University Libraries In India Research Articles

Research publications and return on library investment: a study of the NIRF ranking university libraries in India

PurposeThe study aims to investigate returns on investment (ROI) from the academic library of India's top ten leading university libraries in terms of research publication. Librarians help academic researchers in a variety of ways. Some of these methods are collection oriented, whilst others are service oriented. The study investigates many factors responsible for the increased or decreased institutional ROI, performance and research out of the institution, such as total library budget, staff, library collection, service and facilities. The ROI % shows the institution's highest and lowest investment return in research publication.Design/methodology/approachThe study is expiation about ROI from the academic library of India's top ten leading university libraries in terms of research publication. The study is based on primary and secondary data gathered from the Ministry of Education, Government of India and universities ranking in June 2020. The data were compiled from the ranking list regarding total library budgets, staff and research publications for 2017–2020. The research is limited to a ROI analysis of university libraries. The study should aid libraries in better understanding the idea of ROI in order to improve library services. The study then looked at various institutions' ROI from 2017 to 2020.FindingsThe study aims to investigate ROI from the academic library of India's top ten leading university libraries in terms of research publication. This study investigates many factors responsible for the increased or decreased institutional ROI, performance and research out of the institution, such as total library budget, staff, library collection, service and facilities. The study found that the overall highest research output is by the Indian Institute of Science and the lowest by Jamia Millia Islamia among the ten leading university libraries in India.Originality/valueThe ROI study displays the importance of libraries in terms of research publication of the institutions. This research can also support decision-making, library collection development and institutional library system analysis. The library can assist with publications, sponsorships, grants, finances and teaching enhancement research output. The last point justifies the library's increased importance in establishing an organisation's status and obtaining accreditation.

Growth and development of University libraries in India

Growth and development of University libraries in India

Between quandary and squander: an analysis of preservation practices of vernacular literature at university libraries

PurposeVernacular materials present stories of different cultures and people. Management of these resources is not just about storing records for history and research; they also represent the democratic credentials of the government. Libraries play a crucial role here. The purpose of this study is to look into the existing preservation practices at university libraries, such as digitisation.Design/methodology/approachThis study has applied descriptive research methods for the systematic literature analysis along with structured questionnaires for the primary data collection. The research sample was 50 university libraries spread in different provinces in India.FindingsThe analysis critically describes the strategies of implementing the preservation practices and factors of deterioration of the old and rare materials. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the university libraries are using digitisation of rare materials, and binding, de-acidification and pest control were common practices of restoration.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, based on the literature analysis, the primary investigation and research gap indicated that no attempts have been made to explore the digitisation practice and other restoration approaches among university libraries. Preservation practices vary from case to case; however, such common practices at these university libraries provide evidence-based examples which is useful for the larger group of people to choose more suitable conservation techniques. This study will help researchers of conservationists to identify the factors of preservation and conservation practices at university libraries in India in special respect to the rare vernacular literature.

Virtual reference service: The provision of Indian university libraries during COVID 19

Virtual reference service: The provision of Indian university libraries during COVID 19

Implementation of TOPSIS Method to Compare the Libraries of Top-Ranking Universities Abroad and in India

This study was made for comparison of university libraries in India and abroad. Ten top-ranking universities by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) were considered for making a comparison from each category. The main objective of the study was to know whether the library plays any role to achieve top rank or not. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used for analyzing and for the TOPSIS method, 5 important criteria were considered, viz., total collection, total library staff, total budget, total working hours, and major divisions of the library. Important criteria were selected from University Grant Commission (UGC) and American Library Association (ALA). Initially, TOPSIS method was applied to university libraries abroad; next, to Indian university libraries and finally, both Indian and foreign university libraries were considered. Results represented that the library played a role in helping the parent university achieve a rank but not entirely. The University of Cambridge got the highest rank as per the study but in QS ranking MIT stood first.

