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Library Resources and Services of Engineering Colleges in Karnataka

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  • Sahyadri Arts College Shimoga, Karnataka

Abstract and Figures

This paper highlights the issues concerning library resources and services in the engineering college libraries in Karnataka. The study found that a majority of the colleges are managed by the private institutions. Nearly all are understaffed. Very few college libraries are functioning in a independent library buildings. Most have good collections of books, while journal collections vary. Most provide an array of library services.
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Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
University of Nebraska - Lincoln Year 
Library Resources and Services of
Engineering Colleges in Karnataka
B. U. Kannappanavar
K. V. Manjunatha
Kuvempu University, kannappanavar@gmail.com
Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology
This paper is posted at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/483
Library Philosophy and Practice 2011
ISSN 1522-0222
Library Resources and
Services of Engineering
Colleges in Karnataka
Dr. B.U. Kannappanavar
Librarian Selection Grade
Kuvempu University
Janana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577451
Karnataka, India
Dr. K.V. Manjunatha
Librarian
Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology
Davanagere, Karnataka
Introduction
The state of Karnataka has emerged as one of the foremost states in
establishing a large number of engineering institutions/ colleges in India. Both
government and private sectors have contributed to the establishment of these
institutions. Consequently, there has been a rise in number of people engaged in
training and education, research in the technical field. In order to fulfill the
information needs of those engaged in academic, research activities a number of
libraries have been established.
At the time of survey (2006-2007) there are 127 engineering colleges in
Karnataka (Fig.2) catering to the needs of 1,31,672 students and having 8,838
faculties working in different discipline in different cadre. The figure-2 reveals the
chronological arrangement of engineering colleges in Karnataka (source: NTMIS
Nodel Centre (Karnataka State)-2007). Out of 127 colleges, 45 engineering colleges
have been selected for the study. Here an attempt is made to analyse the data
collected through questionnaires from all the 45 engineering college libraries under
the study to explore the present status of resources and services provided by these
engineering college libraries in Karnataka State.
The establishment of engineering colleges in Karnataka State between the
year ‘before 1940 and 2006 is shown in the figure 5. There were 47 engineering
colleges established in a short span of 6 years.
Fig.1 Year of Establishment of Engineering Colleges in Karnataka
Figure 1 shows that four engineering colleges established before 1940.
There are 5 engineering colleges established in between the years 1941-1950 and
1951-1960. 7 colleges are came into existence between 1961-1970, and 22
colleges added between 1971-1980. There are 7 engineering colleges established
between 1981-1990 and 30 colleges between 1991-2000. 34 engineering colleges
were established between 2001-2002. There are 8 and 5 colleges added during
2003-2004 and 2005-2006 respectively.
The figure 1 further reveals that the study covers nearly 106 (83.61% of
engineering colleges that have been established in the last twenty-five years. It is
true that number of engineering colleges in Karnataka grew only after 1970’s and a
large number of engineering colleges came into existence during 1990’s and after
2000.
Types of Institutions
In Karnataka primarily there are three categories of technical institutions,
viz, Government Institutions, Private Institutions and university constituent colleges.
Under the private colleges there are two types viz., private aided institutions,
private unaided institutions. While all the government and private institutions are
administratively under the control of Directorate of Technical Education at the state
level, the university constituent colleges are under the control of their respective
universities. The government colleges are totally financed and managed by the
government; where as private aided colleges are partially financed by government
but managed by private managements. The private unaided colleges are
established, financed and managed entirely by the private educational societies.
The third category of institutions, i.e., University constituent colleges, these are
established by their respective universities and financed and managed by the
respective universities. All the data pertaining to the type of colleges is present in
table 1.
Table 1: Engineering colleges- Forms of Management
Management Total no. of collegesSelected for Study
University / Government06 (4.72%) 04 (8.89%)
Aided 12 (9.45%) 09 (20.00%)
Private 109 (85.83%) 32 (71.11%)
Total 127 (100%) 45 (100%)
Table 1 reveals types of engineering college by management structure in
Karnataka. There are 06 (4.72%)colleges were run by University/ Government
including 2 evening colleges, 12 (9.45%) colleges are aided including 3 evening
colleges and remaining 109 (85.83%) colleges are unaided private self financing
colleges.
Out of these 122 colleges in Karnataka, we have taken 45 colleges
(excluding two government and three aided evening colleges) established on or
before 1995 for the present study. Since these colleges might have developed
better library facilities and equipped with better infrastructure in the respective
colleges. The engineering colleges have selected for study have been represented
in the figure 2
Fig.2 Types of Institutions selected for the Study
The figure 2 shows that majority of engineering institutions are private
unaided. Out of 45 colleges selected for the study, 32 (71.11%) are private self
financing college. The remaining 13 institutions, 9 are private aided and 4 are
Government / Universities. They represent 20.00% and 8.89% respectively of the
total. It is clear that private colleges have playing a major role in technical
education.
