SUMMARY, FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS. Information Technology has a profound impact on library operations,

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1 SUMMARY, FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS 6.1 Introduction Information Technology has a profound impact on library operations, information resources, services, staff skills development requirements and users expectations. Information technology has virtually unlimited potentials for variety of useful applications in libraries as it significantly contributes to the improved quality, increased productivity, more efficient operations, better resource sharing and more effective services to the users. The proper exploitation of new technologies in library is no longer a matter of survival in an era of rapidly changing technology and global knowledge society. Today the success of modern library is increasingly dependent on the most effective utilization and strategic management of new technologies in libraries. The study examines in detail the perceptions of Librarians and users separately. The study examines in detail the perceptions of Librarians and library users separately. The Information Technology can be used in the libraries to support technical functions associated with technical processing and circulation work, to support information storage, retrieval and dissemination system, to support management of information services in libraries. In electronic era, the technology has different fields that have impact on the life of human being as well as the information management; but the most important technologies which are being utilized for the library activities as such digital products (CD-ROMs and DVD), Internet, Multimedia and the Networking. The present study has attempted to evaluate the current levels of infrastructure facilities available in various Engineering colleges under study 252

2 and to measure the users opinion on IT based services keeping in view users requirements and satisfaction in the networked environment. Application of Information technology in selected Engineering college libraries in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh helps to the faculty and students to get pinpointed, exhaustive information expeditiously. No study has been made on the application of Information Technology in selected Engineering college libraries in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh so far. Hence the researcher has attempted to study the implementation of Information Technology in Engineering college libraries in Rayalaseema area. In general every researcher collect the opinions of the Librarians or Chief Custodians of the Libraries to assess the status of the library with regard to provision of Information Technology based services and availability of books and non book material. But in this study the Investigator has collected the data from three different categories namely i) Librarians, ii) Faculty, iii). Students. Here the investigator got an opportunity to compare the library services stated by the Librarians with the actually available services enlisted by the faculty and students. Indeed this is focal point of the present study. In order to find out true colors of the library services, it is better to gather the opinions of users, especially from students rather than from the Librarians. The Researcher has chosen a sample of 22 selected Engineering colleges in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh. The primary data has been collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of 22 Engineering college libraries. In order to elicit the information about the IT based services another questionnaire has been served to students and faculty of Engineering colleges under study. The data analysis has been carried out through statistical techniques like Weighed Arithmetic Mean and Chi-Squire etc. which 253

3 led to significant findings on the opinions and satisfaction expressed by the faculty and students. The review of literature revealed that there are empirical studies from the application of perspective in Indian context as well as other countries in the world. For the review of literature the concept of the study has been divided into the following six facets. The literature collected under the facets such as 1. Application of Information technology in library services. 2. Usage of internet in Library services. 3. Information Technology Infrastructure and electronic information resources. 4. Information technology and library consortia. 5. Information technology and Government policies. 6. Information Technology based services in Engineering college libraries The lack of empirical research as reflected in the published Indian literature adds greater value to the present study. The literature search yielded items which guided the research to opt methods and techniques adopted in the present study. The present study comprises six chapters; They are Chapter-1: Introduction Chapter-2: Review of Literature Chapter-3: Growth and Development of Engineering Education Chapter-4: Engineering college libraries-areas of Application of Information Technology 254

4 Chapter-5: Data Analysis and Interpretation Chapter-6: Summary, Findings and Suggestions The objectives of the Study are: 1. To examine the application of Information technology in selected Engineering college libraries in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh. 2. To elicit the opinion of the users community on the availability of Information technology infrastructure in their libraries. 3. To ascertain the purpose of application of Information technology in libraries from the Librarians point of view. 4. To study the Internet facilities available in sample Engineering colleges. 5. To know the extent participation of Engineering college libraries in Consortia networks. 6. To find out the problems faced by the users while using the Internet services. 7. To know the level of satisfaction of users with regard to application of Information technology in Engineering college libraries. 8. To identify the barriers in implementation of Information technology services in Engineering college libraries. 9. To offer suggestions for effective implementation of Information technology in Engineering college libraries. The universe of study covers all four districts namely Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor and Anantapur in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh. Purposive sampling is used to select the sample. This study has been made to analyze the existing Information technology based infrastructure in Engineering college libraries and application of Information technology in library functions. 255