Assessment of e-service quality performance of university libraries

PurposeThis empirical study aims to measure the performance of electronic service quality and related infrastructure in a state university library and suggests the strategies for further improvement based on this study.Design/methodology/approachThe data collection was done through a survey questionnaire based on the 22 attributes of four e-Service quality dimensions rated on five-point Likert scale. The sample population consisted of 239 respondents comprising of different categories of users of university library.FindingsThe results of this study indicated that all four dimensions rated by the users fell between mean score 3 to 4 (good), the highest score was received in dimension online public access catalogue (OPAC) and internet service with followed by Library website, Library electronic equipment’s and e-User education. Out of total 22 e-Service quality attributes, none of the attributes received score above 4 (excellent), which indicates that still university library need to improve the current performance of e-Service quality and to take remedial steps to enhance the existing e-services and infrastructure.Practical implicationsFindings from this study could assist university library authority to sustain and enhance performance of e-Services that could achieve the core journey of the modern university libraries.Originality/valueThis study was the first endeavour for measurement of the performance of e-Service quality and related infrastructure of federal university libraries in India.

Use of web 2.0 applications on Indian University library websites

The main objective of this research work is to examine the adaption of the Web 2.0 application in the libraries of Indian university. The study mainly emphasises the various Web 2.0 tools and their purpose and features on the select library websites. In terms of a quantitative technique, content analysis was conducted. For data collection, a checklist was created based on prior checklists and questionnaires from similar studies, as well as synthesised concepts from the reviewed literature. Then all selected university libraries websites were accessed by the researcher for data collection. The research result shows that Eight Indian university libraries used at least one or more Web 2.0 tools, and five Web 2.0 tools (SNS, RSS, Blogs, Wikis, and Vodcast) were utilised for specific purposes with characteristics. The selected university Web 2.0 application indexes have been observed low.

Economics of open source library software: evidences from Indian libraries

The purpose of this paper is to study the adoption and use of open source software (OSS) in the libraries of Institutions of National Importance (INIs) in India vis-a-vis their economic impact on adopting libraries. Besides, it aims to study the business model of OSS.,The paper analyses the adoption and use of OSS in the libraries of INIs, India, and their economic impact on the adopting libraries. An online survey was administrated to library professionals of INIs to know the adoption and use of OSS in their libraries and its acceptability. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square are used in this study.,The findings of the study reveal that the libraries of INIs adopt and use OSS in integrated library system (ILS) (18.4 per cent), digital repository (95.2 per cent) and library website (65.5 per cent). Koha, DSpace, Drupal and Joomla! are the most favoured OSS among the libraries of INIs. The results reveal that favouring of OSS and having a policy on OSS by the libraries have a positive and significant relationship with their adoption and use of OSS in the libraries. The results of the study show that university libraries of India could save an estimated Rs 417m by adopting open source ILS such as Koha, Evergreen, NewGenLib and ABCD.,The paper will help decision makers to adopt and use open source ILS in their libraries.,This paper is the first of its kind that explores the economic impact of OSS on the adopting libraries and also explicitly discusses the business model of open source library software.

Provision of Assistive Technology for Students with Visual Impairment in University Libraries in India


 
 
 The use of advanced IT applications has enabled the university libraries to provide innovative library services to their patrons. While the general students are getting all required services from the libraries, the students with visual impairment have continued to face challenges in accessing the library collection. The technology to help overcome these challenges is available today in the form of assistive technology (AT). Unfortunately, a majority of the university libraries in the country do not have this technology in their libraries due to which a huge amount of information stored in the books and journals subscribed by them has become out of reach of the students with visual impairment. The present study was conducted to ascertain the status of AT to support students with visual impairment in university libraries. The study which has covered around 185 universities, provides the first systematic exploration of the status of AT in university libraries in India. The major findings of the study in context of university libraries in India are: 12.97 per cent having Braille Books in their collection; 22.70 per cent have made provision for AT for students with visual impairment; 22.70 per cent have accessible library websites; 21.08 per cent have designated staff members to serve the students with disabilities; 22.70 per cent have ‘written disability policy or ‘documented minutes’ related to the ‘library services for the students with disabilities’.
 
