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Vol. 46, No.3, September 2009 321
SRELS Journal of Information Management
Vol. 46, No. 3, September 2009, Paper AF. p321-332.
ACCESS OF WEB-OPAC IN ENGINEERING COLLEGE LIBRARIES IN
KARNATAKA: A SURVEY
K.R. Mulla* and M. Chandrashekara+
The research work is undertaken to study the effective use of Web Online Public Access Catalogue (Web-
OPAC) in engineering college libraries in Karnataka. The main objective of the study was to examine the
primary data is obtained from the cross section of user community through questionnaires. The importance
of knowing the various search facilities available on effective use of integrated library software packages
and their services, the engineering college libraries have started using advanced information technology in
providing services to the users. Web-OPAC is one of the major services. The present study is an attempt to
know the use of web-OPAC by the users. The study revealed that the tool is useful and at the same time
respondents felt that there must be user orientation needed for the Web-OPAC, to help in retrieving the
required documents. Examines the utilization and satisfaction of users about Web-OPAC and highlights the
suggestions made by the users for the further improvement.
KEYWORDS/DESCRIPTROS: WEB-OPAC, Online public access catalogue, Library
automation, Engineering colleges, Libraries, Karnataka.
1 INTRODUCTION
Libraries are mainly entrusted with a host of predetermined tasks like acquiring, organizing,
preserving, retrieving and disseminating information to the users. Information technology has
influenced the very nature of engineering college libraries. They are undergoing significant
changes today not only in outlook but also in function, services, methods and techniques for
collection development, processing and dissemination of information. Catalogue is mirror to the
collection of library, it is an important tool which helps in organizing collection of the library and
catalogue provides interface between the user and the collection of library. With the increasing
use of IT in the library operations, role of catalogue is evolving from merely being interface to be
more sophisticated instruction tools.
The Library and Information Science profession has undergone a sea change during the past
three decades, especially due to the impact of library automation. In the context of cataloguing,
the card catalogue which was confined within the walls of the individual libraries, gradually
began to be replaced by online catalogues accessible to any user with in the library as well as
outside it through terminals linked to regional, national, even international telecommunication
networks, whether it is a card catalogue or a computerized online catalogue, its basic functions
viz., enabling a user to find a book of which either the author, the title as subject is known; to
* Librarian, HKBK College of Engineering, Bangalore 560045, Karnataka, INDIA. E-mail:
krmulla@gmail.com
+ Reader, Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore,
Manasagangothri, Mysore 570 006. Karnataka, INDIA. E-mail:Chandram5@yahoo.com
Mulla; Chandrashekara
322 SRELS Jl. Info. Manage.
show what the library has by a given author, on a given subject or in a given form of literature;
and to assist in the choice of a book as to its edition as character. In the case of a computerized
catalogue and also to a certain extent in a card catalogue, the subject retrieval is the most common
and at the same time the most problematic one on this fact has urged librarians and information
scientists to undertake more and more research studies and projects so as to make the catalogue
more efficient and friendly. In the present study an attempt has been made to know the use of
Web-OPAC by the engineering college libraries in the Karnataka state.
2 NEED AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The introduction of Web-OPAC has created enormous changes in the library practices.
Further more, it has made the library collection easily accessible to everyone by breaking the
physical boundaries of the library. It is also necessary to find out the usage of the Web-OPAC
from time to time, so that necessary measures can be initiated for better utilization of this service.
The present study focuses on the effective use of online public access catalogue in engineering
college libraries in Karnataka.
In the present study an attempt has been made to know the information requirements of the
staff and students and how these are met out by the Web-OPAC of the engineering college
libraries. The objectives of the present study are:
To know the true complexion of the existing situation of Web-OPAC facilities in
engineering college libraries of Karnataka;
To study the use of different types of Web-OPAC services by the users;
To study the purpose and utilization of the Web-OPAC services by the library users
including students, research scholars, teachers and other non-teaching staff; and
To suggest suitable measures to improve the Web-OPAC service for the benefit of users.