5 Besides this the Investigator also analyzed the awareness of the faculty and students in engineering colleges regarding the availability of IT components and their level of satisfaction on IT based services. The Librarians, faculty and students in selected Engineering colleges have been considered as respondents for the present study. The study has been undertaken mainly to understand the steps taken by the Engineering college libraries to introduce the application of Information technology in library operations. For this purpose the researcher asked the suggestions from the Librarians, faculty and students. Due to constant attempts the investigator could able to get cent per cent response from the librarians. The response rate in the case of faculty is 91.8 percent and in the case of students it is 86.2 percent. In order to accomplish the objectives, the Researcher has designed two types of questionnaires and distributed one for librarians and another one for faculty& students. Questionnaire I (for Librarians) was divided into 5 sections Section-1: General information about the Engineering college and its library Section-2: Infrastructure and resources of the library Section-3: Library Automation Status Section-4: Application of Information technology in Engineering college libraries Section-5: Internet services of the Libraries. 256

6 Questionnaire-II (For Faculty and Students) was divided 6 sections Section-1: General Information about the users Section-2: Opinion of the users on library services Section-3: Opinion of the users on E-Journals and Audio-visual materials Section-4: Opinion of the users on OPAC services Section -5: Opinion of the users on Internet services Section-6: Opinion of the users on Information Technology based services The data collected through the questionnaires was classified under meaningful heads and necessary tabulation was made. Conclusions and generalizations have been drawn on the basis of the information collected through the questionnaires Major findings The major findings revealed from the study are presented hereunder Status and ownership of the sample Engineering colleges It has been stated that there are 88 Engineering colleges are available in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh. Among them 22 (25%) Engineering colleges (which are offering M.Tech courses) were chosen for the study and all the librarians were responded to the questionnaire. Hence the response rate of librarians is cent percent. Among the Librarians percent are belongs to male community and 9.10 percent belongs to female community. (Table:5.1, Table:5.2 and Table:5.3) The survey reveals that among the 22 selected Engineering colleges three are University Autonomous colleges namely Sri Venkateswara University 257

7 College of Engineering, Tirupati; Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering, Anantapur and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological College of Engineering, Pulivendula. Sri Kalahastheeswara Institute of Technology was established by the Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh on self finance basis. The remaining 18 Engineering colleges are owned by private managements or private educational trusts. Among these private Engineering colleges four are having autonomous status. (Table:5.4) It has been found that percent selected Engineering colleges have been accredited by AICTE-NBA and percent colleges have been accredited by both UGC-NAAC and AICTE-NBA. (Table: 5.5) It was established that percent of selected Engineering colleges have yet to be accredited by concerned certification boards.(table:5.5) Qualifications, Experience and Scale of pay of Librarians The survey revealed that percent of the Librarians working in sample Engineering colleges are having MLISc qualification, percent are having MLISc and M.Phil percent Librarians are having Doctoral Degrees and 4.54 percent Librarians have qualified in UGC-NET. (Table:5.6) It has been found that percent of the Librarians are having 5 to 10 years of experience, percent Librarians are having 10 to 20 years of experience and percent Librarians are having more than 20 years of experience. (Table: 5.7). It was evident from the survey that percent of the Librarians are drawing UGC/AICTE pay scales, 4.54 percent are drawing state Government scale of pay, 9.09 percent are working on contract basis and 258

8 the remaining 50 percent of the Librarians are drawing consolidated scale of pay. (Table: 5.8) Library staff position and training acquired by the professionals The survey revealed that percent Libraries are having 2 professionally qualified staff, 9.10 percent libraries are having more than 6 members of qualified staff. Only 4.54 percent libraries are having only one member of qualified staff. It is observed that the existing staff strength, both professionals and non-professionals is highly inadequate. (Table: 5.9) It has been found that percent of the Librarians are having knowledge on computer applications and handling of IT based products. Because they have attended training on library automation and management of digital products. Only percent of the librarians are yet to be trained. (Table: 5.10) Strength of Library users and Library working hours The survey revealed that among the users in sample Engineering colleges percent are graduate students percent are M.Tech students, 2.27 percent are M.B.A students, 4.09 percent are M.C.A students, 5.77 percent are Faculty members, 0.35 percent are Research scholars and 1.78 percent are Administrative staff. (5.11) It was evident from the survey that percent libraries are working hours per day,36.36 percent libraries are working 8-10 hours per day and percent libraries are working 6-8 hours per day.(table:5.12) It was found that percent libraries are existing in Independent buildings and percent libraries are situated as a part in college building. (Table: 5.13) 259

