Dr. V.S. Krishna Govt.
Degree College (A)
Visakhapatnam
REPORT OF
FIVE-DAY INFLIBNET
REGIONAL TRAINING
PROGRAMME ON LIBRARY
AUTOMATION
In Collaboration with INFLIBNET
CENTRE, Gandhi Nagar
FROM 24.03.2025 TO 28.03.2025
INTRODUCTION
Libraries in degree colleges play a vital role in supporting
academic growth by providing students and faculty with access to
a wide range of learning resources. They offer textbooks, reference
books, research journals, and digital content that enhance
classroom learning and aid in exam preparation, assignments, and
research. Libraries also foster information literacy by helping
students learn how to find, evaluate, and use information
effectively, developing critical thinking skills essential for
academic and professional success.
In addition to academic materials, libraries provide quiet
spaces for focused study and group collaboration. With the
integration of digital technology, modern libraries now offer
access to e-books, online databases, and remote learning tools.
Library automation has further improved efficiency by
streamlining book lending and return systems, reducing staff
workload, and enhancing user experience. Despite the availability
of online resources, college libraries remain essential as trusted,
organized, and reliable centers of knowledge, adapting to the
needs of today’s learners Top of Form
In 2005, the unified Andhra Pradesh Government purchased SOUL
(Software for University Libraries) from the INFLIBNET Centre,
Gandhinagar, Gujarat for 106 Government Degree College (GDC)
libraries. Among them, 58 GDCs are located in Andhra Pradesh. At
present, according to the CCE website, there are 193 GDCs in Andhra
Pradesh, and most of these institutions use SOUL Software for library
automation, which was procured from the INFLIBNET Centre,
Gandhinagar by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
At this stage, a workshop on library automation is highly essential
for modernizing Higher Education Institution (HEI) libraries,
enhancing resource management, and improving access to academic
and research materials. As libraries transition from traditional manual
systems to digital and automated platforms, such workshops play a
crucial role in equipping library professionals with the necessary skills
and knowledge.
Library professionals need hands-on training on SOUL and other
automation tools. The workshop helps librarians efficiently manage
cataloging, acquisitions, circulation, and serials management.
Automating libraries enhances efficiency by reducing manual effort
and improving tracking of book circulation, overdue fines, and
inventory. The training program focuses on optimizing these processes
for better library administration.
The INFLIBNET Automation Workshop is vital for empowering
library professionals, improving efficiency, and ensuring that Higher
Education Institutions (HEIs) provide seamless access to quality
resources in the digital age.
Expected Outcomes
Improved understanding and application of library
automation concepts and technologies
Enhanced skills and confidence in using library
automation software and tools
Development of a network of library professionals for
knowledge sharing and collaboration
Improved library services and user experience through
effective use of automation technologies.
Targetted Participants
Librarians of the Government Degree College Librarians at
Northern Andhra Pradesh
Training Period
From 24.03.2025 to 28.03.2025
RAINING
T ULE
SCHED
RESOURCE PERSONS
RESOURCE PERSONS:
1. Hema V Cholin - Scientist-B (LS), INFLIBNET
Centre, Gandhinagar
2. Arti Sawale - Scientific & Technical Officer (LS),
INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar
LOCAL RESOURCE PERSONS:
1. Prof. K.Somasekhara Rao - Professor (Rtd), Dept. of
Library and Information Science, Andhra University
2. Prof. G. Siva Prasad - Professor , Dept. of Library and
Information Science, Andhra University
3. Dr. V.Dhana Raju - Head of the Department,
Department of Library and Information Science,
Andhra University
Below is an analysis of the feedback provided in the document for
the INFLIBNET Regional Training Programme on Library Automation
(IRTPLA) held from March 24th to 28th, 2025, at Dr. V.S. Krishna
Government Degree College, Visakhapatnam. The analysis is based on the
completed feedback forms (Pages 1-4, 9, 11, 15, 33, 35, 36, 38), as several
forms were left blank or incomplete (Pages 5-8, 10, 12-14, 34, 37, 39).
Quantitative Analysis:
The feedback forms asked participants to rate various sessions on four
criteria—Content, Presentation, Openness/Interaction, and Staff
Behaviour—using a scale from 1 (poor) to 10 (outstanding). Below is a
summary of the average scores for each session across the completed
forms:
Key Observations:
1. Overall High Ratings: The average scores across all sessions and criteria range
from 9.22 to 10.00, indicating a highly positive response to the training
programme. No session received an average score below 9, suggesting consistent
satisfaction.
2. Highest Rated Sessions: Catalogue Module (Lecture) received a perfect 10 for
Staff Behaviour. OPAC & Backup/Restore scored highest in Presentation (9.89).
3. Lowest Rated Sessions: Circulation Module (Lecture) had the lowest average
Content score (9.22). Serial Control Module (Lecture) had the lowest
Openness/Interaction score (9.33).
