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.