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Is Internet a boon or bane for the library and information

centre?

Abstract

Author gives an overview of Internet, hardware, software requirements, its role in


library and information centres, advantages and disadvantages, the steps to set-up
Internet facility in the library, and convergence of Information technology.

1.) Introduction

Today we are living in the age of information society where information is the main
driving force. Everybody needs information for example, a student needs information
for further studies, scholar needs information for his research work; lawyer needs
information to solve the problem of his clients; Doctor needs information for
practice; businessmen needs information for his business and so on. Information is
playing significant role in the development of society and has become a marketable
commodity. There was a time when books, journals, magazines, research papers
were considered main sources of information and they were preserved in the library.
People refer them in the library. Libraries have been the main source of information
since their inception. The advent of microprocessors, satellite communications and
fiber optics has enabled the global spread of IT. Information technology is receiving
great attention in the hands of politician, planers, administrators, businessmen,
scientists, researchers, and media persons, entertainers and all forward looking
persons in equal measure because of its tremendous importance in national
development. Information technology is not substitute for developmental activities
but it is increasingly being realizes that it is a magnificent mean and it has fully
changed the scenario. Technological enhancements taking place everyday,
information technology equipment gets obsolete in every month if not week or days.
Days are gone when the CD-ROMs, microform, microfiche, slides, projector, audio
and video were considered the main tools in the library. The convergence of IT has
resulted in the Internet.

2) What is Internet?
In simple words we can say that Internet is the network of networks, which are
connected through a common communication protocol where lot of information is
available. The Internet is a network of millions of computers, offering information,
communication, and wealth of online activities. It is a strange network like a ocean
which provides information form A to Z and known as the 'Information
Superhighway' or 'Cyberspace'. Internet may be compared to a library without a
catalogue where books, article, journals, latest and current information are being
moved around all the time. And a carload of new information is dumped at the
entrance of every hour. Everybody wants to get benefit from Internet. .It is hot cake
for everybody and has become the hottest or buzz word in the present society. The
beauty of the net is another world and it is open for all. It is an unstoppable
bandwagon and acts as a global tool without any alternative. It is a global meeting
place for people from diverse countries and cultures, languages and lifestyles,
professions and pursuits, heights and weights. With the emergence of Internet, the
global connectivity of computers has become reality. Internet, E-Mail and World Wide
Web (WWW) has emerged as the core and foundation of information infrastructure.
The users of the Internet are increasing day by day. Huge amount of knowledge is
available on net. The use of 0these information technology techniques is accessing
useful information. It has become the chief determinant of the progress of any
nation. It is breaking all geographical barriers and building new languages through
sharing information and exchange, encompassing the entire gamut of human
activities and knowledge. It is best tool for distance education. It is easy-to-use,
powerful tool for information, transactions, payments, and entertainment on the
move. There are no such remote areas. It has also succeeded in conquering men,
women and children of the world to come closer to each other in a spirit of give and
take. They have become one technically, if not emotionally.

3) Internet and the Library and Information Centres

The Internet has changed every thing in the society. It has been changing the
lifestyle of every body. And large group of people are fully dependent on it and has
changed the working style of people. Everybody is running after it. It has also
effected the library and information centre and it could be a strategic tool in
librarian’s hand. It is perhaps one of the very few technologies that have experienced
a high rate of development. On the other hand technological innovation in IT are
taking place at a galloping pace. The web has broken the boundaries. Advanced
countries in library and information centres have made unbelievable progress. Many
libraries are on the net such as American Library Association, Library of Congress.
Internet Public Library etc. User all over the world is using these libraries. It helps
librarian to provide more information at fingertips. Huge libraries are now available
online and directly accessible from anywhere. Internet has provided opportunity to
create own electronic library and to take full advantage of net by proving all
information through net. We can find all types of libraries on net such as special
libraries, public libraries, research libraries etc. It has totally changed the scenario of
library and information centre. Instead of procuring journals in paper form we can go
for the electronic form of journals, which would certainly reduce the cost and also
save the space. One of the best qualities about the Internet is its ability to bring
together picture, sound and text. Resources can be created very quickly and made
available to anyone. It transmits information from one computer to another
computer in zero time. The Internet has great significance in the library and
information centre and it can do miracles

4) Important Consideration before setting up Internet facility in the library

1. Library type/Aims & Objectives

2. User needs

3. Services

4. Cost

5. Access

6. Hardware and Software requirements

7. Technical support

5) Hardware requirements for setting up Internet facility

In 20s, telephone lines, modems (Modulator-Demodulator) were in demand but the


advent of ICT has reduced the demand of above. In the present scenario, VSAT and
Lease Line through broadband are very popular.