Users
The libraries in higher education exist to support teaching, learning and
research activities. As such, teachers, students, and research scholars form the
major groups of users in engineering institutions. The details of users data both
teachers and students are presented in the table 2 and 3
Table 2: User -faculty members
No. of teachersNo. of librariesPercentage
25 02 4.45
26-50 06 13.33
51-75 07 15.56
76-100 09 20.00
101-125 10 22.22
126-150 05 11.11
151 and above 06 13.33
Total 45 100.00
It is observed from the table 2 that 2 (4.45%) colleges are having less than
25 teachers users, followed by 26-50 users in 6 (13.32%) colleges, 51-75 users in
7 (15.56%) colleges, 76-100 teachers users in 9 (20%) colleges, 101-125 users in
10 (22.22%) colleges 126-150 teacher users in 5 (11.11%) colleges, and in 6
(13.33%) colleges are having more than 150 teacher users.
Table 3: Users- students and research scholars
No. of students No. of librariesPercentage
< 500 02 4.44
501-1000 02 4.44
1001-1500 04 8.89
1501-2000 10 22.22
2001-2500 12 26.67
2501-3000 08 17.78
Above 3000 07 15.56
Total 45 100.00
Table 3 presents the data regarding the student users of different libraries
under the study. The table clearly shows that there are less than 500 student users
in 2 (44.44%) college libraries, followed by 02 (4.44%) college libraries are having
500-1000 student users. There were 1001-1500 students in 4 (8.89%) colleges in
10 (22.22%) colleges are having 1501-2000 users. There were 2001-2500 students
in 12 (26.67%) colleges, 2501-3000 in 8 (17.78%) colleges, and in 7 (15.50%)
colleges there were more than 3000 students.
Working Hours
The main function of the engineering college library is to satisfy its readers
by providing needed information and with giving access to resources for longer
hours. It is necessary that libraries should be kept open longer than the working
hours of the college. During college hours, faculties are busy in the classes and it
is not possible for them to spare their time in the library for reading. Therefore
engineering college library should provide library services at least for 12 hours a
day. The details of working hours in engineering college libraries are presented in
the table 4 and 5
Table 4: Working hours on week days
No. of hours No. of libraries Percentage
5-10 25 55.56
11-16 19 42.22
24 01 2.22
Total 45 100.00
Table 4 clearly shows that the working hours on the weekdays in
engineering college libraries under the study. It is observed from the table that 25
(55.55%) college libraries are kept open for 5-10 hours for theirs users, followed by
19 (42.22%) colleges libraries are kept open their libraries for 11-16 hours in a day
for the benefits of the users community. It is very interestingly to note here that NIT
Surathkal library functioning round the clock for the benefits of their users.
Table 5: Working hours on holidays
No. of hours No. of libraries Percentage
4-8 36 80.00
9-13 08 17.78
24 01 2.22
Total 45 100.00
While, observing the table 5, which clearly stipulates that the working hours
of the engineering college libraries in holiday under the study. It is observed from
the table that majority of the college libraries 36 (80%) are kept open their library
for 4-8 hours in a day, followed by 8 (17.78%) college libraries are functioning 9-13
hour in a holidays. Again it is very happy to record here that NIT surathkal is
functioning round the clock even in holidays also.
Table 6: Average daily attendance
No. of usersNo. of librariesPercentage
< 50 07 15.56
51-100 10 22.22
101-150 11 24.44
151-200 08 17.78
Above 200 09 20.00
Total 45 100.00
Table 6 demonstrates that the data pertaining to the daily average
attendance of the users of engineering college libraries under the study. It is
observed from the study that less than 50 users are using their library daily in 7
(15.50%) college libraries, followed by 51-100 users are making use of their
respective libraries daily in 10 (22.22%) colleges, 101-150 users using the library in
11 (24.22%) colleges, 151-200 users using the library in 08 (17.78%) colleges, and
in 9 (20%) colleges the daily attendance is more than 200.
Personnel Working in Engineering College Libraries
Personnel are the essential ingredient in all organizations and institutions.
They are, in fact, the vital resources for an effective and efficient organization. The
personnel working in libraries are categorized in three groups based on their
academic and professional qualification. Those who have possessed graduates and
post-graduate degrees in Library and Information Science are considered
professionals, and others who possess diploma and certificate course and are
having LIS skills are grouped under the semi professional category. Those who do
not possess LIS qualifications but they are working in libraries either as
administrative staff and others are considered non–professionals.
Adequate manpower in general, professionals in particular are thus, vital for
the efficient and effective functioning of any library. The data relating to various
categories of personnel working in engineering college libraries are obtained and
the same is presented in table7, 8 and 9.
Table 7: Professional staff strength
No. of Professionals No. of librariesPercentage
1-2 28 62.22
3-4 13 28.89
5-6 04 8.89
Total 45 100.00
Table 8: Semi-professional staff strength
No. of Semi-professionalsNo. of librariesPercentage
1-3 35 77.78
4-6 08 17.78
7-9 02 4.44
Total 45 100.00
Table 9: Non-professional staff strength
No. of Non-Professionals No. of librariesPercentage
1-5 15 33.33
6-10 14 31.11
11-15 12 26.67
16-20 04 8.89
Total 45 100.00
The table –7 clearly shows that 28 (62.22%) engineering college libraries
under the study are having only 1-2 professional staff, followed by 13 (28.89%)
colleges are having 3-4 professionals, and 5-6 professionals are working in 04
(8.89%) colleges under the study.
