Annals of Library and Information StudiesVol. 53, March 2006, pp 31-42

Information and communication technology infrastructure inspecial libraries in Kerala

Mohamed Haneefa KLecturer

Department of Library & Information ScienceUniversity of Calicut, KeralaEmail: hanee4u@gmail.com

Information and Communication Technology (lCT) infrastructure is an important resource of a modem library or informationcentre. ICT is the electronic means of capturing, processing, storing and communicating information. It encompasses an arrayof hardware, software, services and networks that enable access to digital information. This study investigates the currentstate-of-the-art information and communication technology infrastructure and the extent of use of electronic informationresources in special libraries in Kerala. The following methods were used to collect data for the investigation: (a) questionnairesurveys ofIibrarians, (b) semi-structured interviews with librarians and (c) observational visits in the libraries. All the speciallibraries of Kerala that were using information and communication technologies were selected for the study. The data collectedwere analysed and inferences made based on standard statistical methods. The investigation provides useful informationabout the current state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure and use of electronic information resources in special libraries in Kerala.Though the special libraries in Kerala have hardware, software and communication facilities to some extent, ICT based resourcesand services are not reaching the users to the expected extent. This has severely affected the provision of ICT based resourcesand services. The findings of this study would assist special libraries in India to develop strategies and policies that couldmake better use of ICT based resources and services.

Introduction

The availability of right information at the right timeand in the right form is of utmost importance to usersfor their knowledge and developmental activities.Developments in Information and CommunicationTechnology (lCT) have greatly changed the methods ofinformation handling. ICT may be any combination oftools and procedures that facilitate the generation,acquisition, storage, organisation, retrieval, searching,viewing, updating and transmission of information usingelectronic means. The tools used in ICT include

computer programs, databases, communicationnetworks, analysis and design methods, programminglanguages, artificial intelligence, knowledge bases, etc.ICT has long standing influence in almost all areas ofhuman activity. Over the past two decades, librarieshave become increasingly aware of the revolutionaryimpact of developments in information andcommunication technology on their key functions. Theapplication of ICT facilitates easy and instantaneousaccess to information. It provides opportunities forlibraries and information centres to widen the scope oftheir resources and services and to increase their

significance within the organization they serve. The

increasing availability of information in machine

readable form allows many infOI'll),ationpeeds t() besatisfied with decreased involvement'onibrluie8-andlibrarians. -

Although there is already a rich and extensive body ofliterature investigating the application of informationand communication technologies in libraries, this studyfocuses on ICT infrastructure in special libraries.Moorthy and Karisiddappa assessed the use ofinformation technology infrastructure and the extent ofuse of electronic media in libraries in India. Theyreported that majority of libraries were using CDS/ISISas library software and LibSysseftware was a distantsecond. They also found that majority oflibraries undersurvey have purchased the software while a few librariesreported to have developed the library automationsoftware in-house I. Furness and Graham presented thatlibrl!fies used a wealth of different software packagesdepending upon particular applications 2. In a paper titled"Application of information technology (IT) in speciallibraries, information and documentation ccnires inChennai: a study of its impact on L\S", Kasirao presentedthat Foxpro, dBase, OR~CLE, Visual Basic andindigenous software packageS'were in popular use for

32 ANN. LIB. INF. STD., MARCH 2006

IT application services in special libraries in Chennai 3.

Ali's paper, "Application of information technology inthe educational media libraries in Delhi", assessed thatout of the seven libraries studied, four libraries wereusing locally designed packages whereas the other threeused branded software4•

Common applications of ICT in information servicesinclude access to databases and other electronic

information resources by remote users through networks,electronic file transfer, including internet protocols likeFTP, electronic messaging through e-mail, onlinedatabase searching as well as CD-ROM databases in aLANIWAN environment. Various electronic databases,and electronic and online journals had a profound impacton the libraries. As Barlow and Graham found in their

1999 study, majority of the libraries used commercialonline databases5• Communication technologies haveenabled the establishment of many infrastructure andlibrary networks, which heralded a new era in resourcesharing, exchanging information and communicationbetween libraries. Sharma pointed out the role-playedby information technology in special library environmentin India6•

Kerala is the most literate state in the country and libraiesand information centres have an important place in theeducational system in the state. No research studyconducted to assess the ICT infrastructure in speciallibraries in Kerala. It is very relevant and essential toknow what is the status/position of special libraries inthe Kerala state. This study provides current state-of­the-art ICT infrastructure in special libraries in Kerala.