9 Library services, journals subscribed and library finance The survey revealed that 100% of the sample Engineering college libraries are providing book lending and reference services percent libraries are providing back volumes of journals, percent libraries are providing project reports, percent libraries are providing Question papers, percent are providing news paper clippings. Further percent libraries are having CD-ROMs, percent libraries are possessing DVDs percent are having Audio cassettes, 59.9 percent are having video tapes, percent libraries are having floppies and percent libraries are having Microfilm collection. (Table: 5.14) It was noticed from the survey that percent Libraries are having more than 50,000 books in their stock, percent are having 40,000 to 50,000 books, 4.54 percent libraries are possessing 30,000 to 40,000 books, percent libraries are having 20,000 to 30,000 books and percent libraries are having 10,000 to 20,000 books in their stock. (Table: 5.15) It was revealed from survey that All most all the libraries of Engineering colleges are subscribing for National and International journals on various branches of Engineering. (Table: 5.16 and Table:5.17) It is evident from the survey that percent of the Engineering colleges are owned by Private managements and the main source of library finance in these institutions are non refundable library deposits. The remaining18.19 percent are University Engineering colleges and they are getting funds from UGC Grants, AICTE-TEQIP funds, annually allocated budgets from universities and state Government. It is observed that majority of the libraries spend big portion of the budget on books and 260

10 journals and relatively less importance is being given to Information technology sources. (Table: 5.18) During the survey the investigator gathered the opinions of Librarians regarding adequacy of funds to their libraries. Majority of the Librarians (68.18%) stated that the allocated funds by the their managements ti the libraries are sufficient. The remaining percent expressed their dissatisfaction over allocation of funds to their libraries. (Table:5.19) Circulation system, cataloguing and classification schemes followed in libraries It is evident from the survey that percent libraries are following Automated circulation system by using computers and barcodes and the remaining libraries are still using the traditional Newark charging system and pass book entry system in their circulation sections. (Table: 5.20) It is evident from the survey that percent libraries are following DDC classification scheme and percent libraries are following AACR-II and percent are following OPAC percent libraries are having reprographic facilities in their libraries. (Table: 5.21, Table:5.22 and Table :5.23) Library Automation, Usage of hardware/software devices and library consortia The survey reveals that percent of the libraries were fully automated and percent were partially automated and in remaining percent of the libraries the Automation process is under progress. All the libraries under study are having computers, CD-ROMs and DVDs. It is 261

11 observed from the survey the hardware and software facilities in majority of the libraries are encouraging. (Table: 5.24, Table:5.25 and Table:5.26) Majority of the Engineering College libraries (86.36%) are using Windows2003/XP operating system and percent of the libraries are using the commercial software designed by the private computer management Institutions. (Table: 5.27 and Table:5.28) It was noticed from the survey that percent libraries are linked with AICTE-INDEST consortia and the remaining are connected to UGC- INFONET, NICNET, DELNET and INFLIBNET. Still 7 libraries are not yet having membership in any consortia. (Table: 5.29) Book selection tools used by the libraries It is evident from the survey that percent libraries are using Publishers web site as a book selection tool in addition to s and printed catalogues. Further percent of the libraries are using on-line ordering methods. (Table: 5.31and Table: 5.32) Majority of the librarians are opined that Publishers web site helps in many ways in the process of book selection. (Table; 5.33) Engineering college librarians are admitting that Electronic resources are having more advantages than conventional print version percent of the libraries are using OPAC, percent libraries are providing CD- ROM based services percent libraries are providing Online data base services and percent libraries are facilitating E-Journals. (Tables 5.34, 5.35, 5.36, 5.37 and 5.38) 262

12 Opinion of the Librarians on Information technology based services Majority of the Librarians are opined that IT based services are better than manual services as they are having accuracy and consistency. Many of the Librarians are willing to form library consortia with the polarization of Engineering colleges. The survey reveals that percent of the libraries are providing Internet services. Major sources of Internet are: , E-journals, E-books, FAQ, Archives and Bulletin Board services. (Table: 5.39, Table:5.40, Table:5.41, Table:5.42) The survey also reveals that percent Librarians expressed that by using Information Technology in Engineering college libraries, the quality of Library services will be improved. (Table: 5.43) Many of the Librarians expressed that inadequate finance, lack of training to library professionals, lack of management support and non-availability of consultancy services are impediments for effective implementation of Information Technology in Libraries. (Table: 5.44) Users opinion on quality and quantity of books and advantages of IT products The surveyed users (faculty and students) of Engineering colleges of Rayalaseema area are mostly thought that the quality and quantity of books and IT products in libraries ranged from very good to good. (Table: 5.49) The faculty and students were found to significantly attest the following benefits accrued from the CD-ROMs, Online data bases, E-journals and OPACs. 263