 

Evaluating library service quality of University of Kashmir: a LibQUAL+ survey

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the library service quality (LSQ) of University of Kashmir from the users’ perspectives based on the LibQUAL+ model approach.Design/methodology/approachThe survey used the LibQUAL+ model to evaluate service quality (SQ) of Allama Iqbal Library (AIL), University of Kashmir, Srinagar (India). The data were collected from library users by administering the LibQUAL+ questionnaire in a printed format.FindingsIt has been revealed that AIL has succeeded in satisfying the minimum expectations of its users but could not meet the customers’ desired expectations that make them delighted. Library as Place (LP) and Information Control (IC) are the most satisfied dimensions of SQ of AIL, whereas Affect of Service (AS) is the least satisfied dimension. LP is the most desired dimension amongst LibQUAL+ dimensions. All LibQUAL+ items were found to be lying inside the zone of tolerance (ZoT). Further, “Library is secure and peaceful place for study, learning and research” (LP-21) was found as most important service item as per users’ desired expectations, while “Library staff shows dependability in handling users’ service problems” (AS-9) is marked as the least desired item.Originality/valueOnly a few studies have been carried out to evaluate the SQ of Indian university libraries as far as the LibQUAL+ model is concerned. Therefore, the findings of present survey will help to understand how far library has reached in satisfying users’ expectations as well as the areas or dimensions where it needs to improve.

Comparative Study of Use of Web-Based Patron Education in Top University Libraries in India and World: An Overview

Comparative Study of Use of Web-Based Patron Education in Top University Libraries in India and World: An Overview

Modernization of Serials Control Systems in Higher Learning Indian Institutes

The purpose of this article is to highlight the status and application of automated serials control in three central university libraries in India—namely, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). All three libraries have started to automate their serials processes, choosing either the Libsys or Virtua integrated library systems. AMU and JMI selected Libsys, while JNU installed Virtua—a product of VTLS Inc. Findings suggest that reasonable progress has been made with the use of different features of serials control systems in all these libraries. This information is helpful for other universities where libraries want to start the automation process.

Current practices of management of online databases at university libraries in Maharashtra state of India

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to know-how the university libraries are managing online databases, especially from the Maharashtra state of India. The focus is to study the difficulties and challenges faced by the university librarians.Design/methodology/approachIn this descriptive research, survey of 15 university libraries was conducted. Seven universities are subscribing online databases apart from databases accessible under national consortia. A comprehensive questionnaire comprised of 16 sections and total 47 questions was designed for data collection. Personal contacts helped to a great extent to get back the questionnaire.FindingsThe study revealed that the university librarians are trying to cope up with the management of electronic resources. Major challenges are unawareness about the life cycle of electronic resources, lack of standard procedures, collection development and preservation policies, failed to conduct user information need surveys, negotiation skills, competencies of staff and so on.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the present research was to study the current practices of management of online databases subscribed by the university libraries in Maharashtra. Other types of electronic resources were not considered in the present study. It was found that out of 15 universities only seven universities subscribe the online databases apart from the databases provided by UGC-INFONET. Therefore, the data from these seven libraries were considered for analysis.Practical implicationsThis study will provide the guidelines for managing online databases in academic libraries.Originality/valueVery few studies are conducted to study the management of online databases by university librariesin India.

User Education in Agricultural Science University Libraries in India with Special Reference to SKUAST, Kashmir

It is not sufficient if the modern library is limited to its traditional functions in view of the mountainous knowledge that is added every year. The new technique of information is dissemination of knowledge which has acquired enormous importance. The agricultural libraries in India also provide user education to PG & PhD scholar. The present study deals with current status of user’s education in SKUAST-K library system. Present survey report of five faculties libraries where user education is a part of University teaching curriculum. This programme is mostly conducted by Asstt librarian of faculties with aim that to make user more self reliant in use of library material (both soft and hard copies) of literature available in libraries

Web 2.0: Applications in Academic libraries to Provide Web Enabled Information Services

The rapid developments of computer technology and information technologies have brought changes in libraries and other information agencies. New and evolving technologies are being applied in Information organizations in a variety of areas to provide different services. With an increase in the creation and publication of non-print materials, the online and electronic materials have become more common. Information technologies, especially Web 2.0, have provided more options for people to access information. Web 2.0 technologies facilitate access to information in new ways. Thus, as information seekers keep pace with the rapid change in technology and embrace its offerings, their new information needs are increasing. Web 2.0 has had a significant impact on the operations of information agencies ’, services and resources, as well as the work of information professionals. This paper explains the various web 2.0 technologies which have been applied in the Academic libraries especially University Libraries in India. University library websites were studied for the purpose.

