Page 100 - DLIS101_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SOCIETY

Unit 8: Library Development

Self Assessment Notes

Multiple Choice Questions:
3. The growth and development of public library system in India may be studied by categorizing
it broadly into ...... groups.
(a) 3 (b) 2
(c) 4 (d) 1
4. In the year ...... the name of Imperial library changes to national library.
(a) 1948 (b) 1947
(c) 1950 (d) 1949

8.4 Application of Modern Technology

The new information revolution has absolutely emphasizing the professionals to redefine the concept
and role of library and librarians. Information storage and retrieval devices of recent times have
promised enormously the task of selecting ordering and dissemination of vast amount of information
when libraries are facing the financial crunch accessing the information through networks saves time,
money and space. The time is ripe to convert the public libraries as community information resources
centers rather than a mere collection of books. This can be done introducing rapid computerization of
libraries. Networking has to be established amongst all types of libraries at all levels. At present
computerization of Public libraries is in progress but not so fast, it is so urgent and cannot be delayed
any further.
However, it is a matter of pride that the public library system of Karnataka is seriously, planning
the libraries automation programme. In this direction state central library and other 5 city central
libraries located in Bangalore have undertaken the task of computerization. Efforts are also made to
get the NICNET connection to provide the database access. Attempts are also sincerely made to
establish the GISTNIC booth at different selected libraries in Bangalore and some district head
quarters.
In the Western Countries, it is observed that there are visible changes taking place in organizing
and operating the public libraries. In the so called Cyberspace environment the greatness of libraries
will depend far less on the size of their collections, but rather on strength of their service and their
ability to connect electronically with one another. Shared collection development, institutions
comprehensive collection to distributed collection liked electronically, reduction of geographical
proximity and varied document delivery to the users community are some of the important
landmarks. This trend predicts that the librarians can no longer passive partner but dynamic and
aggressive professional Librarians, Information scientists, cybrarians or whatever is the designation
in the next century, one must come out of the four walls of the library and play proactive role in the
information gathering process. The information professionals must change and adapt to new
electronic information environment.
In addition to print books and periodicals, most public libraries today have a wide array of other
media including audio books, e-books, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs, and video games, as well
as facilities to access the Internet and inter-library loans (borrowing items from other libraries).

Readers’ advisory is a fundamental public library service that involves suggesting
fiction and nonfiction titles.

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