International Journal of Information Management Sciences

International Journal of Information Management Sciences
Zero-penny Expenditure Model for Library Automation in Pakistan

A case study of implementing ICT-Packages at Bahria University Library Islamabad
_____Farasat Shafi ullah
Librarian SCME-NUST http://scme.nust.edu.pk/lib officer@scme.nust.edu.pk
Abstract:
This paper reflects on professional experience of author during the library automation at Bahria University Islamabad. This study will elaborate various aspects of library automation such as project planning, feasibility studies encompassing assessment of information technology infrastructure, in-house activities, requirements of information services, evaluation of objectives, and manpower development. Author was able to share catalogued-data in standardized format at LOC z39.50 gateway without spending any extra penny on outsourcing technical solutions and its training. The paper will reflect the contributions of PakLAG (Pakistan Library Automation Group- A volunteer group) as an accelerating force for the automation activities of university libraries, especially in the context of the recently introduced MARC21 trainings, KOHA and their free MS-Access based library automation application called LIMS. Bahria University came into existence through presidential order in December 2000. Islamabad campus library renamed as central library in the same year. A couple of efforts were made to automate its library but these ended in complete failures. Revamping of University Grants Commission as Higher Education Commission in 2000 and with the introduction of HEC digital library for the public sector universities dramatically changed the scenario for
libraries within their services resulting in enhancing user expectations. The only pertinent aspect during the launch of HEC digital library was the lack of consultations with librarians. Bahria University being Public University always remains keen in adapting modern ICT for library automation. At that time, main factors under consideration with University administration were included need analysis, selection of appropriate software, retrospective data conversion and training of staff. After taking up this demanding task, author has briefly described the problems encountered during this process and has also suggested some recommendation in certain scenarios. Finally PakLAG LIMS was selected due to its user friendly menus, Free, windows based, its free training and support by library professionals Professional support & advice has been sought during following tasks; for cataloging library records, automated circulation in LIMS , for Theses depository online using WinISIS and to put data in MARC21 format at Library of Congress gateway. All the modernization of library processes was implemented with zero expenditure. Also Bahria University library Islamabad became the first automated library of the capital with all possible used technology including EM tag and CCTV security system, MARC21 based cataloged and OPAC. During all this it has been revealed that initiative, teamwork, and influencing leadership made all these tasks accomplished. Now with availability of internet and presence of discussion lists like PakLAGs plagpk, librarianwelfare, libcoop; it is far easier to share professional experiences. If Pakistani librarianship wants to adopt updated technologies for modernized library services then it is imperative to use volunteer efforts and communication among Government, Pakistan Library Association and stakeholders. Design/ methodology/approach: This paper is a report of library automation at Bahria university libraries and internal documentation. Findings: Bahria University libraries are automated on locally developed automation software packages which are not based on library standards MARC21or Dublin Core etc,
however Bahria University still needs an integrated library management system (LMS). Library data is not based on library metadata standards however can be converted to MARC 21 for sharing, at LOC Z3950 gateway with lengthy process and fear of some data losses. Research Limitation: Library automation at Bahria university libraries is still in early stages towards opting for a standardized LMS. Implementation of locally developed LIMS (MS-Access) application has met the user needs and expectation is still a question mark in the absence of user survey about library services automation. Practical implications: the conclusion drawn from this firsthand experience related to the conception, initiatives, opportunities and adaptability of change due to automation in libraries. Also highlights the practical nature of problems prevails due to colonial bureaucracy system in Pakistan and forced change due to email discussion groups of LIS. Originality/value: This is first public university library automation story in Islamabad (capital of Pakistan). Conclusion and experience sharing of this paper might influence other professional and decision makers to be adaptive for change in their libraries. Keywords: Library Automation, University Libraries, Libraries, Library Automation in Pakistan Paper type: Case study
1.1Background
Change and adaptability of change is always very slow however realizing its impact and proving yourself to be the first to get the technology takes nations far ahead of those who remain still in decision making. The developing world always looks up to the developed world for modern technology. Economies also play a vital role in technology adaptability in any part of the world especially in the developing world. Historically and practically Library automation is linked with development and implementation of computer and its allied softwares in the routine life of work. Each library by its type (i.e Public, Academic, Special) has its own specific user and specific fields of interest. Definitely research carried out
in these libraries varies. The concept of university libraries automation is prescribed Library automation over all depicts a great revolutionary change in form of collection management and service of the libraries to their users. Today with fast accessibility to new hardware and great internet speed in developing world brought tremendous change in services of libraries and adaptation of Information and communication Technologies (ICT) specially universities are more interested in off campus library service with standardized Library Management System (LMS) having facility of web2.0/3.0 applications. The recent credit crunch resulted in mergers of some major vendors (e.g. Sirsi and Dynix; Ex libris and Endeavor Information systems). These realities compel system librarians to think about free or open source software for libraries to cut their cost and to avoid its inherent update and service charges. This change also affect developing countries libraries however lack of professional coordination resulted in slow adaptability of free software application like WINSIS, LIMS in Pakistan which plays a vital role in adapting ICT for libraries. Volunteer groups and their emailing list made this change popular in the country. A continuous updating and adaption of the emerging trends in the libraries made this concept more practical and useful. 1.2 History of Pakistan and Libraries: Pakistan came in existence 63 years ago on the world map on 14 August 1947. The country emerged in the name of Islam from British Empire, as a country for Muslims. Almost 95% of people in Pakistan are Muslims. Geographically Pakistan is located in southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north (CIA, 2010) . Islam is prominent religion in Pakistan. Though Pakistan has a short history but LIS education in this part of the world is not new. At the time of independence, there was only one university in Pakistan named as University of Punjab in Lahore established in 1882
(Sedgwick, January/February 2005 ), and Punjab University central library was established in the same year. Modern library services began in 1915 with the arrival of Asa Don Dickinson at the University of Punjab to organize the University library and to teach modern library methods to the librarians of Punjab University. Comparatively management of archives, libraries and historical place was not a priority at that time. Government of Pakistan started work on development of libraries in the late fifties. Directorate of Archives and Libraries within the Ministry of Education was established in 1949 (Haider, 2004). Professional initiatives and collaboration also began at that time. Another key initiatives at that time was taken by the Professional librarians by establishment of Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group in 1950 (Samdani & Mahmood). Still there was a dire need of proper and permanent solution to all problems was not in existence till late 50s. Once again professionals felt that this hybrid, vibrant and emerging concept of libraries, information and archive management within traditional library environment, is their professional duty. Senior library professionals conceive the idea of future libraries by coming up together on one professional platform, to steer the libraries development initiatives, to face emerging trends, in result of their collective efforts Pakistan Library Association (PLA) was established in March 1957 (Pakistan.Library.Association, 2008) to cater for all the professionals, and problems of Pakistani librarianship and professionals. 2.0 Literature Review Concept of library automation in this part the world is much newer. Libraries and technology have a deep link since the invention of printing. Two major leaps of man were the invention of printing by Gutenberg in the fifteenth century, and the introduction of computer Technology has advanced quickly since the Second World War. The two main ingredients of technology are computers and communication (Vyas, 1997). Developed world started library automation in 1960s, according to (Roberts, 2008/2009) from the 1920s to the dawn of the age of
automation and computer based retrieval in the 1960s, there was a gradual development of information retrieval theory and experiment. In 1948 S.C Bradford published his theoretical work documentation, laying foundations for statistical study of the literature and later for bibliometrics. United Kingdom being most powerful country of the 19th century left a deep imprint of their colonial system in developing part of world or where they ruled including their inventions of that time. Library system specially the public library system of UK has a deep impact on information access in their society. In 1960s the Canfield experiments in bibliographic retrieval marked a culmination of information retrieval research experiments in a classic scientific mode in pre-computer age became the starting point of library automation in UK. According to (McCallum, 1963) report for IFLA shows that the concept of computer in library related to IBM introduction of the 360 series in 1964, the first family of computers to be released and the robust machine that propelled computing out of the universities and into the mainstream. Another significant development in the UK was the group work, Birmingham Libraries Cooperation Mechanization Project (BLCMP) is an example of this initiative (Plaister, 1975). This group was started in 1969 and launched first Web OPAC in UK in 1995. The other part of developing world was far behind in development of online systems. Pakistan and India as colonies of British Empire have same condition with reference to technology and infrastructure. In India scientific organizations are the first to use computers for processing information which later was passed on to the other libraries. (Dasgupta, unpublished) The use of computers started in India with the establishment of computer centers at the Indian Institute of Technology and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research during 1963-64. According to (Suku & Pillai, 2005) Automation activities commenced in India only during the 1980s. The first players in this sector were special libraries. University libraries joined the fray only during the 1990s, when the University Grants Commission established Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) as
the national agency for coordinating the library automation activities of universities. On the contrary Pakistani Professionals are still trying to get around at a collaborative professional platform like PLA. Issues like CPE, CPD, Professional status and expertise in the field of Library and Information Science was a big challenge for neonate PLA. Many proposals were discussed on this forum and presented to the Government. and it was due to these efforts that Colombo plan was initiated by the government of Pakistan. Government of Pakistan took keen interest in library development and agreed on invitation of foreign library expert. Mr. L.C. Key, an Australian library expert was invited to Pakistan. According to (Mushahid-Hussain, 1994) Mr. L.C.Keys assignment was to develop a plan for Liaquat Memorial Library at Karachi (Called as National Library of Pakistan at that time) and also to draw a scheme of Library Development for the country. The concept of foreign expertise transformation to developing countries was not common in the past; though todays technology made it easy and possible. (Mahmood, 1996) states that Mr. L.C.Key, came to Pakistan in 1955-56 as Library Expert. Under this govt. project some selected professional were sent abroad for higher education in the field of Library Science. In beginning the concept of automation was mainly focused on computerized catalogue and resource sharing. According to (Mahmood, 1999) Four reasons for library automation: (1) The flood of information; (2) Services to readers; (3) Efficiency and accuracy (4) Resource sharing To stimulate the Pakistani professionals, equip themselves with this emerging technology and tools. The HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, was perhaps the first such institution to establish this link, where in they were able to send and receive e-mail from all over the world. The first library in Pakistan to make use of modern technology is believed to be the Central Library of Sindh
Agriculture University, Tandojam, where a system was installed sometime in the mid-1980s. By early 1986, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) was in the process of being computerized. It was also during this period that computerization of North-Western Frontier Province (NWFP) Agricultural University was being actively considered(Haider, 1998). Three major library automation projects were launched in Pakistan time to time e.g. NLDP (Netherland Library Development Project), Asia Foundation and USAID collaboration with PASTIC (Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre) and UNESCO CDS/ISIS. All these efforts ended with the end of foreign funding. Looking on the products and result of NLDP project in form of LAMP (Library Automation Management Program) was quite successful till early 1990s but there is no development in late 1990s specially there was a significant change come in publishing, online resources and computer technology i.e. new windows, fast processor. After some personal, individual and volunteer efforts give a impressive change in library automation and its services especially in major cities e.g. Islamabad (Capital), Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. HEC-Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (formally University Grant Commission) also launches National Digital Library Program by adapting INASP and PERI. According to HEC, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (formally University Grants Commission) out of total of 133 universities, 73 are public and 60 are private universities in Pakistan. Out of 73, universities in Islamabad (Capital of Pakistan), 13 are public and Three are private universities (Pakistan, 2008).
3.0
The University and library
Bahria University is federally chartered public sector university established by Presidential Ordinance No. V of 2000 on 7 Feb 2000. Bahria Institute at Islamabad and Karachi in the late eighties by Pakistan Navy. These Institutes were aimed at providing quality and uninterrupted
education up to Intermediate level, to the children of naval personnel on their transfer from one station to another and in turn to contribute to the cause of promotion of education at the national level. Over the years these Institutes grew in size and facilities, leading to the starting of BBA and B.Sc(CS) classes in 1995.These programs have since been upgraded to BBA (Hons), BCS (Hons) and MBA, MCS Programs which were introduced in Fall 1997 as 'evening programs' run under the management of two independent 'Institutes' one each at Karachi and Islamabad respectively. The institutes are known as "Bahria Institute of Management and Computer Science" short title "BIM&CS" suffixed with the location i.e. Karachi or Islamabad. Now grew up to Two campuses and three institute i.e. Institute of professional psychology (IPP), Bahria University Medical and Dental College (BUM&DC) and National Centre for Maritime Policy and Research (NCMPR) www.bahria.edu.pk (Bahria, 2010). Islamabad campus Library was established under the name BIM&CS Library in 1995 and renamed as Bahria University Library on 7th Feb 2000 after the establishment of Bahria University. On 14th July 2005 library was shifted to new building and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz (Bahria, 2010). Now Library has grown up to 22000 volumes, more than 2000 books on CDs, and more than 2000 theses. Islamabad Campus has more than 4500 students including undergraduate and post graduate students. Library services are provided to 4500 students, more than 250 teaching staff and 150 non-teaching staff. 3.1 Automation of Library Bahria University from the day first was trying to automate the library, for this some indigenous efforts were made. Being institute imparting IT education, a software house was established within university and library project was assigned to this in 2001. The team developed software on Oracle which was not based on any library standard. Only library catalogue was searchable through intranet and internet. All the other library modules were on manual system even
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circulation. It was decided that in Feb 2005, to shift the library and its automation to a new building. The major issue was not only OPAC but a live OPAC with library collection, automation of circulation and building of theses depository. At that time library had two P-IV computers for library staff use and 10 PCs for internet use. To meet this tremendous challenge of library automation not only hardware and software were needed but also technical and professional human resource. After doing information audit, user needs survey, current human resource and ICT resources the following challenges were found. 3.1.1 Selection of automation applications: a managerial challenge Managing a library automation project in university was not an easy deal for the team where we have only two professionals and three Para professionals. The bigger challenge was replicating this model to other libraries. Market was surveyed and only one university LUMS (Lahore University of Management Science) was using standardized LMS Virtua till 2005, all other degree awarding universities were using either free application e.g. WinISIS, LIMS or locally developed application. Most of the universities did not have OPAC even in Islamabad. Considering the price of VTLS (Virtua) which was very high for a public university it was decided that we will look for free application having facility of OPAC and automated circulation. After careful consideration Pakistan Library Automation Group PakLAG (a volunteer group), library automation application based on Microsoft Access was selected to start with. The whole team was divided in to two teams one for ICT application and other for traditional work. ICT team converted retrospective data from oracle to LIMS and generated barcode for all library materials. The second team started work on preparing library material for automated circulation e.g. pasting of barcode on books and other material and physical verification of stock. The Entire 8000 collection was ready for automated circulation in three months because more than 90 % library materials data were converted to LIMS and the rest were entered manually. This application enables users
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to check library material status and their account information with addition to barcode enabled circulation. The very next challenge was how to start and where to start this depository. Every student who graduated from university has to submit three copies of their research work. After consultation with the staff with respect to the space, rule for submission of three theses copies for revision. After completion of library automation students will submit softcopy of their work also so that its abstract can be made accessible to students. For this purpose Green stone, Dspace and WinISIS was considered. Considering the available expertise and user friendly environment, WinISIS was selected. Another reason was its indexing and search speed and a proper body is regulating this software which is UNESCO. To cater ebooks on CDs a lot of other applications were explored however PakLAG Digital Library application was selected which is now accessible only on LAN. More than 10, 000 books were uploaded on this application. During this managerial and decision making process it was revealed that understanding and interest in ICT made it easy for a manager to carry out this project with less skilled staff. 3.1.2 Training and professional development of staff Adapting change is necessary to implement automation project and it is challenging. Staff training and motivation was handled by participating shoulder to shoulder technique. In first phase only the circulation manager was trained for use of barcode enabled circulation and barcode generation. A special training was arranged at university to get hands on experience of PakLAG tools for library automation. In result of that all non-standardized data was converted to MARC21 and uploaded to Library of Congress Z3950 gateway. To keep staff motivated for future automation plan, a special annual incentive was also awarded. Putting the
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new library automation in new block, inauguration ceremony which was done by Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr.Shaukat Aziz gave boost to their moral when their work was appreciated. During this entire work it was also learned that motivation, remuneration and proper appreciation of work made the staff self-motivate for adapting any change. User friendly menus of software application, opportunity of training for new programs are also factors which affect the work. 3.1.3 Demotivation and loss of job fear Another challenge was to talk to staff especially clerical and para-professional staff with less ICT skill how this change will affect their job. The staff was sent to other libraries who were in planning stage of automation and they were also welcomed to participate in discussion over ICT usage and saving of time for their traditional work. Some other professionals were invited to share their experiences about automated or computerized library services. Feedback from library users regarding computerized library service were also shared with staff so that they become self motivated that their services are recognized. All staff professional and Para-professional are encouraged for further study and ICT courses. These all step made them more adaptive and motivated for new style of services. 4.0 Technical challenges In addition to all these managerial challenges faced by a professional and project manager the biggest challenge was retrospective data conversion, and selection of appropriate hardware. For data conversion PakLAG provided application support. For hardware university provided generous support by providing a separate server, and one new computer, a scanner and a barcode reader as well. New site preparation according to a new hardware including cabling and provision of equipment in existing circulation desk were mainly decided after consulting the
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library handbooks and library furniture catalogue e.g. Gresswell and Gaylord. All these support a vital role not only in implementation of this project but also motivation of the staff. 5.0 Conclusion & Recommendations Managing an automation project in library is not only a challenging task but also requires a lot of support from staff and contribution from other professionals. During this project which made Bahria University the first automated university of Capital in the developing world Country as the following challenges were observed: Selecting ICT packages for automation Staff training and moral in preparation of new system Funds and available resources Supporting staff to adapt and sustain the change Successful completion of project Marketing and further sharing of successful projects i.e. propagating the success stories Acknowledge the professionals who guided and involved in any part of project Better understanding of ICT, its application specially emerging trends and style of services i.e. Web 2.0/3
Bahria University Islamabad campus automation was just start to adapt ICT in library now all libraries has replicated the same experience however still Bahria University needs a standardized LMS to cater their all campuses libraries patrons and federated search facility including other off campuses services. This project is the best example of Pakistani volunteer groups efforts for library automation. Even though it is not based on any library standard however it is providing some kind of service which is better than not having the service at all. All the application used in this project is free of cost and can be shared. On the this basis further work is recommended for Pakistani librarianship
Interna ational Journa al of Informati ion Managem ment Sciences s
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Inclusion of more e ICT in LIS S school syllabus Patron nizing the volunteer efforts e. .g. PakLAG G, LibCoop, Libraria an Welfare e by joint tr rainings wi ith existin ng professio onal libraria ans. To ste eer library automatio on in the c country PL LA should d nominate a person iin each pro ovincial offic ce as Lib brary Autom mation Adv visor who should hav ve hands s on experie ence of libra ary automa ation and ca an guide other profe essionals fo or this What tever its ad daptability, change, p professionalism, Darw win Theory of evolution Change is the o only permanent thing in the world w SAB BAAT EK TAGIUR K KO HAI E ES ZAMAN NE MAIN N. The peop ple who ar re not adap ptable they y are like st till water r which resu ult nothing.
Refer rences: Bahria, U. (2010 0, 2007). Ab bout bahria Retrieved d 24 ember, 2010 0, from http p://bci.edu.p pk/vision.as spx septe CIA. (2010, ( Apr 16, 2009 02:27 0 PM). C CIA fact bo ook: Pakista an Retrie eved 25 Se eptember, 2010, 2 from https: ://www.cia.g gov/library/ /publication ns/the-world dfactbo ook/geos/pk.html
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Dasgupta, K. (unpublished). Problems of library automation in India. Status: published or submitted for publication. Haider, S. J. (1998). Library Automation in Pakistan. International Information and Library Review, 30(1), 51-69. Haider, S. J. (2004). Archives in Pakistan. Journal of Archival Organization, 2, 4. Mahmood, K. (1996). Promoting Information Technology in Pakistan: the Netherlands Library Development Project. Information Development, 12(2), 96. Mahmood, K. (1999). The development of computerised library services in Pakistan. Asian Libraries, 8(9), 307-328. Malik, K. M. (1996). The status of library automation in Pakistan. Library Review, 45(6), 36-42. McCallum, S. (1963). 40 Years of Technology in Libraries: A Brief History of the IFLA Section on Information Technology, 1963/64-2003. Information Technology, 64, 2003. Mushahid-Hussain. (1994). Effectiveness of NLDP's activities towards the development of library profession in Pakistan. Master, University of Balochistan, Quetta-Pakistan. Pakistan, H. E. C. o. (2008, 06 November 2008). Our Institutes Retrieved 19-11-2008, 2008, from http://dev.hec.gov.pk/UniversityFinal2/RegionUniversity.aspx Pakistan.Library.Association. (2008, 2007). Pakistan Library Association: a brief history Retrieved 29 October, 2008, from http://www.pla.org.pk/History.aspx Plaister, J. M. (1975). Cooperation in England. Library Trends, 24(2), 417-423. Roberts, D. S. (2008/2009). Research Method in Information Management: Source book. source book. Thames Valley University. London.
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Samdani, R. A., & Mahmood, K. Periodical literature in library and information science: an index of 50 years' work in Pakistan (1947-1997): Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group. Sedgwick, R. (January/February 2005 2008). Private Universities in Pakistan Volume 18, Issue 1. Retrieved 28/10/2008, 2008, from http://www.wes.org/eWENR/PF/05jan/pffeature.htm Suku, J., & Pillai, M. (2005). Automation of University Libraries in Kerala Status, Problems and Prospects. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(2), 151-159. Vyas, S. (1997). Library Automation and Networking in India: Problems and Prospects. World Libraries, 8(1), 27-35.
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Perception towards information gathering attitudes of agricultural scientists at a research institute in Faisalabad
_____Muhammad Asif
Senior Librarian Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) P.O. Box No.128, Jhang Road, Faisalabad Corresponding author: masifbkp@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT A survey was conducted to evaluate the information gathering attitudes of scientists of Nuclear Institutes for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) at Faisalabad. Thirty questionnaires were delivered to randomly selected scientists, Ph. D scholars, Master of Philosophy students and others and their responses were analyzed. Out of thirty 66.67% were scientists, 13.33% Ph. D scholars, 10% M. Phil and 10% others. In the current study, 30% respondents visited library daily followed by 36.67% weekly, 23.33% monthly, 6.67% seldom and 3.33% never. With existing library materials 50% were adequately satisfied with technical reports, 66.67% were to some extent with abstract/indexes and 93.33% inadequately satisfied with other available library resources. Among the respondents maximum 83.33% got information from attending the conferences, 73.33% from seminars and 63.33% by discussing with other. Maximum 76.66% of the respondents consulted library for getting information followed by 63.33% looked for scientific journals and 46.66% literature search and 3.33% respondents least consulted library for recreational purposes. Maximum 73.33% gave their consent that available HEC digital library" access was insufficient for gathering information. Out of thirty 13.33% faced difficulties in accessing materials and found it missing from shelves.
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Twenty percent respondents faced problems regarding needed material was not updated frequently. Any one of the respondent did not feel any problem about confusing stock management, library staff was not readily available and crowded stack. Maximum fifty percent responded that reference services were excellent, 46.67% good literature searching 26.67% average indexing/abstracting and 93.33% poor photocopying services. INTRODUCTION Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is a well reputed organization which is currently working on many national and international programs to boost up multipurpose research and developmental objectives of the country. Under the umbrella of PAEC various institutions and organizations are performing their roles in the development and improvement of the Pakistan on the way of prosperity. Many institutions are working on different dimensions of nuclear programs, medical and agricultural fields. One of those institutions, the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad is contributing its efforts in many disciplines of research and progress for the amplification of Pakistans growth. NIAB was formally established on 6th April 1972 in Faisalabad to meet the new challenges in the field of agriculture. Since the beginning many research and various projects were completed in view of national agenda on agricultural development. Eminent scientists and researchers are playing their part in the development of the agriculture. Scientists are the backbone of any research institution/organization and seek knowledge from various sources like literature, Internet and libraries. In any technical/research and educational institution libraries play a vital role in the formulation and completion of the research programs. Scientists, researchers and educators gained knowledge for the development of their nation by frequently visiting libraries. Skeleton staffs of libraries must know the needs of library visitors and should understand the standards of information seeking by the library users. Various studies have revealed that certain factors like accuracy, accessibility, enthusiasm, determination and
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technicalities help for the selection and use of various types of information sources by researchers and scientists (Shanmugan, 1999; Yang, 1998). Jiaping et al. (2010) in a comprehensive study underscored new strategies to find out the new areas for the boost up of library business with high return values on library investment which are generally ignored and he also evaluated new areas for exploring the impact of libraries on research and educational structures at different universities. Mannan and Bose (1998) demonstrated that resource sharing is the key factor which has become a very powerful tool in sharing of data, coordination and expansion of library resources. Zawawi and Majid, (2001) embarked that scientists use the various information sources to cater their scientific literature information needs. Concerned librarians must be aware of all the strategies and criteria of information seeking, provision of information, designing of new systems of information and planning for new library programs and then properly conveying to the library users (Anwar, 2007). Tahira and Ameen (2009) focused on studying the information seeking behavior of science and technology (S and T) professors of universities in Punjab. They found that both libraries and electronic media resources were used for seeking information. Faculty members spent more time on eresources than print sources. Malik and Mahmood (2009) performed experiments on the students and Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at University of Punjab, Lahore and concluded that students use web for academic tasks and Google search engine was a preferred one for research purposes. In further details of their study it was found that the students used to browse first ten hits and were facing the problems of slow speed of e-sources. Kostiainen et al., (2003) did work in Finland on the information seeking in pre-trial investigations with particular preference to records managements. They focused on the how information influence the effectiveness of investigative work and what kinds of obstacles people perceive in search for their necessary information. Halder et al., (2010) performed an experiment on gender difference in information
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seeking behavior in three universities in west Bengal, India. From their results they revealed that females scored very high on all types of domains of information search except in diversity in search where the male respondents were observed to be very high. Various researchers in Pakistan conducted their many experiments on information seeking behavior of social scientists, humanities, technical persons, educators, faculty members and students of different universities and research institutions (Anjum, 1978; Shahzad, 2007; Anwar, 2007; Bhatti, 2008). Purpose of the current study was to find out what kinds of information were sought by the research institute? For the knowledge and information seeking what kind of methodologies were used. What kind and percentage of information technologies were used by researchers? In the course of information seeking what were the nature of problems faced by the scientists and how were they solved? EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGIES Respondents Questionnaires were designed after a keen survey of the literature and web-sources was done. The questionnaire was comprised of open and close ended questions and listed down eight questions including various aspects of information seeking strategies. A total of thirty including 20 (66.67%) scientists, 4 (13.33%) Ph. D Scholars, 3 (10%) M. Phil students and 3 (10%) others were selected working on various programs at the institute. These questionnaires were delivered to respective respondents for conveying information regarding libraries. Concerned respondents returned the questionnaires after 6-8 days. Questionnaires were collected and pooled in a tabulated form and analyzed for the extraction of results. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Periodic Visitors of Library in Search of Literature for Seeking Scientific Information Thirty questionnaires were delivered to various scientists, Ph. D scholars and M. Phil students. Respondents
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who consulted the library for seeking information about scientific literature were 20 (66.67%) scientists while Ph. D, M. Phil and others were 4 (13.33%), 3 (10%) and 3 (10%) respectively. The frequency of library visitations for research by these scholars was 9 (30%) daily, 11 (36.67%) weekly, and 7 (23.33%) monthly. Of all the scholars 2 (6.67%) seldom visited the library and 1 (3.33%) never visited. Most of the 30 respondents were weekly visitors and least were those who never visited. The percentage of those who visited the library on weekly basis was similar to the findings of Suriya et al., (2004) who collected 61 (38.12%) responses on information seeking behavior of faculty members from Government Arts Colleges in Cuddalore District. On the contrary Shokeen and Kushik (2002) studied information gathering behavior of the social scientists of various universities of Haryana and mentioned that most of the social scientists visited the libraries daily. Zawawi and Majid, (2001) demonstrated using a popular method by asking from library staff for the problems and difficulties regarding libraries. Six (11.3%) of the respondents used this method: always, 15 (28.3%) Frequently and 23 (43.3%) Occasionally. Out of 53 respondents 41 (77.4%) requested help of librarian and 27 (49.1%) wrote to the librarian for the required information. Pettigrew and Sylvain (1996) noticed that work roles and tasks largely determine information needs while a number of factors ultimately affect which kind of resources and types of information are utilized in a given situation. Shokeen and Kushik (2002) reported that most social scientists preferred visiting library daily and current journals and books were the most preferred sources for information seeking. Satisfaction of Users with Existing Library 16 (53.33%) of the respondents to some extent were satisfied to seek information in books, which was the highest values; while 5 (16.67%) the books inadequately satisfied their research needs. As 25 (83.33%) of the scholars who searched the on line journals were inadequately satisfied where as lowest 2 (6.67%) of them thought to some extent
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their search was satisfactory. In case of abstracts/indices observed for scientific information 20 (66.67%) of the researchers were to some extent satisfied which showed highest value regarding three parameters under observations. Subscribed journals were observed by 5 (16.67%) as adequate, while 11(36.67%) of the respondents to some extent were satisfied to get information from journals and 14(46.67%) considered the inadequate. 13(43.33%) respondents were adequately satisfied with reference material, while 8 (26.67%) to some extent were satisfied and 9(30%) users considered the reference material inadequate for information seeking. Out of thirty 10 (33.33%) respondents showed satisfaction for serial publication adequately, while 12(40%) users were observed the serial publication inadequate for seeking information. 15(50%) of researchers were satisfied in technical reports to seek information, while 10(33.33%) considered to some extent and 5(16.67%) thought the technical reports as inadequate. 8(26.67%) of the respondents were adequately satisfied in thesis, while 13(44.33%) users thought to some extent and 9(30%) showed inadequate. 14(46.67%) of the respondents inadequately quench their thirst consulting bibliographies. 01 (3.33%) of the respondents were adequately satisfied to find information in other/E-resources, while 01(3.33%) to some extent and 28(93.33%) thought these resources inadequate. Zawawi and Majid (2001) observed that about half (16.7%) of the respondents preferred books for their knowledge gaining behavior than responses collected in the present study. Similarly half of the respondents used bibliographies (5.6%) and reference materials (18.5%) in their research than responses collected in the present study. In the recent study adequate use of technical reports by the library visitors was maximum i.e. 50% while 53.33% books to some extent were used by the respondents under study. Online journals (83%) were inadequately searched by library users and that of others (e-sources etc.) were (93.33%). Respondents (63.33%) preferred scientific journal articles to consult for their research work. Our results were in
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the line of many researchers who mentioned journal articles were the most preferred consulted information source by many scientists and researchers (Majid, Anwar and Eisenschitz, 2000; Folster, 1995; Sam 1996).
Table1. Data of respondents regarding satisfaction with existing library material
Materials Books On line journals Abstracts / Indexes Reference material Bibliographies Subscription of journals Serial publications Thesis Technical reports. Others / esources Total Adequate 30 9 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 3 6 % To Some Extent % Inadequate % 30 16 53.33 5 16.67 10 20 2 6.67 25 83.33 4 13.33 9 30
20 66.67 8 26.67 12 40
13 43.3 4 13.3 5 16.7 10 33.3 8 26.7 15 50
14 46.67 14 46.67 12 9 40 30
11 36.67 8 26.67 13 44.33 10 33.33 1 3.33
5 16.67 28 93.33
1 3.33
Useful Sources for Seeking Information Used by Scientists and Scholars Twenty one (70%) got information from subject experts/specialists, 19 (63.33%) by discussion with scientists and 9 (30%) got knowledge by discussing with librarian. Present results were in contrast with the observations of Patitungkho and Neela (2005) who found that about 18% of respondents got information by discussion with librarians. Twenty two (73.33%) of the respondents under observation took advantage of seminars and conferences. 25 (83.33%) (the highest) respondents seek information from workshops and lowest 3 (10%) by discussing with their supervisors. The present results of useful sources as discussion with supervisors for seeking information were in accordance with the findings of Patitungkho and Neela (2005) who conducted a survey at six Rajabhat universities at Bangkok and observed 9% of the respondents consulted supervisor for obtaining information. On the contrary results found by Bhatti (2009), conducted at Islamia University of Bahawalpur by
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sending questionnaires to 150 professors, did not correlate with the present findings who observed 27% consulted subject specialists, 54% sought information by discussing with their seniors and colleagues, 8% got knowledge by discussing with librarians or skeletal staff of library, 22% each by seminars, conferences and workshops. In the present study 83.33% respondents gathered their maximum information through workshops followed by seminars and conferences (73.33%). Similarly Uceak and Kurbanoglu, 1998 inferred that scientific conferences and meetings provided the major platform for seeking of informal information by discussing with their colleagues. Scientific meetings were not only the most useful tools for knowledge acquiring but also develop social contacts and interrelationships. However scientists and humanity scholars had difficulties seeking information.
Table 2. Sources of Information sought by respondents
Sources of Information Subject expert/specialist Discussion with Heads Discussion with Scientists Discussion with Librarian Seminars Conferences Workshops Total 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Respondents 21 3 19 9 22 22 25 % 70 10 63.33 30.00 73.33 73.33 83.33
Consulting the Library The highest number twenty three (76.66%) of total respondents used library for their research followed by 19 (63.33%) of them use scientific journal articles and 14 (46.66%) of them perform literature search. Almost similar number of respondents under study 13 (43.33%) visited library to get information for guiding students, researchers and borrow books/journals. The least number of respondents 1 (3.33%) utilized library to find information regarding scientific knowledge for recreational purposes. Similarly 7 of
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respondents (23.33%) used library as place to study. Responses regarding research were 76.66%, literature search/reference collection 46.66%, borrowing of books or journals 44.33%, guiding students and researchers 43.33%, M. Phil and Ph. D 23.33% and recreational purposes 3.33%. Borrowing of books or journal articles were in the close agreement with the Bhatti, (2009) who mentioned 43% of the responses for research purposes, (54%) for guiding students and researchers (22%) were lower than mentioned in the current study. Similarly literature search/reference collections M. Phil(68%) and Ph. D (37%) and recreational purposes (27%) were higher than the current responses collected in the recent experiment. Online survey was assessed by the USDA National Agricultural Library (NLA) and concluded that most of the responses (81%) depends upon web sources for information sharing and traditional sources still holds with books (63%), academic journals (62%), scientific and technical information (54%) and relay on papers (50%) (Anon, 2006). In the case of library consulting purposes 13.33% respondents preferred use of computers/e-mails for their technical and research articles. Similarly Challener (1999) examined a large number of historians and artists used their computers for teaching purposes and all the 27 participants used slides in their class rooms while most of the participants consulted text books. The present study revealed that 63.33% users consulted the library to look for scientific journals and 40% reviewed newly received printed books and journals. Similarly Majid and Al Tee Tan (2002) investigated that printed materials were the most preferred source for collecting informations among students.
Table 3. Consulting the Library
International Journal of Information Management Sciences Consulting the Library Research Look for scientific journal articles Guiding students and researchers Literature search Use as place to study Review newly received books and journals Use of computers/e-mail etc. Writing and presenting papers Borrow of books/journals M. Phil and Ph. D Consults the statistics Recreational purpose Reading newspapers Access on line journals Total 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Respondents 23 19 13 14 7 12 4 6 13 7 6 1 10 3 % 76.66 63.33 43.33 46.66 23.33 40.00 13.33 20.00 44.33 23.33 20.00 3.33 33.33 10
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Difficulties and Problems Faced by Respondents Respondents returned their questionnaire with the consent that they did not face any problems with confusing stack management, crowded stacks or the library staff not readily being available. Four (13.33%) of the thirty respondents faced materials missing from shelves and difficulties in accessing materials available in library. Highest number of persons 22(73.33%) showed insufficient HEC Digital Library access followed by 17 (56.66%) unavailability of Internet and 11(36.66%) system was too slow in accessing their concerned material. People who had difficulties in uploading the documents and other problems/difficulties were 6 (20%) out of thirty respondents. Khan and Shafique (2011) conducted studies regarding information seeking behavior at six Government colleges in the Behawalpur city and pointed out problems such as lack of knowledge about software and hardware of computers (mean=3.251.262), there were many sources with scattered information (mean=2.921.118), there was no time for finding information (mean=2.921.124), unavailability of
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concerned material (mean=2.851.113) and lack of training in information technologies (mean=2.681.173).
In the current study most of the respondents (73.33%) felt difficulties in HEC digital library access but Majid et al., 2000 in their results mentioned that research scientist spent 16% of their office time on reading and literature searching whereas educators spent about 9.3% of their time. Similarly Haines et al., (2009) performed a study at University Medical School and mentioned that most of the basic science researchers gathered their information from most popular Internet search engines and highly technical databases. In the present study no respondent felt any difficulty with library staff. On the contrary Guest (1987) pointed out that 85% of their respondents depend upon their personal collection as their source of information seeking for teaching and research purposes.
Table 4. Data regarding Difficulties/Problems faced by respondents during library consultation Difficulties/problems Confusing stock management Lack of awareness of the availability of materials Material missing from shelf Difficult in accessing material Library staff is not readily available Computer was too slow Needed material is not updated Storage of latest journals Crowded stack Lack of information retrieval techniques Unavailability of Internet Insufficient HEC digital Library Access Others Total 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Respondents 0 3 4 4 0 11 6 8 0 5 17 22 6 % 0 10.00 13.33 13.33 0 36.66 20.00 26.66 0 16.66 56.66 73.33 20.00
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Satisfaction of Scientists with Existing Journals Subscription Regarding the Current online journals 17 (56.66%) of the respondents had no satisfaction, 8 (26.67%) were to some extent satisfied and 5 (16.67%) were completely satisfied with the existing journals subscription. Similarly for the print journals out of thirty respondents 18 (60%) were not satisfied, 8 (26.67%) to some extent and 4 (13.33%) were completely satisfied. Shafique (2009) mentioned that best library collection is the best source of information but most popular and latest sources are needed in the form of electronic and printed matter. The most research oriented need was in form of serials/journals and in the form of new references. In a study Khan and Shafique (2011) conducted a survey of college faculty at Bahawalpur and found that few of the respondents acquired resources from their colleagues (mean=3.48) purchased or used from personal collection (mean=3.09). But on the contrary their study revealed that the respondents gathered informations from the institutional library (mean=4.04).
Table 5. Data collected of total respondents about satisfaction of existing journals subscription.
Subscription of Total journals. Online 30 journals/Current Hard Copies of 30 journals Yes 5 4 % 16.7 13.3 No 17 18 % 56.66 60 To some extent 8 8 % 26.67 26.67
Satisfaction Levels of Library Services Out of thirty 15 (50%) of respondents declared reference services were excellent. Responses collected regarding ILL 12 (40%) and circulation services 13 (43.33%) were about the same. Highest respondents exhibited their satisfactions as good with respect to literature searching followed by circulation services 11 (36.67%), indexing/abstracting 10 (33.33%) and ILL 9 (30%). Lowest number of respondents rated their satisfaction as poor for
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photocopying services. 7(23.33%). Of respondents thought reference services and ILL were average While 2 (6.67%) considered reference services and ILL poor. Highest number of respondents 28 (93.33%) were poorly satisfied with the photocopying services.
Table 6. Satisfaction level of respondents about library services
Library services Reference Services Inter library loan Circulation services Photocopy service Indexing/ abstracting Literature search Total Excellent 30 30 30 30 30 30 15 12 13 0 5 6 % 50 40 43.33 0 16.67 20 Good 6 9 11 1 10 14 % 20 30 36.67 3.33 33.33 46.67 Average 7 7 6 1 8 4 % 23.33 23.33 20 3.33 26.67 13.35 Poor 2 2 0 28 7 6 % 6.67 6.67 0 93.33 23.33 20
References Anjum, M.A.K. 1978. Information needs of humanities teachers of the University of the Punjab. Unpublished Master Thesis, Deptt. of Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Anwar, M.A. 2007. Research on information seeking and use in Pakistan: An assessment. Pakistan Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.8 : 15-32. Bhatti, R. 2009. Information needs and information seeking behaviour of faculty members at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Library Philosophy and Practice. Bhatti, R. 2008. Information needs of students: Islamia University Library, Bahawalpur. Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal, Vol.39, no.3 :7-23. Challener, J. 1999. Information seeking behaviour of professors of art history and studio art. Master dissertation, School of Library and Information Sciences, Kent State University. Retrieved September, 5, 2005, from http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWWebPortal/contentdelivery/ser vlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED435405
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Floster, M.B. 1995. Information seeking patterns: Social Sciences. Reference Librarian, Vol.49, no.50 : 83-93. Guest, S.S. 1987. The use of bibliographic tools by humanities faculty at the State University of New York at Albany. Reference Librarian Vol. 18 : 157-172. Halder, S., Ray, A., and Chakrabarty, P.K. 2010. Gender differences in information seeking behaviour in three universities in west Bangal, India. Haines , et. al. 2010. Information seeking behaviour of basis science researchers: Implications for Library Services. J Med Libr Assoc., Vol 98, no.1 :73-81. Jiaping, Q. et. al. (2010). Study on managing strategy of libraries services: The case of Zhejiang University Library, China. PolyU Institutional Repository,( Library ALSR 2010 Conference Papers) Khan, S.A. and Shafique, F. 2011.Information needs and information seeking behaviour: A survey of college faculty at Bahawalpur. Library Philosophy and Practice. Kostiainen, E., Valtonen, M.R. and Vakkari,P. 2003. Information seeking in pre-trial investigation with particular reference to records management. Archival Science, Vol.3 :157-176. Majid, S., and Tan, A.T. 2002. Usage of information resources by computer engineering students : a case study of Nanyang Technologica University, Singapore. Online Information Review,Vol.26, no.5: 318-325. Majid, S., Anwar, M.A., and Eisenschitz, T.S. 2001. Users perceptions of library effectiveness in Malaysian Agricultural Libraries. Library Review, Vol.50, no.4:176-186. Malik, A. and Mahmood, K. 2009. Web search behaviour of university students: a case study at University of the Punjab. Webology, Vol.6, no.2.
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Mannan, S.M., and Bose, M.L. 1998. Resource sharing and information net working of libraries in Bangladesh : A study on user satisfaction. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.3, no.2:67-86. Sam, J. 1996. Adequacy of document collection and the satisfaction of information needs of agricultural policy makers and managers in Ghana. International Information Communication and Education, Vol.15, no.2 :176-185 Shanmugan, A. 1999. Information seeking behaviour of trainee teachers in selected teacher training colleges in Malaysis. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.15, no.2: 1-26. Shahzad, K. 2007. Information seeking behaviour of faculty members of Govt. College University, Lahore. Unpublished master thesis, The department of Library of Library Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Shafique, F. 2009. Marketing research as a tool for finding library users needs and demands : Application of three party theory. Library Philosophy and Practice. Shokeen, A., and Kushik, S.K. 2002. Information seeking behaviour of social scientists of Haryana Universities. Library Herald, Vol.40, no.1 : 8-11. Singh, K.P. and Satija, M.P. 2007. Information seeking behaviour of agricultural scientists with particular reference to their information seeking strategies. Annals of Library and Information Studies, Vol. 54 :213-220. Suriya, M., Sangeetha, G., and Nambi, M.A. 2004. Information seeking behaviour of faculty members from Government Arts Colleges in Cuddalore District. In. Library and information networking (NACLIN 2004) :285-292. Tahira, M. and Ameen, K. 2009. Information seeking behaviour of science and technology teachers of the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Pakistan Journal of Library & Information Science Vol. 10: 80-96.
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Tahira, M. and Ameen, K. Information needs and seeking behaviour of science and technology teachers of the university of the Punjab, Lahore. Unpublished M.Phil Thesis. Ucak, N.O. and Kurbanoglu, S.S. 1998. Information seeking behaviour of scholars at a Turkish University.64th. IFLA general conference August 16-21( Annual Conference). Yang, H.W. 1998. Information-seeking behaviour of the scientists. Bulletin of Library and Information Science, Vol.25: 24-43. Zawawi, S. and Majid, S. 2001. The information needs and seeking behaviour of the IMR biomedical scientists. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.5, no.1: 25-41.
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Students Perception on ICT Facilities in Aided Christian College Libraries in Tamilnadu A Study with reference to select variables
_____J. Franklin
Assistant Professor, P.G. & Research Dept. of Library and Information Science, Bishop Heber College(Autonomous) Tiruchirappalli 620 017, Tamilnadu jfrankbhc@yahoo.co.in
_____Dr. S. Ally Sornam

