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Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2019

A STUDY ON LIBRARY AUTOMATION

STATUS AMONG THE AIDED COLLEGE
LIBRARIES IN BENGALURU
Nayana J
[email protected]

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac

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J, Nayana, "A STUDY ON LIBRARY AUTOMATION STATUS AMONG THE AIDED COLLEGE LIBRARIES IN BENGALURU"
(2019). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 3048.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/3048
A STUDY ON LIBRARY AUTOMATION STATUS AMONG THE
AIDED COLLEGE LIBRARIES IN BENGALURU

Dr. Nayana J

Library Assistant, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Jalahalli Post, Bengaluru-560013

ABSTRACT:

The growth and development of Information and Communication Technology

(ICT) is playing vital role in the field of library and information science and library
automation in particular. The present paper is showing the status and problems of
library automation in aided degree colleges affiliated to Bangalore university,
Bengaluru. The study was clearly presents that 81.81% of Libraries are automated
and main problems for not being automated are inadequate staff, lack of
infrastructure, insufficient funds and lack of training to library staff. This study
also gives a status view of the software packages used by libraries and modules
used library automation software. It is evident from the study out of 36 libraries
12(33.33%) libraries are using EasyLib software, The study mainly focuses on the
availability, applicability and problems faced during the process of implementation
and utilization of Library automation software.

KEYWORD:

Library automation, Aided college libraries, Problems of Library automation

1.1 INTRODUCTION:

Library is considered as heart of any learning institution. A well-equipped and

maintained library is the foundation of modern education structure. Academic
libraries play a significant role in providing information services to the patrons.
Academic libraries are centres of learning and teaching activities where students
and teachers search vast quantity of information. In traditional libraries users have
to spend large amount of time for searching the Information with the help of
library staff. But in the present age of ICT, computers are used for daily operations
of Library which saves time and avoid duplication of work and makes library
services smooth and effective.

In the information technology age, the academic libraries are expected to use ICT
to give information more expeditiously and systematically than before.
Mechanization of library ‘housekeeping’ operations is a significant function in this
context, “Automation”, when performed in a library refers to the computerization
of activities (Harinarayana, 1991).

Library Automation is process of automating the traditional functions/activities of

libraries and services such as acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, serial control
system and other related activities. The current information age demands libraries
to adapt to automation services in library operations and services for enhancement
of effective and efficient services to the user community. Such automation not only
provides considerable support for the library staff for their routine work
performance, but also provides facilities like easy operations through database
connectivity across geographies using internet.

In the computer age, the functioning of library operations and management has
been highly productive and as well users are able to easily process large quantity of
data. From collection to dissemination, a touch of timelessness and accessibility of
material through computers provide an added impetus and dynamism to the entire
library network. Hence, Automation of Library system leads to great facility of
work and environs.
1.2 NEED FOR LIBRARY AUTOMATION IN AIDED COLLEGE
LIBRARIES
There are 44 Aided College libraries affiliated to Bangalore University, Bengaluru. The libraries
need to be automated for effective use of library facilities by the students and faculty members.
Automation not only eases out the job of librarians. It also helps library in providing better
services to the students and faculty members. It is also mandatory for any college for undergoing
NAAC accreditation/ re-accreditation. Following are some points will clear that the need of
library computerization:

➢ Save the time of the users and library staff.

➢ Capable of handling enormous amount of Information.
➢ Helps in managing library circulation.
➢ Speedy processing of information and its retrieval.
➢ Error free services
➢ Keep up to date records.
➢ Give modern IT bases services to the users like OPAC and use of barcode technology.
➢ Standardization of library procedures and proved new services.

1.3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Yogendra Singh (2003) tries to analyze the various factors that directly or
indirectly affect the progress of library automation such as management issues,
resources available to the libraries, level of skill of staff, availability of suitable
software, and geographic location area. He also discusses the areas in which
automation has taken place and why. The role of INFLIBNET has also been
discussed. He concludes that those things were changing for the betterment of
library operations and services.

