Page 118 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Unit 6: Library Automation in Acquisition

Self Assessment Notes

State whether the following statements are true or false:
7. Book selection is conditioned by six factors.
8. Proper planning of finance is basic to good acquisition work.

9. Old sources should be scanned only for specific needs.
6.4 Non-Book Materials

The term “non-book materials” (NBM) includes four categories of information sources drawn
from the second edition of the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR), namely:

sound recordings;
video recordings, including interactive video discs;
graphic materials-photographs, illustrations, postcards and slides;
micro-computer software, including CD-ROM.

In addition, other forms covered by the term NBM are microforms-microfilms, microfiche, etc.,
models, wallcharts, etc. As a matter of fact, microform dates back to the year 1839 when John
Benjamin Dancer, an optician and professional photographer, produced the first micro-
photograph. These microforms, perhaps, offer an alternative to book storage and help in solving
the space problems encountered by libraries.
Commenting on the value of NBM, it was said by Leslie Gillert and Jan Wright as early as 1971
that “NBM have increased the range and means of obtaining and exploiting information for
teaching, learning and research purposes, but to separate books from NBM is to divide
information into false compartments. Hence, it is essential that books and non-books can be
jointly identified and located to meet particular needs”.
In spite of this recognition, NBM have not become popular in libraries due to the following
reasons:
A lack of understanding or only recent concern with the learning processes by university
academics.

The strong belief in the primacy of the printed word for research collections.
Little demand from users, who, perhaps, were dominated by the conventional information
resources and with little exposure or access to NBM.

Lack of motivation and funds to build up NBM collections, etc.

6.4.1 Acquisition of NBM

Once it is decided that NBM will form a part of the collection of the library, efforts should be
made by the librarian to make a planned selection of NBM that would satisfy the differential
requirements of all the clients. But, it is not an easy task due to some aspects that are peculiar to
NBM. Hence, the librarian should acquire the necessary expertise – i.e., knowledge and skill for
identifying various sources of supply and a familiarity with problems hampering acquisition of
NBM.

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