3 METHODOLOGY
The methodology adopted for the present study is questionnaire-based survey. Keeping in
mind the objective of collecting user data from different areas, the questionnaire was distributed
to the faculty, researchers and students of engineering colleges of Karnataka. 1716 questionnaire
sets were distributed randomly, out of which 1338 were received duly filled with all the relevant
information requested in the questionnaire. The analysis is based on the responses received from
the users.
4 ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA
4.1 Age-wise Distribution of Respondents
Table 1 shows the age group of the respondents. It has been observed that, 99(7.40%)
respondents belonged to the age group of less than 20 years. Among them most of the users were
under-graduate students. Further 968(72.35%) respondents belonged to the age group of 20-25
Access of Web-OPAC in Engineering College Libraries in Karnataka
Vol. 46, No 3, September 2009 323
years, followed by 174(13.00%) of respondents belonged to the age group of 25-30 years.
80(5.98%) respondents were in the age group of 30-35 years, 12(0.90%) respondents were in the
age group of 35-40 years. Remaining 5(0.37%) respondents were in the age group of more than
40 years. The chi-square calculated value =544.842; P< .000 was found significant.
Table 1: Age-wise distribution of respondents
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users UGS=Under
Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
This study indicates that the major population surveyed belonged to the students group,
followed by the faculty and researchers. It is obvious that the students are more IT savvy and feel
comfortable in accessing computers.
4.2 Category-wise Distribution of Respondents
Table 2 exhibits that 841(62.82%) respondents were under-graduates and 364(27.20%) of the
respondents formed the faculty. At the same time 104(7.77%) users were postgraduates, followed
by 29(2.17%) respondents, who were researchers.
Table 2: Category-wise distribution of respondents
Sl. No.
Category of Users
No. of Respondents
Percentage
1
UG Students
841
62.86
4
Faculty
364
27.20
2
Postgraduate (PG) Students
104
7.77
3
Researchers
29
2.17
Total
1338
100.00
4.3 Gender-wise Distribution of Users
Table 3 shows that 785(62.08%) users were males. Out of which 489 were undergraduate
students, 192 were faculty, 80 were post-graduate students and the remaining 24 respondents
were researchers, whereas, only 553(41.33%) users were female, out of which 352 were
undergraduate students, 172 faculty members, 24 were post-graduate students and remaining five
respondents were researchers. The chi-square calculated value =26.591; P< .000 was found to be
significant.
Sl.
No.
Age in Years
Categories of Users
Total
UGS
PGS
R
F
1
Less than 20 Years
99(11.77)
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
99(7.40)
2
20-25 Years
721(85.73)
70(67.31)
14(48.28)
163(44.78)
968(72.35)
3
25-30 Years
21(2.50)
31(29.81)
13(44.83)
109(29.95)
174(13.00)
4
30-35 Years
0(0.00)
3(2.88)
2(6.90)
75(20.60)
80(5.98)
5
35-40 Years
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
12(3.30)
12(0.90)
6
More than 40 Years
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
5(1.37)
5(0.37)
Total
841(100.00)
104(100.00)
29(100.00)
364(100.00)
1338(100.00)
Mulla; Chandrashekara
324 SRELS Jl. Info. Manage.
Table 3: Gender-wise distribution of respondents
Sl.No.
Category of Users
Category of Users
Total
UGS
PGS
R
F
1
Male
489(58.15)
80(76.92)
24(82.76)
192(52.75)
785(58.67)
2
Female
352(41.85)
24(23.08)
5(17.24)
172(47.25)
553(41.33)
Total
841(100.00)
104(100.00)
29(100.00)
364(100.00)
1338(100.00)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
4.4 Accessing of Web-OPAC Services
Figure 1 depicts the using and accessing Web-OPAC by the users of engineering college
libraries in Karnataka. The study has identified that, 1092(81.61%) of respondents are using their
Web-OPAC among them 662 are undergraduates, 328 faculty, 81 postgraduates and the
remaining 21 respondents are researchers, similarly 246(18.39%) of respondents are not using of
this facility, among them 179 are undergraduates, 36 faculty, 23 postgraduates and only 8
respondents are researchers, As stated in the previous paragraph, the students need more
information for their academic pursuits. The colleges are nowadays, offering too many job
oriented professional courses and it has become imperative, for the students to use modern
technologies in fulfilling their academic requirements.