Associate Professor & Head, P.G. & Research Dept. of Library and Information Science, Bishop Heber College(Autonomous) Tiruchirappalli 620 017, Tamilnadu ally_jelen@yahoo.co.in
Abstract
The paper examines the student perception on ICT facilities in aided Christian college libraries in Tamilnadu. The study describes perception of students in terms of collection, library staff, library service, ICT facilities and physical infrastructure in the Information Communication Technology environment. The study was conducted with 920 students representing the 35 libraries attached with Christian colleges located across Tamilnadu. Findings show that the overall perception of students about ICT facilities in aided Christian college libraries in Tamilnadu are rather low. Key words: Information Communication Technology, ICT, E-resources, Christian College, Perception, OPAC, Library Portal
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1.0 Introduction 21st century is the information and knowledge era characterized with the use of ICT to promote teaching, research and learning. Seeking access to library resources and information services in Higher Education, Libraries all over the world is undergoing tremendous transformation, especially with the advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool and an enabler. These changes and transformations clearly indicate that there is a dramatic shift from the traditional approach to information provision, access, retrieval and management to modern methods where computer technology plays a significant role. The application of ICT into the higher education libraries has promoted the information seeking and made it more meaningful, where users can stay in their homes and classrooms to access and interact with the librarians and receive information without physically visiting libraries. 1.1 Role of Christian Colleges in Higher Education Christian colleges existing and operating in India today are the inheritors, preservers and developers of a great historic tradition of higher learning. Christian missionaries were the pioneers in introducing modern higher education system in India. Education in Christian institutions is inspired by a vision of man drawn from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This vision gives Christian institutions a specific character and sets before their management, staff and students high ideals of life and service towards which they are challenged, continually to strive. 1.2 Aided Christian Colleges in Tamilnadu There are 35 aided Christian colleges in Tamilnadu. Among the 35 colleges, 18 are Co-education colleges and 17 are Womens colleges. These 35 colleges are grouped into 29 Arts & Science Colleges, five Colleges of Education and one College of Physical Education which comes under
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the purview of the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Tamilnadu. 1.3 ICT Enabled Library Services The ICT enabled library services are as follows; Provision of OPAC and Web OPAC, E-mail, Bulletin Board Service, Database Service, Electronic Document Delivery Service, E-information Sources like CD-ROM/DVD, Ejournals, E-books, Networked Information Resources, Delivery of Information to Users Desktops, E-learning, Online Databases, Online Instructions/Online Tutorials, Online Readers Advisory Services/Ask Your Librarian, ETDs, Digital Libraries, Institutional Repositories, RFID and Surveillance Technology 2. Methodology 2.1 Significance of the study The study investigates the current state of ICT facilities and the use of electronic information resources in Aided Christian College Libraries in the state of Tamilnadu. 2.2 Need for the study Literature review shows that vast number of studies conducted on ICT facilities. But none on ICT facilities in Christian colleges. Hence, it was felt to conduct the present study with the perceptions collected from the students visiting the libraries of all the aided Christian colleges in Tamilnadu. 2.3 Universe and Sampling In the present study those students who have been visiting the library from 35 aided Christian colleges constitute the universe. The size of the universe is 9198. The researcher selected 10% as sample from the universe which constitute 920 by using simple random sampling technique. 2.4 Aim To identify and analyze the perception of students who are using the libraries of aided Christian colleges regarding the various ICT facilities available in their libraries
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2.5 Objectives To identify the perceptions of students on available eresources collection To measure the attitudes of library staff in providing ICT services. To identify and analyze the various services offered by the library. To know the various ICT facilities available to the users To know the existing physical infrastructure of the library To suggest suitable measures to improve aided Christian college libraries 2.6 Research Hypotheses There is a significant difference between different student user categories with regard to their overall perception about various aspects of library facilities There is a significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. 2.7 Tools of Data Collection Questionnaire method was adopted to collect the data from the respondents. The questionnaire consists of two parts. Part one deals with socio demographic variables of respondents and part two deals with perception of respondents about the different aspects of ICT facilities. To measure the perception of ICT facilities of the respondents the researcher has prepared a set of questions under the following headings 1. Perception about Library Collection 2. Perception about Staff 3. Perception about Library Services 4. Perception about ICT Facilities 5. Perception about Physical Facilities
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Scoring were given based on their response to each question on a five point scale with 1 being strongly disagree, 2- disagree, 3-neutral, 4- being agree and 5 being strongly agree. Hence, a total of 39 statements were distributed among the above five aspects. The perception about overall library facilities were calculated based on the scores they attain in each aspects. 2.8 Limitations The study covers the perception of students only and not other users. The students who are visiting the department library are not included for the present study 3. Data Analysis
Table 1:Distribution of Respondents by Socio Demographic Variables
S. No A 1 2 3 4 5 B 1 2 C 1 2 3 4 D 1 2 3
Socio Demographic Variables Age Group 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30 and above Gender Male Female Class of Study UG PG Research Scholars Others Discipline Arts Science Commerce and Management Total
No. of Respondents 258 521 98 26 20 244 676 314 342 84 180 353 479 88 920
28 56 11 3 2 27 73 34 37 9 20 38 52 9.6 100
It is inferred from the above table that, More than half (56%) of the respondents are in the age group 21-23 which is followed by the age group 18-20 (28%). Since more respondents are post graduate students their age lies in the age group 21- 23 With regard to the gender of the respondents, Majority (73%) of the respondents are female students. The female students are having two options of using ICT one at home and another at library. Also they are more in number when compared to male.
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It is also inferred from the above table, more than one-third (37%) of the respondents are PG students which is followed by UG students (34%) The above table also shows that more than half (52%) of the students are from Science Stream which is followed by Arts Stream (38.4%). It may be due to the fact that, regarding the dependency ratio of respondents and e-resources, the students from science stream depend on e-resources than their counterparts, hence the students from science stream are frequently visiting the library than others.
4 Testing of Hypotheses 4.1 Students by category and their perception about various aspects of library facilities Table 2 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CATEGORY OF RESPONDENTS WITH REGARD TO THEIR PERCEPTION ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIBRARY FACILITIES
S. No Description Perception about Library Collection Between Groups 1 Within Groups Total Perception about Library Staff Between Groups 2 Within Groups Total Perception about Library Services Between Groups 3 Within Groups Total Perception about ICT Facilities Between Groups 4 Within Groups Total Perception about Physical Facilities Between Groups 5 Within Groups Total Perception about Overall Library Facilities 6 Between Groups Within Groups Total 6813.358 628224.989 635038.347 3 916 919 2271 G1=136.01 G2=134.51 685.8 G3=142.65 G4=140.09 F= 3.311 P<0.05 Significant 22833.19 916 22972.521 919 139.33 3 46.44 G1=24.47 G2=24.56 24.93 G3=25.81 G4=24.98 F= 1.863 P>0.05 Not Significant 139390.682 140446.887 916 919 1056.205 3 352.1 G1=50.25 G2=49.29 152.2 G3=52.79 G4=51.33 F= 2.314 P>0.05 Not Significant 27548.586 27894.33 916 919 345.745 3 115.2 G1=24.07 G2=23.44 30.08 G3=24.74 G4=25.06 F= 3.832 P<0.05 Significant 22892.027 23131.016 916 919 238.99 3 79.66 G1=26.63 G2=26.60 24.99 G3=28.31 G4=27.22 F= 3.188 P<0.05 Significant 7468.902 7588.686 916 919 119.783 3 39.93 G1=10.60 G2=10.61 8.154 G3=11.01 G4=11.51 F= 4.897 P<0.01 Significant SS df MS Statistical Significance
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G1= UG G2= PG G3= Research Scholars G4=Others (B.Ed, M.Ed & B.P.Ed) It is inferred from the above table that there is a significant difference between various categories of respondents with regard to their perception about library collection, library staff, library services and overall library facilities whereas there is no significant difference between their perception about ICT facilities and physical facilities.
4.2 Students by Age and their perception about various aspects of library facilities Table 3 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE OF THE RESPONDENTS AND VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIBRARY FACILITIES
Sl.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Variables Correlation Value Statistical Inference Not Significant Significant Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant Age Vs Perception about (-)0.011 Library Collection Age Vs Perception about 0.074 Library Staff Age Vs Perception about (-)0.004 Library Services Age Vs Perception about ICT 0.019 Facilities Age Vs Perception about 0.051 Physical Facilities Age Vs Perception about 0.031 Overall Library Facilities
It is inferred from the above table that there is a significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about library staff, whereas, there is no significant relationship between age of the students and their perception about library collection, library services, ICT facilities, physical facilities and overall library facilities. Research Hypothesis 1 There is a significant difference between different student user categories with regard to their overall perception about various aspects of library facilities
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Null Hypothesis (Ho) There is no significant difference between different student user categories with regard to their overall perception about various aspects of library facilities Testing of Hypothesis When the above hypothesis was tested using F test (Table 2), it is inferred that the respondents do not differ by category with regard to their perception about overall library facilities. Hence, null hypothesis is accepted. Research Hypothesis 2 There is a significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. Null Hypothesis (Ho) There is no significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. Testing of Hypothesis In order to test the above hypothesis, Karl Pearsons Co-efficient of correlation(Table 3) was applied, and it is inferred that there is no significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. Hence null hypothesis is accepted. 5. Findings 1. More than half (56%) of the respondents are in the age group 21-23 which is followed by the age group 18-20(28%). (Table 1) 2. Majority (73%) of the respondents are female students. (Table 1) 3. More than one-third (37%) of the respondents are the PG students which is followed by UG students(34%)(Table 1) 4. More than half(52%) of the students are from Science Stream which is followed by Arts Stream(38.4%). (Table 1)
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6. Suggestions Based on the study the following suggestions are put forth to enable the aided Christian colleges to improve the various aspects of library facilities. 1. It is inferred from the study, physical facilities were found to be not given adequate importance, hence it is suggested that the colleges and library authorities should provide a conducive atmosphere in the library. Some basic facilities like drinking water, clean environment, ventilation facility, rest room for both men and women may be ensured in all the libraries. 2. Library services and library collection are found to be satisfactory, where as, the ICT facilities are found to be not up to the mark. Hence, the authorities can enhance the ICT facilities for the research activities of the organization. 3. The libraries should take more initiatives in participating online consortium for fulfillment of information needs of users and improving the online collection of the library. 4. It is also suggested that the libraries covered in this study may come forward to subscribe to N-LIST programme in order to use all the available Eresources offered by INFLIBNET. 5. The 35 aided Christian college libraries may be networked in order to share their resources and effectively use it for the betterment of the users. 7. Conclusion The world has become a small global village due to the strong influence and impact of Information and Communication Technology. It is the duty of any library to provide quality information in a best possible way through ICT applications to the end users. Since most of the aided Christian colleges are blessed with various sources of funding apart from government grants, the authorities should turn their attention towards library and allot more funds to improve ICT facilities and other required facilities to the libraries to make the visibility of the library among the academic community.
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References 1. Kothari, C. R.(1992). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: Vishwa Prakashan. 2. Reny Jacob and Carolyne John (Eds.)(2001).Directory of Church-related Colleges in India. New Delhi:AIACHE. 3. Ramesh Babu,B and Rajendran, P, Eds.(2010). Innovation-Driven Librarianship: Expectations of Librarians and Library Users. Kattankulathur: SRM University. 4. Sunil Kumar, Satpathy and Biswanath, Rout.(2010). Use of e-resources by the faculty members with special reference to CVRCE, Bhubaneswar. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology. 30(2),11 5. Vasanthi, J and Ravi, S (2010).A Study on Impact of E-resources and user Perception in Professional Education. Library Progress(International).30(1),47
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An analysis of Facilities and Features of free E-Journals in Library and Information Science
_____Chauhan, Kaushal
Research Scholar Berhampur University, Berhampur, Orissa, India chauhan_khushi@rediffmail.com)
ABSTRACT The development in information technology has made drastic changes in the way the information is collected, stored, retrieved, and distributed. E-Resources are one of the products of Information and communication technologies. The revolution in information and E-Resources is registering significant changes everywhere and have been playing substantial role in library and information systems ever since its inception. The advancement of E-Resources during recent years has given libraries a powerful new resource to support learning and research with availability of both forms of journals in the library. It has become necessary to evaluate effectiveness of E-Resources. Many E-Resources have hosted their own websites across the World Wide Web. This study highlights the importance of online Free E-Journals with their facilities and features. Last one decade has witnessed a great boom in scholarly EResources, which in addition to making great impact, has generated enormous debate among researchers and information professionals. Keywords: E-Resources, E-Journals, Free E-Resources, Free E-Journals. INTRODUCTION The coming of the www has propelled this vigorous growth of not fit in to the traditional publishing format with the coming of the age of the E-Journals, the way scholarly communication is disseminated throughout the world has
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totally altered. Use of E-Journals saw a big jump in the last half of the 1990s and is continuing to escalate. On an average, One-half to nearly 100 percent of the time, Scientists have revealed that journal articles are highly important to their work, more than any other information sources and also spending many hours in reading scientific literature (Tenopir and King). Free online information sources and service can be access on internet without paying any subscription charges to the publishers and users do not need to have any membership in the organization. Users can access and download required information available on these sources in their computers and can use for their academic and research purpose only. The Internet, particularly with the World Wide Web, also provides a means of communicating with the public at large. Since the quasi miraculous emergence of the web in 1990s, there has been a continuous increase in the volume of scholarly resources in electronic form. These resources have provided a scope for researchers and authors in various subjects fields and stimulated their research productivity and Library and Information Science is no exception to this. In India, authors in the LIS field have access to a very limited number of scholarly literatures, especially journal articles. Hence, there is an increasing trend to use Internet, the best alternative medium to search for scholarly literature and to use web resources to support their research productivity. Libraries have witnessed a great metamorphosis in recent years both in their service literature Print medium are increasingly giving way to the electronic form of material. Use of Information Technology has marked a tremendous impact over the all functions and services catered by the traditional library and information professionals. Information sources in a given discipline are referred to as Literature that included all definitive sources of information. E-Journals: The first prototype E-Journal was in 1976 (Monty 1996) the pioneering time for Electronic Journals was 199095, (Hitchcock 1997) mainly dominated by non-profit making groups interested in exploiting the technology for its own
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sake. The commercial publishers joined in around 1996 and are now dominant, mainly with direct electronic copies of their print journals. Electronic journals are also known as EJournals, Electronic Serials and scholarly journals or intellectual magazines that can be accessed via Electronic Transmission. In practice, this means that they are usually published on the web, in a specialized form of electronic document, for purpose of providing materials for academic research and are formatted approximately like journal article in traditional printed journals. OBJECTIVE: To provide free on-line E-Journals List and Tables that help in updating individual knowledge. To describe the overall structure of these free/ open E-Journals and establish effective electronic communication between users and online free Emagazines. To examine the kind of information available in free EJournals in the field of LIS. To examine how many E-Magazines having Archiving, Indexes and other special features. SCOPE: To compile a Table of comprehensive structure of Open E-Journals on essential characteristic features of free online E-Resources in library and information science. To examine structure of E-Resources according to the accepted standards and guidelines. To find out the latest developments and researches in Library and Information Science field. LIMITATIONS The major limitation of the study is that it has not included all E-Resources due to language barrier. The comprehensive evaluation of all free on-line Journals could not be done extensively because this would be very lengthy task.
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Some E-Magazines are given freely accessible but on opening the link it ask for password. Some E-Resources cannot be evaluated as they have Single Volume open access and other Volumes are not freely accessible
Methodology Online Information sources and services have been identified using various search engines on Internet. The search is limited to only free online information sources. The words free online E-Resources in LIS have been used as keywords for searching. The research study adopts a mixed methodology i.e. evaluative cum observation by going to the various search engines, there after browsing the actual websites of E-Resources. A detailed observation, checking and ascertaining through self study whether the EResources are actually free or not after that the free EResources have been enlisted and structured in a tabular form by adopting Criteria of evaluation, Checkpoints of different authors prescribed for evaluation of Information Sources. The given mythologies of Louis Shores, Ranganathan and other such evaluation methods drawn from the Internet sources have been applied. Louis Shores has given a checklist for evaluation of web documents. Commonly these points are known as ASTAFS- Authority, Scope, Treatment, Arrangement, Format and Special Features. Besides this selected 40 parameters have been fixed through assimilating the different evaluation methods. The data thus obtained have been used systematically, analyzed, figurative representations also made and with appropriate interpretations. Findings: This study is ranked Information Technologies and International Development http://itidjournal.org/itid best EJournal. Various evaluation methods have been proposed, but this study utilizes some of the useful checklists/criteria for evaluating information found on web. A major similarity found that almost E-Journals are concentrating towards digital library initiatives, technological, information service
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devel lopments and a informa ation netwo rking issue es contains a wide coverage of local library issues s ranging fr rom ongoin ng resea arch day-to o-day news from the work place e etc. Out of sever ral searche ed E-Journa als it is fou und that all E-Journa als availa able in full text form free f of cos st and can be receive ed regula arly withou ut missing even a s ingle issue e. The mo ost notab ble findings s in the stu udy are that it provid des effectiv ve comm munication between user u and o online Free e E-Journal ls. (Appe endix) Title, Url, Authority, Pu ub, Geogra aphical Ar rea, Scop pe, Acces ssibility, Brows B abilit ty, Networ rkability, bility Forma at, Desig gn, Treatm ment, Accu uracy, Objjectivity, A Arrangemen nt, Struc cture, Help, Specific Guidelines s, Review, , Standard ds, Prima ary Info, Fa actual Info, Archiving A p parameters are Covere ed by all E-Journals s. Rest are covering a as in the su ummary tab ble w: below
Pa arameters Re esponse tim me Lin nk Pe eriodicity Sp pecial Featu ure He elp Cu urrency Int ternal searc ch engine Cu urrent Trend ds Ind dexed Se earching Pe ersonalize Int ternational Re efereed Pe eer reviewed d IS SSN Se earch -w-Pe ersonalize Pe eer Reviewe ed & Indexe ed Ot thers No. 23 13 21 17 22 19 22 19 10 21 18 3 4 9 19 6 14 24
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CONCLUSION: The emergence of Electronic Resources has drastically revamped the status of all the libraries and information centers across the world during the last decade. There has been a rapid urge of the user community to get more and more Information Online. Academic libraries facing shrinking budgets are trying to acquire quality Information Resources in the most efficient and effective means possible. This coupled with the positive attitudes. The Free E-Journals are available in accepted standards and the users are using Free E-Journals satisfactorily. The result of the study can help and stop them subscribing in print and can save fund. One can easily get information for total strength of free available online E-Journals. The results of this study can be useful for information scientists studying or working with portal-based retrieval of E-Resources, and also for the designers and developers of future online interactive Information Retrieval systems. Reference: Indian statistical Institute. Free On-Line Full Text Journals: List of Free On-Line Full Text Journals in Library and Information Science. Indian Statistical Institute Bangalore Centre Library. http://www.isibang.ac.in/ (accessed July 10, 2009). Lund University Libraries. E-Journals in Social Sciences: Library and Information Science. Directory of Open Access Journals. http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=subject&cpid=129 (accessed August 13, 2009). Group of Professionals Working in the Area of Library. Access to Electronic Journals: Newsletters. Infolibrarian. Com. http://www.infolibrarian.com/res.htm#ejournals (accessed August 10, 2009). Informatics India Limited. E-Journals Related to Library & Information Science, Electronic Publishing, etc.. J-Gate the E-Journal Gateway. http://www.j
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gate.informindia.co.in/Misc/librarian.asp#Library%20&%20Inf ormation%20Science (accessed August 13, 2009). Overture Services Inc. "List of free e-resources in LIS." vistahttp://in.altavista.com/web/results?fr=altavista&itag=ody &q=list+of+free+e-resources+in+LIS&kgs=1&kls=0 (accessed April 1, 2011). The Excite Network. "List of free e-resources in LIS." Excite. http://msxml.excite.com/excite/ws/results/Web/LIST%20OF %20FREE%20ERESOURCES%20IN%20Lis/1/417/TopNavigation/Relevanc e/iq=true/zoom=off/_iceUrlFlag=7?_IceUrl=true (accessed April 1, 2011). Lycos Inc. Lycos Inc. "List of free e-resources in LIS." Excite. Lycos go get it. http://search.lycos.com/?tab=web&searchForm=true&query= list+of+free+eresources+in+LIBRARY+AND+INFORMATION+SCIENCE& x=35&y=20 (accessed April 1, 2011). Yahoo! India Pvt Ltd. "List of free e-resources in LIS." YahooIndia.http://in.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A8pWB9 q4iXhNhDIAhaDuPXRG?p=FREE+ERESOURCES+IN+LIBRARY+AND+INFORMATION+SCIEN CE&fr2=sb-top&fr=yfp-t-704&rd=r1 (accessed April 1, 2011). Informatics India Ltd. "List of free e-resources in LIS." Open Jgate.http://www.openjgate.org/Browse/ByJournal.aspx?alph a=A (accessed April 1, 2011). Google. "List of free e-resources in LIS." http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=List+of +free+eresources+in+LIS&btnG=Google+Search&meta=&aq=f&aqi= &aql=&oq=&rlz=1W1ADFA_en (accessed April 1, 2011). Morino Institute. Why Use Electronic Communications. Potomac Knowledge Way. http://knowledgeway.org/
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Collection Development Coordinator New Mexico State University Library. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: or, Why It's a good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources. Evaluation Criteria. http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). T- (Collection Development Coordinator New Mexico State University Library)Cornell University Library. Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages. Olin and Uris Libraries. http://www.library.cornell.edu/ (accessed June 1, 2010). T-(Cornell University Library)UBC. Criteria for Evaluating Internet Resources. University of British Columbia.
http://www.library.ubc.ca/home/evaluating/Easyprint.html
(accessed June 1, 2010). T- (University of British Columbia.)University of British Columbia. Criteria for Evaluating Print Resources. http://www.library.ubc.ca/scieng/PrintEval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). T- (University of British Columbia.)UBC. Criteria for Evaluating Print Resources. University of BritishColumbia. http://www.library.ubc.ca/scieng/PrintEval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). University Libraries. Evaluating Print Sources. Bowling Green State University. http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/library/assistance/page41013. html (accessed June 1, 2010). University of Washington. Basic Criteria for Evaluating Information. Campus Library Serving University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College.http://library.uwb.edu/guides/eval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). Data Center Research for Justice. Criteria for Evaluating Internet Documents. Data Centre. http://www.datacenter.org/research-tools/internet
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tips/evaluating-internet-documents/ (accessed June 1, 2010). Cornell University Libraries. Evaluating Web Sites: Criteria and Tools. Olin & Uris Libraries. http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/webeval.h tml (accessed June 1, 2010).
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Web Literacy of Postgraduate students of Sambalpur University: An Analysis

