and journals to articles, reports and other special materials. The services are geared to meet intensive individual and group information needs rather than general loan and reference needs. Other functions discharged by such centers are translation and reprographic services which have maintained their relevance even in the current cyber environment. 

Information Handling Activities 

Information is the basic need of human beings. Information, because of its importance to national development, is concerned a national resources. To make full use of this resource, it needs to be managed properly. No single country can handle effectively all the important information produced all over the world.

Classification and indexing techniques aid in the storage and retrieval of information/documents. Abstracting provides access to the vast reservoir of information discipline wise. Various reprographic devices and equipments enable us to reproduce, publish literature in suitable forms and sizes, thereby making supply and distribution quicker and easier. Computer typesetting has cut back printing time. The real breakthrough in information handling has come from computer and communication revolution. Theoretically, it is no longer necessary for each unit to collect, store and organize information. Through central processing and storage one can have access via terminals. Conferences and meeting can be conducted through video-telephones and hook-up. Paper books are being gradually replaced by electronic books, though progress along these lines provides solution to information problems.

Information technology is a recent and comprehensive term, which describes the range of processes for the acquisition, storage, transmission, retrieval and processing of information. Such processes may be mechanical, electronical and micro electronical in nature. These modern technologies include multimedia, Internet, electronic publishing, superhighway, worldwide web, electronic bulletin board system etc. which help  in information handling activities.

CONCLUSION:

The ultimate objective of any information agency is to fully meet the requirements of the user. To what extent the agency succeeds in fulfilling this is the sole criterion of measuring its effectiveness. To succeed in this task, the intermediary, whether a librarian or an information scientist, must be resourceful, have sufficient subject background, understands the user and his needs and most importantly should be well versed with the current emerging technologies and should be skilled in various information processing techniques.

          REFERENCES:

1). Kaula, P.N. “Trends in the system of information handling”. Herald of   Library   Science, 1980.

2). Narayana, G.J. “ Information- its role and management”. Annals of Library Science and documentation, 1984, 31(1-2), p 27-31.

3). Asija, Sunita. Documentation Science in India: An overview of some selected documentation centers. 1998. Academic Publication, Delhi.

4). Howerton, Paul W. Information handling: first principles. 1963. Spartan Books, Washington D.C.

5). Tiwari, Aravind. Evaluation of electronic libraries. 2002, APH Publishing corp., New Delhi.

6). Ramana, P.Venkata. Information Technology applications in libraries.2004, Ess Ess Pub., New Delhi.

7). Jeevan, V.K.J. Digital libraries. 2003, Ess Ess Pub, New Delhi, p.p 74.

Contemporary Reference Service in Government Libraries: a case study of the National Museum of Natural History Library, New Delhi.

Contemporary Reference Service in Government Libraries: a case study of the National Museum of Natural History Library, New Delhi.

ABSTRACT

The present paper looks in to the history of the beginning of reference service in  government libraries of India right from the era of Takshila, Nalanda, to that of the Imperial library of India, National library of India and then to other government libraries. It analyses the type of collection of these libraries by which they were/are providing reference services to the government officials and common public. The objective of the paper is to analyze the type of documents being stored in these types of libraries through which they were/are providing reference service to their users. The paper canvasses for providing special education to reference librarians in the Indian system. It further looks in to the transition of their collection and services through the passage of time. Then it discusses the type of reference services, the current favourite e- or internet based reference services provided by the government libraries, digital reference service, their types viz. synchronous and asynchronous digital reference services and various forms of digital reference service (e-mail, web forms, chat using commercial applications, chat using instant messaging). The paper discusses about the various aspects of virtual reference service. It also discusses about consortium based reference services, utility of networking in facilitating the reference services in the cyber age in the context of Indian government libraries and some other relevant aspects. Finally the paper throws light on different aspects of reference service being provided by the National Museum of Natural History Library, New Delhi, in the fields of museology, natural history, evolution, paleontology, environment, geology and so. The present paper comes in the category of historical research (a case study) as it uses documents (govt. as well as private) to accomplish its goals as well as it evaluates the reference service being provided by the National Museum of Natural History. The paper finally concludes with suggestions for improving the level and extent of reference service being provided by the government libraries.   

Key Words: Reference service, Electronic reference service/ Internet based reference service, Digital reference service, consortium, networking, cooperative venture, natural history etc. 