Fig. 1: Accessing of Web-OPAC Services
4.5 Frequency of Use of Web-OPAC
It is necessary to find out how frequently, the staff and students make use of the Web-OPAC
facility, which is shown in Table 4. A question was asked to find the frequency of Web-OPAC
Access of Web-OPAC in Engineering College Libraries in Karnataka
Vol. 46, No 3, September 2009 325
usage. The results showed that 699(64.01%) of the respondents were using it daily, 212(19.41%)
of the respondents used it once in two days, 198(18.13%) used it once in a week and 152(13.92%)
used it twice in a week. Similarly 40(3.66%) of the respondents used it once in two-weeks, and
only 37(3.39%) of them used it occasionally. Nearly 55 % of the members used the Web-OPAC
at the library almost every day.
Table 4: Distribution of frequency-wise and category-wise use of Web-OPAC
Sl.
No.
Frequency
Category of Users
Total
N=1092
UGS N=662
PGS N=81
R N=21
F N=328
1
Daily
452(68.28)
14(17.28)
18(85.71)
215(65.55)
699(64.01)
2
Once in two days
122(18.43)
12(14.81)
6(28.57)
72(21.95)
212(19.41)
3
Once in a week
140(21.15)
39(48.15)
2(9.52)
17(5.18)
198(18.13)
4
Twice in a week
107(16.16)
14(17.28)
3(14.29)
28(8.54)
152(13.92)
5
Once in two weeks
15(2.27)
14(17.28)
0(0.00)
11(3.35)
40(3.66)
6
Once in a month
5(0.76)
11(13.58)
0(0.00)
21(6.40)
37(3.39)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users UGS=Under
Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty. Total percentage
will not be hundred because responses are more than one
4.6 Locating Required Information in the Library and Web-OPAC
Table 5 showed how the users chose their books and other materials for their study. Analysis
showed that 1092(100.00%) of them chose the Web-OPAC for finding information about books
and other reading materials, 447(40.93%) of them directly go to the shelves and browse books,
without using Web-OPAC. Nearly 437(40.02%) of them got the required information with the
help of library staff. Similarly 225(20.60%) of them get their materials by consulting the card
catalogue, followed by 272(24.91%) of the surveyed users who got the information through peers.
Table 5: Locating required documents in the library Web-OPAC
Sl.
No.
Locating documents
Category of Users
Total
N=1092
UGS N=662
PGS N=81
R N=21
F N=328
1
Through Web-OPAC
662(100.00)
81(100.00)
21(100.00)
328(100.00)
1092(100.00)
2
Browsing book(s) on shelves
239(36.10)
67(82.72)
19(90.48)
122(37.20)
447(40.93)
3
Consulting library staff
177(26.74)
21(25.93)
21(100.00)
218(66.46)
437(40.02)
4
From card catalogue
38(5.74)
58(71.60)
19(90.48)
110(33.54)
225(20.60)
5
Through help from friend(s)
187(28.25)
44(54.32)
19(90.48)
22(6.71)
272(24.91)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
UGS=Under Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
Total percentage will not be hundred because responses are more than one
From the table below, it is clear that Web-OPAC has made a beginning with the users and
will definitely dominate the scene in the years to come.
Mulla; Chandrashekara
326 SRELS Jl. Info. Manage.
4.7 Usage of Library Web-OPAC
Table 6 depicts the distribution of respondents on the basis of the usage of Web-OPAC in
their library. It shows that 577(52.84%) of the respondents are using Web-OPAC in their library
premises and 299(27.38%) of the respondents using the Web-OPAC from their respective
department. Nearly 114(10.44%) of the respondents browsed Web-OPAC through the Wide Area
Network(Internet). Similarly 102(9.34%) respondents get access through college campus network.
Table 6: Usage of library Web-OPAC
Sl.
No.