_____Dr. Ram Chander
Librarian & Head, Dept. of LIS Aggarwal College Ballabagarh, Faridabad, India E-mail: ramchander72@sify.com
_____Sanat Bera
P.G. Dept. of LIS Sambalpur University, Orissa, India
Abstract: Web literacy, is a collection of skills, might be considered the point where computer literacy merges with information literacy. The present study is a questionnaire based survey of 200 post graduate students of Sambalpur University about their knowledge of the Web and its use. The study found that 44% students conceive web as a huge database of information; 60.5% feel that websites or portals are the vital source of web information; 96% search the web though Google. Further, the study explores the hindrances to Web literacy at the institutional level and suggestive measure to enhance the use of web by the students. Keywords: Information literacy, web information, web search, search engines 1. literacy, web
Introduction The phrases information society, information age, Information literacy and Web literacy are all now familiar buzzwords in the present time. The increasing use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the complexities involved with the organization, searching and retrieval, their management and use of web based information demands Web literacy among the users. Web
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literacy is being recognized as one of the important facets in teaching and learning because it catalyses individuals to engage in a variety of learning situations and opportunities in optimal ways. With the rapidly changing and expanding information sources available in a networked world, Web literacy is a must for the students to succeed in this environment. Web literacy thus may be interpreted as helping people to experience information use differently. It is considered as a higher level of literacy required to navigate growing volume and variety of web information available today. Objectives of the study The basic objective of the present study is to analyze, the skills of P.G. Students of Sambalpur University with regard to effective use of Web resources. Among other things, the study also aims at analyzing: (i) The students knowledge of Web, its attributes and organization of information resources, etc. (ii) Degree of awareness of the students about the availability of different sources and types of information resource on the web. (iii)Their skills relating to searching, evaluating and organizing the Web content. Methodology The study is based on survey method and the data collection is based on the structured questionnaire consisting of 12 questions segregating them into five major groups concerning the students knowledge of the web, resources, searching tools and techniques, evaluations, use and management of web resources. The questionnaires were distributed among 200 Postgraduate students from various disciplines dividing them in to three major groupsSocial Sciences, Pure Sciences and Technology. The respondents data are analyzed, tabulated and statistically tested to arrive at a conclusion. 3. Hypotheses Hypothesis is a tentative generalization of facts with the formulation of which the researcher carries out his
4.
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research. For the present study, four hypotheses were formulated and subsequently statistically tested: H1 H2 H3 H4 There is no significant difference between the boys and girls student as regard to their knowledge of the web. There is significant different among the students of different discipline with regard to their knowledge of the web. There is no significant different among the boys and girls with regard to their searching of the web. There is a significant difference among different discipline as regard to the searching of the web
5.
Information Literacy Information literacy is currently understood as embracing the ability to define a problem, find information to solve the problem, evaluate information and use it effectively. Information literacy as a way to move efficient access, evaluation and use of information should be taken into account and used for improving end-users abilities. It is a set of information, knowledge and skill that enable individuals to recognize when information is needed and when it is not, how to locate, evaluate, integrate, use and effectively communicate information. In short, information literacy means knowing information about information. Information literacy refers to a constellation of skills revolving around information research and use. According to the final report of the American Library Association Presidential Committee on Information Literacy (1989), the information literate person is able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use it effectively. 6. Web Literacy Web literacy, is a collection of skills, might be considered the point where computer literacy merges with information literacy. Computer literacy comprises the
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technical skills needed to use a computer while Web literacy includes "the practical skills involved in effective use of information technology and information resources, either print or electronic" (Kirk, 2000 cited in Reinhardt, 2002). World Wide Web, commonly known as the Web, is nothing but a database of information, platform of communication, a wide computer network or a virtual workplace attributed with huge quantum of information, lower cost of communication, quality of information, speed of communication, etc. A variety of sources of information available on the Web, such as Open portals/web sites, Digital libraries, Repositories, Commercial publishers site etc. Hence, in order to find the desired information from the huge mass, one should have the basic skill of searching the Web content by key word, Phrase, Boolean or other advanced searches etc. using search tools like Google, Yahoo, Alta Vista etc. Besides, the user should also have the literacy of evaluating, storing and organizing the Web content to use them effectively for various purposes. 7. 7.1 Analysis of data and Discussion
Students knowledge of the Web The use of technology is directly dependant on the knowledge of technology. The increased use of web can be ensured only if the students are equipped with necessary knowledge of Web. The following table reflects students knowledge of the web. Table -1 Students knowledge of the a web
Social Science Gender Database of information Platform of communication Computer network Virtual workplace Boys 14 3 8 2 Girls 30 18 24 4 Technology Boys 15 16 10 7 Girls 8 7 6 1 Pure Science Boys 6 8 10 1 Girls 15 15 12 2 Results 88 67 70 17 % 44% 33.50% 35.50% 8.50%
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Table-1 discloses that a majority of P.G. students i.e. 88(44%) conceive the web as a database of information, which can be searched for required information. Almost equal number of the students viewed the web as computer network (35%) and a platform for communication (33.5%). However only 17(8.5%) students visualize web as a virtual place of work. This shows that most of the students are unaware about the interactive web which they can perform common task. 7.2 Knowledge of Web attributes Knowledge of the web discloses that the web has been characterized with a long list of positive attributes and also a few negative attributes as well. The students were asked to indicate which web attribute they are familiar with and the responses are as follows. Table-2 Best Web Attribute
Discipline Social science Gender Boys Girls 8 7 Quantum of Information Cost of information Quality of information Communication speed 0 12 5 26 3 38 Technology Boys Girls 16 7 2 11 12 0 8 1 Pure science Boys Girls Results % 9 10 57 28.50% 1 7 9 1 10 23 30 51 88 15% 25.50% 44%
Table 2 clearly indicates that a majority of post graduate students liked speed of communication on the web , They are well aware about the email transaction, file formats, instant messaging, etc which provide fasts communication platforms. 7.3 Knowledge of sources of information
The knowledge of the sources of web information is very essential for the web users for quick retrieval of quality information from authentic sources. Many the students are not aware of the verities of web information. The following table finds out their knowledge of various sources of web information.
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Table -3 Knowledge of the sources of Web information

Discipline Gender Open Portals/web sites Digital Libraries Repositories Commercial publishers sites Social science Boys 19 7 2 1 Girls 40 13 17 8 Technology Boys 18 11 7 17 Girls 9 0 2 3 Pure science Boys 12 8 1 3 Girls Results 23 10 6 8 121 49 35 40 % 60.50% 24.50% 17.50% 20%
Table-3 reveals more than half of the students (60%) consider web portals or web sites as the major source of web information. The other sources of web information are not so popular among the students. It is surprising to note that repositories with full text data are not very popular among students 7.4 Types of information used Table -4 Resource use maximum
Discipline Journal/Articles E-books E-Thesis and dissertation Databases Social science Boys 17 1 5 3 Girls 48 12 3 15 Technology Boys 15 22 3 3 Girls 10 6 0 3 Pure science Boys 11 7 2 5 Girls Results 17 18 2 9 118 66 15 38 % 59% 33% 7.50% 19%
As regard to the type of information the students are aware, it can be seen that majority of students (i.e. 69%) use articles as compared to other types such as e-books, ethesis and dissertation. 7.5 Use of Search engines Web search engine are the basic things to carryout research. There are hundreds of search engines with varied features and levels of efficiency. The data regarding the use of search engines by the postgraduate students is as follows:
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% 96% 8% 1% 0.50%
Table -5 Search engine use

Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Result Google Yahoo Lycos 23 1 0 64 10 0 1 25 2 0 0 18 1 0 0 22 2 1 0 40 0 0 0 192 16 2 1
Alta vista 1
There is a clear indication from the table-5 that Google is the most preferred search engine as 192 (90.99%) out of 200 students indicated using Google as the foot print of their web search. 7.6 Searching the Web Searching the web is very crucial from user point of view. The use of search techniques produces satisfactory results with highest level of relevance. However, most of the users especially the students are novice so far as techniques of search is concerned. Table-6 Searching Web content
Discipline Key word Phrase Boolean search Social science 13 2 1 48 10 6 19 61 12 7 29 Technology 33 6 0 7 14 2 0 6 47 8 0 13 Pure science % 69.50% 12% 19% 27% 11 2 1 8 20 2 10 4 31 4 11 12 139 24 18 54 Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Results
Advance Search 10
Table-6 highlights that a majority of students (69.5%) use key word search only. They do not carry out the advance search modules. The reason may be the lack of knowledge of the advance search options of search services. 7.7 Evaluation of Web information
Information on the web needs to be evaluated before use. The postgraduate students were questioned how and on what criteria they evaluate the web information and their responses are reflected in the table below.
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Table -7 Measure of Evaluation