Aim and objectives of the study

The aim of the study was to investigate the current state­of-the-art information and communication technologyinfrastructure in special libraries in Kerala. In order tofulfil this aim, the following specific objectives wereidentified:

1. To assess the current state-of-the-art information

and communication technology infrastructure inspecial libraries in Kerala.

2. To compare the information and communicationtechnology status among the special libraries inKerala.

3. To assess the contemporary use of electronicinformation resources in special libraries inKerala.

4. To identify and analyse the specific factors thatpromoted or hindered the use of electronicinformation resources in special libraries inKerala.

5. To suggest measures for improvement ofexisting ICT based resources and services.

Methodology

Three methods viz., questionnaire surveys and semi­structured interviews with librarians and observationalvisits in the libraries have been used in data collection.

Structured questionnaires (Appendix A) were preparedand administered to chief librarians. The purpose ofquestionnaire was to obtain data regarding the state-of­the-art ICT infrastructure in special libraries in Kerala.These questionnaires were distributed to chief librarianswith a cover letter indicating the significance of the studyand the intended plans for the results. Telephone andface-to-face interviews were also conducted with chief

librarians using a semi-structured interview schedule.The purpose of the interviews was to complement thequantitative information obtained by the questionnairewith more detailed qualitative information.Observational visits were conducted in the libraries tocollect information about the current state-of-the-art ICT

infrastructure and to assess the degree of the utilisationof electronic information resources.

All the special libraries of Kerala state using informationand communication technologies for their operations andservices were selected for the study. The Directory ofLibraries in India (2001), Directory of Scientific andTechnical Libraries in India (1988) and Directory ofLibraries in Kerala (1976) were used to identify thenames, administrative status and addresses of librariesfor the study. Since the directories were dated,information was verified telephonically and throughpersonal visits. Thirty-one libraries that were usinginformation and communication technologies wereselected for the study. But despite several attempts oneinstitute library did not permit data collection, so it wasexcluded from the list. Finally, 30 libraries (AppendixB) were selected for the study.

HANEEFA : INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE 33

Results and discussion

The data collected by above mentioned tools wereanalysed and inferences made based on standardstatistical methods. Analysis of the data obtainedthrough the questionnaires, interview schedules and theobservation using both quantitative and qualitativemeasures provided an in-depth interpretation forfulfilling the five research objectives. The thirtyinstitutions belonged to four categories, viz., centralgovernment, state government, central governmentautonomous and state government autonomous.

Hardware

The analysis reveals that most of the (92.3 per cent)libraries of Central Government autonomous institutions

and 71.4 per cent of the State Government autonomousinstitutions have separate computer server in the library.All the libraries of different categories of institutionshave computer nodes or workstations. Majority (76.7per cent) of the libraries except State Governmentinstitutions have dot matrix. printer. A few (36.7 percent) libraries except State Government institutionlibraries have inkjet printer. Majority of the libraries ofCentral Government autonomous institutions (76.9 percent) and State Government autonomous institutions(57.1 per cent) have laser printer. Only the CentralGovernment autonomous institution libraries have

barcode printer (30.8 per cent), and barcode scanner(46.1 per cent). Central Government autonomousinstitutions have CD-Net Server (30.8 per cent) and CD­ROM Tower (38.5 per cent) in their libraries. Majorityof the institutions except Central Governmentinstitutions have backup devices, and CD Writer in theirlibraries, but Central Government autonomousinstitutions are predominant with these hardware.Majority (76.7 per cent) of the libraries in all thecategories of institutions have UPS. Four libraries havesome other hardware like data capturing unit, digitalcamera, planetary scanner, portable barcode reader,network laser printer, etc.

It is found that majority of the special libraries in Keralahave basic hardware facilities like servers, computerworkstations/nodes, printet;S,etc. However in majorityof the cases it was underutilised. The libraries of CentralGovernment autonomous institutions have betterhardware facilities including scanner, barcode printer,barcode scanner, net server, CD-ROM tower, CD-writer,etc. A good number (33 per cent) of the libraries need

more computer terminals and devices like printers toprovide ICT based resources and services. Sevenlibraries (23.3 per cent) have very poor hardware and isnot even adequate for library automation.