Usage
Category of users
Total
UGS
PGS
R
F
1
Only library premises
314(47.43)
54(66.67)
11(52.38)
198(60.37)
577(52.84)
2
From the department
187(28.25)
9(11.11)
4(19.05)
99(30.18)
299(27.38)
3
Wide Area Network (Internet)
99(14.95)
6(7.41)
1(4.76)
8(2.44)
114(10.44)
4
College campus network
62(9.37)
12(14.81)
5(23.81)
23(7.01)
102(9.34)
Total
662(100.00)
81(100.00)
21(100.00)
328(100.00)
1092(100.00)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
UGS=Under Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
4.8 Purpose of Using the Library Web-OPAC
Table 7 depicts that a majority 986(90.29 %) of the respondents consult the Web-OPAC to
know the status and availability of book in the library, followed by 619(56.68%) and
804(73.63%) respondents consult to find the non-print materials or to check whether the required
book is available in the library or not. Similarly 667(61.08%) of the respondents consult it to
compile bibliography of the books on a particular subject, 554(50.73%) use Web-OPAC to check
the number of copies of the required books in the stock and 601(55.04%) respondents did not
respond to this query. It is clear from table that most of the users consult Web-OPAC to locate
books in the library.
Table 7: Purpose of using the library Web-OPAC
Sl.
No.
Purpose
Category of users
Total
N=1092
UGS
N=662
PGS
N=81
R
N=21
F
N=328
1
To know the status and availability of book in
the library
660
(99.70)
71
(87.65)
20
(95.24)
235
(71.65)
986
(90.29)
2
To find the non-print materials
265
(40.03)
80
(98.77)
19
(90.48)
255
(77.74)
619
(56.68)
3
To cheek whether the required book is
available in the library or not
470
(71.00)
70
(86.42)
18
(85.71)
246
(75.00)
804
(73.63)
Access of Web-OPAC in Engineering College Libraries in Karnataka
Vol. 46, No 3, September 2009 327
Sl.
No.
Purpose
Category of users
Total
N=1092
UGS
N=662
PGS
N=81
R
N=21
F
N=328
4
To reserve the book which is borrowed by
some one
305
(46.07)
67
(82.72)
17
(80.95)
278
(84.76)
667
(61.08)
5
To compile bibliography of books on a
particular subject
275
(41.54)
66
(81.48)
18
(85.71)
195
(59.45)
554
(50.73)
6
To check the number of copies in library stock
225
(33.99)
61
(75.31)
20
(95.24)
295
(89.94)
601
(55.04)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
UGS=Under Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
Total percentage will not be hundred because responses are more than one
4.9 Users Information Search on Web-OPAC
Whenever the users want to confirm about the availability of a required document in the stock
of the library, they can approach the Web-OPAC by author, title, subject, accession number, class
number, series and ISBN, etc. Table 8 reveals that 1056(96.70%) of the respondents approach the
Web-OPAC by author, 1012(92.67%) under the title, 330(30.22%) approach the Web-OPAC by
the subject. Similarly 204(18.68%) and 211(19.32%) of respondents approach through accession
number and class number respectively, about 257(23.53%) under the series and 150(13.74%) of
respondents search by ISBN. It's further observed that when we compare all the approaches of the
users, author approach is the most popular followed by title, subject, series, class number and
accession number.
Table 8: Users information search on Web-OPAC
Sl.
No.
Searching of
information
Category of users
Total
N=1092
UGS N=662
PGS N=81
R N=21
F N=328
1
By author
660(99.70)
78(96.30)
20(95.24)
298(90.85)
1056(96.70)
2
By title
660(99.70)
69(85.19)
11(52.38)
264(80.49)
1012(92.67)
3
By subject
144(21.75)
29(35.80)
19(90.48)
138(42.07)
330(30.22)
4
By accession number
103(15.56)
22(27.16)
7(33.33)
72(21.95)
204(18.68)
5
By class number
125(18.88)
22(27.16)
9(42.86)
55(16.77)
211(19.32)
6
By series
112(16.92)
19(23.46)
15(71.43)
111(33.84)
257(23.53)
7
By ISBN
15(2.27)
20(24.69)
10(47.62)
105(32.01)
150(13.74)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
UGS=Under Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
Total percentage will not be hundred because responses are more than one
4.10 Reason for not using the Library Web-OPAC
Further it is useful to know the reason for not using the Web-OPAC services by the
respondents. Table 9 shows that 245(99.59%) of the respondents have faced problems of
protected password, 224(91.06%) and 137(55.69%) of respondents have no interest due to lack of
awareness on these facilities. Similarly 128(52.03%) respondents faced the problem due to Web-
Mulla; Chandrashekara
328 SRELS Jl. Info. Manage.
OPAC module improper working. Nearly 59(23.98%) of respondents expressed that no Web-
OPAC module is installed, about 50(20.33%) of respondents felt that Web-OPAC page is not
attractive, followed by 39(15.85%) of respondents who have stated that lack of orientation from
library staff, only 27(10.98%) of them expressed that they did not get the book(s) they required. It
is further observed from this that most of the respondents are facing the problem of fewer
terminals and lack of guidance or orientation.