Haneefa (2007) conducted the study to investigate the application of ICT in special
Libraries in Kerala and found that though the libraries had hardware, software, and
communication facilities to some extent, ICT-based resources and services were
not reaching the users to the expected extent. The ICT-based resource used by the
largest percentage of the users was the e-mail. Most of the libraries were hampered
by lack of funds, lack of infrastructure, and lack of skilled professionals to embark
on automation of all library management activities and application of ICT..

Matoria, Upadhyay and Moni (2007) paper is a case study of design, development
and implementation of the e-Granthalaya software in India’s public libraries. The
author found that there is a requirement for greater orchestration of funding
provision, acquisitions of systems, data entry of catalogues, hosting and so on.

Bansode & Periera (2008) carried survey on the status of library automation in
college libraries of Goa State. The study found that the all the colleges are
automated and most of the colleges are using NewGenLib software. The authors
suggest that library professionals must upgrade their skills to meet the growing
expectations of users from libraries.

Mulla (2010) conducted the survey on Engineering College libraries in Karnataka

using the questionnaire as a tool. The study reveals that the most of the colleges are
automated with proprietary software like Libsoft and EasyLib . The colleges are
effectively using all the modules of the Software for providing better services. The
major problems faced by few college libraries which are not automated are Lack of
funds and lack of Computer facility.

Upadhyay (2012) studied the status, Problems and Prospects of Library automation
in Engineering Colleges in Jabalpur City. The study reveals that most of the
colleges are partially automated and few colleges are not automated. The major
problems faced during the pre and post automation process are the lack of trained
Staff, Lack of support by management, lack of Computer facility and Lack of
funds. The prospect is both positive and negative, the positive prospects are
improved productivity in terms of work output and information retrieval and
helped in extending library services. The negative prospects are more finance is
required for the implementation.

Raval (2013) mainly discussed on the problems occurred during pre and post
automation process. According to author, the major three problems faced during
Pre and Post Automation process are technological, economical and attitudinal
problems. Technological problems include both the hardware and software issues,
economical problems includes the cost involved in the process of establishment
and maintenance of the software and the attitudinal includes lack of knowledge of
the Librarian on potential and consequences of Library automation.

Jayamma K V & Krishnamurthy M (2015) has highlighted on the scenario of

library automation in the college libraries of Bangalore city in Karnataka state.

Ajay Kamble (2015) in his study entitled "Status of library automation in the
Institutions of Higher Studies in Punjab" gives an overview of major facets of
automation activity and surveys the current state of computer application in 6 areas
of library work. For each area discussion briefly indicated the motive of
automation and describes current dominant approaches citing examples of
representative products and services.

Veeranjaneyulu (2017) studied the present status of library automation and

digitization of Agricultural University libraries in India. The parameters
investigated include the status of automation, status of digitization, membership in
KrishiKosh institutional repository, membership in AgriCat Union Catalogue and
implementation of RFID technology in the agricultural libraries. The study reveals
that 80% of the libraries are automated in agricultural University.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

• To find out what softwares are being used in Automated Libraries in

Bengaluru city
• To find out which areas are being automated.
• To find the problems faced by librarians in using the software.
• To find out the impact of automation on Libraries.

1.5 METHODOLOGY

The study is mainly focused on Use of Library Automation Software packages in

Aided degree college libraries affiliated to Bangalore University, bengaluru, survey
method was found more suitable for the study. Hence, Survey method was
endorsed for the present work. There are two commonly used tools for collecting
the data in survey research; the Questionnaire method, and the Interview method.
Primarily questionnaire is used as a major tool in this study. However, this has
been complemented with the informal interviews as and when required. The
questionnaire were distributed to 44 libraries out of which only 36 libraries were
automated.

1.6 EVALUATION OF STATUS AND PROBLEMS OF LIBRARY

AUTOMATION:

The growth and development of ICT is playing major role in the field of library
and information science in general and library automation in particular. The below
table 1.1 shows the status of library automation among the Aided college libraries
in Bengaluru.
Table 1.1: Status of Automation
Automation Status Frequency N Percentage (%)
Completely Automated 17 47.22
Partially Automated 19 52.78
Initially Automated 0 0

It is observed from table 1.1 that, the status of automation in the 36 libraries that
were surveyed, 17 (47.22%) are completely automated and 19 (52.78%) are
partially automated. It indicates that majority of the libraries are partially
automated by using both the proprietary and open source softwares based on their
requirements.