Software

To bring the hardware establishment into activation,proper software facilities are required by the speciallibraries to serve up-to-date information to the clientele.The analysis shows that all the libraries have librarymanagement software, whether it is commerciallyprepared or in house prepared. A few (20 per cent) ofthem have digital library software like Greenstone.Again a few (23.3 per cent) of them have CD-netmanagement software. Majority of the institutions haveDTP Software like MS Office in their libraries. Majorityof the libraries are using Norton antivirus software. Afew of them also have other software like Winspiris,Adobe Acrobat Reader, Photoshop, DSpace, etc.

As in Figure 1 a good number (46.7 per cent) of speciallibraries in Kerala are using Windows NT as theirNetwork Operating System. Linux is the distant secondNOS with 30 per cent libraries.

Use of library management software

Library management software package playa key rolefor the success of library automation. There are a numberof library automation software packages in use in India.Responses indicate that the organisations surveyed usea wealth of different software packages depending uponparticular application.· The analysis shows that speciallibraries in Kerala are more interested in commercial

software packages. There are 11 software packagespreferred by 23 libraries (Figure 2). It is found that CDS/ISIS is used more in libraries (23.3 per cent) than anyother software. Libsys software is a distant second with16.7 per cent of libraries. Two libraries of StateGovernment autonomous institutions are using Libsoftsoftware. Seven libraries have developed the librarymanagement software in-house. The other software usedare Alice for Windows, SLIM++,Winisis, Winsoft,Winlis, Chronicles 2001, .E-gralldhalaya andLibsuitASP+.

Majority of the libraries have network vefsion of librarymanagement software and have OPAC.and online helpfacilities.

34 ANN. LIB. INF. STU., MARCH 2006

3.3

3.3

II Linux

.Unix

oWindOws NT

• Novel Netware

• Windows99/2000IXP

Fig. 1 - Use of network operating system in special libraries in Kerala

lit11 ~e::•..

::::i0- +

:1:11

cu,..19 :lQ.

,ii

1/1

~~:l ••

~ ~~,g08-

w.c::::i'tJ

..J.c ClI

.cc c •.

0~

-Q.

Q

Library Management Software

Fig. 2 - Use of library management software in special libraries in Kerala

Use of DBMS/RDBMS

Use ofDBMS/RDBMS is very useful for managing vastamount of digital information. Libraries of 50 per centof the Central Government institutions, 15.4 per cent ofthe Central Government autonomous institutions, and14.3 per cent of the State Government institutions areuSIng CDS/ISIS for their database managementactivities. It is also found that libraries of about 15.4 percent of the Central Government autonomous institutions

and 50 per cent of the State Government institutions areusing ORACLE as their DBMS. The other RDBMS/DBMS used are dBase (6.7 per cent), FoxPro (6.7 percent), MS Access (16.7 per cent) and WINISIS (6.7 percent).

Use of digitallibrary/DTP/antivirus software

Libraries are also using different software like digitallibrary software, DTP software, Antivirus software, etc.

42 ANN. LIB. INF. STU .• MARCH 2006

LIST OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES

AppendixB

1. Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Cochin

2. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Cochin

3. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod

4. Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Trivandrum

5. Centre For Development Studies (CDS), Trivandrum

6. Coconut Development Board (CDB), Cochin

7. DOEACC Center, Calicut

8. Electronic Research and Development Centre (ER& DC), Trivandrum

9. Fact Engineering and Design Organisation (FEDO), Cochin

10. Fluid Control Research Institute (FCRI), Palakkad

11. Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), Myladumpara

12. Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management Kerala (IIITMK), Trivandum

13. Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Calicut

14. Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Trichur

15. Kerala Industrial Training and Consultany Organisation (KITCO), Cochin

16. Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Thrissur

17. Kerala State Planning Board (KSPB) Trivandrum

18. Kochin Refinaries, Cochin

19. Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC) Valiamala, Trivandrum

20. Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) Cochin

21. National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Cochin

22. Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) Trivandrum

23. Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) Trivandrum

24. Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) Kottayam

25. Spices Board, Cochin

26. Sree Chithira Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, (BMT Wing), Trivandrum

27. Sree Chithira Tirunal Institute For Medical Sciences And Technology, (Hospital Wing),Trivandrum

28. Technopark Library, Trivandrum

29. Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Trivandrum

30. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Trivandrum

HANEEFA : INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE 35

The analysis shows that 6 libraries are using digitallibrary software and among these, 5 libraries are usingGreenstone Digital Library Software and one library isusing ACADO software. As far as the DTP softwareare concerned, 66.7 per cent of the libraries are usingMS Office software, 3 libraries are using Page Makersoftware and only one library is using Corel Drawsoftware. Norton is the most favoured antivirus software

with a percentage of sixty. Two libraries are using PCCillin software and one library is using AVG software.It is also found that Central Government autonomous

institutions are comparatively good. in these software,four of them are using Greenstone, and 8 are using MSOffice and Norton Antivirus.