Discipline Authenticity Quantity Relevance Currency Social science Boys 7 5 14 2 Girls 20 23 32 3 Technology Boys 14 10 19 1 Girls 8 5 5 1 Pure science Boys 8 6 8 3 Girls Results 20 10 6 4 77 59 84 14 % 38.50% 29.50% 42% 7%
Table-7 clearly speaks out that most of the students i.e. 84 (42.1%) consider the relevance factor of information as the most important criteria for evaluation. However, 77 (32.9%) of them also value authenticity of the information as one of the important criteria for evaluation. 7.8 Usefulness of Web information The usefulness of information is subjective depending upon the level of satisfaction of the searchers. The students opinion about the usefulness of web information is recorded in the table below. The table finds a majority of 121 (60.5%) students opine that the web information is highly useful Table-8 Usefulness of Information
Discipline Highly Moderately useful Partially useful Not useful at all Social science Boys 12 5 6 Girls 30 15 12 9 Technology Boys 28 6 6 1 Girls 15 0 3 1 Pure science Boys 8 6 10 4 Girls 28 8 2 2 Results 121 40 39 17 % 60.50% 20% 19.50% 8.50%
7.9
Storing the web information The users need to store the flies downloaded from the web for future use. The postgraduate students in the present study were asked to indicate how they save the information, and the responses included in the following table. Table -9: Management of downloads of web information
Discipline Taking a print Save a copy in local disk Add to favorites Save online with book marking tools Social science Boys 7 15 4 3 Girls 30 29 7 9 Technology Boys 6 32 6 6 Girls 2 14 0 4 Pure science Boys 5 9 4 5 Girls 9 26 4 3 Results 59 125 25 30 % 29.50% 62.50% 12.50% 15%
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Table-9 discloses that 125 (625%) students indicated that they save the downloaded files in the local disc space of their desktop or laptop. Many of the students also save the files in their pen drive or a CD-ROM. However, 59 (29.5%) students prefer to take a print of the files they download from the web. 7.10 Frequency of use Table-10 below clearly states that a majority of the students i.e. 114 (57.5%) out of 200 use the web every day as a part of their regular study. However, about 30% of them use the web once in a week. Table- 10: Frequency of using Web
Discipline Everyday Once in a week Once in a month Occasionally Social science Boys 13 6 4 6 Girls 30 22 1 17 Technology Boys 31 7 0 4 Girls 11 7 0 2 Pure science Boys 11 4 1 4 Girls Results 18 13 4 5 114 59 10 38 % 57% 29.50% 5% 19%
7.11
Purpose of searching the Web
The students visualize Web as the best source of current information free of cost. They prefer to search the web than to search in the library. I their reply to the question, 168 (84%) pointed out that they use web for downloading reading materials as per their syllabus. Some other students (28%) also use the web for compiling the assignment, projects and dissertations and a few others (26%) use it for preparation of seminar presentations. Table-11: Purpose of searching the Web
Discipline Reading material Projects/Dissertation Seminar presentation Social science Boys 22 2 5 Girls 54 10 21 Technology Boys 32 16 8 Girls 14 10 3 Pure science Boys 20 6 6 Girls Results % 26 168 84% 12 9 56 52 28% 26%
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8. Ho
Testing of Hypothesis There is no significant difference between the boys and girls students as regard to their knowledge of the web.
Tabulated value of t0.05 for (12+12-2) =22 degree of freedom is 1.717. Hence the calculated value (-0.78) is less than tabulated value (1.717) of t. Therefore, Ho may accept at 5% level of significance. Hence, it concludes that there is no significant difference between the boys and girl students as regard to their knowledge of web. Ho There is no significant difference among the student of different discipline to their knowledge of the web. It is solved by the two way ANOVA table. The calculated value of F is 5.255 which is less than the tabulated value of F (3, 12) = 5.95 and the calculate value F is 0.71 which is less than the tabulated value F (2, 12) =6.93 at 5% level of significance and the interaction term is significant .Hence it accept the null and it conclude that there is no significant difference among the students of different disciplines with regard to their knowledge of the web. Ho There is no significant different among the boys and girls with regard to there to searching of the web.
The tabulated value t0.05 for (12+12-2) =22 degree of freedom. Is 1.717. So calculated value -0.25 is less than the tabulated value(1.717) t Ho may accepted at 5% level of significance hence it conclude that there is no significant difference between the boys and girls with regard to their use of searching. Ho There is no significant difference among the different discipline with regard to the searching of web.
It is solved by the two way ANOVA table. The calculated
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value (6.38) is greater than tabulated value (3, 12) degree of freedom at 5% level of significance is 5.95for the three discipline .Hence Ho is rejected at 55 level of significance and it concludes that there is significance difference between the disciplines. The calculated value is(1.12301) is less than the tabulated value for the searching of web so Ho may be accepted at 5% level of significance it conclude that there is no significant difference between the searching of web . The object F (6, 12) =4.82 is less than the calculated value 11.74 for And lastly it concludes interaction is significant. 9. Hindrance to Web Literacy In academic institutions in general and universities in particular, there are common problems which hinder the spread of web literacy. A few of such problems visible in the present study are lack of computer facilities, lack of high speed internet connectivity, frequent power failures, lack guidance and training in Internet, etc. It was found in the study that, some of the students of some discipline are unaware about the search techniques or the necessary skill to browse the web. Even though the university has a campus wide network for e-governance, it is slow most of the time and thus Web is inaccessible. 10. Suggestions The students in the present study were motivated to suggest how to enhance the use of Web in academic activities. The responses are summarized as follows: 1 Wider and regular use of the web. 2 Assignments on the use web should be provided. 3 Workshops on academic use of the Web should be organized. 4 Training and guidance should be provided to the students on web. 11. Conclusion The present Information society is witnessing vast
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quantities and constantly generating of information in a variety of Digital formats. To lead the way in the digital environment, the present age students should be Digital skilled. Post graduate students are the most prominent part of the Higher education system and they all must be literate in every field especially in the technology and web to perform the in the best in their learning process. The present study shows that the Post Graduate students of Sambalpur University are having the required competencies to work in the Web in order to search, organize, manage and reuse them in the Web Environment. 12. References http://ir.inflibnet.ac.in/dxml/bitstream/handle/1944/1151/72.p df?sequence=1 cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.iccb.state.il.us/pt3/pdf/resource/web_lit.pdf cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.ehealthstrategies.com/files/web_literacy.pdf cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.phonicsphactory.com/contib_rsc_pages/documen ts/midweb09.pdf cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.readingonline.org/articles/mceneaney/lotw.pdf cited on date 05.02.2011 https://fourblock.wikispaces.com/file/view/web%2Bresources .pdf cited on date 06.02.2011 http://www.readingmatrix.com/articles/isbell_reinhardt/article. pdf cited on date 05.02.2011
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http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10836/1/7533.pdf cited on date 06.02.2011
http://wiki.ubiquity.utk.edu/@api/deki/files/38/=RobinsonIT69 5_Paper1.pdf cited on date 05.02.2011
http://www.tewtjournal.org/VOL%201/ISSUE%204/ARTICLE. pdf\ cited on date 06.02.2011
https://teachertech2.wikispaces.com/file/view/Web+Literacy. pdf cited on date 05.02.2011
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Punjab University Library and its Manuscript Collection: Its Present Status, Conservation Practices, Problems and Some Suggestions
_____Hamid Ali,
Senior Librarian Oriental and Manuscript Unit, Punjab University Library University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
ABSTRACT The article discusses the present Punjab University Library and the introduction of this important centre of information and learning. It describes one of the largest manuscript collections of Pakistan, possessing more than 24000 manuscripts written on paper, parchment, bark, and palm leaf. This collection contains a number of rare, contemporary, and autographed copies of manuscripts, written in different languages, and which cover subjects ranging from the Quran, commentary, tradition, doctrine, philosophy, logic, medicine, history, geography, literature, astronomy, mathematics, music, botany, zoology, and calligraphy. Apart from the general manuscript collection, the Library also possesses 9 additional manuscript collections assembled by eminent historians and scholars. These include, for example, the Azad Collection, Pirzada Collection, Kaifi Collection, Woolner Collection, Shairani Collection, Mehboob Alam Collection, Azar Collection, Ruhi Collection, and the Mian Jamil Ahmad Sharaqpuri Collection. The article goes onto list some of the important manuscript titles written in the Arabic, Persian, and Urdu languages. The article presents the ongoing conservation practices, activities and efforts to save the manuscripts that are in danger of deterioration. It discusses the policies for the proper care of this invaluable cultural heritage, and
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preventative measures against the careless handling of materials, vandalism, light, pests, pollutants, extreme variations in temperature and humidity. It discusses formal treatments to maximize the natural life cycle of this manuscript collection, and the current practices; manuscript keeping / storage; dusting and cleaning; security; damage and disasters; climatic and environmental conditions; duplicating, copying, and reformatting (reprography); binding and repair; lamination of manuscripts; fumigation and spray; and the digitization of manuscripts. The article also relates how an MOU has recently been signed between the University of the Punjab and the University of Geumgang, Korea, for the digitization of the Woolner Collection. The article argues that current conservations strategies adopted by Punjab University Library are not sufficient. The acquisition of the professional knowledge of paper properties, and severe climatic and environmental control is compulsory for the preservation of such a huge manuscript collection. The article also highlights the need for the cooperation of The Islamic Manuscript Association to support the conservation training of Punjab University Library staff. The present Punjab University Library was established in 1873 as Punjab University College Library. Its title was changed to Punjab University Library in 1882 only after University of the Punjab was raised to the status of university, under the Punjab University Act no. XIX of 1882 which was published in the Gazette of India dated 7th October 1882, (it was notified on 14th October 1882)1. At that time one of the most essential needs of the University of the Punjab was to establish an important centre of information and learning for readers and research scholars, and to store this cultural heritage for the next generation.
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In the beginning, Sir Donald Macleods 2000 books were purchased for Rs.2500 in 1873.(2) A new era started at the Library when Dr A.C. Woolner was appointed registrar and honorary librarian (1902-28)3, and the British Government of India announced substantial grants to enhance, upgrade, and maintain libraries, laboratories and museums, under the act of 1904(4). In 1911, the Library received a rich collection of 6500 precious and rare books from H.M. Percival, then professor of English Literature in Presidency College, Calcutta; this collection was accumulated at the cost of Rs.36000(5). As a result of the sheer number of manuscripts collected, the Manuscript Unit of Punjab University Library was established on July 31, 1920, its development during the next thirty years had been largely due to continuous vivacious interest of woolner.(6) This is the largest manuscript collection in Pakistan and Punjab University Library is the steward of this cultural heritage, which contains a big number of rare manuscripts and contemporary copies. Punjab University library possesses more than 24000 manuscripts written on paper, parchment, bark, and palm leave. These manuscripts are written in different languages and cover different subjects ranging from the Quran, commentary, tradition, doctrine, philosophy, logic, medicine, history, geography, literature, astronomy, mathematics, music, botany, zoology, and calligraphy. Besides manuscripts of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and other local languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi) 9 invaluable manuscript collections of eminent historians and scholars are also a part of this Manuscript Unit, which were either purchased by the library or donated by the scholars themselves. A brief, chronological introduction of these collections is setout below. 1-Azad Collection The manuscript collection of Shams ul Ulama Maulavi Muhammad Hussain Azad (1830-1910) was donated in 1913 to the Library by his son, Muhammad Ibrahim. This collection
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possesses 389 valuable manuscripts of Persian, Arabic and Urdu, as well as 1556 rare books.7 2-Pirzada Collection Pirzada Muhammad Hussain Arif was a session judge and scholar. Punjab University Library purchased his manuscript and rare book collection in 1929 which contains 169 manuscripts.8 3-Kaifi Collection Brij Mohan Kaifi Dattatrya (1866-1955) was a well known linguist and research scholar. He presented his valuable collection of rare books and manuscripts to the Punjab University Library in 1933, which comprised of 130 manuscripts. 9 4-Woolner Collection The already mentioned Dr.A.C.Woolner was professor of Sanskrit. He collected hugely significant Sanskrit manuscript collection in the Punjab University Oriental College. In 1913 the Oriental College Library was merged with the Punjab University Library at the suggestion of Dr. A.C. Woolner and the Sanskrit manuscript collection also became a part of Punjab University Library. This collection has 9075 manuscripts in Sanskrit, Hindi, Prakrit, Sharada, Andhra, Tamil, and Nandinagari languages and scripts (10). This collection also has more than 2000 palm leaf manuscripts. In 1936, this valuable collection was given the name of Woolner Collection in recognition of Dr. Woolners remarkable services for the enhancement and up gradating of the Punjab University Library, Subjects included in this collection are religion, Indian philosophy, justice, yoga and meditation, Buddhist philosophy, history and archaeology, Mahabharata (religious commentaries), Sanskrit grammar and composition, Vedic literature and medicine, decorative art, sculpture and statuary, music, kamashastra, ethics, literature, and a rich collection on astronomy, as well as some manuscripts in the Gurmukhi script, dealing mainly with Sikhism.11
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5-Shairani Collection This is undoubtedly the most significant Persian manuscript collection in the Punjab University Library. This rich cultural heritage consists of more than 4000 manuscripts, 200 precious coins, stamps and some official proceedings of the Mughal period. It was acquired from Hafiz Mehmood Shairani (1880-1946) in 1942 for the Rs.16392. The collection is prominent in Persian, some manuscripts in Urdu, Arabic, Punjabi, Pashto and Sindhi languages, of which many are illuminated and illustrated. This collection is rich in Quran, Biographies, topographies, literature, Sufism, music, poetry and calligraphy.12 6-Mehboob Alam Collection The manuscript collection of Mehboob Alam (18621937) was donated by his son Abdul Hameed in 1948 to Punjab University Library. This collection has 348 valuable manuscripts.13 7-Azar Collection 1500 invaluable manuscripts were purchased for Rs.20000 in 1962 by Mr. Zaheer-ud- Din; son of Siraj-ud-Din Azar (1892-1947). This collection was added to Punjab University Library due to personal efforts of Syed Abdullah (honorary librarian). It is the most important manuscript collection after Shairani Collection.14 8-Ruhi Collection The book and manuscript collection of Asghar Ali Ruhi (1867-1954) and his son Dr Ziaul Haq was donated to Punjab University Library in 1989. It is a rich Arabic collection having 3000 rare books and 35 manuscripts.15 9-Mian Jamil Ahmad Sharaqpuri collection Mian Jamil Ahmad Sharaqpuri is regarded as Sufi Saint. He presented his 9000 books and 57 manuscripts to the Punjab University Library in 2001, and focuses on mysticism and Islamic literature.16
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10- Waheed Qureshi Collection Dr. Waheed Qureshi (1925-2009) was the professor, critic and poet of Urdu in University of the Punjab; his manuscript collection, consists of 137 manuscripts, (in 80 volumes) has been purchased in 2010 from Mrs. Waheed Qureshi for Punjab University Library. 11- Nasreen Akhtar collection Former Principal, Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Dr. Nasreen Akhtar donated her books and precious manuscripts to the library in November 2011, it contains 6 manuscripts. General Collection Punjab University Library is continuously purchasing manuscripts through funds provided as a recurring, that is, annual grant. The chairmen of the concerned departments, keeping in view the research needs of their departments, guide the library staff in strengthening the collection in their fields. This developing collection currently has more than 8000 manuscripts, which are in Arabic, Persian Urdu, Punjabi and other local languages, with subjects relating to Quran, commentary, tradition, doctrine, philosophy, logic, medicine, history, geography, literature, astronomy, mathematics, music, botany, zoology, hunting, and calligraphy.17 Conservation practices: problems and suggestions Preservation is an essential component in saving our cultural heritage contained in libraries. A comprehensive preservation programme encompasses a system of plans, policies, procedures, and resources required to properly care for and prolong the life of this manuscript collection for the use of the academic and research community. As the Punjab University Library has a rich and invaluable manuscript collection, and thus provides formal preservation treatment consistent with the goals and objectives of the Library and the University, in order to maximize its natural life cycle and to save the manuscripts that are in danger of deterioration, due to internal and external factors, such as the careless
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handling of materials, vandalism, light, pests, pollutants, extreme variations in temperature and humidity, particularly as water and fire can greatly accelerate the process of deterioration. A comprehensive program of preservation can significantly reduce this deterioration. The current practices of Punjab University Library regarding the conservation of manuscripts are setout below: 1-Manuscript storage Punjab University Library has arranged and kept all the manuscripts in fine steel and wooden secured cupboards. 2-Dusting and cleaning Punjab University Library has a continuous dusting and cleaning programme, for which staff have been appointed. 3-Security We aim to protect our collections from vandalism, through the digital monitoring of access to the collection while in storage, and active invigilation when manuscripts are being consulted by the readers. 4-Damage and disasters This manuscript unit is situated on the first floor. The Library building has been constructed in sections to minimize earthquake damage (to roofs, drains, pipes). 5-Climatic and environmental conditions Collections in Pakistan suffer as result of environmental changes over the course of the four seasons. Their impact is especially severe during the extreme heat of the summer and rainy seasons, which disturb the physical state of the manuscript. Other concerns include temperature stability, humidity, the control of pollutants, air circulation and filtering (air conditioning), the control of light intensity, and the filtering of ultra violet light.
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6-Duplicating, copying, and reformatting (reprography) The Librarys previous policy permitted the photocopying of manuscripts. Now, however, this method has been discontinued as the damage inflicted on the manuscripts was too great. We do offer scholars access to a limited selection of microfilms (1300). As, however, the Library has moved over to the digitization of manuscripts, we now offer digital images as an alternative to the handling of fragile manuscripts. 7-Binding and Repair An in-house binding unit is available for the new binding and repair of rare books and manuscripts. Butter paper (transparent paper) is currently used to repair manuscripts that have been damaged by wormholes. 8-Lamination of manuscripts The use of the plastic lamination method is very costly for the Library, but is a useful means of preventing the further deterioration of rare books and manuscripts. So far the library has laminated a small number of manuscripts by this method. 9-Fumigation and spray All manuscripts are treated in fumigation chambers to prevent damage by different insects, for example, termites, silverfish, cockroaches, booklice, carpet beetles, casebearing cloth moths, and deathwatch beetles. 10-Digitization of manuscripts The Library is aware of the growing demand for the reproduction of original manuscripts in its collections. It would like to encourage partnerships with independent scholars, educational institutions, and heritage organizations, to allow access to the manuscript collections through digital platforms (internet, CD-ROM etc), by the means of a mutually-agreed Memorandum of Understanding. This would permit access to a large number of relevant manuscripts for research purposes only (copyright permission would still need to be sought from
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Punjab University Library in the event of the need to publish). An example of a similar partnership is the recent signing of an MOU between the University of the Punjab and the University of Geumgang, Korea, for the digitization of the Woolner Collection Suggestions The current conservation strategies adopted by the Punjab University Library are not sufficient. The acquisition of the professional knowledge of paper properties, and severe climatic and environmental control is compulsory for the preservation of such a huge manuscript collection. I would highlight the need for the cooperation of The Islamic Manuscript Association to support the conservation training of Punjab University Library staff, as continuous education is necessary, and the absence of conservation schools or other training centers have deprived not only the Punjab University Library, but also more than 300 manuscript collections throughout Pakistan. Important Persian Manuscripts There are more than 8,000 Persian manuscripts in the Library, some of which are important and contemporary manuscripts according to the catalogues, and are setout below. 18 History 1. Waqiat Baburi, translated into Persian by Abd urRahim Khan Khanan, 998 A.H. (PfIV3c/847), Contemporary copy, (More likely a late contemporary manuscript when Abdul Rahim was alive, in the early Jahangirs period) 3. Jahangir Namah, Jahangir (Pf iv4C), Contemporary copy. 4. Jahangushai Nadiri, Muhammad Mehdi Munshi (Pe II 71c/2210) 5. Tiraz ul-Akhbar, Najm ud-Din Ahmad b. Fadlullah entitled Ahmad Beg Khan Isfahini (pe I 15/452), autographed copy.
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6. 7. 8. 9.
Waqayi-e Jang-e Sikhan, Diwan Ajudhiya Parshad Mumtaz-ud-Dawlah (Pe III78), autographed copy Chahar Gulzar-i-Shujai, Harcharan Das (Pe I 18/453), autographed copy. Khalisah Namah, Ratan Chand (PeIII73/2134), autographed copy. Waqayi-e Bharatpur, Pandit Shankar Nath Nadir. (PeIII4/15570), autographed copy.
Biographies of Saints 1. Chishtiyyah-ye Bahishtiyyah, Shaykh Alaud-Din Thani Barnawi (S-1670) 2. Tuhfat ut-Tahirin, Muhammad Azam b. Shaykh Muhammad Shafi (S.1160) 3. Miftahul-Arifin, Abdul Fattah b. Muhammad Numan (S.1934). 19 Mysticism 1. Hidayat ul Talibin, Sayyid Shah Abu Said Kalpavi. (S.155) 2. Burhan ul Arifin, Abul-Hasan Khaqani (S.222) 3. Gulshan i Ishq, Shah Muhtaram-ullah. (S.281) 4. Miftahut Tasawwauf, Shir Ali b. Muhammad Qasim, (S.669) 5. Risalah-ye Jawahir, Fadlullah b. Diya al-Abbasi. (T17/8187) 6. Shami Irfan, Kewal Ram Hushyar (D-14/8494) 7. Lamat-i-Qadiriyyah, Muhammad Fadil Inayatullah, d.1538 A.D. (T-23/8193), autographed copy. Poetry 1. Diwan, Hasan Sijzi (S.2004) 2. Diwan, Salik Qazwini (S.82), a contemporary copy. 3. Mirat ul-Maani, Jamali (S.515) 4. Mathnawi-ye Jahangir wa Nur Jahan (S.1606), a contemporary copy. 5. Diwan, Murshid (S1630), a contemporary copy. 6. Diwan, Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil (S.1659) 7. Tuhfat ul Ahrar, Jami, Abdur-Rahman (O-139/7351), a contemporary copy.
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8. 9. 10.
Futuhul-Arab wal Ajam, Muhammad Diyal 194/7471) Subh-i-Bakar, Qatil (O-456/7682) Muntakhab-i-Ajib, Faqir Dehlawi. (O-41/7268) 20
(O-
Prosody and Rhyme 1. Miftah-ul-Aruz, Muhamamd Amin Amini of Bhakkar, d.1075 A.H. (S-2013) 2. Misbahul Fuyuz if ilmil-Qafiyah wal Aruz, Abul Abbas Husayn b. Ali Jafari, Written for Wajid Ali Shah, (s.2035) 3. Muyidush-Shuara, Keval Ram Hushyar (B.12/8436). Gardening and Cultivation of Plants 1. Gulzari Falahat, Mulla Abdul Ali Birjindi (S.1362) 2. Risalah dar-i Falahat wa Baghbani (S.1392) 3. Risalah dar Darakht Kashtan (S.1612) Important Arabic Manuscripts There are about 1,200 manuscripts of Arabic preserved in the library. Late Qazi Abdul Nabi Kaukab (d.1978 A.D.) compiled a hand list of Arabic manuscripts entitled, Hand list of Arabic Manuscripts in the Punjab University Library, which was published by the University in 1982. This hand list gives information about 1123 manuscripts. Important manuscripts listed in this compilation are mentioned under various subjects in the following section. This list does not contain all the important and rare manuscripts, but only a few are entered below by recording title and author respectively.21 The Quran There are 63 manuscript copies of the Holy Quran written in various scripts e.g. Kufi, Bihar, and Naskh. Tafsir 1. Fathul-Jalil bi-Bayani Khafiyyi-Anwarit-Tanzil, Qadi Abi Yahya Zakariyya b. Muhammad al-Anwari (alMisri), d. 926 A.H. (Ara 4e/1440)
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2. 3. 4.
Al-Hashiya ala Anwar it-Tanzil. Muhammad Khazin b. Abd il-karim (6564) Zubdat ut-Tafasir, Muin-ud-Din b. Khwajah, Khwand Mahmud (S1746/4800) An-Nasikh Wal-Mansukh, Qadi Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad b. Ali (Arb I 8/1819)
Hadith 1. Kifayat ul-Qari fi Sharhi Sahihil-Bukhari, Ibrahim b Umar b. Hasanar-Rubat al-Biqai, d.885 A.H.(Arb IIITb/1394) 2. Bawariq ul-anwar, Hamid b. Muhammad b. Ishaq (Arb II/39/626) 3. Sharhul Arbain, Muhammad Salah b. Jalal b. Ibadi alLari, well-known as Muslih ud Din al-Lari, d. 979 A.H. (Arb II/57/2539) 4. Muntakhab u Kawtharin-Nabi, Muhammad ji. (ArbI/9/1823) Fiqh 1. Sharhul-Husami, Abu Yusuf Muhammad Yaqub alBanbani. (Ard I 2B/2344) 2. Khazain ush-Shuruh, Mulla Muhammad Mubin b. Mulla-Muhibullah, d.1225.A.H. (Ard 113/1395) 3. Ghayatul-Hawashi, Abul-Maarif Muhammad Inayatullah al-Hanafi al-Qadiri al- Lahauri, d.1141 A.H. (6410) 4. Fatawa Ibrahim Shahi, Shihab ud Din Ahmad b. Muhammad commonly called Nizam al-Jilani (or al Qazi Nizam ud Din al-Jawnpuri), d. 874 (or 875) A.H. (Ard II 98/1857) 5. Ar-Risalatul-Muhammadiyah, Yusuf b. Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Bahrani, d. 1186 A.H. (Ard II 19/333) Tasawwuf 1. Al-Multaqat min Ihya il Ulum id Din, Muhammad Afzal b. ash-Shaykh Abi Muhammad b. Shaykh Abi Yazid. (Arb II48/951)
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2.
3.
Hallur Rumuz, Shaykh Ala ud Din Ali Dadah b. Mustafa also known as Shaykh ut Turbah, d. 1007 A.H. (ArcI 76/2282) Bayan ul-Asrar, Abul-Farah Muhammad Fazil ud-Din Batalawi, d.1151 A.H. (9008)
Philosophy 1. Shawakil ul-Hur, Jalal ud-Din Muhammad b. Asad ud-Dawwani, d. 907 A.H. (ArhIII 183/1910) 2. Sharhi Hidayatil Hikmat, Shams ud Din Muhammad b. Mubarak known as al-Bukhari. (S.1518/4568) 4. Al-Hashiyah ala Sharhi Hidayat il-Hikmat, Sayyid Muhammad b. Husayn commonly called Fakhr ud-Din Husayn as Sammaki, d.1040 A.H.(Arh II/10/2962) 5. Al-Hashiyah alash-Shamsil-Bazighah, Mulla Hasan b. Qadi Ghulam Mustafa al. Lakhnawi, d.1198/ A.H. (Arh 1188.1030) Logic 1. Iqdud-Durar, Ismail Shikarpuri (Arh 114/5352) 2. Al-Hashiyatul-Minhiyah ala Badiil Mizan, Abdullah b. il lhdad al-Usmani at Tulanbi, d.920 A.H. (or 922 A.H.) (A-102/8682) 3. Tadhhib ut Tahdhib, Abdul Basit b. Mawlawi Rustam Ali b. Ali Asghar Qunuji, d. 1223 A.H. (Arh II/24B) Medicine 1. Al-Ghina wal Muna, Abul-Mansur Husayn (or Hasan) b. Nuh al-Qumri, died shortly after 380 A.H. (A16/8593) 2. At-Tibbul-Kulli, Abu Sahl Isa b.Yahya al-Masihi Al Jarjani, d.401 A.H. (S.1904/4916) 3. Haqaiqi Asrarit-Tibb, Masud b. Muhammad Sijzi 9023) 4. Majmail-Manafiil-Badniyah, Daud b. Umar b. Antaki, d.1008 A.H. (Arh III 177/1753) 5. Al-Qanun, Ibn Sina, ArhIII 124/730 6. Kitab ul-Iksir, Hakim Mawlana Abdul-Aziz b. Ahmad al-Multani (9023)
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Important Urdu Manuscripts The Library has about 2000 manuscripts in Urdu, of which, more than 500 manuscripts are preserved in the Shairani collection, and the rest are in different collections. 22 1. Diwan, Ghalib Dihlwi (S.1882) 2. Diwan, Nasikh. (S.1635), a contemporary copy. 3. Diwan, Wali (S.1505) this is a very early copy of Walis Work 4. Miraj Namah, Qasim (S.692) 5. Nau Tarz-e-Murassa, Muhamamd Ata Husayn Khan Tahsin (S.1652) 6. Tawarikh-i-Murad, Sayyid Murad Shah (S.2083) REFERENCES 1- Ghulam Hussain Zulfiqar, Sad Sala Tarikh Jamia Punjab, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1982, p.64 2- Ghulam Hussain Zulfiqar, Sad Sala Tarikh Jamia Punjab, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1982, p.135 3- Proceedings of the sub-committee appointed to consider applications for the combined post of registrar of Punjab University and principal, Oriental College, Lahore, dated 24th Feb.1903 4- Punjab University Calendar, 1905-06 p.35 5- Hand Book of Punjab University Library, Lahore: university of the Punjab 2006.p.21 6- Dr. A.C. Woolner: an Architect of Department of Library Science, Punjab University, Lahore: Pakistani Librarian, 3: 5-13, 1997. 7- Rashid Ahmad, Fihrist Mukhtutat Maulana Muhammad hussain Azad. (Not printed, and preserved in Punjab university library)
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8- Manzurul Haq Siddiqui, Pirzada Muhammad Hussain Arif, Oriental College Magazine, Lahore: university of the Punjab, (Vol.40, P.16-17), 1963. 9- Hand Book of Punjab University Library, Lahore: university of the Punjab 2006.p.21 10- Labhu Ram, Catalogue of Sanskrit Manuscripts in the Punjab University Library, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1932, p. iii (Preface to Vol.1) 11- Labhu Ram, Ibid, p. v- viii 12- Muhammad Bashir Hussain, Mukhtutati shairani ka ajmali jaizah Oriental College Magazine, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1956, p.113 13-- Hand Book of Punjab University Library, Lahore: university of the Punjab 2006.p.23 14-File of Azar Collection, p10 (a unpublished file preserved in the Punjab University Library) 15-Fihrist zakhira kutub Asghar Ali Ruhi (not classified) 16- Jamil Ahmad Rizvi, Fihrist zakhirae kutub Sahibzada mian Jamil Ahmad Sharkpuri, Lahore: university of the Punjab, 2002. 17- Punjab University Library Budget, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 2006-07 18-file of important Persian manuscripts, preserved in Punjab university library 19- Muhammad Bashir Hussain, Fihrist Mukhtutat Shairani, Lahore, Punjab University, 1969. (3 vol.)
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20- Khizar Abbas Nawshahi, Fihrist nuskha hay Khutti Farsi kitab khana e danishgah Punjab, Lahore: Markaz e tehqiqat Farsi Iran wa Pakistan, 1986 21-Abdul Nabi Kaukab 22- Jamil Ahmad Rizvi, Zakhira Sherani mien Urdu mukhtutat. Islamabad: Muqtadra Qawmi zuban, 1986.
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Book Review
_____Alia Arshad
Impact of Web 2.0 Technologies on US Academic Libraries: A Study of ARL Libraries / Dr.Khalid Mahmood. Saarbrcken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing, 2011. 92 p. 49.00. ISBN: 978-3-8465-0402-4
Dr Khalid Mahmood is an eminent teacher in the field of library and information science and currently serving as a Professor at the Department of Library and Information Science of the University of the Punjab. He completed his post doctorate in 2011 from the University of California, USA. He is an author of six books and more than 100 articles. His areas of special interests are ICTs in libraries, LIS education and research, bibliometrics and information needs seeking the behavior. The use of World Wide Web (www) is increasing and gaining importance tremendously since its inception in 1990s. There has been continuous technological innovation of www content to meet users ever increasing expectations. The second generation of www which is also known as Web 2.0 applications allows users to collaborate in a social media as creators of user generated content in virtual community. Web 2.0 is different from other www sites in a way that users are passive viewers of content as they cannot share and interact with each other. Examples of web 2.0 include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, mashups and folksonomies. Web 2.0 applications are becoming popular and its significance in all walks of life especially in libraries cannot be underestimated. Lot of research work has been done on Web 2.0 applications in libraries. This book particularly focuses on adoption of Web 2.0 applications in academic libraries especially in the United States. This book is an outcome of post doctorate research of the author. The study was conducted in three parts; part 1:
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an analytical review of the literature on the topic, part 2: an analysis of websites of US academic libraries which were members of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and part 3: a questionnaire survey of ARL academic libraries. This book is particularly useful for library managers, students and policy makers of the field of library and information science. The first part of the book deals with analytical review of literature on the impact of Web 2.0 technologies in US academic libraries and for this purpose three LIS databases were searched for relevant literature. The author described that terms Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Academic Library 2.0 had been used and no single agreed upon definition of Web 2.0 was found. Application of Web 2.0 tools in library and information science gave birth to a number of new terms. Analytical review of literature depicted the fact that most of the papers and books on Web 2.0 technologies found in the LIS world were of introductory nature. The author also specified that like definitions there was also confusion about what was included in Web 2.0. Tools included are Blogs, Microblogs, RSS, Wikis, Podcasts /Audiosharing, Vodcasts / Video Sharing, Instant Messaging, Social Networking sites, Social bookmaking/Tagging/ Folksonomies, Social Cataloguing. The author clearly presented brief view of these tools, their introduction and application in the context of libraries. The literature review showed the presence of surveys conducted on the use of these technologies in libraries and attitudes of librarians towards them. The findings of surveys showed that US ARL libraries were using Web 2.0 technologies tovarying degrees. The literature confirmed that US academic libraries were using Web 2.0 technologies, but no specific study was conducted on the impact of these technologies in libraries. Advantages and disadvantages of Web 2.0 technologies were also mentioned and the researcher also highlighted the threats that hinder the effective implementation of these tools.
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The second part of the study was conducted to find out the type of Web 2.0 technologies adopted by academic libraries on their websites and the uses of these technologies. Graphical presentation of Web 2.0 tools and their uses were given along with the brief understanding of these concepts. The researcher also suggested areas of further study regarding impact of web 2.0 technologies in libraries. The third part of the study was conducted to accomplish the objectives; to identify the adoption of various Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries and to articulate the perceptions of academic librarians about advantages and disadvantages of these technologies for libraries. Survey monkey, a Web based tool, was used to seek participants perceptions and it was interesting to note that each library was using some form of Web 2.0 technologies. Most used and least used technologies were identified in the findings. It was interesting to know that the librarians have stronger favor of advantages of Web 2.0 than disadvantages. But the difficulties faced need to be addressed for effective services. This study was limited to US ARL libraries only; therefore results could not be generalized. However, it is a very useful study to understand the terminology, librarians perceptions of advantages, disadvantages as well as adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries. The problems and difficulties were also mentioned in the implementation of social media in libraries. Several measures were also suggested to get the maximum benefits of these technologies in academic libraries. This book could be more useful if it has had an index for quick access to terminology.

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A Chronology of Events arranged by PLWO

Muhammad Asif Munir
General Secretary, PLWO
Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) is registered body working for the development of library & information science profession and its professionals. The organization has adopted multifaceted approach to achieve this objective. An important contributing factor for the development of professionals is provision of continuing education opportunities for them in order to transform them from manpower to human resources. PLWO has felt this responsibility to play its role in this very crucial element needed for success. Although PLWO is a quite younger organization but the role it has performed in competitive and commendable. PLWO was established by young library & information science graduates on September 29, 2005. The objective was to help and prepare newly graduates in accordance with the requirements of competitive job market. Since its inception in the last quarter of 2005, PLWO has conducted various training events and these programs have helped the organization in earning good repute and making it a famous and successful organization. Feedback of the participants of these training events is very encouraging. They have emphasized on arranging more programs of similar nature. This has also prompted a very healthy competition among peers and stakeholders. This has instigated other competitor organizations to offer training opportunities for new graduates, managers and executives in the industry. Resultantly, more and more trainings are being offered by competitors and similar organization in comparison with the previous years. Apart from training programs, PLWO has also arranged many get together events since we believe that get together is a very good source of learning from peers. PLWO has set
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a new tradition of collaborations and partnerships. The organization has made partners and brought other similar organizations on board to arrange several professional development programs. These partnerships have distributed the burden which could otherwise have borne by a single organization. This shows that PLWO leadership believes in collective efforts. PLWO has also faced criticism because of this approach but we would not consider it at all and will continue working in our style by creating more and more partnerships. So we will remain engaged in future to uplift our profession and professionals collectively. A chronology of events conducted by PLWO is given as under:1. Workshop on Developing a Research Proposal A workshop on Developing a Research Proposal was jointly organized by PLWO and Library Information & Management Academy (LIMA) under the auspices of the Centre for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore on 30 October 2006 from 1:30 to 4:30pm. Prof. Mumtaz A. Anwar, Kuwait University, conducted the workshop. It was presided over by Prof. Sadiq Ali Gill, Director of the Centre. The event report can also be found at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/1636
2. Web Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citations Management by Using EndNote Pakistan Librarian Welfare Organization (PLWO) and Library Superior Group of Colleges, Raiwind Road, Lahore jointly organized a one day workshop on Web Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citations Management by Using EndNote on 29th January 2011 at Superior Group of Colleges, Raiwind Road Lahore. The Workshop was inaugurated by Sulman Masood Shaikh, Director Quality Assurance Superior Group of Colleges. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library, Mr. Muhmmad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library, and Mr. Muhmmad Asif Ch. Assistant Manager were the resources persons for this training. The photographs of the workshop have been
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shared at librarianwelfare@yahoogroups.com and facebook page of the organization. Further details of the report can be seen at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/8235
3. Workshop on Online Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Open Source Software Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), Punjab University Library & Information Science Alumni Association (PULISAA), and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center (SKMCH&RC) jointly organized one day workshop on "Online Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Open Source Software". The workshop held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Johar Town, Lahore. Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir represented Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) and assumed the responsibility of workshop's secretary. Dr. Ahsan Azhar delivered welcome address. Mr. Ata ur Rehman from LISolutions and Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, a renowned researcher and scholar, were trainers during the workshop. Presidents PULISAA, Mr. Muhammad Shafiq and PLWO, Mr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya also spoke in the concluding ceremony. The pictures of the event are available at PLWO website (www.plworg.com) and the organizations social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube. Detailed report cab be seen at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/8330
4. Workshop on Advance Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Endnote Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), Punjab University Library & Information Science Alumni Association (PULISAA), and National Textile University (NTU), Faisalabad jointly organized one day workshop on "Advance Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Endnote". The workshop held at
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National Textile University (NTU), Faisalabad on February 23, 2011. Dr. Mumtaz Hassan Malik, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, NTU delivered welcome address. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library, conducted the first session of the workshop while Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library and General Secretary, PLWO and Mr. Nadeem Sohail conducted second and third sessions respectively. In the end, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan conducted last session on Plagiarism and Research Ethics. President PLWO, Mr. Shahid Soroya spoke in the concluding ceremony. The workshop attracted more than 75 participants. People from various universities of Faisalabad, Lahore and Islamabad attended the workshop. Departmental heads/Chairmen/Chairpersons of different departments of NTU were present at the occasion. I take this privilege to share some of the names with you. These were Prof. Javed Iqbal, Registrar, Mr. Zafar Javed, Chairman, Garments Department, Mr. Zabih Ullah, Director, Student Affairs and Mr. Liaqat Hussain, Chairman, Department of Management Sciences. Some of the picture of the event can be seen at
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=o.183533974990158
Report of the event can also be seen at

5. Workshop on Citation Management by Using Bibliographical Software EndNote Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) in collaboration with Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan organized one day practical training workshop on Citation Management by Using Bibliographical Software EndNote at Computer Science Department of the university on March 21, 2011. Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library and General Secretary PLWO was a lead trainer. Mr. Muhammad Asif, Assistant Manager, LUMS Library and Mr. Nadeem Sohail, Librarian University of Engineering & Technology, Gujranwala Campus were among the other resource persons. Chief Guest of the
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occasion stated that he was really impressed to see the dedication, commitment and hard working of BZU Librarians team and it was really encouraging to see the overwhelming response of BZU people. PLWO congratulate librarians of BZU on organizing successful event and thankful for the wonderful hospitality of Chairman Library Committee, Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, Mr. Muhammad Naushad Gazanfar, Mr. Muhammad Ayub, Mr. Sajjad and all other fellow librarians. Photographs of the event can be seen at PLWO website along with organizations social networking sites. The report can also be read at:
6. Two workshops on Mastering Web Searching Skills on June 4, 2011 & June 11, 2011 at Hailey College of Commerce Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) in collaboration with Hailey college of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore organized two hands-on training sessions on Master Web Searching Skills at Computer Lab of the College on June 4, 2011 and on June 11, 2011. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director Library, LUMS and Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library were the resource persons. Students and faculty of Hailey college of Commerce were amongst the participants of the training sessions along with librarians from various institutions from within and outside the city. The first event enjoyed an overwhelming popularity and all the interested attendees could not get place in the training session. So PLWO decided to replicate the same training on June 11, 2011. Dr. Liaqat Ali, Principal, Hailey College of Commerce was the chief guest of the occasions. He praised PLWO team and resource persons to spare their time for conducting these valuable sessions. He also commended the efforts made by Mr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya, President PLWO and Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, General Secretary PLWO for contributing for betterment of library profession in Pakistan.
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Some visuals can be seen at www.plworg.com and facebook page of the organization. The message of president PLWO can also been seen at below link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/8961
7. Workshop on Total Library Solutions on July 9-10, 2011 Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), LISolutions and Hailey College of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore jointly organized a two day training workshop on Total Library Solutions. The workshop held at Hailey College of Commerce. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library and Mr. Ata Ur Rehman, Mr. Shafiq Shahid and Mr. Arslan Farooq from LISolutions were the trainers in workshop. It was a very successful event. Librarians from all across Pakistan participated in the training workshop. Further details can be seen at following link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/9013
8. Training Workshop on Synthesizing Library Systems with Operations Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), Pakistan Library Club (PLC), & Department of Library and Information Science, University of Karachi Jointly Organized a two day training workshop at DLIS, University of Karachi on 25-26 July, 2011. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library, Mr. Nadeem Siddique, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library and Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library were resource persons during the workshop. Detailed report can be found at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/9213
9. School Librarians Training Two days practical training workshop was held in Department of Economics, University of the Punjab, Lahore on 07-08 October, 2011 by Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization. Librarians from different educational institutions attended the workshop from all over Pakistan
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including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Bahawalpur and Sargodha. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS, Mr. Usman from Beaconhouse and Mr. Asif Munir from LUMS contributed as Resource Persons. President Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization Mr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya addressed the participants in certificate distribution ceremony. Chiarman Department of Economics, University of the Punjab extended his support to PLWO and congratulated the team of PLWO for successful organization of workshop. Detailed report can be viewed at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/9557
10. Training Workshop for College Librarians Punjab Library Foundation organized a Two Day Workshop on Capacity Building of College Librarians in collaboration with Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization on 17-18 November, 2011 at Children Library Complex. There was no registration fee for the College Librarians working under the Government of the Punjab. Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Mr. Nadeem Siddique, Mr. Nadeem Sohail and Mr. Muhammad Asif Ch contributed as resource persons. Further details of the workshop can be seen at
11. World Book Days Seminars and TV Talk Shows Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) celebrates World Book Day every year on April 23. PLWO revived the tradition and celebrated world book day in 2011 by holding a seminar. The program held at Allama Iqbal Open University, Regional Campus, Lahore. Famous columnist Munno Bhai and other renowned scholars threw light on importance of books and libraries. In line with its mission of promoting reading culture, PLWO has also made arrangements to organiz TV programs/ talk shows to highlight the importance of books and libraries. These were telecasted by Pakistan Television, Lahore Station. The first program of the series was telecasted on April 4, 2010. Mr.
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iftikhar Arif was a guest in the talk show. Second Special Current Affairs program was telecasted by PTV News on April 23, 2010. Dr. Mumtaz A Anwar, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan and DEO Education department were the participants in the talk show. Third talks show was brought on air by PTV Home on April 24, 2010. Another talk show of the similar nature was telecasted by PTV with the title Sooch Wichaar. Dr. Naveed Shahzad, Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Muhammad Iqbal Cheema shared their thoughts to promote reading habits in our society. Another program with same title was telecasted at PTV wherein Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Mrs. Qaiser Sultana, and Mr. Shahid Soroya discussed issue impeding reading culture in Pakistani society. 12. Seminar Grab your first job Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University, Regional Campus, Lahore organized Seminar on ' Grab Your First Job' on 17.09.2011 for the MLIS students of AIOU and University of the Punjab, Lahore. The resource persons were from relevant fields and specialized in their areas. The keynote speaker was Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library and contents of the seminar were 1) Resume Writing, 2) Interview Techniques, 3) Job Searching Skills, 4) Take a good start at your first job, Following Resource Persons discussed the above areas: Muhammad Haroon Usmani, Deputy Chief Librarian, Punjab University, Ms. Sana Alam, AM (HR), Naseeb Network (Rozee.Pk) Ms. Sahar Pervez, HR Officer, International Turnkey Solution, Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Regional Librarian, AIOU, Lahore. Mr. Zaheer Ahmad assumed the responsibility of Stage Secretary. A large number of students, librarians and professionals participated.
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Please follow the link for photographs of the event.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.288993137782742.97 206.100000161744444&type=1&notif_t=like
13. PLWO Annual Dinner & Mahfal-e-Mushaira 2011 PLWO in collaborations with PLA (Punjab) took another initiative by holding first Annual Dinner and Mushaira 2011 on November 18, 2011 at Executive Club, University of the Punjab, Lahore. With the presence of DG Public Libraries, Capt Saeed Ahmad Nawaz, DG Mines, MS. Punjab Institute of Cordiology,Lahore, Regioanal Director Lahore, Mian Aslam, US Consulate Information Officer, Leslie Goodman, Imperial College, Associate Dean, Dr. Shahid A. Zia, Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Ms. Shama Zia, EDO, Malik Ehsan, Zulfiqar Rana, Principal, Govt. College, Gulberg, Dr. Tahira Sikandar, Principal, Jinnah Degree College, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Ch. Muhammad Hanif, Haroon Usmani,Shahid Bhutta, Abid Ali Gill, Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen, eminent scholars, poets, like Khurshid Rizvi, Dr. Ishfaq Virk, Khalid Sharif, Dr. kamran, Dr. Zia etc. made it really memorable day. It is important t mention here that Librarians from all over Punjab including Lahore, Bahawalpur, Multan, Faisalabad and Sahiwal participated in this social gathering. We also tried to have mix gathering by inviting educationists, administrators and scholars in this beautiful evening. The function was ended at 11.00pm. You can follow the link for beautiful pictures of the event.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.32303 1367712252.106013.100000161744444&type=1
Zero-penny Expenditure Model for Library Automation in Pakistan

