Efforts Towards Digitization of Libraries in India: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Electronic libraries, digital libraries, virtual libraries and hybrid libraries have been some of the buzzwords in the library and information literature for quite sometimes now. Even in less developed countries like India use of these terms in the professional literature has been noticed. Special issues of journals in developing countries have also appeared on the topic, e.g., in India, DESIDOC Bulletin of Information Technology 17, no. 6, November 1997 issue is a special issue devoted to Digital Libraries. In India, mechanisms and systems visualizing these have started, though very few in number and at early stages of development. Advances in computing technologies, communication technologies and other enabling technologies, and their widespread use in many sectors in developing countries like India has put library and information professionals, particularly the more informed ones in terms of service attitude, in a state of dilemma. This dilemma is of choosing between working for improvement of library and information services through conventional resources (print-based) and to some extent through the automated library systems on the one hand, and working towards setting up state-of-the-art electronic or digital libraries on the other. This dilemma is similar to, rather than a part of the catch-22 situation faced by most of the developing economies. 1 This is the situation where pressures for resource sharing and networking are being felt by library and information professionals, and to some extent by library authorities as well. This again is largely due to forces of globalization and liberalization now manifesting in a less developed country like India. Before I discuss digital library scenario, a bird's eye view at the librarianship and information work in India is necessary.

Digital libraries and repositories in India: an evaluative study

“…Globally, digital library and repository initiatives began in the mid‐1990s and before the turn of the twenty‐first century a few digital libraries had come into being. With regard to India, a few institutions undertook research and development activities but there were no digital libraries as of the year 2001 (Kalra, 2001). Kalra (2001) discussed the efforts towards digitisation of libraries in India along with the problems and prospects and noted that despite the negative attitude of the authorities, lack of precedents and standards, and other associated handicaps, some of the better informed library professionals have been able to develop electronic resources and services.…”

“…With regard to India, a few institutions undertook research and development activities but there were no digital libraries as of the year 2001 (Kalra, 2001). Kalra (2001) discussed the efforts towards digitisation of libraries in India along with the problems and prospects and noted that despite the negative attitude of the authorities, lack of precedents and standards, and other associated handicaps, some of the better informed library professionals have been able to develop electronic resources and services. Bhattacharya (2004) and Jain et al (2006) made more comprehensive studies on digital library initiatives in India.…”

Digital Libraries in India: A Review

“…It includes the digitization of archival material and participation in the Million Books to the Web Project. Kalra (2001) mentions a few digital library initiatives that began in the 1990s but discusses mostly Web-based searchable databases, bulletin board, listservs® and OPACS. Highlighting the importance of ceramics for society, the need for developing a digital library on ceramics has been dealt at length by Patra (2006).…”