The analysis of the data recei ved from the interviews ofthe chief librarians reveals that most of the libraries have

library management software but majority of them arenot successful in using the software or their softwareare not sufficient for complete automation and ICTapplication in their libraries. Few libraries indicated thattheir library management software are good. Onobservation it is found that about 40 per cent of thelibraries have somewhat good software, including librarymanagement software and other software like MS Office,DBMS, etc., but in this case also except few libraries,most of them are not completely utilised their softwareproperly, some modules are not utili sed or libraryprofessionals do not know how to use them properly.

Telecommunication and networking

The transmission of data from one point to another isvery essential. Libraries all over the world are usingtelecommunication and networking technology fortransmitting digitised data of all kinds. Data on thetelecommunication facilities available in special librariesin Kerala are ascertained.

Vile olte/ephone andlax

It is found that majority (80 per cent) of the librarieshave telephone facility, but a very few (13.3 per cent) ofthem· have both telephone and fax facilities. All thelibraries of Central Government institutions, most (92.3per cent) of the Central Government autonomousitisffiUtions and majority (57.1 per cent) of the StateObVernment autonomous institutions have telephone

facility. Telephone or fax facilities are not available intwo libraries.

Most (90 per cent) of the libraries are part of the institutenetwork or Intranet and about 47 per cent of the librarieshave independent library network. Libraries of 87.5 percent of the Central Government institutions, 84.6 percent of the Central Government autonomous institutionsand all the State Government and State Government

autonomous institutions are part of the institute networkor Intranet.

Use of CD·NetlCD·ROM server/CD tower

CD-Net/CD-ROM Server/CD Tower has several

advantages, especially in a special library environment.This facility will be helpful to provide access to CD­ROM databases and other CD based information

resources. Library users can access this facility throughthe intranet and they can access the same resourcessimultaneously. The analysis revealed that 76.9 per centof the Central Government autonomous institutions and

50 per cent of the State Government institutions haveCD-NettCD-ROM Server/CD Tower.

Use Of Electronic Information Resources

Electronic information resources are becomingincreasingly important to libraries of all types anc;l,sizes,The explosive growth of Internet and wide~preaqreliance of computer networks accelerated the I;1se.pfelectronic information resources to.a great extent. ThFuse of databases, electronicjournals and other electr~ni'(information resources has increased significantly. Theuse of major electronic information resources in speciallibraries in Kerala is explained under the following subheadings.

Online Public Access Catalogues

OPAC is an excellent source of bibliographicinformation in libraries. It provides access to thedocuments of libraries through different modes ofsearching. The analysis of the data shows that majority(56.7 percent) of the special libraries in Kerala have noOPAC, even though most of them are at various stagesof computerisation. A few (33.3 per cent) libraries havegood OPACs. Most ofthese libraries are attached to theCentral Government autonomous institutions.

36 ANN. LIB. INF. STU., MARCH 2006

Database for information retrieval and the nature of informationretrieved

Electronic databases are essential for providing efficientinformation services in special libraries. In recent yearsthe demands for database services are increasing, sincemost of the latest information is available in online

databases. Image databases and multimedia databasesare also becoming predominant. Similarly, personnelreference databases and internal records enrich the

knowledge of the users. Librarians were asked toindicate the types of databases and the nature ofinformation retrieved, that is, bibliographic informationor full text with choices ranging from commercial onlinedatabases to those containing internally generatedrecords.

The analysis revealed that very few (20 per cent) speciallibraries are using commercial online databases, bothbibliographic and full text. Most of these libraries areattached to the Central Government autonomous

institutions. Nearly 57 per cent of the institutions areusing CD-ROM databases. It is found that 25 per centof the Central Government institutions, 53.8 per cent ofthe Central Government autonomous institutions and .

