Application of information and communication technologies in special libraries in Kerala (India)

Abstract

PurposeThis study was conducted to investigate the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in special libraries in Kerala, India.Design/methodology/approachThe following methods were used to collect data for the study: questionnaire survey of librarians and library users, semi‐structured interviews with librarians, and observational visits in the libraries. This study was confined only to the automated special libraries in Kerala.FindingsThe analyses revealed 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. Library automation in special libraries in Kerala was largely commenced during the period 1990‐2000. CDS/ISIS was used more in the libraries than any other software. The library catalogue found to be the most popular area for automation. 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. A good number of the library users were not satisfied with the application of ICT in their libraries and indicated “inadequate ICT infrastructure” as their major reason for dissatisfaction. They proposed a variety of measures of formal orientation and training on ICT to become more effective users.Originality/valueThe study provides recommendations to enhance library automation and effective and efficient application of ICT.

Use of different information and communication technologies in Indian academic libraries

“…It urges the authorities to recruit multi-skilled library staff familiar with the implementation of ICT-based tools, resources and services. As the development of ICT infrastructure depends on the availability of funds, lack of ICT infrastructure and lack of funds were identified as the major challenges of implementing ICT-based resources and services in an earlier study of academic libraries of Kerala (India) by Haneefa (2007). But during the last ten years libraries, particularly central universities libraries in India, received sufficient funds as well as assistance towards the development of ICT infrastructure.…”

Investigation into the Challenges Associated with the Delivery of Library Services on Mobile Technology Platform

“…The human resource requirement in system design and implementation is key. However, library staff, quite often, do not possess the right kind of technological skills required for the smooth integration of emerging technologies including m-tech based services (Haneefa, 2007;Ghuloum & Ahmed, 2011).…”

e-Applications in Indian Agri-Food Supply Chain: Relationship among Enablers

“…Continuously Decreasing Cost of Hardware: Cost of IT infrastructure, particularly hardware, is continuously decreasing (Haneefa, 2007; Toyama et al, 2004). Low cost of systems facilitate easy installation of IT system for agri-food supply chain in India where farmers and small intermediaries cannot afford large investment on this account (Cecchini and Scott, 2003; Mathur and Ambani, 2005; Rangaswamy, 1993; Rao, 2004, 2007; Subramani, 2004; Viswanadham, 2006).…”