1.7 TYPES OF THE SOFTWARE

It is necessary for any library automation to use software that performs the required
function in automating the library activities and services. The type of software
depends based on the requirements and it may be as simple as to perform the
activities of acquisition or cataloguing or integrating the library management
software that can perform the services of acquisition, cataloguing, circulation,
serial control and others. All such software can either be purchased over the
counter, or developed in house, or open source can be used. The libraries that are
using different types of software either open source, free, proprietary or indigenous
are grouped and represented in table 1.2

Table: 1.2 : Type of Software

Type of the Software Frequency N Percentage

Open source software 2 5.56
Proprietary Software 30 83.34
Free Software 1 2.78
Indigenous Software 3 8.34
Majority of libraries are using proprietary software 30(83.34%), followed by Open
source software 2(5.56%), Indigenous software 3(8.34%) and free software
(2.78%).The majority of the aided college libraries are using proprietary softwares.
This is mainly because of the training and the other technical support and
maintenance offered by the vendors.

1.8 SOFTWARE USAGE

Software is the important component for automating the Library. Selection of

software is most important for any type of Library. Software will be selected
based on their requirement, available infrastructure, manpower and financial
support. Easylib is the most highly used software in aided college libraries in
Bengaluru. The software used for automation is represented in table 1.3.

Table 1.3 software usage

Name of the Software No. Of Libraries Percentage (%)
EasyLib 12 33.34
Libsoft 8 22.24
Libsys 6 16.67
Koha 3 8.34
NewGenLib 1 2.77
IDENiZEN 1 2.77
EMAs 1 2.77
GCC Library 1 2.77
Pupilpad 1 2.77
Vijaya 1 2.77
e-Granthalaya 1 2.77

Majority of the libraries covered under study are using EasyLib 12 (33.34%)
software, followed by Libsoft which is used by 8 (22.24%).Libsys is also used in 6
(16.67%) libraries, Koha is used in 3(8.34%) and NewGenLib is used in 1(2.77%)
libraries . There are other software such as e-Granthalaya,IDENiZEN, EMAS,
GCC library, Pupilpod, Vijaya each being used by one or other libraries. Majority
of the Libraries are using Easylib software, because the software is available at
lesser price when compared to other proprietary softwares, another reason is its
technical support at regular intervals.

1.9 INSTALLATION OF THE SOFTWARE

The ICT supports activities involving information such as gathering, storing and
retrieving. Full integration of technology or e-library into the library operations
that would bring about effective utilization and dissemination of information to
users is essential. The implementation of such facility is capital intensive and
requires high level technological skills. The installation of library software is the
first leg of automation project.

Table: 1.4 : Installation of the software

Nature of the Software Installation of the Software

Library IT Staff IT Staff Total Percent
Staff from (%)
Vendor
Proprietary Software 0 0 29 29 80.55
Open Source Software 1 1 2 4 11.11
Indigenous Software 2 2 5.55
Free Software 1 1 2.77

The above table 1.4 shows the installation approaches followed by libraries. As for
the open source software and its installation is concerned, 1(2.77%) is installed by
Library staff, 1(2.77%) installed by IT staff and 2(5.55%) installed by technical
staff from Vendor, as for the Free software is concerned, it is installed by Library
staff, as far the Proprietary software is concerned they are installed by the technical
staff from the vendor and as far the Indigenous software is concerned,2(5.55%) are
installed by Library staff.

1.10 MODULES USED IN LIBRARY OPERATIONS

Previous tables and figures have shown the implementation and use of Library
automation software, their status of implementation, the type of software used,
software and hardware facilities and installation. Though these efforts are laid
down in the background, the actual usage of the software is more critical for
making the library automation successful. Accordingly, the objective was to
identify the kind of modules that are being used such as acquisition and budget
allocation, cataloguing, circulation control, serial control, library, OPAC etc. Table
1.5 shows how the libraries have used the automation software for such services.