14.3 per cent of the State Government autonomousinstitutions are using it for retrieving bibliographicalinformation. A few libraries (28.6 per cent) of the stateGovernment autonomous institutions, and CentralGovernment autonomous institutions (23 per cent) areusing it for retrieving both full text and bibliographicalinformation. Very few libraries are using databases ofinternal records. One library of the State Governmentinstitution and two libraries of the State Government

autonomous institutions are using databases for storingbibliographical information. One library of the CentralGovernment autonomous institution and another libraryof the State Government autonomous institution are

using databases for storing full text information.

Extent of end-user access to databases

The data was collected to identify the prevalence ofaccess to electronic databases by end users of the service.Librarians were asked to indicate which database typescould be accessed from within the library, and alsowhether access was available either via terminals situated

elsewhere within the organisation prerrilses or fromoffsite using telecommunication links~

The analysis shows that very few libraries are usingcommercial online databases and it is accessible both

via terminals situated inside and outside the library.Three libraries are accessing commercial databasesthrough terminals situated in the library and one libraryis providing access to databases through remoteterminals. About 20 per cent of the libraries are accessingthe CD-ROM databases through terminals situated inthe library and a few (30 per cent) libraries are accessingthe databases through remote terminals situated outsidethe library. About 38.5 per cent of the libraries of CentralGovernment autonomous institutions and 50 per cent ofthe State Government institutions are accessing CD­ROM databases through terminals situated outside thelibrary. A few (23 per cent) libraries of the CentralGovernment autonomous institutions and State

Government autonomous institutions (28.6 per cent) areaccessing databases through terminals situated in thelibrary.

Digital library

It is revealed that only two libraries have a separatedigital library. It is also observed that the maincomponents of these digital libraries include electronicdatabases, full text e-journals through Science Direct,Emerald, etc., publications of the institute researchcommunity, e-books, CD-ROM databases, discussiongroups, online news, in house databases, publicationdatabases, etc. A few (36.7 per cent) libraries have digitallibrary initiatives and they are started creation anddigitisation of some of their collections. But majority(56.7 per cent) ofthe special libraries in Kerala have nodigital library or no digital library initiatives at all.

Library consortia

Only three special libraries in Kerala are participatingin library consortia and this is for accessing electronicjournals.

One of the library among the state governmentinstitutions is participating in INDEST consortia foraccessing e-journals. Two libraries of the CentralGovernment autonomous institutions are participatingin CSIR eJournals Consortium.

Use of Internet

The Internet has become an indispensable resource forspecial libraries worldwide to enhance the collection,improve services and operations. Internet has made easyaccess to information sources/documents like books,

HANEEFA : INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE 37

journals, electronic publications, etc. The Internet canbe successfully utili sed for providing reference servicebecause various primary and secondary sources ofinformation are available online It is possible to accessthe resources of other libraries through the Internet. Itis also possible to browse the entire collection of a librarythrough WebOPAC and can make a request for adocument through e-mail.

Librarians were asked to indicate the extent of their use

ofInternet in the library. All the institutions under studyhave the Internet connectivity in the library orinformation centre. Majority (63.3 per cent) of thespecial libraries in Kerala have leased line connection,and a few (36.7 per cent) libraries are accessing Internetthrough dialup connection. Though there are fiveInternet Service Providers in special libraries in Kerala,namely VSNL, NICNET, ASIANET, Sathyam andBSNL, the study revealed that majority of the speciallibraries in Kerala are accessing Internet through theVSNL.

A good number (43.3 per cent) of the libraries have onlyone computer node with Internet access and the CentralGovernment autonomous institutions have more

terminals with Internet access. Majority (56.7 per cent)

of the libraries are using Internet Explorer as theirInternet browser software and a few (23.3 per cent)libraries are using Netscape Navigator and Opera forbrowsing Internet. Majority (86.7 per cent) of the·libraries have a website or at least a link in the home

page of the parent institute. It is found that all thelibraries of Central Government autonomous institutions

and State Government institutions and majority of theCentral Government (62.5 per cent) and StateGovernment autonomous (86.7 per cent) institutionshave website or link in the homepage of the parentinstitute. But it is observed that all these websites or

links are not informative and these are not properlycreated. They do not provide any useful information.

Figure 3 shows that all the libraries of State Governmentinstitutions and majority (53.8 per cent) of the CentralGovernment autonomous institutions and State

Government autonomous institutions (57.1 per cent) areusing Internet for SDI services. Majority (61.5 per cent)of the libraries of Central Government autonomous

institutions are using Internet for acquisition work. Allthe libraries of State Government institutions and

majority (57.1 per cent) of the State Governmentautonomous institutions are using Internet for currentawareness service.

