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Unit 10: Library Information Systems and Networks

10.2 Network Development in India Notes

Some factors that are responsible for the development of library and information networks in India
are:
• The report of the working group of the planning commission on modernization of library
services and informatics for the seventh five year plan, 1985-90
• The National Policy on Library & Information systems document (1986) accepted by the
ministry of HRD, Government of India
• The report on national policy on university libraries prepared by the Association of Indian
Universities (1987)
• The UGC report on information systems for science and technology under the Department of
Science & Industrial Research (DSIR) Government of India has been vigorously promoting an
integrated approach to library automation and networking.

Limitations in Network Development
A network may fail in the early stages if there is no proper planning or if adequate funds are not
available. Moreover, a common memorandum of agreement signed by the participating libraries at
the institutional level is essential for the success of a network venture. On a more practical level,
catalogue data must be in a standard, machine readable form for it to be shared and exchanged.
And, finally, a continuous flow of external assistance is crucial for the network’s survival.

10.2.1 Types of Networks

Presently, there are three types of computer networks:
• LAN
• MAN
• WAN

Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is a number of related computers and electronic devices that share information over a
transmission media. A typical use of LAN is to tie together personal computers in an office so that
they can all use a single printer and a file server. The LAN can be within a building or a campus wide
network.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Attempts are being made to develop this type of network in metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Kolkata,
Bangalura, Chennai, etc.
Wide Area Network (WAN)

A large-scale network, involving offices in different cities and countries is referred to as WAN, which
is specially designed to interconnect data transmission devices over wide geographical areas.

10.2.2 Categories of Network

Library networks have been divided into two categories: general network and specialized network.
The latter can further be divided into metropolitan network and countrywide network.

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