Table: 1.5: Modules in library operations

Modules in the software No. Of Libraries Percentage (%)
Acquisitions & budgets 7 19.44
allocation
Cataloguing 17 50
Circulation 17 50
Serial Control system 3 8.33
Library Catalogue (OPAC) 16 44.44
All the modules 17 47.22

It is found that, out of 36 libraries, 17(50%) libraries have used cataloguing module
and circulation control module, 16 (44.44%) have used OPAC, 7 (19.44%) used it
for acquisition and budget allocation,3 (8.33%) used it for serials control. It is also
seen that 17 (47.22%) libraries have used all the modules in the software for
providing services in their libraries. The same is represented in table 1.5. The study
shows that the majority of the libraries are using Cataloguing and Circulation
modules. Cataloguing and Circulation modules are essential for day to day
activities of the library when compared to other modules.

1.11 IMPACT OF AUTOMATION ON LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT

With the introduction of computers and Information technology tools, libraries are
on the threshold of automation. The implementation of automation software in
libraries would provide tremendous improvement in terms of increasing the
efficiency and a positive impact on library development, table 1.6 provides
analysed data.

Table 1.6: Impact of Automation

Impact of Automation No. Of Libraries Percentage (%)
Large data can be handled 16 44.44
with ease and accuracy
Ease in functioning 14 38.88
Labor saving 10 27.77
Save the lot of time both user 11 30.55
and staf
Avoid s/eliminates duplication 11 30.55
of work
enhanced user’ s satisfaction 12 33.33
Operates at a great speed and 10 27.77
promptness
High rate and better quality in 8 22.22
perf rman ce
Enab led selfissue /selfretur n 6 16.66
All the above factors 21 58.33

Table 1.6 shows the feedback of respondents for such activities. Out of the 36
libraries who have implemented automation, 16 (44.44%) feel that large data can
be handled with ease and accuracy, 14(38.88%) says that ease in functioning ,10
(27.77%) felt that automation is labor saving, 11 (30.55%) see that it saves a lot of
time for both user and staff , 11 (30.55%) find the technology avoids/eliminates
duplication of work, 12(33.33%) provides enhanced user satisfaction, 10(27.77%)
believe that the software operates at a great speed and promptness, 8(22.22%) find
that the performance is at high rate and better quality, and 6 (16.66%) see the
benefit of self-issue or self-return enabled feature. Apart from above, 21 (58.33%)
believe that all the above features have been positively impacted with the
automation development in their library environment.

1.12 PROBLEMS FACED DURING POST AUTOMATION PROCESS

Library automation helps the library staff to effectively and efficiently service the
users, but it is also important how the automation system is maintained and the
kind of problems faced after installation. The major challenges could be lack of
funds for improvement and training, hardware and software compatibility over
years, user awareness, technical problems, upgrading to latest version, etc. These
challenges are listed in Table 1.7.

Table: 1.7: Problems faced during post automation process

Impact of Automation No. Of Libraries Percentage (%)
Lack of funds for 13 36.11
improvements
Lack of funds for staff training 9 25
Lack of compatability 6 16.66
between the hardware and the
software
Technical problems 23 63.88
encountered
Lack of awareness among the 14 38.88
users
Lack of facility for the 8 22.22
improved version of the
software
 All the above 2 5.55

Table 1.7 shows that, the major problem faced in post automation period is that
23(63.88%)libraries faced Technical problems, followed by 14 (38.88%) libraries
have faced with lack of user awareness in using the automated system,13(36.11%)
libraries are to suffer from non-availability of funds for improvement,9(25%)
libraries faced with deteriorating funds/financial crunch for staff training,
8(22.22%) find problems with hardware and software compatibility,8(22.22%) find
it difficulty in upgrading for improved version of software and another 2(5.55%)
respondents feel all the above mentioned problems exist in their libraries.