Beginning of Reference Service in India

If we look back in to the history of the mankind, one can easily assess that the libraries came in to existence due to their reliability in providing timely and up to date information as and when required by the rulers or those being ruled. Through out its history, India has been blessed with many outstanding scholars, like, the great Economist Kautilya, the great Grammarian Panini, the world famous Astrologer Aryabhattta and many others. They became outstanding in their respective fields not because they were born genius, but because they made use of the rich treasures of India stored in the libraries of Taxila, Nalanda, Vikramshila, Jagdala, Somapuri and so on.

This love of libraries by the people of India continued and flourished through many centuries and continued even in the British Raj. During their early days, the East India Company required a centre where British Raj documents, papers, orders and other publications can be kept. Hence in the year 1891, the imperial library was established in Calcutta in order to cater to the reference needs of the British rulers. At that time the government machinery was devised on the pattern of the administrative structure in England, consisting of a few departments organized to deal with the problems of law and order, collection of revenue and regulating commerce, etc. In order to facilitate the above functions, the Imperial Library’s collection consisted of statutes, reports, guide/ reference books etc. to help and guide the officers and staff of those departments in their day-to-day working.  The aims and objectives of the Imperial library were well defined in a notification in the “Gazette of India” as “It is intended that it should be a library of reference, a working place for students and a repository of materials for the future librarian of India”. Thus in true sense, Imperial Library became the first reference library of India and in some ways, it was the beginning of reference service in India in the modern era. Slowly, on the analogy of the Imperial library, other government libraries also came in to existence in order to satisfy the information needs of their patrons.

 

Reference Service in the Current Era

Reference services in India have not much changed since the 70s until 1990. During this time reference services mostly have been collection oriented only. The users were also satisfied by “within the wall” reference services. But since the 90’s things have changed. The users have become more demanding due to the increased influence of information in their professional lives. The information revolution has also played an important role in this.

Technology has altered all aspects of our lives. It has succeeded in transforming the ways reference librarians interact with users, the ways they collect information and the ways they package information. As the basic link between users and library services, reference librarians are particularly affected the ways users access it.   

These developments have important implications for the provision of information by libraries/information centres/documentation centres to their users. Great advances have been made in the automation of indexing and abstracting services. An important development is the provision of computerized selective dissemination of information service. The computers have led to increase in the scope and variety of reference services, which can be provided to the users.

Application of technology has made a tremendous impact but the actual search process and the end result remain the same as in the traditional approach. 

The field of knowledge is dynamic and a reference librarian is being called upon to perform newer roles. Within the last twenty years, the library/information science field seems to have been introduced to a variety of information roles namely, the technological gate-keeper, the intelligence officer, the information communicator, the information broker etc. These roles are not totally new but there is a different kind of emphasis. These have also been defined in clear terms. It will take some time before these concepts get recognized properly. In the changing environment, a reference librarian/information librarian is expected to acquire additional skills, which shall stand him in good stead in the technological environment. The government libraries have also not remained untouched from all these technological advances. According to the needs of their users they have reoriented their collections. Apart from the traditional methods of providing reference services, they have also started a few newer reference services as- internet based reference services, Digital reference services, virtual reference services, Consortium based reference service and so on.

Internet Based Reference Services

At no other time in history has the emergence of technology affected so significantly the core mission of a library. These technological advances have created new opportunities for libraries, information managers, researchers and library patrons of specially the government libraries. The Internet is expanding at a dramatic rate and is creating a fundamental change in the way people collect information and acquire knowledge. It is an exciting and eclectic research tool and its power is limitless.

With the emergence of Web help services, Government libraries are no longer the lone providers of information. At this time, the numerous web-based reference services search only the Internet, not the vast collections found in libraries nor the thousands of library online catalogues that describe and manage the collections.

In summary, the growth of the Internet is exploding; it is located everywhere and is open for business 24x7. Its content is rich and varied, but easy access is undermined by several factors, including the absence of traditional means of cataloging or organizing information and the absence of distinctions between credible sources and sources created by self-styled experts.

Librarians Add Value

Today's government librarians need to find quickly information that is usable, relevant, authoritative and verifiable. To meet that need, libraries must adapt our traditional strengths of acquiring, describing, and serving information to an environment that is not bound by time or physical place, the virtual library without walls. The Indian government librarians are heavily using “Internet Public Library (www.ipl.org)”, Wikipedia, Answer library (www.answers.com), On-line reference desk (www.refdesk.com), librarians Internet Index (http://lii.org) and many other online resources for providing reference services. [Pls. also look “IFLA guidelines for libraries of government departments” (www.ifla.org)].

Digital reference services

Digital reference is a service by which library reference service is conducted online, and the reference transaction is a computer-mediated communication.