13 Greater satisfaction was experienced in meeting the information needs of users because Information technology tools are convenient, takes less time to search, users will get latest information on the subject and moreover they are accurate. The faculty and students opined that CD-ROMs are most useful because updated CD-ROMs provide latest information within a short time and the search time of CD-ROM is far lesser than that of print version (Table 5.51) Majority of the users opined that On-line data bases are very much useful because it is easy and convenient to retrieve information through on-line data bases then on print version (Table 5.53) Regarding E-Journals majority of the users opined that there are very much benefited because it is easy and convenient to search information on E-Journals and also it provides links to other related articles on the same subject (Table 5.55) More than half of the surveyed users (56.14 percent) prefer to use OPAC for retrieval of documents in libraries, as it provides all approaches like author, title and key word. (Table: 5.57) Internet services Regarding the provision of Internet facility in Engineering colleges, percent of the library users (faculty and students) experienced satisfaction. The college computer centre is the most preferred place for users to use Internet percent users are using internet at their college computer centre percent of the users are using the internet everyday and percent users are using 2 to 3 times in a week. (Tables:5.59, 5.60 and 5.61) 264

14 It is found from the study that percent users are using internet for Education purpose (Table:5.62) The survey reveals that the most frequently using services on internet by respondents are , FAQ and World Wide Web. Most of the users are prefer to use internet because it provide upto date information, easy to use, time saving and less expensive. (Table: 5.63 and Table :5.64) Problems faced by the users while using Internet Majority of users surveyed in Engineering colleges were admitted that there are lack of sufficient number of computers/terminals in their libraries to browse the Internet. Sometimes the Internet is very slow. Some of the users reported that the Internet is overloaded. Many of the users expressed their dissatisfaction on not available of printer facility in their libraries. (Table:5.65) The data indicated that percent of the users are fully satisfied and percent students are partially satisfied with the Internet facility in their libraries. (Table:5.66) Opinion of the users on adequacy of IT infrastructure As per the survey percent of the students and percent faculty expressed their satisfaction on availability of adequate IT infrastructure in their libraries. By this it is understood that there is heterogeneity in the opinions of students and faculty. (Table: 5.67) It was found from the survey that percent of the users are strongly agree and percent of users expressed agree opinion on the statement Information technology components in library are always in good condition (Table :5.68) 265

15 The data reveals that majority of the users percent are getting circulation of books on computer percent of the users are stated that for answering the queries made by the users the library staff are using online databases. (Table:5.69 and Table:5.70) Most of the library users (52.09 percent) surveyed in Rayalaseema area are felt that there is a need to add more and more latest digital resources to the Engineering college libraries. (Table:5.71) Users satisfaction on Application of Information Technology in Engineering College Libraries The data reveals that percent users are satisfied with the application of Information Technology in Engineering College Libraries. (Table: 5.73) The analysis of the study given raise to the following conclusions regarding validity of the hypotheses HYPOTHESES TESTING 1. The selected Engineering colleges have introduced components of Information Technology in their in-house functions and library services: The hypotheses have been proved as many of the Engineering colleges have introduced Information Technology devices /components in their libraries. (Table: 5.24, 5.25 & 5.26) 2. Users are satisfied with the availability of Information Technology infrastructure in libraries: The survey reveals that per cent users are satisfied and per cent users are fully satisfied with the adequacy of Information Technology infrastructure in their libraries. Hence this hypothesis is proved. (Table: 5.67). 266

16 3. Librarians strongly believe that the Information Technology will improve the quality of existing library services: As per the survey per cent Librarians expressed that the Information Technology is helps to improve the quality of existing library services. Hence this hypothesis proved. (Table 5.43) 4. The sample Engineering colleges are providing Internet services: It is observed from the survey that per cent users are stating that there are having Internet services in their respective Engineering colleges. Hence this hypothesis is proved. ( Table 5.59) 5. The Engineering colleges under study are having Networking facilities for availing consortia based services: The hypotheses is partially proved as percent of the Engineering colleges are linked with AICTE-INDEST consortia and 9.09 percent colleges are connected with INFLIBNET. (Table:5.29). 6. Users are facing problems while using the Internet services: This hypotheses is proved and accepted because the users are facing certain problem while using the Internet services such as slow access, lack of sufficient number of computers and non-unavailability of printout facility. Hence this hypothesis is proved (Table: 5.65). 7. Users expressed satisfaction with the application of Information Technology in Engineering College Libraries: The hypothesis is proved as more than half of the users (58.68 percent) expressed their satisfaction on the application of Information Technology in Engineering College (Table 5.73) 8. There are certain barriers in implementing the Information Technology in Engineering college libraries: There are certain barriers 267