E-ShodhSindhu Consortium: Awareness and Use

At present the university libraries in India are actively engaged in incorporating electronic information resources and services. Ever-increasing prices of journal have forced institutions to resort to alternatives like consortia for resource sharing that offer access to electronic resources, bibliographic databases and services through Internet and World Wide Web. UGC had initiated Infonet E-journals Consortium. Recently MHRD formed e-ShodhSindhu merging three consortia, namely UGC-INFONET Digital Library Consortium, NLIST and INDEST-AICTE Consortium. Banasthali University library in Rajasthan is providing access to e-ShodhSindhu E-journals Consortium to its research community. This study seeks to examine how far the research community is aware of and is making use of e-ShodhSindhu E-journals Consortium. The study also seeks to examine the influence of Consortium on the users' research, to identify difficulties faced by the research scholars while accessing the Consortium and to make a few suggestions to strengthen the e-ShodhSindhu E-journals Consortium.

Investigating Knowledge Management Strategies in Central University Libraries in India

The aim of this research paper is to investigate the knowledge management strategies adopted by the libraries of central universities in India. Review of literature, reveals that codification and personalisation have been considered knowledge management strategies for sharing explicit and tacit knowledge within the library system. To determine the most used knowledge management strategies in libraries, 14 tools (seven each for codification and personalisation) were recognised from the literature review and taken for examination. A total of 116 library and information science professionals of 23 central universities spread across India were surveyed through a web-based questionnaire to explore the knowledge management strategies followed and data analyses were conducted by using SPSS version 22.0. The findings of the research show that both codification and personalisation have been used in libraries, though the balance of codification and personalisation was not in 80-20 ratio. Between codification and personalisation, codification was found to be the most useful strategy with collective mean difference, i.e., 0.312. This study has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the prominence of knowledge management and how knowledge management strategies can be used to gain a competitive advantage.

Next Generation of Catalogues:A Comparative Analysis of Opacs of University Libraries in India

The Next Generation Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), generally termed as OPAC 2.0, is the results of continuous rethinking and reworking to make the information retrieval more effective, efficient and elegant with improved searching experiences. This paper attempts to list the OPAC functionalities by studying the OPAC 2.0 features available in representatives of all three types of software – commercial, open source and free. This paper attempts to compare the features available in the OPAC of ten universities against the listed expectations. Effort is also made to understand the level of OPAC 2.0 in the software adopted by these universities for integration of e-Resources, and interoperability standards.

Web-Based Bibliographic Services Offered by Top World and Indian University Libraries

Bibliographical services are services related to the library collection and access to those collections, whether print or online. In modern libraries, these services are provided online through website. Many studies have been carried out to study application of web 2.0 tools and web-based services offered by the libraries. There is need to study the basic fundamental library services offered via the web or websites in modern libraries. In this paper author studied tops world and Indian libraries and prepared inventory of web-based bibliographic services offered by these libraries and analyzed the data in a quantitative way.

Disaster Management in University Libraries of India and Pakistan

Natural disasters can strike without warning anytime anywhere anyone. There are different types of disasters. The economic losses caused by these disasters are mainly more expensive for developing countries that are vulnerable to the disasters like India and Pakistan in this case. Different types of libraries including university libraries and museums are priceless storehouses of knowledge, which once lost could be lost forever. Disaster planning needs to be done in university libraries to save the knowledge for future generations. This is true for all types of libraries everywhere. To study the situation of disaster management in university libraries of India and Pakistan literature review will be done. Information from various websites of both the countries will be collected. Regarding information on university libraries in Pakistan emails will be sent to select university librarians to find out whether they have any disaster management plans and similar studies be searched in professional literature. Initial review of literature shows a nearly similar infrastructural planning in both the countries at central and state government level. Disaster management is an ignored subject in Pakistan as stated by leading newspaper Dawn. Very few papers on this subject are available from Pakistan and intensive and exhaustive review of literature can lead to valid conclusion. In India this was an ignored area but after tsunami there has been awareness at all levels. Majority of the university libraries are ignorant about this important aspect of library planning but there are a few where this is being practiced. This study will highlight similarities and gaps between the approaches to disaster management in university libraries of these two neighbouring countries with nearly similar disaster conditions.