Although, these types of Internet connections requires a heavy one time heavy
investment but the advantage of the type is high speed and dedicated line.
Pentium 2.

4. ISDN line: Integrated services digital network is a special telephone line specially
designed for transmission of computer data at very high speed. These lines are
available with the telephone company on payment of an additional cost.

5. Internet Service Provider (ISP): Service provider is company, which provides


access to the Internet on fee.

6. Program: Some programs are required to use Internet. Generally the ISP provides
at free cost.

Internet service provider (ISP) in India


ISP provides the Internet connection. A large number of service provider are
available in the market. Name of some ISP are: Sify, VSNL, Reliance, HCL Infinet,
Bharti Infotel, ERNET India etc.

6) Advantages of Internet in the Library and Information Centres

6.1) Availability of the latest and current information

Information is a valuable commodity in the present world. Every body wants


latest and current information. Books journals, reports and research
magazines take time in publishing on the other hand current information can
be retrieved form the Internet.

6.2) A to Z information

Information on any subject can be retrieved and downloaded easily. The


Internet offers information on every topic. Whether your interest includes
Psychology, Sociology, Science and Technology, Philosophy, Gardening,
Biology, Chemistry, History, Math, Physics etc.

6.3) Large and diverse collection

To day everybody wants to see him on net therefore net has developed huge
collection of information and it has been increasing like an epidemic disease.
6.4) Instant access

Billions of information sources which includes books, reports, and journals,


video films sound recording etc. can be accessed at the same time.

6.5) Ubiquity

One of the silent features of the net is ubiquity. At the same time a countless
numbers of users can access from all over the world and can retrieved same
information

6.6) Round the clock availability

Internet facility remains available round the clock. Just connect the Internet
and get the relevant information.

6.7) User friendly and easy accessible

It is very easy and simple to use. User can download, retrieve, browse wide
range of databases and easily get information just by clicking and clicking the
words that are highlighted on the screen

6.8) Access to the Multimedia information

Information is available in all form like text, animation, graphics, sound and
can be find in any form, separately or may be in combined form according to
needs of user.

6.9) Reference Tool

Number of reference sources is available on Internet. It is a suitable media


for libraries to provide a timely, convenient and direct way to give answers to
the users queries. Reference queries related to current events, business,
government, medicine, directory-type, newspapers, government agencies,
institution can be provided within a few seconds and minute.

6.10) Global village (Global reach)


Internet has finished all geographic distribution and made the world as a
"Global Village". Any information from any corner of the world can be
accessed easily.

6.11) Maximum utilization of existing information

Internet provides opportunity to exploit the available information.

6.12) Fast Speed

Internet is a very fast medium to get information. Data travels at 2/3 the
speed of light on net.

6.13) Save the time of user and library professional

6.14) Maximum satisfaction to the user

6.15) Improvement in library services

6.16) Reduction to cost and volume of documents

6.17) Save the space in the library

Space is a big problem in the developing countries like India. Internet can
help librarians in saving the space of the library.

6.18) Frequency of updating the information on net is very fast

Simple and speedy purchase of information sources such as books, journals,


magazines, non-print material, and electronic publications.

6.19) Low Cost

Any user, anywhere in the world, can access the Internet for cost of a local
phone

6.20) Entertainment
Some user goes to library for entertainment. They can read latest books,
magazines about their subject. They can watch movie, listen songs, and Live
chatting, on line game.

6.21) Research Scholars

Research scholars need information for their thesis. They can get bulk of
information from net. It is a resource full tool for the research scholars. They
can easily download bibliographical data and other relevant information from
different sites.

