Promoting E-Resources:A practical experience

Ms. Ashwini PrabhuSmt. Maniben M.P. Shah College

Matunga, Mumbai

E-resources

E-Journals

E-Books

Online databases

Library Catalogue

Search Engines

Online reference sources

E-resources ???

much more……

Some characteristics of E-resources• more current than their print counterparts• accessible to multiple concurrent users • overcome geographical barriers• convenient • available 24X7• enable effective consortia formation and library co-operation• Hence affordable• researcher friendly - offer quick and easy publication possibilities• save time. • offer enhanced search mechanisms • better download & storage facilities

Use of e-resources: some issues• Usage not up to the mark due to

• Ignorance about availability

• Accessibility issues

• Lack of confidence due to

• Lack of training

• Different interfaces ….. often confusing for users

• Lack of assistance from library staff

• Senior users more comfortable with print resources

Some solutions…..• Better marketing strategies…. in the process

• Library gets more visibility and recognition

Marketing

Marketing in non-profit organizations like libraries is a process that

involves creating a link between the patron and the library in the form of

a service, program or resource. (Kotler, 1975)

Marketing

Market research

Market Segmentation

Service Identification

PlanningRelationship Building

Communication

Service Review

Smt. Maniben M.P. Shah Women’s College

• Located at Matunga, Mumbai

• Affiliated to SNDT Women’s University

• Accredited by NAAC with “A” Grade in 2013 and recognized by UGC as

college with potential for excellence in 2016

• Programs offered include B.A, B.Com., B,M.M., B.M.S, BAFI, M.A. (Hindi &

Psychology) & M.Com.

• Instruction media: English, Marathi, Gujarati

• Caters to 4000 (approx) students across Junior, UG and PG levels

Profile of Shri. G.O. Shah Library• Central library caters to the junior, U.G. and P.G. students

• Located on the 3rd floor across 5000 sq. ft.

• 31904 books, 26 print journals, 19 magazines, 12 news papers , CDROM

as well as AV resources

• Subscribes to INFLIBNET N-LIST consortia

• E-journals and databases subscribed by the SNDT Women’s University

library are provided to teachers and students

• Partially automated using SLIM 21 s/w

• Serviced by a staff of 8 which includes 4 professionals.

Our aim

• Promoting our products and services

• Educating our users

• Advertising our expertise

Some marketing strategies implemented

• Library’s webpage for e-resources

• Flex board displayed outside the library

• Display of posters/ communication from the vendors

• Personalized user-id and password - where ever possible

• Extensive user training sessions

• One-on one appointments/ interactionsCont…..

Some marketing strategies at the library…..Cont

Effective use of OPAC

• enhanced OPAC……..contents added

• During library orientation

• Power Point tutorial uploaded on the library website

• Detailed video film about the use of OPAC prepared by the

librarian about various search techniques using the method of

screen casting

Some glimpses

Reflection• More feedback from library users about our activities

• Evaluate the usage of e-resources

• Create more video tutorials for creating awareness about how to use e-resources

• Create brochures and flaps about e-resources and distribute themamongst students

• Tie in more closely with faculty for corrective measures

• Look outside library world for promotional ideas

In conclusion

• Marketing alone not responsible for increase of decreased usage

…………. however

• Marketing does help in improving the usage if properly planned and

executed