A case study of implementing ICT-Packages at Bahria University Library Islamabad
_____Farasat Shafi ullah
Librarian SCME-NUST http://scme.nust.edu.pk/lib officer@scme.nust.edu.pk
Abstract:
This paper reflects on professional experience of author during the library automation at Bahria University Islamabad. This study will elaborate various aspects of library automation such as project planning, feasibility studies encompassing assessment of information technology infrastructure, in-house activities, requirements of information services, evaluation of objectives, and manpower development. Author was able to share catalogued-data in standardized format at LOC z39.50 gateway without spending any extra penny on outsourcing technical solutions and its training. The paper will reflect the contributions of PakLAG (Pakistan Library Automation Group- A volunteer group) as an accelerating force for the automation activities of university libraries, especially in the context of the recently introduced MARC21 trainings, KOHA and their free MS-Access based library automation application called LIMS. Bahria University came into existence through presidential order in December 2000. Islamabad campus library renamed as central library in the same year. A couple of efforts were made to automate its library but these ended in complete failures. Revamping of University Grants Commission as Higher Education Commission in 2000 and with the introduction of HEC digital library for the public sector universities dramatically changed the scenario for
libraries within their services resulting in enhancing user expectations. The only pertinent aspect during the launch of HEC digital library was the lack of consultations with librarians. Bahria University being Public University always remains keen in adapting modern ICT for library automation. At that time, main factors under consideration with University administration were included need analysis, selection of appropriate software, retrospective data conversion and training of staff. After taking up this demanding task, author has briefly described the problems encountered during this process and has also suggested some recommendation in certain scenarios. Finally PakLAG LIMS was selected due to its user friendly menus, Free, windows based, its free training and support by library professionals Professional support & advice has been sought during following tasks; for cataloging library records, automated circulation in LIMS , for Theses depository online using WinISIS and to put data in MARC21 format at Library of Congress gateway. All the modernization of library processes was implemented with zero expenditure. Also Bahria University library Islamabad became the first automated library of the capital with all possible used technology including EM tag and CCTV security system, MARC21 based cataloged and OPAC. During all this it has been revealed that initiative, teamwork, and influencing leadership made all these tasks accomplished. Now with availability of internet and presence of discussion lists like PakLAGs plagpk, librarianwelfare, libcoop; it is far easier to share professional experiences. If Pakistani librarianship wants to adopt updated technologies for modernized library services then it is imperative to use volunteer efforts and communication among Government, Pakistan Library Association and stakeholders. Design/ methodology/approach: This paper is a report of library automation at Bahria university libraries and internal documentation. Findings: Bahria University libraries are automated on locally developed automation software packages which are not based on library standards MARC21or Dublin Core etc,
however Bahria University still needs an integrated library management system (LMS). Library data is not based on library metadata standards however can be converted to MARC 21 for sharing, at LOC Z3950 gateway with lengthy process and fear of some data losses. Research Limitation: Library automation at Bahria university libraries is still in early stages towards opting for a standardized LMS. Implementation of locally developed LIMS (MS-Access) application has met the user needs and expectation is still a question mark in the absence of user survey about library services automation. Practical implications: the conclusion drawn from this firsthand experience related to the conception, initiatives, opportunities and adaptability of change due to automation in libraries. Also highlights the practical nature of problems prevails due to colonial bureaucracy system in Pakistan and forced change due to email discussion groups of LIS. Originality/value: This is first public university library automation story in Islamabad (capital of Pakistan). Conclusion and experience sharing of this paper might influence other professional and decision makers to be adaptive for change in their libraries. Keywords: Library Automation, University Libraries, Libraries, Library Automation in Pakistan Paper type: Case study
1.1Background
Change and adaptability of change is always very slow however realizing its impact and proving yourself to be the first to get the technology takes nations far ahead of those who remain still in decision making. The developing world always looks up to the developed world for modern technology. Economies also play a vital role in technology adaptability in any part of the world especially in the developing world. Historically and practically Library automation is linked with development and implementation of computer and its allied softwares in the routine life of work. Each library by its type (i.e Public, Academic, Special) has its own specific user and specific fields of interest. Definitely research carried out
in these libraries varies. The concept of university libraries automation is prescribed Library automation over all depicts a great revolutionary change in form of collection management and service of the libraries to their users. Today with fast accessibility to new hardware and great internet speed in developing world brought tremendous change in services of libraries and adaptation of Information and communication Technologies (ICT) specially universities are more interested in off campus library service with standardized Library Management System (LMS) having facility of web2.0/3.0 applications. The recent credit crunch resulted in mergers of some major vendors (e.g. Sirsi and Dynix; Ex libris and Endeavor Information systems). These realities compel system librarians to think about free or open source software for libraries to cut their cost and to avoid its inherent update and service charges. This change also affect developing countries libraries however lack of professional coordination resulted in slow adaptability of free software application like WINSIS, LIMS in Pakistan which plays a vital role in adapting ICT for libraries. Volunteer groups and their emailing list made this change popular in the country. A continuous updating and adaption of the emerging trends in the libraries made this concept more practical and useful. 1.2 History of Pakistan and Libraries: Pakistan came in existence 63 years ago on the world map on 14 August 1947. The country emerged in the name of Islam from British Empire, as a country for Muslims. Almost 95% of people in Pakistan are Muslims. Geographically Pakistan is located in southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north (CIA, 2010) . Islam is prominent religion in Pakistan. Though Pakistan has a short history but LIS education in this part of the world is not new. At the time of independence, there was only one university in Pakistan named as University of Punjab in Lahore established in 1882
(Sedgwick, January/February 2005 ), and Punjab University central library was established in the same year. Modern library services began in 1915 with the arrival of Asa Don Dickinson at the University of Punjab to organize the University library and to teach modern library methods to the librarians of Punjab University. Comparatively management of archives, libraries and historical place was not a priority at that time. Government of Pakistan started work on development of libraries in the late fifties. Directorate of Archives and Libraries within the Ministry of Education was established in 1949 (Haider, 2004). Professional initiatives and collaboration also began at that time. Another key initiatives at that time was taken by the Professional librarians by establishment of Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group in 1950 (Samdani & Mahmood). Still there was a dire need of proper and permanent solution to all problems was not in existence till late 50s. Once again professionals felt that this hybrid, vibrant and emerging concept of libraries, information and archive management within traditional library environment, is their professional duty. Senior library professionals conceive the idea of future libraries by coming up together on one professional platform, to steer the libraries development initiatives, to face emerging trends, in result of their collective efforts Pakistan Library Association (PLA) was established in March 1957 (Pakistan.Library.Association, 2008) to cater for all the professionals, and problems of Pakistani librarianship and professionals. 2.0 Literature Review Concept of library automation in this part the world is much newer. Libraries and technology have a deep link since the invention of printing. Two major leaps of man were the invention of printing by Gutenberg in the fifteenth century, and the introduction of computer Technology has advanced quickly since the Second World War. The two main ingredients of technology are computers and communication (Vyas, 1997). Developed world started library automation in 1960s, according to (Roberts, 2008/2009) from the 1920s to the dawn of the age of
automation and computer based retrieval in the 1960s, there was a gradual development of information retrieval theory and experiment. In 1948 S.C Bradford published his theoretical work documentation, laying foundations for statistical study of the literature and later for bibliometrics. United Kingdom being most powerful country of the 19th century left a deep imprint of their colonial system in developing part of world or where they ruled including their inventions of that time. Library system specially the public library system of UK has a deep impact on information access in their society. In 1960s the Canfield experiments in bibliographic retrieval marked a culmination of information retrieval research experiments in a classic scientific mode in pre-computer age became the starting point of library automation in UK. According to (McCallum, 1963) report for IFLA shows that the concept of computer in library related to IBM introduction of the 360 series in 1964, the first family of computers to be released and the robust machine that propelled computing out of the universities and into the mainstream. Another significant development in the UK was the group work, Birmingham Libraries Cooperation Mechanization Project (BLCMP) is an example of this initiative (Plaister, 1975). This group was started in 1969 and launched first Web OPAC in UK in 1995. The other part of developing world was far behind in development of online systems. Pakistan and India as colonies of British Empire have same condition with reference to technology and infrastructure. In India scientific organizations are the first to use computers for processing information which later was passed on to the other libraries. (Dasgupta, unpublished) The use of computers started in India with the establishment of computer centers at the Indian Institute of Technology and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research during 1963-64. According to (Suku & Pillai, 2005) Automation activities commenced in India only during the 1980s. The first players in this sector were special libraries. University libraries joined the fray only during the 1990s, when the University Grants Commission established Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) as
the national agency for coordinating the library automation activities of universities. On the contrary Pakistani Professionals are still trying to get around at a collaborative professional platform like PLA. Issues like CPE, CPD, Professional status and expertise in the field of Library and Information Science was a big challenge for neonate PLA. Many proposals were discussed on this forum and presented to the Government. and it was due to these efforts that Colombo plan was initiated by the government of Pakistan. Government of Pakistan took keen interest in library development and agreed on invitation of foreign library expert. Mr. L.C. Key, an Australian library expert was invited to Pakistan. According to (Mushahid-Hussain, 1994) Mr. L.C.Keys assignment was to develop a plan for Liaquat Memorial Library at Karachi (Called as National Library of Pakistan at that time) and also to draw a scheme of Library Development for the country. The concept of foreign expertise transformation to developing countries was not common in the past; though todays technology made it easy and possible. (Mahmood, 1996) states that Mr. L.C.Key, came to Pakistan in 1955-56 as Library Expert. Under this govt. project some selected professional were sent abroad for higher education in the field of Library Science. In beginning the concept of automation was mainly focused on computerized catalogue and resource sharing. According to (Mahmood, 1999) Four reasons for library automation: (1) The flood of information; (2) Services to readers; (3) Efficiency and accuracy (4) Resource sharing To stimulate the Pakistani professionals, equip themselves with this emerging technology and tools. The HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, was perhaps the first such institution to establish this link, where in they were able to send and receive e-mail from all over the world. The first library in Pakistan to make use of modern technology is believed to be the Central Library of Sindh
Agriculture University, Tandojam, where a system was installed sometime in the mid-1980s. By early 1986, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) was in the process of being computerized. It was also during this period that computerization of North-Western Frontier Province (NWFP) Agricultural University was being actively considered(Haider, 1998). Three major library automation projects were launched in Pakistan time to time e.g. NLDP (Netherland Library Development Project), Asia Foundation and USAID collaboration with PASTIC (Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre) and UNESCO CDS/ISIS. All these efforts ended with the end of foreign funding. Looking on the products and result of NLDP project in form of LAMP (Library Automation Management Program) was quite successful till early 1990s but there is no development in late 1990s specially there was a significant change come in publishing, online resources and computer technology i.e. new windows, fast processor. After some personal, individual and volunteer efforts give a impressive change in library automation and its services especially in major cities e.g. Islamabad (Capital), Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. HEC-Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (formally University Grant Commission) also launches National Digital Library Program by adapting INASP and PERI. According to HEC, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (formally University Grants Commission) out of total of 133 universities, 73 are public and 60 are private universities in Pakistan. Out of 73, universities in Islamabad (Capital of Pakistan), 13 are public and Three are private universities (Pakistan, 2008).
3.0
The University and library
Bahria University is federally chartered public sector university established by Presidential Ordinance No. V of 2000 on 7 Feb 2000. Bahria Institute at Islamabad and Karachi in the late eighties by Pakistan Navy. These Institutes were aimed at providing quality and uninterrupted
education up to Intermediate level, to the children of naval personnel on their transfer from one station to another and in turn to contribute to the cause of promotion of education at the national level. Over the years these Institutes grew in size and facilities, leading to the starting of BBA and B.Sc(CS) classes in 1995.These programs have since been upgraded to BBA (Hons), BCS (Hons) and MBA, MCS Programs which were introduced in Fall 1997 as 'evening programs' run under the management of two independent 'Institutes' one each at Karachi and Islamabad respectively. The institutes are known as "Bahria Institute of Management and Computer Science" short title "BIM&CS" suffixed with the location i.e. Karachi or Islamabad. Now grew up to Two campuses and three institute i.e. Institute of professional psychology (IPP), Bahria University Medical and Dental College (BUM&DC) and National Centre for Maritime Policy and Research (NCMPR) www.bahria.edu.pk (Bahria, 2010). Islamabad campus Library was established under the name BIM&CS Library in 1995 and renamed as Bahria University Library on 7th Feb 2000 after the establishment of Bahria University. On 14th July 2005 library was shifted to new building and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz (Bahria, 2010). Now Library has grown up to 22000 volumes, more than 2000 books on CDs, and more than 2000 theses. Islamabad Campus has more than 4500 students including undergraduate and post graduate students. Library services are provided to 4500 students, more than 250 teaching staff and 150 non-teaching staff. 3.1 Automation of Library Bahria University from the day first was trying to automate the library, for this some indigenous efforts were made. Being institute imparting IT education, a software house was established within university and library project was assigned to this in 2001. The team developed software on Oracle which was not based on any library standard. Only library catalogue was searchable through intranet and internet. All the other library modules were on manual system even
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circulation. It was decided that in Feb 2005, to shift the library and its automation to a new building. The major issue was not only OPAC but a live OPAC with library collection, automation of circulation and building of theses depository. At that time library had two P-IV computers for library staff use and 10 PCs for internet use. To meet this tremendous challenge of library automation not only hardware and software were needed but also technical and professional human resource. After doing information audit, user needs survey, current human resource and ICT resources the following challenges were found. 3.1.1 Selection of automation applications: a managerial challenge Managing a library automation project in university was not an easy deal for the team where we have only two professionals and three Para professionals. The bigger challenge was replicating this model to other libraries. Market was surveyed and only one university LUMS (Lahore University of Management Science) was using standardized LMS Virtua till 2005, all other degree awarding universities were using either free application e.g. WinISIS, LIMS or locally developed application. Most of the universities did not have OPAC even in Islamabad. Considering the price of VTLS (Virtua) which was very high for a public university it was decided that we will look for free application having facility of OPAC and automated circulation. After careful consideration Pakistan Library Automation Group PakLAG (a volunteer group), library automation application based on Microsoft Access was selected to start with. The whole team was divided in to two teams one for ICT application and other for traditional work. ICT team converted retrospective data from oracle to LIMS and generated barcode for all library materials. The second team started work on preparing library material for automated circulation e.g. pasting of barcode on books and other material and physical verification of stock. The Entire 8000 collection was ready for automated circulation in three months because more than 90 % library materials data were converted to LIMS and the rest were entered manually. This application enables users
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to check library material status and their account information with addition to barcode enabled circulation. The very next challenge was how to start and where to start this depository. Every student who graduated from university has to submit three copies of their research work. After consultation with the staff with respect to the space, rule for submission of three theses copies for revision. After completion of library automation students will submit softcopy of their work also so that its abstract can be made accessible to students. For this purpose Green stone, Dspace and WinISIS was considered. Considering the available expertise and user friendly environment, WinISIS was selected. Another reason was its indexing and search speed and a proper body is regulating this software which is UNESCO. To cater ebooks on CDs a lot of other applications were explored however PakLAG Digital Library application was selected which is now accessible only on LAN. More than 10, 000 books were uploaded on this application. During this managerial and decision making process it was revealed that understanding and interest in ICT made it easy for a manager to carry out this project with less skilled staff. 3.1.2 Training and professional development of staff Adapting change is necessary to implement automation project and it is challenging. Staff training and motivation was handled by participating shoulder to shoulder technique. In first phase only the circulation manager was trained for use of barcode enabled circulation and barcode generation. A special training was arranged at university to get hands on experience of PakLAG tools for library automation. In result of that all non-standardized data was converted to MARC21 and uploaded to Library of Congress Z3950 gateway. To keep staff motivated for future automation plan, a special annual incentive was also awarded. Putting the
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new library automation in new block, inauguration ceremony which was done by Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr.Shaukat Aziz gave boost to their moral when their work was appreciated. During this entire work it was also learned that motivation, remuneration and proper appreciation of work made the staff self-motivate for adapting any change. User friendly menus of software application, opportunity of training for new programs are also factors which affect the work. 3.1.3 Demotivation and loss of job fear Another challenge was to talk to staff especially clerical and para-professional staff with less ICT skill how this change will affect their job. The staff was sent to other libraries who were in planning stage of automation and they were also welcomed to participate in discussion over ICT usage and saving of time for their traditional work. Some other professionals were invited to share their experiences about automated or computerized library services. Feedback from library users regarding computerized library service were also shared with staff so that they become self motivated that their services are recognized. All staff professional and Para-professional are encouraged for further study and ICT courses. These all step made them more adaptive and motivated for new style of services. 4.0 Technical challenges In addition to all these managerial challenges faced by a professional and project manager the biggest challenge was retrospective data conversion, and selection of appropriate hardware. For data conversion PakLAG provided application support. For hardware university provided generous support by providing a separate server, and one new computer, a scanner and a barcode reader as well. New site preparation according to a new hardware including cabling and provision of equipment in existing circulation desk were mainly decided after consulting the
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library handbooks and library furniture catalogue e.g. Gresswell and Gaylord. All these support a vital role not only in implementation of this project but also motivation of the staff. 5.0 Conclusion & Recommendations Managing an automation project in library is not only a challenging task but also requires a lot of support from staff and contribution from other professionals. During this project which made Bahria University the first automated university of Capital in the developing world Country as the following challenges were observed: Selecting ICT packages for automation Staff training and moral in preparation of new system Funds and available resources Supporting staff to adapt and sustain the change Successful completion of project Marketing and further sharing of successful projects i.e. propagating the success stories Acknowledge the professionals who guided and involved in any part of project Better understanding of ICT, its application specially emerging trends and style of services i.e. Web 2.0/3
Bahria University Islamabad campus automation was just start to adapt ICT in library now all libraries has replicated the same experience however still Bahria University needs a standardized LMS to cater their all campuses libraries patrons and federated search facility including other off campuses services. This project is the best example of Pakistani volunteer groups efforts for library automation. Even though it is not based on any library standard however it is providing some kind of service which is better than not having the service at all. All the application used in this project is free of cost and can be shared. On the this basis further work is recommended for Pakistani librarianship
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Inclusion of more e ICT in LIS S school syllabus Patron nizing the volunteer efforts e. .g. PakLAG G, LibCoop, Libraria an Welfare e by joint tr rainings wi ith existin ng professio onal libraria ans. To ste eer library automatio on in the c country PL LA should d nominate a person iin each pro ovincial offic ce as Lib brary Autom mation Adv visor who should hav ve hands s on experie ence of libra ary automa ation and ca an guide other profe essionals fo or this What tever its ad daptability, change, p professionalism, Darw win Theory of evolution Change is the o only permanent thing in the world w SAB BAAT EK TAGIUR K KO HAI E ES ZAMAN NE MAIN N. The peop ple who ar re not adap ptable they y are like st till water r which resu ult nothing.
Refer rences: Bahria, U. (2010 0, 2007). Ab bout bahria Retrieved d 24 ember, 2010 0, from http p://bci.edu.p pk/vision.as spx septe CIA. (2010, ( Apr 16, 2009 02:27 0 PM). C CIA fact bo ook: Pakista an Retrie eved 25 Se eptember, 2010, 2 from https: ://www.cia.g gov/library/ /publication ns/the-world dfactbo ook/geos/pk.html
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Dasgupta, K. (unpublished). Problems of library automation in India. Status: published or submitted for publication. Haider, S. J. (1998). Library Automation in Pakistan. International Information and Library Review, 30(1), 51-69. Haider, S. J. (2004). Archives in Pakistan. Journal of Archival Organization, 2, 4. Mahmood, K. (1996). Promoting Information Technology in Pakistan: the Netherlands Library Development Project. Information Development, 12(2), 96. Mahmood, K. (1999). The development of computerised library services in Pakistan. Asian Libraries, 8(9), 307-328. Malik, K. M. (1996). The status of library automation in Pakistan. Library Review, 45(6), 36-42. McCallum, S. (1963). 40 Years of Technology in Libraries: A Brief History of the IFLA Section on Information Technology, 1963/64-2003. Information Technology, 64, 2003. Mushahid-Hussain. (1994). Effectiveness of NLDP's activities towards the development of library profession in Pakistan. Master, University of Balochistan, Quetta-Pakistan. Pakistan, H. E. C. o. (2008, 06 November 2008). Our Institutes Retrieved 19-11-2008, 2008, from http://dev.hec.gov.pk/UniversityFinal2/RegionUniversity.aspx Pakistan.Library.Association. (2008, 2007). Pakistan Library Association: a brief history Retrieved 29 October, 2008, from http://www.pla.org.pk/History.aspx Plaister, J. M. (1975). Cooperation in England. Library Trends, 24(2), 417-423. Roberts, D. S. (2008/2009). Research Method in Information Management: Source book. source book. Thames Valley University. London.
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Samdani, R. A., & Mahmood, K. Periodical literature in library and information science: an index of 50 years' work in Pakistan (1947-1997): Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group. Sedgwick, R. (January/February 2005 2008). Private Universities in Pakistan Volume 18, Issue 1. Retrieved 28/10/2008, 2008, from http://www.wes.org/eWENR/PF/05jan/pffeature.htm Suku, J., & Pillai, M. (2005). Automation of University Libraries in Kerala Status, Problems and Prospects. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(2), 151-159. Vyas, S. (1997). Library Automation and Networking in India: Problems and Prospects. World Libraries, 8(1), 27-35.
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Perception towards information gathering attitudes of agricultural scientists at a research institute in Faisalabad
_____Muhammad Asif
Senior Librarian Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) P.O. Box No.128, Jhang Road, Faisalabad Corresponding author: masifbkp@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT A survey was conducted to evaluate the information gathering attitudes of scientists of Nuclear Institutes for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) at Faisalabad. Thirty questionnaires were delivered to randomly selected scientists, Ph. D scholars, Master of Philosophy students and others and their responses were analyzed. Out of thirty 66.67% were scientists, 13.33% Ph. D scholars, 10% M. Phil and 10% others. In the current study, 30% respondents visited library daily followed by 36.67% weekly, 23.33% monthly, 6.67% seldom and 3.33% never. With existing library materials 50% were adequately satisfied with technical reports, 66.67% were to some extent with abstract/indexes and 93.33% inadequately satisfied with other available library resources. Among the respondents maximum 83.33% got information from attending the conferences, 73.33% from seminars and 63.33% by discussing with other. Maximum 76.66% of the respondents consulted library for getting information followed by 63.33% looked for scientific journals and 46.66% literature search and 3.33% respondents least consulted library for recreational purposes. Maximum 73.33% gave their consent that available HEC digital library" access was insufficient for gathering information. Out of thirty 13.33% faced difficulties in accessing materials and found it missing from shelves.
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Twenty percent respondents faced problems regarding needed material was not updated frequently. Any one of the respondent did not feel any problem about confusing stock management, library staff was not readily available and crowded stack. Maximum fifty percent responded that reference services were excellent, 46.67% good literature searching 26.67% average indexing/abstracting and 93.33% poor photocopying services. INTRODUCTION Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is a well reputed organization which is currently working on many national and international programs to boost up multipurpose research and developmental objectives of the country. Under the umbrella of PAEC various institutions and organizations are performing their roles in the development and improvement of the Pakistan on the way of prosperity. Many institutions are working on different dimensions of nuclear programs, medical and agricultural fields. One of those institutions, the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad is contributing its efforts in many disciplines of research and progress for the amplification of Pakistans growth. NIAB was formally established on 6th April 1972 in Faisalabad to meet the new challenges in the field of agriculture. Since the beginning many research and various projects were completed in view of national agenda on agricultural development. Eminent scientists and researchers are playing their part in the development of the agriculture. Scientists are the backbone of any research institution/organization and seek knowledge from various sources like literature, Internet and libraries. In any technical/research and educational institution libraries play a vital role in the formulation and completion of the research programs. Scientists, researchers and educators gained knowledge for the development of their nation by frequently visiting libraries. Skeleton staffs of libraries must know the needs of library visitors and should understand the standards of information seeking by the library users. Various studies have revealed that certain factors like accuracy, accessibility, enthusiasm, determination and
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technicalities help for the selection and use of various types of information sources by researchers and scientists (Shanmugan, 1999; Yang, 1998). Jiaping et al. (2010) in a comprehensive study underscored new strategies to find out the new areas for the boost up of library business with high return values on library investment which are generally ignored and he also evaluated new areas for exploring the impact of libraries on research and educational structures at different universities. Mannan and Bose (1998) demonstrated that resource sharing is the key factor which has become a very powerful tool in sharing of data, coordination and expansion of library resources. Zawawi and Majid, (2001) embarked that scientists use the various information sources to cater their scientific literature information needs. Concerned librarians must be aware of all the strategies and criteria of information seeking, provision of information, designing of new systems of information and planning for new library programs and then properly conveying to the library users (Anwar, 2007). Tahira and Ameen (2009) focused on studying the information seeking behavior of science and technology (S and T) professors of universities in Punjab. They found that both libraries and electronic media resources were used for seeking information. Faculty members spent more time on eresources than print sources. Malik and Mahmood (2009) performed experiments on the students and Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at University of Punjab, Lahore and concluded that students use web for academic tasks and Google search engine was a preferred one for research purposes. In further details of their study it was found that the students used to browse first ten hits and were facing the problems of slow speed of e-sources. Kostiainen et al., (2003) did work in Finland on the information seeking in pre-trial investigations with particular preference to records managements. They focused on the how information influence the effectiveness of investigative work and what kinds of obstacles people perceive in search for their necessary information. Halder et al., (2010) performed an experiment on gender difference in information
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seeking behavior in three universities in west Bengal, India. From their results they revealed that females scored very high on all types of domains of information search except in diversity in search where the male respondents were observed to be very high. Various researchers in Pakistan conducted their many experiments on information seeking behavior of social scientists, humanities, technical persons, educators, faculty members and students of different universities and research institutions (Anjum, 1978; Shahzad, 2007; Anwar, 2007; Bhatti, 2008). Purpose of the current study was to find out what kinds of information were sought by the research institute? For the knowledge and information seeking what kind of methodologies were used. What kind and percentage of information technologies were used by researchers? In the course of information seeking what were the nature of problems faced by the scientists and how were they solved? EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGIES Respondents Questionnaires were designed after a keen survey of the literature and web-sources was done. The questionnaire was comprised of open and close ended questions and listed down eight questions including various aspects of information seeking strategies. A total of thirty including 20 (66.67%) scientists, 4 (13.33%) Ph. D Scholars, 3 (10%) M. Phil students and 3 (10%) others were selected working on various programs at the institute. These questionnaires were delivered to respective respondents for conveying information regarding libraries. Concerned respondents returned the questionnaires after 6-8 days. Questionnaires were collected and pooled in a tabulated form and analyzed for the extraction of results. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Periodic Visitors of Library in Search of Literature for Seeking Scientific Information Thirty questionnaires were delivered to various scientists, Ph. D scholars and M. Phil students. Respondents
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who consulted the library for seeking information about scientific literature were 20 (66.67%) scientists while Ph. D, M. Phil and others were 4 (13.33%), 3 (10%) and 3 (10%) respectively. The frequency of library visitations for research by these scholars was 9 (30%) daily, 11 (36.67%) weekly, and 7 (23.33%) monthly. Of all the scholars 2 (6.67%) seldom visited the library and 1 (3.33%) never visited. Most of the 30 respondents were weekly visitors and least were those who never visited. The percentage of those who visited the library on weekly basis was similar to the findings of Suriya et al., (2004) who collected 61 (38.12%) responses on information seeking behavior of faculty members from Government Arts Colleges in Cuddalore District. On the contrary Shokeen and Kushik (2002) studied information gathering behavior of the social scientists of various universities of Haryana and mentioned that most of the social scientists visited the libraries daily. Zawawi and Majid, (2001) demonstrated using a popular method by asking from library staff for the problems and difficulties regarding libraries. Six (11.3%) of the respondents used this method: always, 15 (28.3%) Frequently and 23 (43.3%) Occasionally. Out of 53 respondents 41 (77.4%) requested help of librarian and 27 (49.1%) wrote to the librarian for the required information. Pettigrew and Sylvain (1996) noticed that work roles and tasks largely determine information needs while a number of factors ultimately affect which kind of resources and types of information are utilized in a given situation. Shokeen and Kushik (2002) reported that most social scientists preferred visiting library daily and current journals and books were the most preferred sources for information seeking. Satisfaction of Users with Existing Library 16 (53.33%) of the respondents to some extent were satisfied to seek information in books, which was the highest values; while 5 (16.67%) the books inadequately satisfied their research needs. As 25 (83.33%) of the scholars who searched the on line journals were inadequately satisfied where as lowest 2 (6.67%) of them thought to some extent
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their search was satisfactory. In case of abstracts/indices observed for scientific information 20 (66.67%) of the researchers were to some extent satisfied which showed highest value regarding three parameters under observations. Subscribed journals were observed by 5 (16.67%) as adequate, while 11(36.67%) of the respondents to some extent were satisfied to get information from journals and 14(46.67%) considered the inadequate. 13(43.33%) respondents were adequately satisfied with reference material, while 8 (26.67%) to some extent were satisfied and 9(30%) users considered the reference material inadequate for information seeking. Out of thirty 10 (33.33%) respondents showed satisfaction for serial publication adequately, while 12(40%) users were observed the serial publication inadequate for seeking information. 15(50%) of researchers were satisfied in technical reports to seek information, while 10(33.33%) considered to some extent and 5(16.67%) thought the technical reports as inadequate. 8(26.67%) of the respondents were adequately satisfied in thesis, while 13(44.33%) users thought to some extent and 9(30%) showed inadequate. 14(46.67%) of the respondents inadequately quench their thirst consulting bibliographies. 01 (3.33%) of the respondents were adequately satisfied to find information in other/E-resources, while 01(3.33%) to some extent and 28(93.33%) thought these resources inadequate. Zawawi and Majid (2001) observed that about half (16.7%) of the respondents preferred books for their knowledge gaining behavior than responses collected in the present study. Similarly half of the respondents used bibliographies (5.6%) and reference materials (18.5%) in their research than responses collected in the present study. In the recent study adequate use of technical reports by the library visitors was maximum i.e. 50% while 53.33% books to some extent were used by the respondents under study. Online journals (83%) were inadequately searched by library users and that of others (e-sources etc.) were (93.33%). Respondents (63.33%) preferred scientific journal articles to consult for their research work. Our results were in
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the line of many researchers who mentioned journal articles were the most preferred consulted information source by many scientists and researchers (Majid, Anwar and Eisenschitz, 2000; Folster, 1995; Sam 1996).
Table1. Data of respondents regarding satisfaction with existing library material
Materials Books On line journals Abstracts / Indexes Reference material Bibliographies Subscription of journals Serial publications Thesis Technical reports. Others / esources Total Adequate 30 9 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 3 6 % To Some Extent % Inadequate % 30 16 53.33 5 16.67 10 20 2 6.67 25 83.33 4 13.33 9 30
20 66.67 8 26.67 12 40
13 43.3 4 13.3 5 16.7 10 33.3 8 26.7 15 50
14 46.67 14 46.67 12 9 40 30
11 36.67 8 26.67 13 44.33 10 33.33 1 3.33
5 16.67 28 93.33
1 3.33
Useful Sources for Seeking Information Used by Scientists and Scholars Twenty one (70%) got information from subject experts/specialists, 19 (63.33%) by discussion with scientists and 9 (30%) got knowledge by discussing with librarian. Present results were in contrast with the observations of Patitungkho and Neela (2005) who found that about 18% of respondents got information by discussion with librarians. Twenty two (73.33%) of the respondents under observation took advantage of seminars and conferences. 25 (83.33%) (the highest) respondents seek information from workshops and lowest 3 (10%) by discussing with their supervisors. The present results of useful sources as discussion with supervisors for seeking information were in accordance with the findings of Patitungkho and Neela (2005) who conducted a survey at six Rajabhat universities at Bangkok and observed 9% of the respondents consulted supervisor for obtaining information. On the contrary results found by Bhatti (2009), conducted at Islamia University of Bahawalpur by
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sending questionnaires to 150 professors, did not correlate with the present findings who observed 27% consulted subject specialists, 54% sought information by discussing with their seniors and colleagues, 8% got knowledge by discussing with librarians or skeletal staff of library, 22% each by seminars, conferences and workshops. In the present study 83.33% respondents gathered their maximum information through workshops followed by seminars and conferences (73.33%). Similarly Uceak and Kurbanoglu, 1998 inferred that scientific conferences and meetings provided the major platform for seeking of informal information by discussing with their colleagues. Scientific meetings were not only the most useful tools for knowledge acquiring but also develop social contacts and interrelationships. However scientists and humanity scholars had difficulties seeking information.
Table 2. Sources of Information sought by respondents
Sources of Information Subject expert/specialist Discussion with Heads Discussion with Scientists Discussion with Librarian Seminars Conferences Workshops Total 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Respondents 21 3 19 9 22 22 25 % 70 10 63.33 30.00 73.33 73.33 83.33
Consulting the Library The highest number twenty three (76.66%) of total respondents used library for their research followed by 19 (63.33%) of them use scientific journal articles and 14 (46.66%) of them perform literature search. Almost similar number of respondents under study 13 (43.33%) visited library to get information for guiding students, researchers and borrow books/journals. The least number of respondents 1 (3.33%) utilized library to find information regarding scientific knowledge for recreational purposes. Similarly 7 of
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respondents (23.33%) used library as place to study. Responses regarding research were 76.66%, literature search/reference collection 46.66%, borrowing of books or journals 44.33%, guiding students and researchers 43.33%, M. Phil and Ph. D 23.33% and recreational purposes 3.33%. Borrowing of books or journal articles were in the close agreement with the Bhatti, (2009) who mentioned 43% of the responses for research purposes, (54%) for guiding students and researchers (22%) were lower than mentioned in the current study. Similarly literature search/reference collections M. Phil(68%) and Ph. D (37%) and recreational purposes (27%) were higher than the current responses collected in the recent experiment. Online survey was assessed by the USDA National Agricultural Library (NLA) and concluded that most of the responses (81%) depends upon web sources for information sharing and traditional sources still holds with books (63%), academic journals (62%), scientific and technical information (54%) and relay on papers (50%) (Anon, 2006). In the case of library consulting purposes 13.33% respondents preferred use of computers/e-mails for their technical and research articles. Similarly Challener (1999) examined a large number of historians and artists used their computers for teaching purposes and all the 27 participants used slides in their class rooms while most of the participants consulted text books. The present study revealed that 63.33% users consulted the library to look for scientific journals and 40% reviewed newly received printed books and journals. Similarly Majid and Al Tee Tan (2002) investigated that printed materials were the most preferred source for collecting informations among students.
Table 3. Consulting the Library
International Journal of Information Management Sciences Consulting the Library Research Look for scientific journal articles Guiding students and researchers Literature search Use as place to study Review newly received books and journals Use of computers/e-mail etc. Writing and presenting papers Borrow of books/journals M. Phil and Ph. D Consults the statistics Recreational purpose Reading newspapers Access on line journals Total 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Respondents 23 19 13 14 7 12 4 6 13 7 6 1 10 3 % 76.66 63.33 43.33 46.66 23.33 40.00 13.33 20.00 44.33 23.33 20.00 3.33 33.33 10
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Difficulties and Problems Faced by Respondents Respondents returned their questionnaire with the consent that they did not face any problems with confusing stack management, crowded stacks or the library staff not readily being available. Four (13.33%) of the thirty respondents faced materials missing from shelves and difficulties in accessing materials available in library. Highest number of persons 22(73.33%) showed insufficient HEC Digital Library access followed by 17 (56.66%) unavailability of Internet and 11(36.66%) system was too slow in accessing their concerned material. People who had difficulties in uploading the documents and other problems/difficulties were 6 (20%) out of thirty respondents. Khan and Shafique (2011) conducted studies regarding information seeking behavior at six Government colleges in the Behawalpur city and pointed out problems such as lack of knowledge about software and hardware of computers (mean=3.251.262), there were many sources with scattered information (mean=2.921.118), there was no time for finding information (mean=2.921.124), unavailability of
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concerned material (mean=2.851.113) and lack of training in information technologies (mean=2.681.173).
In the current study most of the respondents (73.33%) felt difficulties in HEC digital library access but Majid et al., 2000 in their results mentioned that research scientist spent 16% of their office time on reading and literature searching whereas educators spent about 9.3% of their time. Similarly Haines et al., (2009) performed a study at University Medical School and mentioned that most of the basic science researchers gathered their information from most popular Internet search engines and highly technical databases. In the present study no respondent felt any difficulty with library staff. On the contrary Guest (1987) pointed out that 85% of their respondents depend upon their personal collection as their source of information seeking for teaching and research purposes.
Table 4. Data regarding Difficulties/Problems faced by respondents during library consultation Difficulties/problems Confusing stock management Lack of awareness of the availability of materials Material missing from shelf Difficult in accessing material Library staff is not readily available Computer was too slow Needed material is not updated Storage of latest journals Crowded stack Lack of information retrieval techniques Unavailability of Internet Insufficient HEC digital Library Access Others Total 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Respondents 0 3 4 4 0 11 6 8 0 5 17 22 6 % 0 10.00 13.33 13.33 0 36.66 20.00 26.66 0 16.66 56.66 73.33 20.00
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Satisfaction of Scientists with Existing Journals Subscription Regarding the Current online journals 17 (56.66%) of the respondents had no satisfaction, 8 (26.67%) were to some extent satisfied and 5 (16.67%) were completely satisfied with the existing journals subscription. Similarly for the print journals out of thirty respondents 18 (60%) were not satisfied, 8 (26.67%) to some extent and 4 (13.33%) were completely satisfied. Shafique (2009) mentioned that best library collection is the best source of information but most popular and latest sources are needed in the form of electronic and printed matter. The most research oriented need was in form of serials/journals and in the form of new references. In a study Khan and Shafique (2011) conducted a survey of college faculty at Bahawalpur and found that few of the respondents acquired resources from their colleagues (mean=3.48) purchased or used from personal collection (mean=3.09). But on the contrary their study revealed that the respondents gathered informations from the institutional library (mean=4.04).
Table 5. Data collected of total respondents about satisfaction of existing journals subscription.
Subscription of Total journals. Online 30 journals/Current Hard Copies of 30 journals Yes 5 4 % 16.7 13.3 No 17 18 % 56.66 60 To some extent 8 8 % 26.67 26.67
Satisfaction Levels of Library Services Out of thirty 15 (50%) of respondents declared reference services were excellent. Responses collected regarding ILL 12 (40%) and circulation services 13 (43.33%) were about the same. Highest respondents exhibited their satisfactions as good with respect to literature searching followed by circulation services 11 (36.67%), indexing/abstracting 10 (33.33%) and ILL 9 (30%). Lowest number of respondents rated their satisfaction as poor for
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photocopying services. 7(23.33%). Of respondents thought reference services and ILL were average While 2 (6.67%) considered reference services and ILL poor. Highest number of respondents 28 (93.33%) were poorly satisfied with the photocopying services.
Table 6. Satisfaction level of respondents about library services
Library services Reference Services Inter library loan Circulation services Photocopy service Indexing/ abstracting Literature search Total Excellent 30 30 30 30 30 30 15 12 13 0 5 6 % 50 40 43.33 0 16.67 20 Good 6 9 11 1 10 14 % 20 30 36.67 3.33 33.33 46.67 Average 7 7 6 1 8 4 % 23.33 23.33 20 3.33 26.67 13.35 Poor 2 2 0 28 7 6 % 6.67 6.67 0 93.33 23.33 20
References Anjum, M.A.K. 1978. Information needs of humanities teachers of the University of the Punjab. Unpublished Master Thesis, Deptt. of Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Anwar, M.A. 2007. Research on information seeking and use in Pakistan: An assessment. Pakistan Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.8 : 15-32. Bhatti, R. 2009. Information needs and information seeking behaviour of faculty members at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Library Philosophy and Practice. Bhatti, R. 2008. Information needs of students: Islamia University Library, Bahawalpur. Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal, Vol.39, no.3 :7-23. Challener, J. 1999. Information seeking behaviour of professors of art history and studio art. Master dissertation, School of Library and Information Sciences, Kent State University. Retrieved September, 5, 2005, from http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWWebPortal/contentdelivery/ser vlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED435405
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Floster, M.B. 1995. Information seeking patterns: Social Sciences. Reference Librarian, Vol.49, no.50 : 83-93. Guest, S.S. 1987. The use of bibliographic tools by humanities faculty at the State University of New York at Albany. Reference Librarian Vol. 18 : 157-172. Halder, S., Ray, A., and Chakrabarty, P.K. 2010. Gender differences in information seeking behaviour in three universities in west Bangal, India. Haines , et. al. 2010. Information seeking behaviour of basis science researchers: Implications for Library Services. J Med Libr Assoc., Vol 98, no.1 :73-81. Jiaping, Q. et. al. (2010). Study on managing strategy of libraries services: The case of Zhejiang University Library, China. PolyU Institutional Repository,( Library ALSR 2010 Conference Papers) Khan, S.A. and Shafique, F. 2011.Information needs and information seeking behaviour: A survey of college faculty at Bahawalpur. Library Philosophy and Practice. Kostiainen, E., Valtonen, M.R. and Vakkari,P. 2003. Information seeking in pre-trial investigation with particular reference to records management. Archival Science, Vol.3 :157-176. Majid, S., and Tan, A.T. 2002. Usage of information resources by computer engineering students : a case study of Nanyang Technologica University, Singapore. Online Information Review,Vol.26, no.5: 318-325. Majid, S., Anwar, M.A., and Eisenschitz, T.S. 2001. Users perceptions of library effectiveness in Malaysian Agricultural Libraries. Library Review, Vol.50, no.4:176-186. Malik, A. and Mahmood, K. 2009. Web search behaviour of university students: a case study at University of the Punjab. Webology, Vol.6, no.2.
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Mannan, S.M., and Bose, M.L. 1998. Resource sharing and information net working of libraries in Bangladesh : A study on user satisfaction. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.3, no.2:67-86. Sam, J. 1996. Adequacy of document collection and the satisfaction of information needs of agricultural policy makers and managers in Ghana. International Information Communication and Education, Vol.15, no.2 :176-185 Shanmugan, A. 1999. Information seeking behaviour of trainee teachers in selected teacher training colleges in Malaysis. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.15, no.2: 1-26. Shahzad, K. 2007. Information seeking behaviour of faculty members of Govt. College University, Lahore. Unpublished master thesis, The department of Library of Library Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Shafique, F. 2009. Marketing research as a tool for finding library users needs and demands : Application of three party theory. Library Philosophy and Practice. Shokeen, A., and Kushik, S.K. 2002. Information seeking behaviour of social scientists of Haryana Universities. Library Herald, Vol.40, no.1 : 8-11. Singh, K.P. and Satija, M.P. 2007. Information seeking behaviour of agricultural scientists with particular reference to their information seeking strategies. Annals of Library and Information Studies, Vol. 54 :213-220. Suriya, M., Sangeetha, G., and Nambi, M.A. 2004. Information seeking behaviour of faculty members from Government Arts Colleges in Cuddalore District. In. Library and information networking (NACLIN 2004) :285-292. Tahira, M. and Ameen, K. 2009. Information seeking behaviour of science and technology teachers of the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Pakistan Journal of Library & Information Science Vol. 10: 80-96.
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Tahira, M. and Ameen, K. Information needs and seeking behaviour of science and technology teachers of the university of the Punjab, Lahore. Unpublished M.Phil Thesis. Ucak, N.O. and Kurbanoglu, S.S. 1998. Information seeking behaviour of scholars at a Turkish University.64th. IFLA general conference August 16-21( Annual Conference). Yang, H.W. 1998. Information-seeking behaviour of the scientists. Bulletin of Library and Information Science, Vol.25: 24-43. Zawawi, S. and Majid, S. 2001. The information needs and seeking behaviour of the IMR biomedical scientists. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, Vol.5, no.1: 25-41.
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Students Perception on ICT Facilities in Aided Christian College Libraries in Tamilnadu A Study with reference to select variables
_____J. Franklin
Assistant Professor, P.G. & Research Dept. of Library and Information Science, Bishop Heber College(Autonomous) Tiruchirappalli 620 017, Tamilnadu jfrankbhc@yahoo.co.in
_____Dr. S. Ally Sornam