6.22) Search Engines

Lot of search engines are available on Internet which make it very useful to search
relevant subjects in a few time. These engines are as follow:

• Yahoo: http://www.yahoo.com
• Alta Vista : http://www.altavista.com
• Google : http://www.google.com
• Hotbot : http://www.hotbot.com
• Lycos: http://www.lycos.com
• Excite : http://www.excite.com
• Ask.com http://www.ask.com

33. E-Mail

Email is an electronic system for sending electronic messages between computers. It


provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to compose, send, and receive
email messages directly from other computers. Email messages can contain text,
pictures, hypertext links to web sites, and even self-contained file attachments. It is
one of the most important, powerful and inexpensive tools for exchanging
information. Internet. User can sent any type of information to anyone anywhere. In
the world. It has finished all barriers. It is economical and fastest mode of sending
material around the world. It is Cheaper then other mode of sending information like
fax or mailing.. Many services can be performed through Email in the library and
information centre

Library Services through Email


1. Document Delivery Services

2. Selective dissemination of information

3. Current Awareness Services includes title announcement, content list, indexing


and abstracting services etc.

4. Correspondence for Inter library Loan services

5. Recall notices can be sent to the member

6. Overdue notices can be sent to the user

7. User can send their requirement to the library

8. Registration for membership can be sent

9 Payment for the registration can be sent

10. Reference services (Pin pint information)

11. Referral Services can be provided

12. Bibliographical services can by given

13. List of Indexed article can be sent

14.Administrative or correspondence works can be done through the E-mail

15. Feed back about the library can be obtained

1.8) In addition, Following activities of library also can be done through


Internet

Serial management

A. Recommendation can be done on net

B. Order for subscription can be placed on net

C. E-Journals can be subscribed on net

D. List of different journals can be retrieved from net with brief detail

F. List of publisher/vendor can be retrieved with specialization


Acquisition work

A. Order for books can be placed through Internet

C. List of bookseller, publication can be retrieved through net.

D. Paperless transaction can be made on net

34. Discuss Groups

Here user can meet on net with people having similar interest. He can ask a
question, discuss, reply and read interesting articles related to h their interest.

Online resources: Today, Libraries are providing access to a large number of online
resources to its clienteles and Internet connectivity is the main force, which made it
possible.

Access to Online resources in Library & Information Centre

Followings are the online resource, which are used in the library with the help of
Internet: -

1. Full text database: (INDEST, Emerald, ABI/Inform, EBSCO, Prowess,


Capitaline etc.)

2. Bibliographic Database (RRCD and Delnet)


1. RRCD is a product of Institute for Studies in Industrial Development,
New Delhi. It is a computer-based reference CD and it could be
accessed through internet by filling up a membership fee or paying a
nominal charges. It comprises of articles, abstracts, reports, notes,
bibliographic details and index of 125 Indian Journals. It covers
economics, finance, management, political science, education, health,
environment, and sociology. (Ref: http://isid.org.in/cdv4.html)
2. Delnet: In India, Delnet is working as a successful leader in the area
of resource sharing. It has developed a huge union catalogues of it’s
member Libraries. It provides its services online and manually. Library
professional across India takes the advantages of its Inter Library Loan
services by using Internet. (Ref: http://delnet.nic.in/)
3. Online search engines for books:

Connectivity of Internet has made the work of library professionals and


researchers easy. It saves time and money by searching. A large number of e-
commerce search engines are available at World Wide Web. These search
engines/portals provide bibliographic information. Besides it, a order can be place
at the site.

These sites are: http://www.firstandsecond.com, http://www.amazon.com,


http://www.ebay.in/, http://www.bookfinder.com/,

4. Publisher catalogue/vendor information/online resource center

The advent of ICT has given boost to the publication industry. Large number of
books/e-books is being published today. Again, Internet connectivity has made the
difficult work of publisher easy. All most every publisher is online today . Besides it,
some publisher has been providing online resources of their popular titles at site.
With this feature, a faculty can get the online access of the relevant resources with
filling up a form.

Example of online resource centers:

Oxford University Press, India (http://www.oup.co.in/comp_websites.php?id=2)

McGraw Hill https://catalogs.mhhe.com/

Blogs

“A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links. A blog is


often a mixture of what is happening in a person's life and what is happening on the
Web, a kind of hybrid diary/guide site, although there are as many unique types of
blogs as there are people”. Library professional can take the advantages of these
blogs by creating a library blog to provide best service to his/her clients, as these are
free at net. Libraries across the world are using blogs.
(Ref: http://www.marketingterms.com/dictionary/blog/).