Table 9: Reason for not using the library Web-OPAC services
Sl.
No.
Reason
Category of Users
Total
N=1092
UGS
N=179
PGS
N=23
R
N=8
F
N=36
1
Web-OPAC access is password protected
179
(100.00)
22
(95.65)
8
(100.00)
36
(100.00)
245
(99.59)
2
Know the facility but not interested in
using
178
(99.44)
11
(47.83)
6
(75.00)
29
(80.56)
224
(91.06)
3
Not aware of these facilities
81
(45.25)
15
(65.22)
5
(62.50)
36
(100.00)
137
(55.69)
4
Web-OPAC module is not properly
working
79
(44.13)
19
(82.61)
8
(100.00)
22
(61.11)
128
(52.03)
5
No Web-OPAC module is installed
17
(9.50)
20
(86.96)
3
(37.50)
19
(52.78)
59
(23.98)
6
Web-OPAC page is not attractive
22
(12.29)
10
(43.48)
5
(62.50)
13
(36.11)
50
(20.33)
7
Lack of orientation from library staff
19
(10.61)
2
(8.70)
3
(37.50)
15
(41.67)
39
(15.85)
8
Do not get book(s) required
15
(8.38)
5
(21.74)
2
(25.00)
5
(13.89)
27
(10.98)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
UGS=Under Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
Total percentage will not be hundred because responses are more than one
4.10.1 Programs for Promoting the Use of Web-OPAC
In the previous paragraphs, a need was felt for organizing some programmes to familiarize
the concepts of the Web-OPAC and inherent features of Web-OPAC for the members. The users
are facing certain difficulties in making use of the Web-OPAC. In view of this question was
asked about the conduct of some programs like lecture/talk, seminars/ conference, orientation or
training in using Web-OPAC. The result is presented in Table 10.
Table 10: Success rate of information search
Sl.
No.
Average time
Category of users
Total
UGS
PGS
R
F
1
Training
452(68.28)
49(60.49)
10(47.62)
214(65.24)
725(66.39)
2
Seminars/Conferences
107(16.16)
27(33.33)
4(19.05)
111(33.84)
249(22.80)
3
Lectures/Talks
54(8.16)
3(3.70)
5(23.81)
1(0.30)
63(5.77)
Access of Web-OPAC in Engineering College Libraries in Karnataka
Vol. 46, No 3, September 2009 329
Sl.
No.
Average time
Category of users
Total
UGS
PGS
R
F
4
Stand on services
39(5.89)
2(2.47)
2(9.52)
2(0.61)
45(4.12)
5
Any other programmes
10(.51)
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
0(0.00)
10(0.92)
Total
662(100.00)
81(100.00)
21(100.00)
328(100.00)
1092(100.00)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
UGS=Under Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
Above table shows that 725(66.39%) users responded for orientation or training in using
Web-OPAC and 249(22.80%) for seminars/conferences, 63(5.77 %) favoured lecture/talk, only
10(0.92%) of respondents wanted some other programs to be conducted apart from the following
listed programmes.
4.11 Assistance from the Library Staff for using Web-OPAC
In response to the opinion about the assistance from the library staff for using Web-OPAC,
majority of respondents i.e. 1000(91.58%) have said 'Yes' and 92(8.42%) of users are not
interested in taking assistance. From this Table, it is clear that maximum number of respondents
need assistance from the library staff for using Web-OPAC, to help them in searching the
required document(s). Such assistance is necessary for fulfilling the Fourth Law of Library
Science (Save the time of the reader).