Associate Professor & Head, P.G. & Research Dept. of Library and Information Science, Bishop Heber College(Autonomous) Tiruchirappalli 620 017, Tamilnadu ally_jelen@yahoo.co.in
Abstract
The paper examines the student perception on ICT facilities in aided Christian college libraries in Tamilnadu. The study describes perception of students in terms of collection, library staff, library service, ICT facilities and physical infrastructure in the Information Communication Technology environment. The study was conducted with 920 students representing the 35 libraries attached with Christian colleges located across Tamilnadu. Findings show that the overall perception of students about ICT facilities in aided Christian college libraries in Tamilnadu are rather low. Key words: Information Communication Technology, ICT, E-resources, Christian College, Perception, OPAC, Library Portal
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1.0 Introduction 21st century is the information and knowledge era characterized with the use of ICT to promote teaching, research and learning. Seeking access to library resources and information services in Higher Education, Libraries all over the world is undergoing tremendous transformation, especially with the advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool and an enabler. These changes and transformations clearly indicate that there is a dramatic shift from the traditional approach to information provision, access, retrieval and management to modern methods where computer technology plays a significant role. The application of ICT into the higher education libraries has promoted the information seeking and made it more meaningful, where users can stay in their homes and classrooms to access and interact with the librarians and receive information without physically visiting libraries. 1.1 Role of Christian Colleges in Higher Education Christian colleges existing and operating in India today are the inheritors, preservers and developers of a great historic tradition of higher learning. Christian missionaries were the pioneers in introducing modern higher education system in India. Education in Christian institutions is inspired by a vision of man drawn from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This vision gives Christian institutions a specific character and sets before their management, staff and students high ideals of life and service towards which they are challenged, continually to strive. 1.2 Aided Christian Colleges in Tamilnadu There are 35 aided Christian colleges in Tamilnadu. Among the 35 colleges, 18 are Co-education colleges and 17 are Womens colleges. These 35 colleges are grouped into 29 Arts & Science Colleges, five Colleges of Education and one College of Physical Education which comes under
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the purview of the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Tamilnadu. 1.3 ICT Enabled Library Services The ICT enabled library services are as follows; Provision of OPAC and Web OPAC, E-mail, Bulletin Board Service, Database Service, Electronic Document Delivery Service, E-information Sources like CD-ROM/DVD, Ejournals, E-books, Networked Information Resources, Delivery of Information to Users Desktops, E-learning, Online Databases, Online Instructions/Online Tutorials, Online Readers Advisory Services/Ask Your Librarian, ETDs, Digital Libraries, Institutional Repositories, RFID and Surveillance Technology 2. Methodology 2.1 Significance of the study The study investigates the current state of ICT facilities and the use of electronic information resources in Aided Christian College Libraries in the state of Tamilnadu. 2.2 Need for the study Literature review shows that vast number of studies conducted on ICT facilities. But none on ICT facilities in Christian colleges. Hence, it was felt to conduct the present study with the perceptions collected from the students visiting the libraries of all the aided Christian colleges in Tamilnadu. 2.3 Universe and Sampling In the present study those students who have been visiting the library from 35 aided Christian colleges constitute the universe. The size of the universe is 9198. The researcher selected 10% as sample from the universe which constitute 920 by using simple random sampling technique. 2.4 Aim To identify and analyze the perception of students who are using the libraries of aided Christian colleges regarding the various ICT facilities available in their libraries
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2.5 Objectives To identify the perceptions of students on available eresources collection To measure the attitudes of library staff in providing ICT services. To identify and analyze the various services offered by the library. To know the various ICT facilities available to the users To know the existing physical infrastructure of the library To suggest suitable measures to improve aided Christian college libraries 2.6 Research Hypotheses There is a significant difference between different student user categories with regard to their overall perception about various aspects of library facilities There is a significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. 2.7 Tools of Data Collection Questionnaire method was adopted to collect the data from the respondents. The questionnaire consists of two parts. Part one deals with socio demographic variables of respondents and part two deals with perception of respondents about the different aspects of ICT facilities. To measure the perception of ICT facilities of the respondents the researcher has prepared a set of questions under the following headings 1. Perception about Library Collection 2. Perception about Staff 3. Perception about Library Services 4. Perception about ICT Facilities 5. Perception about Physical Facilities
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Scoring were given based on their response to each question on a five point scale with 1 being strongly disagree, 2- disagree, 3-neutral, 4- being agree and 5 being strongly agree. Hence, a total of 39 statements were distributed among the above five aspects. The perception about overall library facilities were calculated based on the scores they attain in each aspects. 2.8 Limitations The study covers the perception of students only and not other users. The students who are visiting the department library are not included for the present study 3. Data Analysis
Table 1:Distribution of Respondents by Socio Demographic Variables
S. No A 1 2 3 4 5 B 1 2 C 1 2 3 4 D 1 2 3
Socio Demographic Variables Age Group 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30 and above Gender Male Female Class of Study UG PG Research Scholars Others Discipline Arts Science Commerce and Management Total
No. of Respondents 258 521 98 26 20 244 676 314 342 84 180 353 479 88 920
28 56 11 3 2 27 73 34 37 9 20 38 52 9.6 100
It is inferred from the above table that, More than half (56%) of the respondents are in the age group 21-23 which is followed by the age group 18-20 (28%). Since more respondents are post graduate students their age lies in the age group 21- 23 With regard to the gender of the respondents, Majority (73%) of the respondents are female students. The female students are having two options of using ICT one at home and another at library. Also they are more in number when compared to male.
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It is also inferred from the above table, more than one-third (37%) of the respondents are PG students which is followed by UG students (34%) The above table also shows that more than half (52%) of the students are from Science Stream which is followed by Arts Stream (38.4%). It may be due to the fact that, regarding the dependency ratio of respondents and e-resources, the students from science stream depend on e-resources than their counterparts, hence the students from science stream are frequently visiting the library than others.
4 Testing of Hypotheses 4.1 Students by category and their perception about various aspects of library facilities Table 2 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CATEGORY OF RESPONDENTS WITH REGARD TO THEIR PERCEPTION ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIBRARY FACILITIES
S. No Description Perception about Library Collection Between Groups 1 Within Groups Total Perception about Library Staff Between Groups 2 Within Groups Total Perception about Library Services Between Groups 3 Within Groups Total Perception about ICT Facilities Between Groups 4 Within Groups Total Perception about Physical Facilities Between Groups 5 Within Groups Total Perception about Overall Library Facilities 6 Between Groups Within Groups Total 6813.358 628224.989 635038.347 3 916 919 2271 G1=136.01 G2=134.51 685.8 G3=142.65 G4=140.09 F= 3.311 P<0.05 Significant 22833.19 916 22972.521 919 139.33 3 46.44 G1=24.47 G2=24.56 24.93 G3=25.81 G4=24.98 F= 1.863 P>0.05 Not Significant 139390.682 140446.887 916 919 1056.205 3 352.1 G1=50.25 G2=49.29 152.2 G3=52.79 G4=51.33 F= 2.314 P>0.05 Not Significant 27548.586 27894.33 916 919 345.745 3 115.2 G1=24.07 G2=23.44 30.08 G3=24.74 G4=25.06 F= 3.832 P<0.05 Significant 22892.027 23131.016 916 919 238.99 3 79.66 G1=26.63 G2=26.60 24.99 G3=28.31 G4=27.22 F= 3.188 P<0.05 Significant 7468.902 7588.686 916 919 119.783 3 39.93 G1=10.60 G2=10.61 8.154 G3=11.01 G4=11.51 F= 4.897 P<0.01 Significant SS df MS Statistical Significance
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G1= UG G2= PG G3= Research Scholars G4=Others (B.Ed, M.Ed & B.P.Ed) It is inferred from the above table that there is a significant difference between various categories of respondents with regard to their perception about library collection, library staff, library services and overall library facilities whereas there is no significant difference between their perception about ICT facilities and physical facilities.
4.2 Students by Age and their perception about various aspects of library facilities Table 3 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE OF THE RESPONDENTS AND VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIBRARY FACILITIES
Sl.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Variables Correlation Value Statistical Inference Not Significant Significant Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant Age Vs Perception about (-)0.011 Library Collection Age Vs Perception about 0.074 Library Staff Age Vs Perception about (-)0.004 Library Services Age Vs Perception about ICT 0.019 Facilities Age Vs Perception about 0.051 Physical Facilities Age Vs Perception about 0.031 Overall Library Facilities
It is inferred from the above table that there is a significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about library staff, whereas, there is no significant relationship between age of the students and their perception about library collection, library services, ICT facilities, physical facilities and overall library facilities. Research Hypothesis 1 There is a significant difference between different student user categories with regard to their overall perception about various aspects of library facilities
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Null Hypothesis (Ho) There is no significant difference between different student user categories with regard to their overall perception about various aspects of library facilities Testing of Hypothesis When the above hypothesis was tested using F test (Table 2), it is inferred that the respondents do not differ by category with regard to their perception about overall library facilities. Hence, null hypothesis is accepted. Research Hypothesis 2 There is a significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. Null Hypothesis (Ho) There is no significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. Testing of Hypothesis In order to test the above hypothesis, Karl Pearsons Co-efficient of correlation(Table 3) was applied, and it is inferred that there is no significant relationship between age of the respondents and their perception about overall library facilities. Hence null hypothesis is accepted. 5. Findings 1. More than half (56%) of the respondents are in the age group 21-23 which is followed by the age group 18-20(28%). (Table 1) 2. Majority (73%) of the respondents are female students. (Table 1) 3. More than one-third (37%) of the respondents are the PG students which is followed by UG students(34%)(Table 1) 4. More than half(52%) of the students are from Science Stream which is followed by Arts Stream(38.4%). (Table 1)
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6. Suggestions Based on the study the following suggestions are put forth to enable the aided Christian colleges to improve the various aspects of library facilities. 1. It is inferred from the study, physical facilities were found to be not given adequate importance, hence it is suggested that the colleges and library authorities should provide a conducive atmosphere in the library. Some basic facilities like drinking water, clean environment, ventilation facility, rest room for both men and women may be ensured in all the libraries. 2. Library services and library collection are found to be satisfactory, where as, the ICT facilities are found to be not up to the mark. Hence, the authorities can enhance the ICT facilities for the research activities of the organization. 3. The libraries should take more initiatives in participating online consortium for fulfillment of information needs of users and improving the online collection of the library. 4. It is also suggested that the libraries covered in this study may come forward to subscribe to N-LIST programme in order to use all the available Eresources offered by INFLIBNET. 5. The 35 aided Christian college libraries may be networked in order to share their resources and effectively use it for the betterment of the users. 7. Conclusion The world has become a small global village due to the strong influence and impact of Information and Communication Technology. It is the duty of any library to provide quality information in a best possible way through ICT applications to the end users. Since most of the aided Christian colleges are blessed with various sources of funding apart from government grants, the authorities should turn their attention towards library and allot more funds to improve ICT facilities and other required facilities to the libraries to make the visibility of the library among the academic community.
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References 1. Kothari, C. R.(1992). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: Vishwa Prakashan. 2. Reny Jacob and Carolyne John (Eds.)(2001).Directory of Church-related Colleges in India. New Delhi:AIACHE. 3. Ramesh Babu,B and Rajendran, P, Eds.(2010). Innovation-Driven Librarianship: Expectations of Librarians and Library Users. Kattankulathur: SRM University. 4. Sunil Kumar, Satpathy and Biswanath, Rout.(2010). Use of e-resources by the faculty members with special reference to CVRCE, Bhubaneswar. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology. 30(2),11 5. Vasanthi, J and Ravi, S (2010).A Study on Impact of E-resources and user Perception in Professional Education. Library Progress(International).30(1),47
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An analysis of Facilities and Features of free E-Journals in Library and Information Science
_____Chauhan, Kaushal
Research Scholar Berhampur University, Berhampur, Orissa, India chauhan_khushi@rediffmail.com)
ABSTRACT The development in information technology has made drastic changes in the way the information is collected, stored, retrieved, and distributed. E-Resources are one of the products of Information and communication technologies. The revolution in information and E-Resources is registering significant changes everywhere and have been playing substantial role in library and information systems ever since its inception. The advancement of E-Resources during recent years has given libraries a powerful new resource to support learning and research with availability of both forms of journals in the library. It has become necessary to evaluate effectiveness of E-Resources. Many E-Resources have hosted their own websites across the World Wide Web. This study highlights the importance of online Free E-Journals with their facilities and features. Last one decade has witnessed a great boom in scholarly EResources, which in addition to making great impact, has generated enormous debate among researchers and information professionals. Keywords: E-Resources, E-Journals, Free E-Resources, Free E-Journals. INTRODUCTION The coming of the www has propelled this vigorous growth of not fit in to the traditional publishing format with the coming of the age of the E-Journals, the way scholarly communication is disseminated throughout the world has
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totally altered. Use of E-Journals saw a big jump in the last half of the 1990s and is continuing to escalate. On an average, One-half to nearly 100 percent of the time, Scientists have revealed that journal articles are highly important to their work, more than any other information sources and also spending many hours in reading scientific literature (Tenopir and King). Free online information sources and service can be access on internet without paying any subscription charges to the publishers and users do not need to have any membership in the organization. Users can access and download required information available on these sources in their computers and can use for their academic and research purpose only. The Internet, particularly with the World Wide Web, also provides a means of communicating with the public at large. Since the quasi miraculous emergence of the web in 1990s, there has been a continuous increase in the volume of scholarly resources in electronic form. These resources have provided a scope for researchers and authors in various subjects fields and stimulated their research productivity and Library and Information Science is no exception to this. In India, authors in the LIS field have access to a very limited number of scholarly literatures, especially journal articles. Hence, there is an increasing trend to use Internet, the best alternative medium to search for scholarly literature and to use web resources to support their research productivity. Libraries have witnessed a great metamorphosis in recent years both in their service literature Print medium are increasingly giving way to the electronic form of material. Use of Information Technology has marked a tremendous impact over the all functions and services catered by the traditional library and information professionals. Information sources in a given discipline are referred to as Literature that included all definitive sources of information. E-Journals: The first prototype E-Journal was in 1976 (Monty 1996) the pioneering time for Electronic Journals was 199095, (Hitchcock 1997) mainly dominated by non-profit making groups interested in exploiting the technology for its own
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sake. The commercial publishers joined in around 1996 and are now dominant, mainly with direct electronic copies of their print journals. Electronic journals are also known as EJournals, Electronic Serials and scholarly journals or intellectual magazines that can be accessed via Electronic Transmission. In practice, this means that they are usually published on the web, in a specialized form of electronic document, for purpose of providing materials for academic research and are formatted approximately like journal article in traditional printed journals. OBJECTIVE: To provide free on-line E-Journals List and Tables that help in updating individual knowledge. To describe the overall structure of these free/ open E-Journals and establish effective electronic communication between users and online free Emagazines. To examine the kind of information available in free EJournals in the field of LIS. To examine how many E-Magazines having Archiving, Indexes and other special features. SCOPE: To compile a Table of comprehensive structure of Open E-Journals on essential characteristic features of free online E-Resources in library and information science. To examine structure of E-Resources according to the accepted standards and guidelines. To find out the latest developments and researches in Library and Information Science field. LIMITATIONS The major limitation of the study is that it has not included all E-Resources due to language barrier. The comprehensive evaluation of all free on-line Journals could not be done extensively because this would be very lengthy task.
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Some E-Magazines are given freely accessible but on opening the link it ask for password. Some E-Resources cannot be evaluated as they have Single Volume open access and other Volumes are not freely accessible
Methodology Online Information sources and services have been identified using various search engines on Internet. The search is limited to only free online information sources. The words free online E-Resources in LIS have been used as keywords for searching. The research study adopts a mixed methodology i.e. evaluative cum observation by going to the various search engines, there after browsing the actual websites of E-Resources. A detailed observation, checking and ascertaining through self study whether the EResources are actually free or not after that the free EResources have been enlisted and structured in a tabular form by adopting Criteria of evaluation, Checkpoints of different authors prescribed for evaluation of Information Sources. The given mythologies of Louis Shores, Ranganathan and other such evaluation methods drawn from the Internet sources have been applied. Louis Shores has given a checklist for evaluation of web documents. Commonly these points are known as ASTAFS- Authority, Scope, Treatment, Arrangement, Format and Special Features. Besides this selected 40 parameters have been fixed through assimilating the different evaluation methods. The data thus obtained have been used systematically, analyzed, figurative representations also made and with appropriate interpretations. Findings: This study is ranked Information Technologies and International Development http://itidjournal.org/itid best EJournal. Various evaluation methods have been proposed, but this study utilizes some of the useful checklists/criteria for evaluating information found on web. A major similarity found that almost E-Journals are concentrating towards digital library initiatives, technological, information service
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devel lopments and a informa ation netwo rking issue es contains a wide coverage of local library issues s ranging fr rom ongoin ng resea arch day-to o-day news from the work place e etc. Out of sever ral searche ed E-Journa als it is fou und that all E-Journa als availa able in full text form free f of cos st and can be receive ed regula arly withou ut missing even a s ingle issue e. The mo ost notab ble findings s in the stu udy are that it provid des effectiv ve comm munication between user u and o online Free e E-Journal ls. (Appe endix) Title, Url, Authority, Pu ub, Geogra aphical Ar rea, Scop pe, Acces ssibility, Brows B abilit ty, Networ rkability, bility Forma at, Desig gn, Treatm ment, Accu uracy, Objjectivity, A Arrangemen nt, Struc cture, Help, Specific Guidelines s, Review, , Standard ds, Prima ary Info, Fa actual Info, Archiving A p parameters are Covere ed by all E-Journals s. Rest are covering a as in the su ummary tab ble w: below
Pa arameters Re esponse tim me Lin nk Pe eriodicity Sp pecial Featu ure He elp Cu urrency Int ternal searc ch engine Cu urrent Trend ds Ind dexed Se earching Pe ersonalize Int ternational Re efereed Pe eer reviewed d IS SSN Se earch -w-Pe ersonalize Pe eer Reviewe ed & Indexe ed Ot thers No. 23 13 21 17 22 19 22 19 10 21 18 3 4 9 19 6 14 24
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CONCLUSION: The emergence of Electronic Resources has drastically revamped the status of all the libraries and information centers across the world during the last decade. There has been a rapid urge of the user community to get more and more Information Online. Academic libraries facing shrinking budgets are trying to acquire quality Information Resources in the most efficient and effective means possible. This coupled with the positive attitudes. The Free E-Journals are available in accepted standards and the users are using Free E-Journals satisfactorily. The result of the study can help and stop them subscribing in print and can save fund. One can easily get information for total strength of free available online E-Journals. The results of this study can be useful for information scientists studying or working with portal-based retrieval of E-Resources, and also for the designers and developers of future online interactive Information Retrieval systems. Reference: Indian statistical Institute. Free On-Line Full Text Journals: List of Free On-Line Full Text Journals in Library and Information Science. Indian Statistical Institute Bangalore Centre Library. http://www.isibang.ac.in/ (accessed July 10, 2009). Lund University Libraries. E-Journals in Social Sciences: Library and Information Science. Directory of Open Access Journals. http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=subject&cpid=129 (accessed August 13, 2009). Group of Professionals Working in the Area of Library. Access to Electronic Journals: Newsletters. Infolibrarian. Com. http://www.infolibrarian.com/res.htm#ejournals (accessed August 10, 2009). Informatics India Limited. E-Journals Related to Library & Information Science, Electronic Publishing, etc.. J-Gate the E-Journal Gateway. http://www.j
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gate.informindia.co.in/Misc/librarian.asp#Library%20&%20Inf ormation%20Science (accessed August 13, 2009). Overture Services Inc. "List of free e-resources in LIS." vistahttp://in.altavista.com/web/results?fr=altavista&itag=ody &q=list+of+free+e-resources+in+LIS&kgs=1&kls=0 (accessed April 1, 2011). The Excite Network. "List of free e-resources in LIS." Excite. http://msxml.excite.com/excite/ws/results/Web/LIST%20OF %20FREE%20ERESOURCES%20IN%20Lis/1/417/TopNavigation/Relevanc e/iq=true/zoom=off/_iceUrlFlag=7?_IceUrl=true (accessed April 1, 2011). Lycos Inc. Lycos Inc. "List of free e-resources in LIS." Excite. Lycos go get it. http://search.lycos.com/?tab=web&searchForm=true&query= list+of+free+eresources+in+LIBRARY+AND+INFORMATION+SCIENCE& x=35&y=20 (accessed April 1, 2011). Yahoo! India Pvt Ltd. "List of free e-resources in LIS." YahooIndia.http://in.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A8pWB9 q4iXhNhDIAhaDuPXRG?p=FREE+ERESOURCES+IN+LIBRARY+AND+INFORMATION+SCIEN CE&fr2=sb-top&fr=yfp-t-704&rd=r1 (accessed April 1, 2011). Informatics India Ltd. "List of free e-resources in LIS." Open Jgate.http://www.openjgate.org/Browse/ByJournal.aspx?alph a=A (accessed April 1, 2011). Google. "List of free e-resources in LIS." http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=List+of +free+eresources+in+LIS&btnG=Google+Search&meta=&aq=f&aqi= &aql=&oq=&rlz=1W1ADFA_en (accessed April 1, 2011). Morino Institute. Why Use Electronic Communications. Potomac Knowledge Way. http://knowledgeway.org/
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Collection Development Coordinator New Mexico State University Library. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: or, Why It's a good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources. Evaluation Criteria. http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). T- (Collection Development Coordinator New Mexico State University Library)Cornell University Library. Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages. Olin and Uris Libraries. http://www.library.cornell.edu/ (accessed June 1, 2010). T-(Cornell University Library)UBC. Criteria for Evaluating Internet Resources. University of British Columbia.
http://www.library.ubc.ca/home/evaluating/Easyprint.html
(accessed June 1, 2010). T- (University of British Columbia.)University of British Columbia. Criteria for Evaluating Print Resources. http://www.library.ubc.ca/scieng/PrintEval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). T- (University of British Columbia.)UBC. Criteria for Evaluating Print Resources. University of BritishColumbia. http://www.library.ubc.ca/scieng/PrintEval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). University Libraries. Evaluating Print Sources. Bowling Green State University. http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/library/assistance/page41013. html (accessed June 1, 2010). University of Washington. Basic Criteria for Evaluating Information. Campus Library Serving University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College.http://library.uwb.edu/guides/eval.html (accessed June 1, 2010). Data Center Research for Justice. Criteria for Evaluating Internet Documents. Data Centre. http://www.datacenter.org/research-tools/internet
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tips/evaluating-internet-documents/ (accessed June 1, 2010). Cornell University Libraries. Evaluating Web Sites: Criteria and Tools. Olin & Uris Libraries. http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/webeval.h tml (accessed June 1, 2010).
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Web Literacy of Postgraduate students of Sambalpur University: An Analysis