List of some popular blogs are given below: -

• Rediff www.rediffiland.com Rediff

• Blogger www.blogger.com Google


• Yahoo360 www.360.yahoo.comYahoo

• India Blogs http://www.indiablogs.org/ (Listing of Indian blogs)

Online Training, Orientation & publicity of the Library & Information Centre

Management can train library professional through Internet. Lot of online training
programmes, conferences, discussion, are available on net which would help in
professional development of library staff,

Disadvantages

Internet Security

Statistics says that on an average, every hour that you are connected to the net, a
villainous hacker, a virus a Trojan tries to attack the system. Singapore " I Love You"
virus in one of the example of virus attack. Which can spoils your data within
second? All though, options are available to protect but cost of these softwares is a
big problem.

At the time of procurement on net the credit card account someone else can steal
number or the login and password.

Library & Information Centres are loosing the attention of research scholars

No doubt, availability of online databases has fulfilled users demand. As a result of


the same resulted in the increased number of Internet users. Subsequently, visits of
the users in the library & Information centers have noticed a decline.

Unorganized Information

Availability of the huge Information on net is widely scattered and not organized
according to any standards. Although, library and computer professionals are
working together to sort out this problem by developing indexing tools.

Decline in the reading habit of the user

No doubt, Internet has played vital role in providing latest and updated and
unlimited information. But it has certainly reduced the reading habits of users.
1.9) Conclusion

It is surely a landmark of achievement of human race. It has become the primary


mode of communication. Internet is the most talked subject in library and
information science field. It has become a useful tool for library. Librarian can only
exist in the coming century if they become a net or a web librarian. There is not
doubt Internet has improved the efficiency of library services, Library professional
need to keep themselves up-to-date with new Internet development. It is vast
source of information. The collection and services of the library need to be made
available on the Internet. It is also helpful in resource sharing. If library professionals
and Internets scientist work together they can organize the information according
the need of users.. in order to enable non-technical users and staff to gain full access
to the Internet, training courses have to be conducted . This will enable users to
learn how to use the various tools, such as the ones used for searching of
information.

The wide spread access of Internet has produced the society more democratic,
egalitarian, and richly diverse . This will take a long time to change Indian situations.
The impact of the global happening has changed the scene of libraries all over the
world. Hence it is essential that we should appreciate and follow carefully the
development in around the world in our field. The Information professional should be
well aware about the latest development in technology otherwise they could be
thrown out or outdated. and they should be called as Information scientist.

In India, limited numbers of libraries have Internet connection and general users are
not using them. The facilities are limited. It was assumed that the potential benefits
of information Internet will remain limited . to the highly skilled urban, population,
with the little relevance to the common man, especially in the rural areas but this
perception is not valid. Internet has the potential to benefit the large numbers of
ordinary people, including those in rural areas. Every library cannot afford the
expenses of Internet facilities. It will remain limited because of the economic
condition of the country. It is suggested that government may provide infrastructure
to set up Internet in the libraries. Or may provide free Internet connection or give
discount to a wide range of libraries. The ability to access information form all over
the world will lead to substantial improvements in the quality of library services.
The Government has set-up a new Ministry of Information Technology on 15
October, 1999 and that has accelerate the Internet revolution in India.

Many libraries cannot afford the expenses of Internet facilities because of the poor
resource lease. It is suggested that government may provide infrastructure to set up
Internet in the Libraries. It may provide Internet connectivity to all libraries as either
free or at discount rates. The ability to access information from all over the world will
lead to substantial improvements in the quality of library services, and provide
tremendous information lease for research and development – so essential for
getting to the cutting edge in a global economy and the wide spread access of
Internet would produce a society which will be more democratic, egalitarian, and
richly diverse.

The overall scenario, the Internet has emerged as a single most important tools in
the library professionals’ hand in the 21st century and has become indispensable for
Library Professionals and they need to pay heed to the Internet. No, doubt that
Internet , has overcome all traditional constraints of space and time, has made its
significant impact on library services, budget, efficiency, and the scholarly
communication among users and other libraries.

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