Fig. 2: Assistance from the library staff for using Web-OPAC
4.12 Library Staff Skill and Support on Information Seeking Problems
The study finds that the attitude and skills of library staff are excellent and a high percentage
of users i.e. 415(38.00%) are happy with the services provided by them. 288(26.37%) and
175(16.03%) respondents have expressed very good and good ratings respectively regarding the
Mulla; Chandrashekara
330 SRELS Jl. Info. Manage.
behavior and skill of library staff. But 120 (10.99 %) and 94(8.61%) of the respondents have
stated average and poor ratings to this query. This needs immediate attention by the library.
Table 11: Skill and support on information seeking problems
Sl.
No.
Ratings
Category of users
Total
UGS
PGS
R
F
1
Excellent
274(41.39)
31(38.27)
3(14.29)
107(32.62)
415(38.00)
2
Very Good
161(24.32)
8(9.88)
6(28.57)
113(34.45)
288(26.37)
3
Good
96(14.50)
15(18.52)
5(23.81)
59(17.99)
175(16.03)
4
Average
64(9.67)
21(25.93)
2(9.52)
33(10.06)
120(10.99)
5
Poor
67(10.12)
6(7.41)
5(23.81)
16(4.88)
94(8.61)
Total
662(100.00)
81(100.00)
21(100.00)
328(100.00)
1092(100.00)
Note: Figures given in parentheses indicated percentages in respective category of users
UGS=Under Graduate students, PG=Postgraduate Graduate students, R=Researchers, F=Faculty
5 OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS
Some open questions were asked to students to know the opinion of the respondents to obtain
more information about Web-OPAC service for various purposes. The respondents are making
use of the Web-OPAC for the following purposes:
To find out a particular book by an author or articles in journals;
To know the arrival of new journals and other reading materials;
To check for the copies of available reading materials;
To collect literature on seminars, theses, dissertations, etc.; and
For making review of literature for research work.
In this modern age dominated by information and communication technologies, every human
activity is being influenced by them. The libraries can not sit in isolation but embrace ICT for
providing new services for collecting, organizing, storing, retrieving and dissemination of various
forms of information with high speed and accuracy. Most of the activities in the libraries can be
computerized, including the Web-OPAC.
The opinions of the respondents can be summarized as below:
It saves time and gives quick, accurate and effective information;
Retrieving of required information is at a much faster rate;
It is easy to search and locate documents; and
One can find required books without wasting much time.
The respondents have suggested the authorities to provide training in the use of Web-OPAC.
Access of Web-OPAC in Engineering College Libraries in Karnataka
Vol. 46, No 3, September 2009 331
6 SUGGESTIONS
Based on the study certain suggestions are given for better utilization of the Web-OPAC
service of the Engineering College Libraries.
It is suggested to keep the Web-OPAC up-to-date by adding new entries quickly and
replacing the old entries;
There is need to train users to acquire basic skills in searching. Users have suggested to
provide assistance in the use of Web-OPAC by the library staff and also suggested for
user orientation programmes;
Few respondents have suggested to arrange the indexing of the journal articles
systematically;
A large number of respondents have suggested to circulate the list of newly arrived books
and other reading materials;
It is sugested to locate the Web-OPAC near the book stocks to help research scholars to
use it conveniently without wasting much time; and
Few respondents have suggested to provide up-to-date library guides explaining about
how to use the Web-OPAC and other library services.
7 CONCLUSION
The Web-OPAC is a very important service of any library system because most of the
respondents stated that the system has helped them in their information seeking. The search
process in Web-OPAC has more or less remained same as in card catalogue with increased access
points, varieties of search features but with increased complexity of the process. End-users are not
only expected to have technical searching skills but also conceptual and semantic knowledge
relating to query in case of subject searching in order to articulate the query. Web-OPAC is an
instrument of change in today's libraries. Automated library system in general and specifically
online catalogue will continue to be produced and enhance the usage of library collection from a
variety of sources. The Web-OPACs of different organizations can be used as a union catalogue
for better utilization of the resources in a region. Librarians must continue to play the role of
change agents in the use of online catalogues.
8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors express their sincere thanks to Dr. V.G. Talawar, Professor, in the Department of
Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, for
his valuable suggestions.
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