1.13 FINDINGS

1. Majority of the libraries are partially automated.

2. About of 30(83.34%) are using proprietary software for automating the
Library operations.
3. EasyLib (33.34%) is the most highly used proprietary software.
4. Majority of the softwares i.e. both the proprietary and open source software
are installed by the Vendor.
5. Cataloguing ,Circulation and OPAC modules are highly used when
compared to other modules.
6. The impact of library automation on services of responded libraries has
increased in terms of ILL, users visit to library, circulation, and will be
helpful in building the good collection.
7. Technical problem is major problem faced during the process of automation.

1.14 SUGGESTIONS
 1. On job trainings are to be conducted to the staff members at regular
intervals. This helps library staff to keep themselves updated of the latest
developments in the concerned areas.
2. The computers and related hardware should be made available to the
libraries. The librarian should demand these facilities from their authorities,
which is the basic requirement to initiate automation.
3. The purchased hardware should be compatible with the software.
4. Due to lack of budget, the small libraries are suggested to install free/open
source software available in the market like NewGenLib, Koha etc.
5. Libraries are suggested to use open source Operating Systems. This would
reduce the major cost involved in entire automation process.
6. The Library professionals should follow the standardized Library guidelines
for effective management of resources and for resource sharing.
7. Librarians should use standard cataloguing format which will be helpful for
resource sharing and copy cataloguing.
8. Web OPAC facility should be provided both within and outside the campus
and create awareness among the users about the use of library catalogue
(OPAC) for the effective utilization of library resources.
9. All the libraries should provide all the services such as Circulation of Books
& Periodicals, Reference Services, OPAC, Bibliographic service, Current
awareness services, Inter-Library loan, Newspaper clipping and List of new
arrival for better utilization of library resources.

1.14 CONCLUSION

In the present era Library automation is very essential for all the libraries. Based on
their budget availability the Libraries started using automation softwares. Most of
the academic libraries use proprietary software, because they will get enough
support and regular updates from the vendor, whereas in open source software the
Library staff should update themselves with the help of technical staff. Most of the
time, the library staff will not get enough support from the technical staff, so they
adopt proprietary software for the management of the resources. Before selection
of the any software, the library staff should do proper evaluation of the software.

1.15 REFERENCES

Bansode, S. Y., & Periera, S. (2008). A survey of library automation in college

libraries in Goa state, India. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-7.
K. Ajay, and S. Gurpreet, (2010). Status of Library Automation in the Institutions
of Higher Studies in Punjab, In Library and Information Scinece Compendium,1-
11.

K. V. Jayamma, M. Krishnamurthy. (2015). Automation of College Libraries in

Bangalore City: A Study. International Journal of Advanced Research in
Computer Science and Management Studies, 3 (9),32-40.

Mohamed Haneefa, (2007),"Application of information and communication

technologies in special libraries in Kerala (India)", Library Review, Vol. 56 Iss 7
pp. 603 – 620.

Mulla, K.R. and Chandrashekara,M. (2010), Use of Integrated Library Software: A

Survey of Engineering College Libraries in Karnataka, International Journal of
Information Science and Management, 8 (2), 99-111.
Ram Kumar Matoria P.K. Upadhyay Madaswamy Moni, (2007),"Automation and
networking of public libraries in India using the e-Granthalaya software from the
National Informatics Centre", Program, 41(1), 47 – 58.

Raval,Ajaykumar,M.(2013).Problems of Library Automation. International Journal

of Multidisciplinary research ,2(2),1-6.

Singh,Y. (2003). Library automation in academic libraries in India: Problems and

prospects. CALIBER – 2003. Retrieved Dec 10, 2015, from
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Problem And Prospects Of Library Automation In Engineering Colleges Of
Jabalpur City: A Study, / International Journal of Engineering Research and
Applications (IJERA), 2 (4), 2066-68.

Veeranjaneyulu, K., Kumar, Amrendra & Rathinasabapathy, G. (2017). Status of

Library automation in Agricultural universities in india: A study. In National
Conference on Digital Libraries, Library Automation and Open Courseware: Issues
and Best Practices: Mysore