_____Dr. Ram Chander
Librarian & Head, Dept. of LIS Aggarwal College Ballabagarh, Faridabad, India E-mail: ramchander72@sify.com
_____Sanat Bera
P.G. Dept. of LIS Sambalpur University, Orissa, India
Abstract: Web literacy, is a collection of skills, might be considered the point where computer literacy merges with information literacy. The present study is a questionnaire based survey of 200 post graduate students of Sambalpur University about their knowledge of the Web and its use. The study found that 44% students conceive web as a huge database of information; 60.5% feel that websites or portals are the vital source of web information; 96% search the web though Google. Further, the study explores the hindrances to Web literacy at the institutional level and suggestive measure to enhance the use of web by the students. Keywords: Information literacy, web information, web search, search engines 1. literacy, web
Introduction The phrases information society, information age, Information literacy and Web literacy are all now familiar buzzwords in the present time. The increasing use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the complexities involved with the organization, searching and retrieval, their management and use of web based information demands Web literacy among the users. Web
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literacy is being recognized as one of the important facets in teaching and learning because it catalyses individuals to engage in a variety of learning situations and opportunities in optimal ways. With the rapidly changing and expanding information sources available in a networked world, Web literacy is a must for the students to succeed in this environment. Web literacy thus may be interpreted as helping people to experience information use differently. It is considered as a higher level of literacy required to navigate growing volume and variety of web information available today. Objectives of the study The basic objective of the present study is to analyze, the skills of P.G. Students of Sambalpur University with regard to effective use of Web resources. Among other things, the study also aims at analyzing: (i) The students knowledge of Web, its attributes and organization of information resources, etc. (ii) Degree of awareness of the students about the availability of different sources and types of information resource on the web. (iii)Their skills relating to searching, evaluating and organizing the Web content. Methodology The study is based on survey method and the data collection is based on the structured questionnaire consisting of 12 questions segregating them into five major groups concerning the students knowledge of the web, resources, searching tools and techniques, evaluations, use and management of web resources. The questionnaires were distributed among 200 Postgraduate students from various disciplines dividing them in to three major groupsSocial Sciences, Pure Sciences and Technology. The respondents data are analyzed, tabulated and statistically tested to arrive at a conclusion. 3. Hypotheses Hypothesis is a tentative generalization of facts with the formulation of which the researcher carries out his
4.
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research. For the present study, four hypotheses were formulated and subsequently statistically tested: H1 H2 H3 H4 There is no significant difference between the boys and girls student as regard to their knowledge of the web. There is significant different among the students of different discipline with regard to their knowledge of the web. There is no significant different among the boys and girls with regard to their searching of the web. There is a significant difference among different discipline as regard to the searching of the web
5.
Information Literacy Information literacy is currently understood as embracing the ability to define a problem, find information to solve the problem, evaluate information and use it effectively. Information literacy as a way to move efficient access, evaluation and use of information should be taken into account and used for improving end-users abilities. It is a set of information, knowledge and skill that enable individuals to recognize when information is needed and when it is not, how to locate, evaluate, integrate, use and effectively communicate information. In short, information literacy means knowing information about information. Information literacy refers to a constellation of skills revolving around information research and use. According to the final report of the American Library Association Presidential Committee on Information Literacy (1989), the information literate person is able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use it effectively. 6. Web Literacy Web literacy, is a collection of skills, might be considered the point where computer literacy merges with information literacy. Computer literacy comprises the
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technical skills needed to use a computer while Web literacy includes "the practical skills involved in effective use of information technology and information resources, either print or electronic" (Kirk, 2000 cited in Reinhardt, 2002). World Wide Web, commonly known as the Web, is nothing but a database of information, platform of communication, a wide computer network or a virtual workplace attributed with huge quantum of information, lower cost of communication, quality of information, speed of communication, etc. A variety of sources of information available on the Web, such as Open portals/web sites, Digital libraries, Repositories, Commercial publishers site etc. Hence, in order to find the desired information from the huge mass, one should have the basic skill of searching the Web content by key word, Phrase, Boolean or other advanced searches etc. using search tools like Google, Yahoo, Alta Vista etc. Besides, the user should also have the literacy of evaluating, storing and organizing the Web content to use them effectively for various purposes. 7. 7.1 Analysis of data and Discussion
Students knowledge of the Web The use of technology is directly dependant on the knowledge of technology. The increased use of web can be ensured only if the students are equipped with necessary knowledge of Web. The following table reflects students knowledge of the web. Table -1 Students knowledge of the a web
Social Science Gender Database of information Platform of communication Computer network Virtual workplace Boys 14 3 8 2 Girls 30 18 24 4 Technology Boys 15 16 10 7 Girls 8 7 6 1 Pure Science Boys 6 8 10 1 Girls 15 15 12 2 Results 88 67 70 17 % 44% 33.50% 35.50% 8.50%
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Table-1 discloses that a majority of P.G. students i.e. 88(44%) conceive the web as a database of information, which can be searched for required information. Almost equal number of the students viewed the web as computer network (35%) and a platform for communication (33.5%). However only 17(8.5%) students visualize web as a virtual place of work. This shows that most of the students are unaware about the interactive web which they can perform common task. 7.2 Knowledge of Web attributes Knowledge of the web discloses that the web has been characterized with a long list of positive attributes and also a few negative attributes as well. The students were asked to indicate which web attribute they are familiar with and the responses are as follows. Table-2 Best Web Attribute
Discipline Social science Gender Boys Girls 8 7 Quantum of Information Cost of information Quality of information Communication speed 0 12 5 26 3 38 Technology Boys Girls 16 7 2 11 12 0 8 1 Pure science Boys Girls Results % 9 10 57 28.50% 1 7 9 1 10 23 30 51 88 15% 25.50% 44%
Table 2 clearly indicates that a majority of post graduate students liked speed of communication on the web , They are well aware about the email transaction, file formats, instant messaging, etc which provide fasts communication platforms. 7.3 Knowledge of sources of information
The knowledge of the sources of web information is very essential for the web users for quick retrieval of quality information from authentic sources. Many the students are not aware of the verities of web information. The following table finds out their knowledge of various sources of web information.
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Table -3 Knowledge of the sources of Web information

Discipline Gender Open Portals/web sites Digital Libraries Repositories Commercial publishers sites Social science Boys 19 7 2 1 Girls 40 13 17 8 Technology Boys 18 11 7 17 Girls 9 0 2 3 Pure science Boys 12 8 1 3 Girls Results 23 10 6 8 121 49 35 40 % 60.50% 24.50% 17.50% 20%
Table-3 reveals more than half of the students (60%) consider web portals or web sites as the major source of web information. The other sources of web information are not so popular among the students. It is surprising to note that repositories with full text data are not very popular among students 7.4 Types of information used Table -4 Resource use maximum
Discipline Journal/Articles E-books E-Thesis and dissertation Databases Social science Boys 17 1 5 3 Girls 48 12 3 15 Technology Boys 15 22 3 3 Girls 10 6 0 3 Pure science Boys 11 7 2 5 Girls Results 17 18 2 9 118 66 15 38 % 59% 33% 7.50% 19%
As regard to the type of information the students are aware, it can be seen that majority of students (i.e. 69%) use articles as compared to other types such as e-books, ethesis and dissertation. 7.5 Use of Search engines Web search engine are the basic things to carryout research. There are hundreds of search engines with varied features and levels of efficiency. The data regarding the use of search engines by the postgraduate students is as follows:
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% 96% 8% 1% 0.50%
Table -5 Search engine use

Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Result Google Yahoo Lycos 23 1 0 64 10 0 1 25 2 0 0 18 1 0 0 22 2 1 0 40 0 0 0 192 16 2 1
Alta vista 1
There is a clear indication from the table-5 that Google is the most preferred search engine as 192 (90.99%) out of 200 students indicated using Google as the foot print of their web search. 7.6 Searching the Web Searching the web is very crucial from user point of view. The use of search techniques produces satisfactory results with highest level of relevance. However, most of the users especially the students are novice so far as techniques of search is concerned. Table-6 Searching Web content
Discipline Key word Phrase Boolean search Social science 13 2 1 48 10 6 19 61 12 7 29 Technology 33 6 0 7 14 2 0 6 47 8 0 13 Pure science % 69.50% 12% 19% 27% 11 2 1 8 20 2 10 4 31 4 11 12 139 24 18 54 Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Results
Advance Search 10
Table-6 highlights that a majority of students (69.5%) use key word search only. They do not carry out the advance search modules. The reason may be the lack of knowledge of the advance search options of search services. 7.7 Evaluation of Web information
Information on the web needs to be evaluated before use. The postgraduate students were questioned how and on what criteria they evaluate the web information and their responses are reflected in the table below.
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Table -7 Measure of Evaluation

