Page 125 - DLIS408_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY-APPLICATIONSL SCIENCES

Information Technology and Application

Notes Objectives

To promote and support adoption of standards in library operations.
To create databases for projects, specialists and institutions to provide online Information
services.
To improve the efficiency of housekeeping operations
To coordinate with other regional, national and international network for exchange of
information and documents.
To generate new services and to improve the efficiency of existing ones.

11.1 Network Development in India

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 and Information systems document (1986) accepted by the
ministry of HRD, Government of India.

Notes 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 and Industrial Research (DSIR) Government of India has been vigorously pro-
moting an integrated approach to library automation and networking.

Self Assessment
Fill in the blanks:
1. .................... defines a network as two or more libraries engaged in a common pattern of
information exchange, through communications for some functional a purpose.
2. The report on national policy on university libraries prepared by .................... .
3. A .................... is broadly described as a group of libraries coming together with some
agreement of understanding to help each other with a view to satisfying the information
needs of their clientele.

11.2 Limitations of Network Development

A network may fail in the early stages if there is not 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,
catalog 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.

11.3 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.
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