120

.100

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0

AcquIsition Cataloguing Classification BIblIographicDatabases

SOl CAS

Ell Central Government

.State Government

Ubrary OperatlonalServlces

• Central Government Autonomous

II Slate Government Autonomous

Figure 3 - Use of Intp-met for various operations and services

38 ANN. LIB. INF. STU., MARCH 2006

All the special libraries in Kerala are providing E-mailand World Wide Web facilities and majority of thelibraries of Central Government autonomous institutions

are providing FTF, Telnet, ListServe and UsenetlNewsgroups services. It is also found that libraries ofCentral Government autonomous institutions are

considerably better in Internet based services or facilitiesthan other categories of libraries.

Use of electronic/online journals

Majority (66.7 per cent) of the special libraries werefound providing access to electronic journals. It is foundthat most (92.3 per cent) of the libraries of CentralGovernment autonomous institutions and about half of

the State Government institutions are providingelectronic journals in their libraries.

Conclusion

Application of ICT in special libraries has becomeinevitable in the present era of information explosionand widespread use of digital information resources.Effective application of ICT in libraries helps inperforming their operations and services most efficiently.In Kerala many special libraries have been applying ICTfor providing efficient services and resources. Thisinvestigation has a summary of the current state-of-the­art information and communication technologyinfrastructure in special libraries in Kerala. Majority ofthe special libraries in Kerala have basic hardwarefacilities like servers, computers, printers, etc. Howeverin the majority {)f the cases it was underutilised. Thelibraries of Central Government autonomous institutions

have better hardware facilities including scanner,barcode printeI, barcode scanner, Net Server, CD-ROMTower, CD-Writer, etc. The study concludes that mostof the special libraries in Kerala need proper ICTinfrastructure including hardware, software and librarystaff have to be trained properly to make use of theresources optimally.

References

1. Moorthy A L & Karisiddappa C R, Information infrastructureand use of electronic media in Indian libraries, Proceedingsof the First South Indian Library Conference on Role ofUniversity and College Libraries in the Changing InformationScenario (Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad),2001, p. 148-162.

2. Furness K L and Graham M E, The use of informationtechnology in special libraries in the UK, Program, 30 (1)(1996) 23-37.

3. Kasirao V, Application of information technology (IT) inspecial libraries, information and documentation centres(LIBIDOCS) in Chennai: a study of its impact on LIS,Proceedings of the Seventh National Convention forAutomation of Libraries in Education and Research onInformation Services in a Networked Environment in India(INFLIBNET Centre, Ahmedabad), 2000, p. 1.245-1.252.

4. Ali A, Application of information technology in theeducational media libraries in Delhi, Proceedings of the XXlATUS National Conference on Globalisation of Library andInformation Science Education (University of Madras,Chennai), 2004, p. 89-96.

5. Barlow L J and Graham M E, The use of information and

communication technologies in commercial libraries in theUK, Program, 33 (2) (1999) 109-128.

6. Sharma S, Information technology in special libraryenvironment, DESIDOC Bulletin of Information Technology,19 (6) (1999) 17-30.

HANEEFA : INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

QUESTIONNAIRE

A. General Information

Please indicate your responses with a ,./, (tick mark) or write in the spaces provided.

1. Name of the Institution:

2. Please indicate the type of your Institution/Organisation: State GovemmentD/ Central GovtDSemi GovtO / Autonomous (Central Govt.)D / Autonomous (State Govt.)D / Public SectorDPrivate Sector 0 / Others (Please specify):

3. Name of the Library/lnformation Centre:

39

Appendix A

4. Address:

Telephone:Fax:

E-mailURL

5. Name of the Librarian! Person-in-charge of the Library

B. Information and Communication Technology InfrastructureI. Hardware (Please give the following details of the hardware)

SI.No Nomenclature

1 Server

2 Clients! Computer Workstations3 Dot Matrix Printer4 Ink Jet Printer5 Laser Printer6 Barcode Printer7 Scanner8 Barcode Scanner9 CD-Net Server10 CD-ROM Tower

11 Systems with DVDs12 Back up Device13 LCD Projector14 CD-Writer15 UPS16 Others (please specify)

Make Quantity

II. Software (Please give the following details of the software)

SI.No Nomenclature

1 Network Operating System2 Library Management Software3 Digital Library Software

Product Name Quantity

40 ANN. UB. INF. STU., MARCH 2006

4 CD-Net Management Software5 DTP Software

6 DatabaselRelational Database Management System7 Antivirus o;;oftware

8 Others (Please specify)

III. Please indicate the type of databases you use for information retrieval, and the nature ofretrieved: (Please tick as appropriate)

information

Database Type

Commercial Online DatabaseCD-ROM DatabaseInternal Records

Others (Please specify)

Search SoftwareProducts Used

Used To Retrieve

Bibliographical Information? Full Text?