Discipline Authenticity Quantity Relevance Currency Social science Boys 7 5 14 2 Girls 20 23 32 3 Technology Boys 14 10 19 1 Girls 8 5 5 1 Pure science Boys 8 6 8 3 Girls Results 20 10 6 4 77 59 84 14 % 38.50% 29.50% 42% 7%
Table-7 clearly speaks out that most of the students i.e. 84 (42.1%) consider the relevance factor of information as the most important criteria for evaluation. However, 77 (32.9%) of them also value authenticity of the information as one of the important criteria for evaluation. 7.8 Usefulness of Web information The usefulness of information is subjective depending upon the level of satisfaction of the searchers. The students opinion about the usefulness of web information is recorded in the table below. The table finds a majority of 121 (60.5%) students opine that the web information is highly useful Table-8 Usefulness of Information
Discipline Highly Moderately useful Partially useful Not useful at all Social science Boys 12 5 6 Girls 30 15 12 9 Technology Boys 28 6 6 1 Girls 15 0 3 1 Pure science Boys 8 6 10 4 Girls 28 8 2 2 Results 121 40 39 17 % 60.50% 20% 19.50% 8.50%
7.9
Storing the web information The users need to store the flies downloaded from the web for future use. The postgraduate students in the present study were asked to indicate how they save the information, and the responses included in the following table. Table -9: Management of downloads of web information
Discipline Taking a print Save a copy in local disk Add to favorites Save online with book marking tools Social science Boys 7 15 4 3 Girls 30 29 7 9 Technology Boys 6 32 6 6 Girls 2 14 0 4 Pure science Boys 5 9 4 5 Girls 9 26 4 3 Results 59 125 25 30 % 29.50% 62.50% 12.50% 15%
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Table-9 discloses that 125 (625%) students indicated that they save the downloaded files in the local disc space of their desktop or laptop. Many of the students also save the files in their pen drive or a CD-ROM. However, 59 (29.5%) students prefer to take a print of the files they download from the web. 7.10 Frequency of use Table-10 below clearly states that a majority of the students i.e. 114 (57.5%) out of 200 use the web every day as a part of their regular study. However, about 30% of them use the web once in a week. Table- 10: Frequency of using Web
Discipline Everyday Once in a week Once in a month Occasionally Social science Boys 13 6 4 6 Girls 30 22 1 17 Technology Boys 31 7 0 4 Girls 11 7 0 2 Pure science Boys 11 4 1 4 Girls Results 18 13 4 5 114 59 10 38 % 57% 29.50% 5% 19%
7.11
Purpose of searching the Web
The students visualize Web as the best source of current information free of cost. They prefer to search the web than to search in the library. I their reply to the question, 168 (84%) pointed out that they use web for downloading reading materials as per their syllabus. Some other students (28%) also use the web for compiling the assignment, projects and dissertations and a few others (26%) use it for preparation of seminar presentations. Table-11: Purpose of searching the Web
Discipline Reading material Projects/Dissertation Seminar presentation Social science Boys 22 2 5 Girls 54 10 21 Technology Boys 32 16 8 Girls 14 10 3 Pure science Boys 20 6 6 Girls Results % 26 168 84% 12 9 56 52 28% 26%
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8. Ho
Testing of Hypothesis There is no significant difference between the boys and girls students as regard to their knowledge of the web.
Tabulated value of t0.05 for (12+12-2) =22 degree of freedom is 1.717. Hence the calculated value (-0.78) is less than tabulated value (1.717) of t. Therefore, Ho may accept at 5% level of significance. Hence, it concludes that there is no significant difference between the boys and girl students as regard to their knowledge of web. Ho There is no significant difference among the student of different discipline to their knowledge of the web. It is solved by the two way ANOVA table. The calculated value of F is 5.255 which is less than the tabulated value of F (3, 12) = 5.95 and the calculate value F is 0.71 which is less than the tabulated value F (2, 12) =6.93 at 5% level of significance and the interaction term is significant .Hence it accept the null and it conclude that there is no significant difference among the students of different disciplines with regard to their knowledge of the web. Ho There is no significant different among the boys and girls with regard to there to searching of the web.
The tabulated value t0.05 for (12+12-2) =22 degree of freedom. Is 1.717. So calculated value -0.25 is less than the tabulated value(1.717) t Ho may accepted at 5% level of significance hence it conclude that there is no significant difference between the boys and girls with regard to their use of searching. Ho There is no significant difference among the different discipline with regard to the searching of web.
It is solved by the two way ANOVA table. The calculated
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value (6.38) is greater than tabulated value (3, 12) degree of freedom at 5% level of significance is 5.95for the three discipline .Hence Ho is rejected at 55 level of significance and it concludes that there is significance difference between the disciplines. The calculated value is(1.12301) is less than the tabulated value for the searching of web so Ho may be accepted at 5% level of significance it conclude that there is no significant difference between the searching of web . The object F (6, 12) =4.82 is less than the calculated value 11.74 for And lastly it concludes interaction is significant. 9. Hindrance to Web Literacy In academic institutions in general and universities in particular, there are common problems which hinder the spread of web literacy. A few of such problems visible in the present study are lack of computer facilities, lack of high speed internet connectivity, frequent power failures, lack guidance and training in Internet, etc. It was found in the study that, some of the students of some discipline are unaware about the search techniques or the necessary skill to browse the web. Even though the university has a campus wide network for e-governance, it is slow most of the time and thus Web is inaccessible. 10. Suggestions The students in the present study were motivated to suggest how to enhance the use of Web in academic activities. The responses are summarized as follows: 1 Wider and regular use of the web. 2 Assignments on the use web should be provided. 3 Workshops on academic use of the Web should be organized. 4 Training and guidance should be provided to the students on web. 11. Conclusion The present Information society is witnessing vast
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quantities and constantly generating of information in a variety of Digital formats. To lead the way in the digital environment, the present age students should be Digital skilled. Post graduate students are the most prominent part of the Higher education system and they all must be literate in every field especially in the technology and web to perform the in the best in their learning process. The present study shows that the Post Graduate students of Sambalpur University are having the required competencies to work in the Web in order to search, organize, manage and reuse them in the Web Environment. 12. References http://ir.inflibnet.ac.in/dxml/bitstream/handle/1944/1151/72.p df?sequence=1 cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.iccb.state.il.us/pt3/pdf/resource/web_lit.pdf cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.ehealthstrategies.com/files/web_literacy.pdf cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.phonicsphactory.com/contib_rsc_pages/documen ts/midweb09.pdf cited on date 02.02.2011 http://www.readingonline.org/articles/mceneaney/lotw.pdf cited on date 05.02.2011 https://fourblock.wikispaces.com/file/view/web%2Bresources .pdf cited on date 06.02.2011 http://www.readingmatrix.com/articles/isbell_reinhardt/article. pdf cited on date 05.02.2011
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http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10836/1/7533.pdf cited on date 06.02.2011
http://wiki.ubiquity.utk.edu/@api/deki/files/38/=RobinsonIT69 5_Paper1.pdf cited on date 05.02.2011
http://www.tewtjournal.org/VOL%201/ISSUE%204/ARTICLE. pdf\ cited on date 06.02.2011
https://teachertech2.wikispaces.com/file/view/Web+Literacy. pdf cited on date 05.02.2011
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Punjab University Library and its Manuscript Collection: Its Present Status, Conservation Practices, Problems and Some Suggestions
_____Hamid Ali,
Senior Librarian Oriental and Manuscript Unit, Punjab University Library University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
ABSTRACT The article discusses the present Punjab University Library and the introduction of this important centre of information and learning. It describes one of the largest manuscript collections of Pakistan, possessing more than 24000 manuscripts written on paper, parchment, bark, and palm leaf. This collection contains a number of rare, contemporary, and autographed copies of manuscripts, written in different languages, and which cover subjects ranging from the Quran, commentary, tradition, doctrine, philosophy, logic, medicine, history, geography, literature, astronomy, mathematics, music, botany, zoology, and calligraphy. Apart from the general manuscript collection, the Library also possesses 9 additional manuscript collections assembled by eminent historians and scholars. These include, for example, the Azad Collection, Pirzada Collection, Kaifi Collection, Woolner Collection, Shairani Collection, Mehboob Alam Collection, Azar Collection, Ruhi Collection, and the Mian Jamil Ahmad Sharaqpuri Collection. The article goes onto list some of the important manuscript titles written in the Arabic, Persian, and Urdu languages. The article presents the ongoing conservation practices, activities and efforts to save the manuscripts that are in danger of deterioration. It discusses the policies for the proper care of this invaluable cultural heritage, and
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preventative measures against the careless handling of materials, vandalism, light, pests, pollutants, extreme variations in temperature and humidity. It discusses formal treatments to maximize the natural life cycle of this manuscript collection, and the current practices; manuscript keeping / storage; dusting and cleaning; security; damage and disasters; climatic and environmental conditions; duplicating, copying, and reformatting (reprography); binding and repair; lamination of manuscripts; fumigation and spray; and the digitization of manuscripts. The article also relates how an MOU has recently been signed between the University of the Punjab and the University of Geumgang, Korea, for the digitization of the Woolner Collection. The article argues that current conservations strategies adopted by Punjab University Library are not sufficient. The acquisition of the professional knowledge of paper properties, and severe climatic and environmental control is compulsory for the preservation of such a huge manuscript collection. The article also highlights the need for the cooperation of The Islamic Manuscript Association to support the conservation training of Punjab University Library staff. The present Punjab University Library was established in 1873 as Punjab University College Library. Its title was changed to Punjab University Library in 1882 only after University of the Punjab was raised to the status of university, under the Punjab University Act no. XIX of 1882 which was published in the Gazette of India dated 7th October 1882, (it was notified on 14th October 1882)1. At that time one of the most essential needs of the University of the Punjab was to establish an important centre of information and learning for readers and research scholars, and to store this cultural heritage for the next generation.
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In the beginning, Sir Donald Macleods 2000 books were purchased for Rs.2500 in 1873.(2) A new era started at the Library when Dr A.C. Woolner was appointed registrar and honorary librarian (1902-28)3, and the British Government of India announced substantial grants to enhance, upgrade, and maintain libraries, laboratories and museums, under the act of 1904(4). In 1911, the Library received a rich collection of 6500 precious and rare books from H.M. Percival, then professor of English Literature in Presidency College, Calcutta; this collection was accumulated at the cost of Rs.36000(5). As a result of the sheer number of manuscripts collected, the Manuscript Unit of Punjab University Library was established on July 31, 1920, its development during the next thirty years had been largely due to continuous vivacious interest of woolner.(6) This is the largest manuscript collection in Pakistan and Punjab University Library is the steward of this cultural heritage, which contains a big number of rare manuscripts and contemporary copies. Punjab University library possesses more than 24000 manuscripts written on paper, parchment, bark, and palm leave. These manuscripts are written in different languages and cover different subjects ranging from the Quran, commentary, tradition, doctrine, philosophy, logic, medicine, history, geography, literature, astronomy, mathematics, music, botany, zoology, and calligraphy. Besides manuscripts of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and other local languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi) 9 invaluable manuscript collections of eminent historians and scholars are also a part of this Manuscript Unit, which were either purchased by the library or donated by the scholars themselves. A brief, chronological introduction of these collections is setout below. 1-Azad Collection The manuscript collection of Shams ul Ulama Maulavi Muhammad Hussain Azad (1830-1910) was donated in 1913 to the Library by his son, Muhammad Ibrahim. This collection
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possesses 389 valuable manuscripts of Persian, Arabic and Urdu, as well as 1556 rare books.7 2-Pirzada Collection Pirzada Muhammad Hussain Arif was a session judge and scholar. Punjab University Library purchased his manuscript and rare book collection in 1929 which contains 169 manuscripts.8 3-Kaifi Collection Brij Mohan Kaifi Dattatrya (1866-1955) was a well known linguist and research scholar. He presented his valuable collection of rare books and manuscripts to the Punjab University Library in 1933, which comprised of 130 manuscripts. 9 4-Woolner Collection The already mentioned Dr.A.C.Woolner was professor of Sanskrit. He collected hugely significant Sanskrit manuscript collection in the Punjab University Oriental College. In 1913 the Oriental College Library was merged with the Punjab University Library at the suggestion of Dr. A.C. Woolner and the Sanskrit manuscript collection also became a part of Punjab University Library. This collection has 9075 manuscripts in Sanskrit, Hindi, Prakrit, Sharada, Andhra, Tamil, and Nandinagari languages and scripts (10). This collection also has more than 2000 palm leaf manuscripts. In 1936, this valuable collection was given the name of Woolner Collection in recognition of Dr. Woolners remarkable services for the enhancement and up gradating of the Punjab University Library, Subjects included in this collection are religion, Indian philosophy, justice, yoga and meditation, Buddhist philosophy, history and archaeology, Mahabharata (religious commentaries), Sanskrit grammar and composition, Vedic literature and medicine, decorative art, sculpture and statuary, music, kamashastra, ethics, literature, and a rich collection on astronomy, as well as some manuscripts in the Gurmukhi script, dealing mainly with Sikhism.11
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5-Shairani Collection This is undoubtedly the most significant Persian manuscript collection in the Punjab University Library. This rich cultural heritage consists of more than 4000 manuscripts, 200 precious coins, stamps and some official proceedings of the Mughal period. It was acquired from Hafiz Mehmood Shairani (1880-1946) in 1942 for the Rs.16392. The collection is prominent in Persian, some manuscripts in Urdu, Arabic, Punjabi, Pashto and Sindhi languages, of which many are illuminated and illustrated. This collection is rich in Quran, Biographies, topographies, literature, Sufism, music, poetry and calligraphy.12 6-Mehboob Alam Collection The manuscript collection of Mehboob Alam (18621937) was donated by his son Abdul Hameed in 1948 to Punjab University Library. This collection has 348 valuable manuscripts.13 7-Azar Collection 1500 invaluable manuscripts were purchased for Rs.20000 in 1962 by Mr. Zaheer-ud- Din; son of Siraj-ud-Din Azar (1892-1947). This collection was added to Punjab University Library due to personal efforts of Syed Abdullah (honorary librarian). It is the most important manuscript collection after Shairani Collection.14 8-Ruhi Collection The book and manuscript collection of Asghar Ali Ruhi (1867-1954) and his son Dr Ziaul Haq was donated to Punjab University Library in 1989. It is a rich Arabic collection having 3000 rare books and 35 manuscripts.15 9-Mian Jamil Ahmad Sharaqpuri collection Mian Jamil Ahmad Sharaqpuri is regarded as Sufi Saint. He presented his 9000 books and 57 manuscripts to the Punjab University Library in 2001, and focuses on mysticism and Islamic literature.16
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10- Waheed Qureshi Collection Dr. Waheed Qureshi (1925-2009) was the professor, critic and poet of Urdu in University of the Punjab; his manuscript collection, consists of 137 manuscripts, (in 80 volumes) has been purchased in 2010 from Mrs. Waheed Qureshi for Punjab University Library. 11- Nasreen Akhtar collection Former Principal, Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Dr. Nasreen Akhtar donated her books and precious manuscripts to the library in November 2011, it contains 6 manuscripts. General Collection Punjab University Library is continuously purchasing manuscripts through funds provided as a recurring, that is, annual grant. The chairmen of the concerned departments, keeping in view the research needs of their departments, guide the library staff in strengthening the collection in their fields. This developing collection currently has more than 8000 manuscripts, which are in Arabic, Persian Urdu, Punjabi and other local languages, with subjects relating to Quran, commentary, tradition, doctrine, philosophy, logic, medicine, history, geography, literature, astronomy, mathematics, music, botany, zoology, hunting, and calligraphy.17 Conservation practices: problems and suggestions Preservation is an essential component in saving our cultural heritage contained in libraries. A comprehensive preservation programme encompasses a system of plans, policies, procedures, and resources required to properly care for and prolong the life of this manuscript collection for the use of the academic and research community. As the Punjab University Library has a rich and invaluable manuscript collection, and thus provides formal preservation treatment consistent with the goals and objectives of the Library and the University, in order to maximize its natural life cycle and to save the manuscripts that are in danger of deterioration, due to internal and external factors, such as the careless
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handling of materials, vandalism, light, pests, pollutants, extreme variations in temperature and humidity, particularly as water and fire can greatly accelerate the process of deterioration. A comprehensive program of preservation can significantly reduce this deterioration. The current practices of Punjab University Library regarding the conservation of manuscripts are setout below: 1-Manuscript storage Punjab University Library has arranged and kept all the manuscripts in fine steel and wooden secured cupboards. 2-Dusting and cleaning Punjab University Library has a continuous dusting and cleaning programme, for which staff have been appointed. 3-Security We aim to protect our collections from vandalism, through the digital monitoring of access to the collection while in storage, and active invigilation when manuscripts are being consulted by the readers. 4-Damage and disasters This manuscript unit is situated on the first floor. The Library building has been constructed in sections to minimize earthquake damage (to roofs, drains, pipes). 5-Climatic and environmental conditions Collections in Pakistan suffer as result of environmental changes over the course of the four seasons. Their impact is especially severe during the extreme heat of the summer and rainy seasons, which disturb the physical state of the manuscript. Other concerns include temperature stability, humidity, the control of pollutants, air circulation and filtering (air conditioning), the control of light intensity, and the filtering of ultra violet light.
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6-Duplicating, copying, and reformatting (reprography) The Librarys previous policy permitted the photocopying of manuscripts. Now, however, this method has been discontinued as the damage inflicted on the manuscripts was too great. We do offer scholars access to a limited selection of microfilms (1300). As, however, the Library has moved over to the digitization of manuscripts, we now offer digital images as an alternative to the handling of fragile manuscripts. 7-Binding and Repair An in-house binding unit is available for the new binding and repair of rare books and manuscripts. Butter paper (transparent paper) is currently used to repair manuscripts that have been damaged by wormholes. 8-Lamination of manuscripts The use of the plastic lamination method is very costly for the Library, but is a useful means of preventing the further deterioration of rare books and manuscripts. So far the library has laminated a small number of manuscripts by this method. 9-Fumigation and spray All manuscripts are treated in fumigation chambers to prevent damage by different insects, for example, termites, silverfish, cockroaches, booklice, carpet beetles, casebearing cloth moths, and deathwatch beetles. 10-Digitization of manuscripts The Library is aware of the growing demand for the reproduction of original manuscripts in its collections. It would like to encourage partnerships with independent scholars, educational institutions, and heritage organizations, to allow access to the manuscript collections through digital platforms (internet, CD-ROM etc), by the means of a mutually-agreed Memorandum of Understanding. This would permit access to a large number of relevant manuscripts for research purposes only (copyright permission would still need to be sought from
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Punjab University Library in the event of the need to publish). An example of a similar partnership is the recent signing of an MOU between the University of the Punjab and the University of Geumgang, Korea, for the digitization of the Woolner Collection Suggestions The current conservation strategies adopted by the Punjab University Library are not sufficient. The acquisition of the professional knowledge of paper properties, and severe climatic and environmental control is compulsory for the preservation of such a huge manuscript collection. I would highlight the need for the cooperation of The Islamic Manuscript Association to support the conservation training of Punjab University Library staff, as continuous education is necessary, and the absence of conservation schools or other training centers have deprived not only the Punjab University Library, but also more than 300 manuscript collections throughout Pakistan. Important Persian Manuscripts There are more than 8,000 Persian manuscripts in the Library, some of which are important and contemporary manuscripts according to the catalogues, and are setout below. 18 History 1. Waqiat Baburi, translated into Persian by Abd urRahim Khan Khanan, 998 A.H. (PfIV3c/847), Contemporary copy, (More likely a late contemporary manuscript when Abdul Rahim was alive, in the early Jahangirs period) 3. Jahangir Namah, Jahangir (Pf iv4C), Contemporary copy. 4. Jahangushai Nadiri, Muhammad Mehdi Munshi (Pe II 71c/2210) 5. Tiraz ul-Akhbar, Najm ud-Din Ahmad b. Fadlullah entitled Ahmad Beg Khan Isfahini (pe I 15/452), autographed copy.
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6. 7. 8. 9.
Waqayi-e Jang-e Sikhan, Diwan Ajudhiya Parshad Mumtaz-ud-Dawlah (Pe III78), autographed copy Chahar Gulzar-i-Shujai, Harcharan Das (Pe I 18/453), autographed copy. Khalisah Namah, Ratan Chand (PeIII73/2134), autographed copy. Waqayi-e Bharatpur, Pandit Shankar Nath Nadir. (PeIII4/15570), autographed copy.
Biographies of Saints 1. Chishtiyyah-ye Bahishtiyyah, Shaykh Alaud-Din Thani Barnawi (S-1670) 2. Tuhfat ut-Tahirin, Muhammad Azam b. Shaykh Muhammad Shafi (S.1160) 3. Miftahul-Arifin, Abdul Fattah b. Muhammad Numan (S.1934). 19 Mysticism 1. Hidayat ul Talibin, Sayyid Shah Abu Said Kalpavi. (S.155) 2. Burhan ul Arifin, Abul-Hasan Khaqani (S.222) 3. Gulshan i Ishq, Shah Muhtaram-ullah. (S.281) 4. Miftahut Tasawwauf, Shir Ali b. Muhammad Qasim, (S.669) 5. Risalah-ye Jawahir, Fadlullah b. Diya al-Abbasi. (T17/8187) 6. Shami Irfan, Kewal Ram Hushyar (D-14/8494) 7. Lamat-i-Qadiriyyah, Muhammad Fadil Inayatullah, d.1538 A.D. (T-23/8193), autographed copy. Poetry 1. Diwan, Hasan Sijzi (S.2004) 2. Diwan, Salik Qazwini (S.82), a contemporary copy. 3. Mirat ul-Maani, Jamali (S.515) 4. Mathnawi-ye Jahangir wa Nur Jahan (S.1606), a contemporary copy. 5. Diwan, Murshid (S1630), a contemporary copy. 6. Diwan, Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil (S.1659) 7. Tuhfat ul Ahrar, Jami, Abdur-Rahman (O-139/7351), a contemporary copy.
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8. 9. 10.
Futuhul-Arab wal Ajam, Muhammad Diyal 194/7471) Subh-i-Bakar, Qatil (O-456/7682) Muntakhab-i-Ajib, Faqir Dehlawi. (O-41/7268) 20
(O-
Prosody and Rhyme 1. Miftah-ul-Aruz, Muhamamd Amin Amini of Bhakkar, d.1075 A.H. (S-2013) 2. Misbahul Fuyuz if ilmil-Qafiyah wal Aruz, Abul Abbas Husayn b. Ali Jafari, Written for Wajid Ali Shah, (s.2035) 3. Muyidush-Shuara, Keval Ram Hushyar (B.12/8436). Gardening and Cultivation of Plants 1. Gulzari Falahat, Mulla Abdul Ali Birjindi (S.1362) 2. Risalah dar-i Falahat wa Baghbani (S.1392) 3. Risalah dar Darakht Kashtan (S.1612) Important Arabic Manuscripts There are about 1,200 manuscripts of Arabic preserved in the library. Late Qazi Abdul Nabi Kaukab (d.1978 A.D.) compiled a hand list of Arabic manuscripts entitled, Hand list of Arabic Manuscripts in the Punjab University Library, which was published by the University in 1982. This hand list gives information about 1123 manuscripts. Important manuscripts listed in this compilation are mentioned under various subjects in the following section. This list does not contain all the important and rare manuscripts, but only a few are entered below by recording title and author respectively.21 The Quran There are 63 manuscript copies of the Holy Quran written in various scripts e.g. Kufi, Bihar, and Naskh. Tafsir 1. Fathul-Jalil bi-Bayani Khafiyyi-Anwarit-Tanzil, Qadi Abi Yahya Zakariyya b. Muhammad al-Anwari (alMisri), d. 926 A.H. (Ara 4e/1440)
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2. 3. 4.
Al-Hashiya ala Anwar it-Tanzil. Muhammad Khazin b. Abd il-karim (6564) Zubdat ut-Tafasir, Muin-ud-Din b. Khwajah, Khwand Mahmud (S1746/4800) An-Nasikh Wal-Mansukh, Qadi Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad b. Ali (Arb I 8/1819)
Hadith 1. Kifayat ul-Qari fi Sharhi Sahihil-Bukhari, Ibrahim b Umar b. Hasanar-Rubat al-Biqai, d.885 A.H.(Arb IIITb/1394) 2. Bawariq ul-anwar, Hamid b. Muhammad b. Ishaq (Arb II/39/626) 3. Sharhul Arbain, Muhammad Salah b. Jalal b. Ibadi alLari, well-known as Muslih ud Din al-Lari, d. 979 A.H. (Arb II/57/2539) 4. Muntakhab u Kawtharin-Nabi, Muhammad ji. (ArbI/9/1823) Fiqh 1. Sharhul-Husami, Abu Yusuf Muhammad Yaqub alBanbani. (Ard I 2B/2344) 2. Khazain ush-Shuruh, Mulla Muhammad Mubin b. Mulla-Muhibullah, d.1225.A.H. (Ard 113/1395) 3. Ghayatul-Hawashi, Abul-Maarif Muhammad Inayatullah al-Hanafi al-Qadiri al- Lahauri, d.1141 A.H. (6410) 4. Fatawa Ibrahim Shahi, Shihab ud Din Ahmad b. Muhammad commonly called Nizam al-Jilani (or al Qazi Nizam ud Din al-Jawnpuri), d. 874 (or 875) A.H. (Ard II 98/1857) 5. Ar-Risalatul-Muhammadiyah, Yusuf b. Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Bahrani, d. 1186 A.H. (Ard II 19/333) Tasawwuf 1. Al-Multaqat min Ihya il Ulum id Din, Muhammad Afzal b. ash-Shaykh Abi Muhammad b. Shaykh Abi Yazid. (Arb II48/951)
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2.
3.
Hallur Rumuz, Shaykh Ala ud Din Ali Dadah b. Mustafa also known as Shaykh ut Turbah, d. 1007 A.H. (ArcI 76/2282) Bayan ul-Asrar, Abul-Farah Muhammad Fazil ud-Din Batalawi, d.1151 A.H. (9008)
Philosophy 1. Shawakil ul-Hur, Jalal ud-Din Muhammad b. Asad ud-Dawwani, d. 907 A.H. (ArhIII 183/1910) 2. Sharhi Hidayatil Hikmat, Shams ud Din Muhammad b. Mubarak known as al-Bukhari. (S.1518/4568) 4. Al-Hashiyah ala Sharhi Hidayat il-Hikmat, Sayyid Muhammad b. Husayn commonly called Fakhr ud-Din Husayn as Sammaki, d.1040 A.H.(Arh II/10/2962) 5. Al-Hashiyah alash-Shamsil-Bazighah, Mulla Hasan b. Qadi Ghulam Mustafa al. Lakhnawi, d.1198/ A.H. (Arh 1188.1030) Logic 1. Iqdud-Durar, Ismail Shikarpuri (Arh 114/5352) 2. Al-Hashiyatul-Minhiyah ala Badiil Mizan, Abdullah b. il lhdad al-Usmani at Tulanbi, d.920 A.H. (or 922 A.H.) (A-102/8682) 3. Tadhhib ut Tahdhib, Abdul Basit b. Mawlawi Rustam Ali b. Ali Asghar Qunuji, d. 1223 A.H. (Arh II/24B) Medicine 1. Al-Ghina wal Muna, Abul-Mansur Husayn (or Hasan) b. Nuh al-Qumri, died shortly after 380 A.H. (A16/8593) 2. At-Tibbul-Kulli, Abu Sahl Isa b.Yahya al-Masihi Al Jarjani, d.401 A.H. (S.1904/4916) 3. Haqaiqi Asrarit-Tibb, Masud b. Muhammad Sijzi 9023) 4. Majmail-Manafiil-Badniyah, Daud b. Umar b. Antaki, d.1008 A.H. (Arh III 177/1753) 5. Al-Qanun, Ibn Sina, ArhIII 124/730 6. Kitab ul-Iksir, Hakim Mawlana Abdul-Aziz b. Ahmad al-Multani (9023)
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Important Urdu Manuscripts The Library has about 2000 manuscripts in Urdu, of which, more than 500 manuscripts are preserved in the Shairani collection, and the rest are in different collections. 22 1. Diwan, Ghalib Dihlwi (S.1882) 2. Diwan, Nasikh. (S.1635), a contemporary copy. 3. Diwan, Wali (S.1505) this is a very early copy of Walis Work 4. Miraj Namah, Qasim (S.692) 5. Nau Tarz-e-Murassa, Muhamamd Ata Husayn Khan Tahsin (S.1652) 6. Tawarikh-i-Murad, Sayyid Murad Shah (S.2083) REFERENCES 1- Ghulam Hussain Zulfiqar, Sad Sala Tarikh Jamia Punjab, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1982, p.64 2- Ghulam Hussain Zulfiqar, Sad Sala Tarikh Jamia Punjab, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1982, p.135 3- Proceedings of the sub-committee appointed to consider applications for the combined post of registrar of Punjab University and principal, Oriental College, Lahore, dated 24th Feb.1903 4- Punjab University Calendar, 1905-06 p.35 5- Hand Book of Punjab University Library, Lahore: university of the Punjab 2006.p.21 6- Dr. A.C. Woolner: an Architect of Department of Library Science, Punjab University, Lahore: Pakistani Librarian, 3: 5-13, 1997. 7- Rashid Ahmad, Fihrist Mukhtutat Maulana Muhammad hussain Azad. (Not printed, and preserved in Punjab university library)
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8- Manzurul Haq Siddiqui, Pirzada Muhammad Hussain Arif, Oriental College Magazine, Lahore: university of the Punjab, (Vol.40, P.16-17), 1963. 9- Hand Book of Punjab University Library, Lahore: university of the Punjab 2006.p.21 10- Labhu Ram, Catalogue of Sanskrit Manuscripts in the Punjab University Library, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1932, p. iii (Preface to Vol.1) 11- Labhu Ram, Ibid, p. v- viii 12- Muhammad Bashir Hussain, Mukhtutati shairani ka ajmali jaizah Oriental College Magazine, Lahore: University of the Punjab, 1956, p.113 13-- Hand Book of Punjab University Library, Lahore: university of the Punjab 2006.p.23 14-File of Azar Collection, p10 (a unpublished file preserved in the Punjab University Library) 15-Fihrist zakhira kutub Asghar Ali Ruhi (not classified) 16- Jamil Ahmad Rizvi, Fihrist zakhirae kutub Sahibzada mian Jamil Ahmad Sharkpuri, Lahore: university of the Punjab, 2002. 17- Punjab University Library Budget, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 2006-07 18-file of important Persian manuscripts, preserved in Punjab university library 19- Muhammad Bashir Hussain, Fihrist Mukhtutat Shairani, Lahore, Punjab University, 1969. (3 vol.)
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20- Khizar Abbas Nawshahi, Fihrist nuskha hay Khutti Farsi kitab khana e danishgah Punjab, Lahore: Markaz e tehqiqat Farsi Iran wa Pakistan, 1986 21-Abdul Nabi Kaukab 22- Jamil Ahmad Rizvi, Zakhira Sherani mien Urdu mukhtutat. Islamabad: Muqtadra Qawmi zuban, 1986.
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Book Review
_____Alia Arshad
Impact of Web 2.0 Technologies on US Academic Libraries: A Study of ARL Libraries / Dr.Khalid Mahmood. Saarbrcken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing, 2011. 92 p. 49.00. ISBN: 978-3-8465-0402-4
Dr Khalid Mahmood is an eminent teacher in the field of library and information science and currently serving as a Professor at the Department of Library and Information Science of the University of the Punjab. He completed his post doctorate in 2011 from the University of California, USA. He is an author of six books and more than 100 articles. His areas of special interests are ICTs in libraries, LIS education and research, bibliometrics and information needs seeking the behavior. The use of World Wide Web (www) is increasing and gaining importance tremendously since its inception in 1990s. There has been continuous technological innovation of www content to meet users ever increasing expectations. The second generation of www which is also known as Web 2.0 applications allows users to collaborate in a social media as creators of user generated content in virtual community. Web 2.0 is different from other www sites in a way that users are passive viewers of content as they cannot share and interact with each other. Examples of web 2.0 include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, mashups and folksonomies. Web 2.0 applications are becoming popular and its significance in all walks of life especially in libraries cannot be underestimated. Lot of research work has been done on Web 2.0 applications in libraries. This book particularly focuses on adoption of Web 2.0 applications in academic libraries especially in the United States. This book is an outcome of post doctorate research of the author. The study was conducted in three parts; part 1:
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an analytical review of the literature on the topic, part 2: an analysis of websites of US academic libraries which were members of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and part 3: a questionnaire survey of ARL academic libraries. This book is particularly useful for library managers, students and policy makers of the field of library and information science. The first part of the book deals with analytical review of literature on the impact of Web 2.0 technologies in US academic libraries and for this purpose three LIS databases were searched for relevant literature. The author described that terms Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Academic Library 2.0 had been used and no single agreed upon definition of Web 2.0 was found. Application of Web 2.0 tools in library and information science gave birth to a number of new terms. Analytical review of literature depicted the fact that most of the papers and books on Web 2.0 technologies found in the LIS world were of introductory nature. The author also specified that like definitions there was also confusion about what was included in Web 2.0. Tools included are Blogs, Microblogs, RSS, Wikis, Podcasts /Audiosharing, Vodcasts / Video Sharing, Instant Messaging, Social Networking sites, Social bookmaking/Tagging/ Folksonomies, Social Cataloguing. The author clearly presented brief view of these tools, their introduction and application in the context of libraries. The literature review showed the presence of surveys conducted on the use of these technologies in libraries and attitudes of librarians towards them. The findings of surveys showed that US ARL libraries were using Web 2.0 technologies tovarying degrees. The literature confirmed that US academic libraries were using Web 2.0 technologies, but no specific study was conducted on the impact of these technologies in libraries. Advantages and disadvantages of Web 2.0 technologies were also mentioned and the researcher also highlighted the threats that hinder the effective implementation of these tools.
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The second part of the study was conducted to find out the type of Web 2.0 technologies adopted by academic libraries on their websites and the uses of these technologies. Graphical presentation of Web 2.0 tools and their uses were given along with the brief understanding of these concepts. The researcher also suggested areas of further study regarding impact of web 2.0 technologies in libraries. The third part of the study was conducted to accomplish the objectives; to identify the adoption of various Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries and to articulate the perceptions of academic librarians about advantages and disadvantages of these technologies for libraries. Survey monkey, a Web based tool, was used to seek participants perceptions and it was interesting to note that each library was using some form of Web 2.0 technologies. Most used and least used technologies were identified in the findings. It was interesting to know that the librarians have stronger favor of advantages of Web 2.0 than disadvantages. But the difficulties faced need to be addressed for effective services. This study was limited to US ARL libraries only; therefore results could not be generalized. However, it is a very useful study to understand the terminology, librarians perceptions of advantages, disadvantages as well as adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries. The problems and difficulties were also mentioned in the implementation of social media in libraries. Several measures were also suggested to get the maximum benefits of these technologies in academic libraries. This book could be more useful if it has had an index for quick access to terminology.

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A Chronology of Events arranged by PLWO

Muhammad Asif Munir
General Secretary, PLWO
Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) is registered body working for the development of library & information science profession and its professionals. The organization has adopted multifaceted approach to achieve this objective. An important contributing factor for the development of professionals is provision of continuing education opportunities for them in order to transform them from manpower to human resources. PLWO has felt this responsibility to play its role in this very crucial element needed for success. Although PLWO is a quite younger organization but the role it has performed in competitive and commendable. PLWO was established by young library & information science graduates on September 29, 2005. The objective was to help and prepare newly graduates in accordance with the requirements of competitive job market. Since its inception in the last quarter of 2005, PLWO has conducted various training events and these programs have helped the organization in earning good repute and making it a famous and successful organization. Feedback of the participants of these training events is very encouraging. They have emphasized on arranging more programs of similar nature. This has also prompted a very healthy competition among peers and stakeholders. This has instigated other competitor organizations to offer training opportunities for new graduates, managers and executives in the industry. Resultantly, more and more trainings are being offered by competitors and similar organization in comparison with the previous years. Apart from training programs, PLWO has also arranged many get together events since we believe that get together is a very good source of learning from peers. PLWO has set
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a new tradition of collaborations and partnerships. The organization has made partners and brought other similar organizations on board to arrange several professional development programs. These partnerships have distributed the burden which could otherwise have borne by a single organization. This shows that PLWO leadership believes in collective efforts. PLWO has also faced criticism because of this approach but we would not consider it at all and will continue working in our style by creating more and more partnerships. So we will remain engaged in future to uplift our profession and professionals collectively. A chronology of events conducted by PLWO is given as under:1. Workshop on Developing a Research Proposal A workshop on Developing a Research Proposal was jointly organized by PLWO and Library Information & Management Academy (LIMA) under the auspices of the Centre for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore on 30 October 2006 from 1:30 to 4:30pm. Prof. Mumtaz A. Anwar, Kuwait University, conducted the workshop. It was presided over by Prof. Sadiq Ali Gill, Director of the Centre. The event report can also be found at:
2. Web Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citations Management by Using EndNote Pakistan Librarian Welfare Organization (PLWO) and Library Superior Group of Colleges, Raiwind Road, Lahore jointly organized a one day workshop on Web Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citations Management by Using EndNote on 29th January 2011 at Superior Group of Colleges, Raiwind Road Lahore. The Workshop was inaugurated by Sulman Masood Shaikh, Director Quality Assurance Superior Group of Colleges. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library, Mr. Muhmmad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library, and Mr. Muhmmad Asif Ch. Assistant Manager were the resources persons for this training. The photographs of the workshop have been
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shared at librarianwelfare@yahoogroups.com and facebook page of the organization. Further details of the report can be seen at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/8235
3. Workshop on Online Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Open Source Software Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), Punjab University Library & Information Science Alumni Association (PULISAA), and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center (SKMCH&RC) jointly organized one day workshop on "Online Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Open Source Software". The workshop held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Johar Town, Lahore. Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir represented Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) and assumed the responsibility of workshop's secretary. Dr. Ahsan Azhar delivered welcome address. Mr. Ata ur Rehman from LISolutions and Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, a renowned researcher and scholar, were trainers during the workshop. Presidents PULISAA, Mr. Muhammad Shafiq and PLWO, Mr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya also spoke in the concluding ceremony. The pictures of the event are available at PLWO website (www.plworg.com) and the organizations social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube. Detailed report cab be seen at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/8330
4. Workshop on Advance Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Endnote Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), Punjab University Library & Information Science Alumni Association (PULISAA), and National Textile University (NTU), Faisalabad jointly organized one day workshop on "Advance Searching Skills, Research Ethics and Citation Management by using Endnote". The workshop held at
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National Textile University (NTU), Faisalabad on February 23, 2011. Dr. Mumtaz Hassan Malik, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, NTU delivered welcome address. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library, conducted the first session of the workshop while Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library and General Secretary, PLWO and Mr. Nadeem Sohail conducted second and third sessions respectively. In the end, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan conducted last session on Plagiarism and Research Ethics. President PLWO, Mr. Shahid Soroya spoke in the concluding ceremony. The workshop attracted more than 75 participants. People from various universities of Faisalabad, Lahore and Islamabad attended the workshop. Departmental heads/Chairmen/Chairpersons of different departments of NTU were present at the occasion. I take this privilege to share some of the names with you. These were Prof. Javed Iqbal, Registrar, Mr. Zafar Javed, Chairman, Garments Department, Mr. Zabih Ullah, Director, Student Affairs and Mr. Liaqat Hussain, Chairman, Department of Management Sciences. Some of the picture of the event can be seen at
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=o.183533974990158
Report of the event can also be seen at

5. Workshop on Citation Management by Using Bibliographical Software EndNote Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) in collaboration with Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan organized one day practical training workshop on Citation Management by Using Bibliographical Software EndNote at Computer Science Department of the university on March 21, 2011. Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library and General Secretary PLWO was a lead trainer. Mr. Muhammad Asif, Assistant Manager, LUMS Library and Mr. Nadeem Sohail, Librarian University of Engineering & Technology, Gujranwala Campus were among the other resource persons. Chief Guest of the
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occasion stated that he was really impressed to see the dedication, commitment and hard working of BZU Librarians team and it was really encouraging to see the overwhelming response of BZU people. PLWO congratulate librarians of BZU on organizing successful event and thankful for the wonderful hospitality of Chairman Library Committee, Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, Mr. Muhammad Naushad Gazanfar, Mr. Muhammad Ayub, Mr. Sajjad and all other fellow librarians. Photographs of the event can be seen at PLWO website along with organizations social networking sites. The report can also be read at:
6. Two workshops on Mastering Web Searching Skills on June 4, 2011 & June 11, 2011 at Hailey College of Commerce Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) in collaboration with Hailey college of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore organized two hands-on training sessions on Master Web Searching Skills at Computer Lab of the College on June 4, 2011 and on June 11, 2011. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director Library, LUMS and Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library were the resource persons. Students and faculty of Hailey college of Commerce were amongst the participants of the training sessions along with librarians from various institutions from within and outside the city. The first event enjoyed an overwhelming popularity and all the interested attendees could not get place in the training session. So PLWO decided to replicate the same training on June 11, 2011. Dr. Liaqat Ali, Principal, Hailey College of Commerce was the chief guest of the occasions. He praised PLWO team and resource persons to spare their time for conducting these valuable sessions. He also commended the efforts made by Mr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya, President PLWO and Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, General Secretary PLWO for contributing for betterment of library profession in Pakistan.
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Some visuals can be seen at www.plworg.com and facebook page of the organization. The message of president PLWO can also been seen at below link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/8961
7. Workshop on Total Library Solutions on July 9-10, 2011 Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), LISolutions and Hailey College of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore jointly organized a two day training workshop on Total Library Solutions. The workshop held at Hailey College of Commerce. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library and Mr. Ata Ur Rehman, Mr. Shafiq Shahid and Mr. Arslan Farooq from LISolutions were the trainers in workshop. It was a very successful event. Librarians from all across Pakistan participated in the training workshop. Further details can be seen at following link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/9013
8. Training Workshop on Synthesizing Library Systems with Operations Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO), Pakistan Library Club (PLC), & Department of Library and Information Science, University of Karachi Jointly Organized a two day training workshop at DLIS, University of Karachi on 25-26 July, 2011. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library, Mr. Nadeem Siddique, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library and Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Deputy Manager, LUMS Library were resource persons during the workshop. Detailed report can be found at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/9213
9. School Librarians Training Two days practical training workshop was held in Department of Economics, University of the Punjab, Lahore on 07-08 October, 2011 by Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization. Librarians from different educational institutions attended the workshop from all over Pakistan
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including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Bahawalpur and Sargodha. Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS, Mr. Usman from Beaconhouse and Mr. Asif Munir from LUMS contributed as Resource Persons. President Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization Mr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya addressed the participants in certificate distribution ceremony. Chiarman Department of Economics, University of the Punjab extended his support to PLWO and congratulated the team of PLWO for successful organization of workshop. Detailed report can be viewed at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/librarianwelfare/message/9557
10. Training Workshop for College Librarians Punjab Library Foundation organized a Two Day Workshop on Capacity Building of College Librarians in collaboration with Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization on 17-18 November, 2011 at Children Library Complex. There was no registration fee for the College Librarians working under the Government of the Punjab. Mr. Muhammad Asif Munir, Mr. Nadeem Siddique, Mr. Nadeem Sohail and Mr. Muhammad Asif Ch contributed as resource persons. Further details of the workshop can be seen at
11. World Book Days Seminars and TV Talk Shows Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) celebrates World Book Day every year on April 23. PLWO revived the tradition and celebrated world book day in 2011 by holding a seminar. The program held at Allama Iqbal Open University, Regional Campus, Lahore. Famous columnist Munno Bhai and other renowned scholars threw light on importance of books and libraries. In line with its mission of promoting reading culture, PLWO has also made arrangements to organiz TV programs/ talk shows to highlight the importance of books and libraries. These were telecasted by Pakistan Television, Lahore Station. The first program of the series was telecasted on April 4, 2010. Mr.
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iftikhar Arif was a guest in the talk show. Second Special Current Affairs program was telecasted by PTV News on April 23, 2010. Dr. Mumtaz A Anwar, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan and DEO Education department were the participants in the talk show. Third talks show was brought on air by PTV Home on April 24, 2010. Another talk show of the similar nature was telecasted by PTV with the title Sooch Wichaar. Dr. Naveed Shahzad, Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Muhammad Iqbal Cheema shared their thoughts to promote reading habits in our society. Another program with same title was telecasted at PTV wherein Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Mrs. Qaiser Sultana, and Mr. Shahid Soroya discussed issue impeding reading culture in Pakistani society. 12. Seminar Grab your first job Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University, Regional Campus, Lahore organized Seminar on ' Grab Your First Job' on 17.09.2011 for the MLIS students of AIOU and University of the Punjab, Lahore. The resource persons were from relevant fields and specialized in their areas. The keynote speaker was Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Director LUMS Library and contents of the seminar were 1) Resume Writing, 2) Interview Techniques, 3) Job Searching Skills, 4) Take a good start at your first job, Following Resource Persons discussed the above areas: Muhammad Haroon Usmani, Deputy Chief Librarian, Punjab University, Ms. Sana Alam, AM (HR), Naseeb Network (Rozee.Pk) Ms. Sahar Pervez, HR Officer, International Turnkey Solution, Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Regional Librarian, AIOU, Lahore. Mr. Zaheer Ahmad assumed the responsibility of Stage Secretary. A large number of students, librarians and professionals participated.
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Please follow the link for photographs of the event.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.288993137782742.97 206.100000161744444&type=1&notif_t=like
13. PLWO Annual Dinner & Mahfal-e-Mushaira 2011 PLWO in collaborations with PLA (Punjab) took another initiative by holding first Annual Dinner and Mushaira 2011 on November 18, 2011 at Executive Club, University of the Punjab, Lahore. With the presence of DG Public Libraries, Capt Saeed Ahmad Nawaz, DG Mines, MS. Punjab Institute of Cordiology,Lahore, Regioanal Director Lahore, Mian Aslam, US Consulate Information Officer, Leslie Goodman, Imperial College, Associate Dean, Dr. Shahid A. Zia, Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Ms. Shama Zia, EDO, Malik Ehsan, Zulfiqar Rana, Principal, Govt. College, Gulberg, Dr. Tahira Sikandar, Principal, Jinnah Degree College, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Ch. Muhammad Hanif, Haroon Usmani,Shahid Bhutta, Abid Ali Gill, Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen, eminent scholars, poets, like Khurshid Rizvi, Dr. Ishfaq Virk, Khalid Sharif, Dr. kamran, Dr. Zia etc. made it really memorable day. It is important t mention here that Librarians from all over Punjab including Lahore, Bahawalpur, Multan, Faisalabad and Sahiwal participated in this social gathering. We also tried to have mix gathering by inviting educationists, administrators and scholars in this beautiful evening. The function was ended at 11.00pm. You can follow the link for beautiful pictures of the event.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.32303 1367712252.106013.100000161744444&type=1

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Zero-penny Expenditure Model for Library Automation in Pakistan