4. Consistency Across Criteria: Staff Behaviour and Presentation consistently
scored high (averages above 9.67), while Content and Openness/Interaction
showed slightly more variation but remained strong.
5. Outlier: One participant gave a notably low score of 1 for Openness/Interaction
in the Catalogue Module (Lecture), which significantly deviates from the
otherwise high ratings. This could indicate an isolated negative experience.
Qualitative Analysis (Reflections from Participants):
Participants were also asked to provide additional comments about the training programme.
Below is a summary of the feedback, with attempts to interpret OCR errors and fragmented
text:
1. Reflection 1: "Overall pre relevance with staff presentation and staff behavior for good and
they encouraging the public park do the place he apnsectable. Promthough larger factor is
the still the ale very perform."
Interpretation: The participant appreciated the staff’s presentation and behavior, noting
their encouragement. The text is garbled, but it seems to suggest overall satisfaction with
performance despite some unspecified challenges.
2. Reflection 2: One participant expressed gratitude toward the INFLIBNET team for a well-
conducted 5-day program. The resource persons were effective communicators, and the
modules enhanced knowledge and skills.
3. Reflection 3: Despite OCR errors, the participant likely praised the overall experience,
presentation, and staff attitude. They appreciated the patience of the staff, even if some
aspects were time-consuming or challenging.
4. Reflection 4: "We are very good aucrements programme of Drive Derce college, conducter.
So the colprome program 1. Resource poses for a century in very good 2. Practical from very
very very very very very good 3. Rormer pery very very very very very very good 4. Rormer
pery very very very very very good."
Interpretation: The participant found the programme excellent, particularly praising the
resource persons, practical sessions, and overall execution.
Key Themes:
Positive Feedback: Most comments express satisfaction with the programme, staff, and
practical sessions. Words like "good," "excellent," "very good," and "happy" dominate.
Staff Appreciation: Participants frequently praised the staff’s behavior, patience, and
communication skills.
Practical Sessions: The hands-on components were highlighted as particularly valuable.
OCR Challenges: Some comments are difficult to interpret due to OCR errors, but the
sentiment appears overwhelmingly positive.
Overall Assessment
The INFLIBNET Regional Training Programme on Library
Automation received highly favorable feedback. Participants rated the
content, presentation, interaction, and staff behavior consistently above 9
out of 10, with many sessions earning perfect scores. Qualitative comments
reinforce this, emphasizing the programme’s quality, the effectiveness of the
resource persons, and the value of practical training. The isolated low score
(1) on Page 33 for Openness/Interaction in the Catalogue Module (Lecture)
stands out as an anomaly and may warrant further investigation, but it does
not detract from the overall success of the programme.
Recommendations
1. Investigate Outlier: Explore the reason behind the low score for
Openness/Interaction in the Catalogue Module (Lecture) on Page 33 to
address any specific concerns.
2. Maintain Strengths: Continue emphasizing practical sessions and staff
engagement, as these were key highlights.
3. Improve Clarity: Ensure feedback forms are completed fully and legibly
to avoid reliance on OCR, which introduced errors in this analysis.
This training programme appears to have been a resounding success
based on the available feedback.
banner
LIGHTING OF THE LAMP
Dr. M. Srinivasa Prasad
Libraian
Dr. V.S. Krishna GDC (A)
Dr. I. Vijaya Babu
Principal
Dr. V.S. Krishna GDC (A)
INFLIBNET Activity Introduction and Video
by
Hema V Cholin & Arti Sawale
11-12 PM
SOUL 3.O: Administration Module – Lecture
by
Hema V Cholin & Arti Sawale
2 - 5 pm
10 - 1 pm
catalogue module - lecture & practical
by
Hema V Cholin & Arti Sawale
CIRCULATION module - lecture & practical
by
Hema V Cholin & Arti Sawale
2 - 5 PM
10 - 3:30 pm
ACQUISITION module - lecture & practical
by
Hema V Cholin & Arti Sawale
3:30 - 5 PM
The Impact of Automation on Library Services
and Operations by
Prof.K.Somasekhara Rao, aNDHRA uNIVERSITY
10 - 3:30 pm
SERIAL CONTROL module - lecture & practical
by
Hema V Cholin & Arti Sawale
3:30 - 5 PM
Design Websites for Libraries
by
Prof.G.V. PRASAD, aNDHRA uNIVERSITY
10 - 1 PM
SOUL 3.0 Web OPAC, BACK-UP & RESTORE
by
Hema V Cholin & Arti Sawale
Digitizing Libraries: Preserving Knowledge for
the future
by
Dr.V.Dhana Raju, ANDHRA UNIVERSITY
Dr.V.Dhana Raju, Head of the Department, Dept. of
Library & Information Science, Andhra Pradesh