IV. Please indicate the extent of end-user access to available electronic databases (Please tick as appropriate)

Database Type

Commercial Online Database

CD-ROM Database

Internal Records

Others (Please specify)

V. Do you have a Digital Library?

Is end-user access permittedvia terminals via terminals situated

situated in the library? outside of the library?

YesD/No D

C. Telecommunication and Networking

1. Do you have the following telecommunication facilities?

2. Whether your library has an independent Library Network?

3. Whether your library is part of Institute Network?

4. What is the type of network? LAND I MAND I IntranetD I ExtranetD I5.Does your library network include a CD-NetteD-ROM Server/CDTower?

6.Is your library participating in any library consortium?

If yes, what is the name of the consortium?

Please specify the main activities of the consortium:

D. Internet

1. Do you have Internet connectivity in the library or information centre?If yes. Name of the Internet Service Provider(s) (ISP)

a. ERNET Db. VSNL D

Telephone D I Fax DYesD/No D

YesD/No D

WAND IWirelessD

YesD/NoD

YesD/NoD

YesD/NoD

HANEEFA : INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

c. NICNET 0d. ASIANET

0e.

Satyam 0f.

BSNL 0g.

Others (please specify)

2. Type of Internet connection? Leased lineD/Ordinary Dial upO/ ISDN Dial upOVSATO/Others (Please specify):

41

­,...

3. Is this Internet facility available over the network of your library?

If yes, how many nodes are configured with Internet access facility: __ Nos.

4. Internet browsers available in the librarya.

Netscape 0b.

Internet Explorer 0c.

Mosaic 0d.

Lynx 0e.

Opera 0f.

Neo Planet 0g.

Others (Please specify):

YesO/NoO

10 :

5. Do you have a separate web site or a link in the web site of your Institute? YesO/NoOIf yes, what constitutes the web site?

a. Library profile 0b. WebOPAC 0c. Online databases 0d. AudioNideo 0

e. Others (Please specify)

6. Do you use Internet for following library operations and services? (Please tick):a. Acquisition 0b. Cataloguing 0c. Classification 0

d. Bibliographic databases 0e. SOl 0( CAS 0

g. Others (Please specify)

7. Internet services provided: (Please tick marks the appropriate box (es»:a. E-mail 0b. FTP 0c. Telnet 0d. List Serve 0

e. Usenet/Newsgrotips 0

f. WWW 'iung. Others (Please specify): i 1<

E. Do you have any comments or suggestions you wish to make about any state-of-the-art Informationand Communication Technology Infrastructure in your library or information centre?

42 ANN. LIB. INF. STU .• MARCH 2006

LIST OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES

AppendixB

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Cochin

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Cochin

Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod

Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Trivandrum

Centre For Development Studies (CDS), Trivandrum

Coconut Development Board (CDB), Cochin

DOEACC Center, Calicut

Electronic Research and Development Centre (ER& DC), Trivandrum

Fact Engineering and Design Organisation (FEDO), Cochin

Fluid Control Research Institute (FCRI), Palakkad

Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), Myladumpara

Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management Kerala (IIITMK), Trivandum

Indian Institute of Spices Research (I1SR), Calicut

Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Trichur

Kerala Industrial Training and Consultany Organisation (KITCO), Cochin

Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Thrissur

Kerala State Planning Board (KSPB) Trivandrum

Kochin Refinaries, Cochin

Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC) Valiamala, Trivandrum

Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) Cochin

National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Cochin

Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) Trivandrum

Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) Trivandrum

Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) Kottayam

Spices Board, Cochin

Sree Chithira Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, (BMT Wing), Trivandrum

Sree Chithira Tirunal Institute For Medical Sciences And Technology, (Hospital Wing),Trivandrum

28. Technopark Library, Trivandrum

29. Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Trivandrum

30. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Trivandrum

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