17 in implementation of Information Technology in Engineering College Libraries as they are facing inadequate finance, lack of management support and non-availability of consultancy services per cent librarians are stating that their managements are not deputing them for training programmes. Hence this hypothesis is proved. (Table: 5.44) 9. Users of Engineering colleges are aspiring for adding of latest IT tools and digital resources in their libraries: The survey revealed that per cent of the users are expressing their opinion on need of adding of latest Information Technology tools and digital resources into their libraries. Hence this hypothesis is proved. (Table 5.71) 6.4. Suggestions The views and comments offered by the users and librarians have enabled the investigator to offers some feasible suggestions for deriving maximum benefit from the application of the Information Technology in Engineering college libraries. These suggestions are mentioned below 1. Some of the librarians and study are still limited to rudimentary services like providing circulation service on computer and Internet facility. It is suggested that they must go a step further and provide services like online database access, networked CD-ROM database services and access to E-journals. 2. It is suggested that Engineering college libraries should invest for developing of library web pages and provide services like Web OPAC 268

18 and access to digital resources. Many of the transactions like renewal, reservation of books can be carried out from library webpage. 3. Ever changing Information Technology environment demands the library professionals to acquire of update new skills of technology management regularly. Hence it is recommended that the college managements should depute their library professionals to the workshops / training programs on library automation and use of IT in libraries. 4. It is suggested that the Engineering college libraries should use common library software. Now a days open source software is freely available, which allows to alter the source code and customize the software or add functionality. KOHA and MOODLE are popular open source software types when libraries are use open source software, they have the potential to use a larger development community dealing with similar users and issues. 5. A comprehensive collection development policy for E- resources should be maintained by the libraries in the study, in order to follow a set of standard practices for acquisition and management of IT based resources. There should be specific budget for E- resources. 6. A good number of students and faculty scribed in the suggestions column of the questionnaire that it is better to install few more computers in their library and in Internet browsing section to accommodate some more users. Hence it is suggested to sample Engineering colleges to procure more number of computers to their libraries. 7. Many of the users opined that to retrieve the information from E- resources on various Engineering subjects the websites should be known to users. 269

19 Hence it is suggested that information regarding popular and latest websites with their addresses should be displayed on the notice boards of the library and college computer center. 8. It is suggested that all the Engineering college libraries should be linked to AICTE- INDEST consortia to share the update knowledge on various subjects of Engineering and technology. 9. In order to increase optimum usage of E- resources such as E- journals, E-books, online databases and OPAC the libraries should create awareness among the users by conducting periodical user orientation programs. 10. In order to solve the slow access problem of Internet services, the colleges should acquire high speed Internet connection with maximum band width and the capacity of the server should be increased. Further the printer facility should be provided in Internet browsing section of the libraries Contribution of the study The study has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the librarians in dealing with the changing situation in the field of Information technology. The study has able to identify the problems facing in the process of introducing Information Technology in libraries. Suggestions for improving the implementation of IT have been made on the basis of ground realities. The findings were based on the data collected till the academic year from the sample libraries. Since this was collected there has been continues development in the field of IT. 270

20 Engineering college libraries have to select their technological infrastructure from several generations of hard ware, operating systems and many software applications in order to meet the requirements of Engineering students and faculty. Engineering college libraries should prepare themselves to enter into multimedia and distance learning on demands of their users that can only be satisfied by Information technology. As a prerequisite for managing new evolving technologies, library administrators and IT professionals have to work more closely together to plan and implement information storage and retrieval system as well as networks. The present study had the perspective of the librarian as its focus. A new coordinated effort is necessary for melding application software, hardware and communication infrastructure strategies to provide transparent interconnections for all library end users of Engineering colleges Scope for further research This study is confined to the application of Information technology in Engineering college libraries, but there are several facets in Information technology to be considered for further research. There is a need to understand the macro picture of Information technology in various angles. Librarians knowledge of Information technology and attitude towards Information technology can be considered for another area of study. A comparative study on Application of Information technology in Government Degree Colleges and Private Degree Colleges in the present digital era can be taken as a topic for another research in due course. Further The role of Information technology in formation of library consortia in networked 271

21 environment is another angle for research to pursue in future. The present study Application of Information technology in libraries is confined to Engineering colleges in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh only, but same may be applying to other areas or regions of the state. Similar studies can be conducted in other state of India also. 272