In the context of government libraries the word "reference" refers to the task of providing assistance to government library users in finding information, answering questions, and otherwise fulfilling user’s information needs. Reference work often but not always involves using refernce works, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. This form of reference work expands reference services from the physical reference desk to a "virtual" reference desk where the patron could be writing from home, work or a variety of other locations. Various govenrment libraries like IIT Libraries are providing this.

Digital reference services are of two types-

Synchronous Reference Services

• Simple Chat
• Video Conferencing
• Reference services over phone

Asynchronous Reference Services

• E-mail
• Web form/Forums
• FAQ

Virtual Reference Services

Virtual reference services are the remote delivery of reference source materials that are provided to users who are not inside the library. They are used by people seeking to utilize resources who are unable (or unwilling) to visit a library. Providing remote based services for patrons has been a steady practice of libraries over the years. However, with the widespread use and adaptation of Web culture, various govenrment libraries have incorporated it in their plan of action. It can be provided through on-line chat, through e-mails, Ask a librarian and various other means.

Consortium based Reference Services

Today is the age of resource sharing and networking. The libraries are sharing their collections, facilities, manpower and many other things. So how the reference services can remain untouched? To fulfill the ever increasing demand of the users, government libraries are entering in to the era of consortium based reference services. Today many Indian government libraries (like IIT Libraries) are coming together along with a understanding to share their resources for providing reference services to their users. There are many benefits of Consortium based reference services as-

• Extensive Coverage (24/7 and 365 days)
• Overall higher reference volume
• Centralized scheduling and troubleshooting

Consortium based reference service is the amalgamation of reference services of various libraries. Networking based reference service is one of a type of a cooperative reference service.There are some national and local library networks in India like INFLIBNET, DELNET, CALIBNET, UGCNET, BONET, ADINET, etc. Many government libraries are connected with local networks. Most of the subscribers to DELNET (Developing Library Network) are government libraries.

Emergence of Reference Service in the NMNH Library

The NMNH library began its life first being located in the offices of curatorial staff, where it eventually outgrew the space allocated to it. With time the museum library became an outstanding resource centre in its own right even if it was often seen as a tool for the use of museum staff rather than the general public. The strongest impetus for the establishment of the museum library was the desire to educate the community.

The museum library provides its scientists and other technical staff the resources within which the museum’s specific collection of objects and display programmes can be researched, documented and interpreted. The museum library also compensates for the inevitable limitations of the museum by collecting printed information about related objects which are not available in the museum.

The main purpose of the NMNH library is to meet the museum employee’s information needs and contribute to programme planning, collection documentation, exhibitions, publications and ongoing research by the staff and members of the museum’s wider community, which it does by providing reference from museum’s book and non-book collections (slides, CD Roms etc.) as well as from the web and databases.

National Role of NMNH Library

Being the national library of India in the Natural History field, the NMNH library aims to provide a national service. The NMNH library has defined its national role as being the central collecting and service agency for its particular subject fields viz; Natural History, Museology, Environmental Sciences, etc. The NMNH Library has taken responsibility as the main collecting library for both printed and manuscript material available in its thrust areas. The museum library’s collection also gets regularly enriched by the books received by the scientists in the course of their curatorial duties.    

Given the vast amount of publications in the museum field, the NMNH Library seeks to fulfil its national role by becoming a focal point for a network of RMNH (Regional Museum of Natural History) Libraries spread throughout the country and working closely with MOEF Library, National Museum Library, National Science Centre Library (NCSM) etc. at the national level. The NMNH library has developed many successful exchange programmes in order to acquire, quikly and economically, materials published by American Museum of Natural History, British Museum of Natural History, Japanese Museum of Natural History, Brazilian Museum of Natural History and many other instituitions. Being part of this exchange network ensures that the NMNH Library can collect catalogues that are otherwise unavailable through conventional means. Apart from this, the NMNH is also acting as the ENVIS (Environmental Information System) Node collecting resources in the field of “Natural History”.

Thus in order to satisfy their user communities, the present day Government libraries, have to reach out to resources and adapt to technologies that were previously unknown to them, only then they will remain relevant in the changing world order.

References:

1)      Ford, S. Information sources in art, art history and design. - Great Britain: K.G. Saur, 2001: 34-49 p.

2)      Jeevan, V K J. Digital libraries. –New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications, 2003: 1-25p.

3)      Tiwari, Aravind. Evaluation of electronic libraries. – New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation, 2002: 144-211p.

4)      Kresh, Diane Nester. Offering high quality reference servic on the web: the collaborative digital reference service (CDRS), D-lib Magazine, 6 (6), June 2000.

5)      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reference

6)      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_reference_services.