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Unit 4: Problems, Evaluation and Trends in Library Automation Software

They are not confident about automated services. Library staff should therefore be trained Notes
in programming and thus be made aware of the work involved in automation. They will
then realize that automation will not take away their jobs. They will also realize that
computers are machines which have their limitations as well as their advantages. The
communication gap between the librarian and the computer specialist is another major
hindrance in establishing any effective automated system in a library.
There is often disagreement among the librarian, the programmer and the systems analyst.
Librarians should be trained in computer programming and computer specialists should
be versed in the special needs of library automation. Only then can a common language
evolve among the three and projects are started. Administrative personnel assume a very
important role in decision making. Their enthusiasm, support and conviction can help
realize any new plan, just as their apathy and lack of understanding of the need for
accurate and speedy information can jeopardize any effort. Although many things have
taken a favourable turn in India, the majorities of those at the management level
unfortunately are not conversant with the development of information science and are
unaware of the important role of information in all areas of national development.
This very often results in insufficient planning, which in turn curbs the enthusiasm of
imaginative information scientists and librarians. Due to this lack of appreciation, priorities
are poorly ordered and funds are not well allocated. Administrators also have a tendency
to underestimate or overestimate the capacity of automation. Any information system or
service is planned for the best possible benefit to its users. Unless the users are mentally
prepared to accept a new system, however, it cannot be effective. Indian users are still
unfamiliar and overawed by computers, so computer awareness and interest has to be
fostered to enable proper utilization of a system.
They should neither overestimate computer capabilities nor be afraid of interacting with
the computer systems. Another obstacle is that, because batch processing systems are still
in use in India, there are bulky printouts in monotonous type faces and formats which
prove to be a headache not only for the librarian, but also for the user. There is no dearth
of manpower in systems analysis and computer programming in India. Library automation
is still neglected, however; it is an area which has not attracted young people with
appropriate expertise. Training should be given to both the librarian and the computer
specialist about each other’s functions and possibilities. Both INSDOC and DRTC conduct
courses on automation systems in libraries. Under the forthcoming NISSAT plan, steps are
being taken to be building the requisite technical manpower.

Notes The Indian government’s Department of Electronics is developing training
programmes for the National Informatics Centre. There are two main objectives in training
for library automation: to orient the programmers and system analysts to writing
programmes suitable for automating library facilities, and to persuade librarians to accept
the utility of automation and teach them to prepare accurate inputs to make the system
worthwhile.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
1. Automation to a greater extent can increase pressure of library workload.
2. On-line facilities are rare in India.

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