Again it is clear from the table 8 that majority of the colleges 35 (77.78%)
are having 1-3 semi-professionals followed by 08 (17.78%) colleges are having 4-6
semi-professionals and 7-9 semi-professionals are working in only 02 (4.44%)
colleges under the study.
Further table 9 shows that the position of non-professionals working in
engineering college libraries under the study. It is observed from the table that 1-5
non-professionals are working in 15 (33.33%) colleges, followed by 6-10 non-
professionals in 14 (31.11%) Colleges, 11-15 non-professionals in 12 (26.67%)
colleges and 16-20 non-professionals are working in 04 (8.89%) college libraries
under the study. It is observed from these tables that the existing professionals and
semi-professionals working in the engineering college libraries under the study are
in adequate.
Academic and Professional Qualifications of Librarians
To know the professional qualification possessed by the librarians heading
the libraries in engineering institutions, the collected data is presented in the table
10.
Table 10: Academic and professional qualifications of the Librarians
Qualification No. of college librariansPercentage
Degree+ M.L.I.Sc32 71.11
P.G+M.L.I.Sc 10 22.22
M.L.I.Sc+ PhD 01 2.22
Degree+B.Libsc 02 4.45
Total 45 100.00
Table 10 depicts that the Academic and professional qualification of
librarians of 32 (71.11%) engineering colleges are having post graduation degree in
library and information science in addition to their basic academic qualifications.
The remaining 13 engineering college librarians, 10 have post graduation in library
& information science in addition to their post graduation in other subject, one has
Ph.D. and two are just graduate in library and information science, they represent
22.22%, 2.22% and 4.45% respectively. Thus majority of the librarians possess post
graduation in library and information science in addition to their basic academic
qualification.
Table 11: Adequacy of library staff
Adequacy of library staffNo. of libraries Percentage
Yes 13 28.89
No 32 71.11
Total 45 100.00
Table 11 shows that, the present survey reveals, out of 45 engineering
college libraries 32 (71.11%) engineering college libraries the existing staff is not
adequate.
Physical Facilities
The use of information resources and facilities in libraries is dependent on
the physical facilities available for the users. Questions were asked in the
questionnaire to elicit information on the nature of library buildings- independent or
form the part of the main building, the total area of the library building. Information
regarding physical facility obtained from the respondent libraries presented in the
tables 12 and 13.
Table 12: Nature of library building
Library Building No. of libraries Percentage
Part of main building 31 68.89
Independent building14 31.11
Total 45 100.00
The table 12 clearly reveals that 14 (31.11%) college libraries under the
study are functioning in an independent building, where as majority of the college
libraries 31 (68.89%) are functioning in some parts of the main buildings. This
shows that majority of the colleges are not considering their college libraries as an
independent component of the technical education system.
Table 13: Total area of the library building
Range(sq.mt)No. of librariesPercentage
1000 05 11.11
1001-1500 07 15.56
1501-2000 07 15.56
Above 2000 10 22.22
Not given 16 35.55
Total 45 100.00
Table 13 clearly stipulates that 5 (11.11%) college library are having less
than 1000 sq.meter area, followed by 7 (15.56%) colleges each are having 1001-
1500 and 1501-2000 sq.mtrs area respectively, 10 (22.22%) libraries are having
more than 2000 sq.mtr. It is very interesting to note here that a majority of the
college libraries 16 (35.55%) are not furnished any data regarding this question.
Library Committee
Library committee is a body consisting of certain persons who will
supervise and advise the librarian in library matter. It has been recognized as the
essential agency which is needed for the governance of the library, because the
engineering college authority is often unwieldy and utmost of the time it remains
busy with the multifarious problems, where as the committee can devote more time
to think of proper development of library services in a better way.
Table 14: Library Committee
ResponseNo. of librariesPercentage
Yes 26 57.78
No 19 42.22
Total 45 100.00
Table 14 shows that 26 (57.78%) engineering college libraries are having
library committee for smooth running of their libraries. Where as the remaining 19
(42.22%) engineering college libraries did not having library committee. Further it is
noted from the table 5.15 that the composition and structure of the library
committee. When we looking into the table we can came to know that the
composition and structure of the library committee is varying in natures from one
college to another. Principal of the college is headed the library committee in all the
26 engineering college libraries.
Table 15: Position of Librarian in the Library Committee
Position No. of libraries (N=26) Percentage
Member secretary 21 80.76
Convener 05 19.23
The data pertaining to the librarian’s position in the library committees is
depicted in table No.15. Which clearly shows that in 21 (80.70%) colleges the
librarian is working as member secretary in the committee, where as in 5 (19.23%)
college library is working as convener of the committee.
Table 16: Book selection committee
ResponseNo. of librariesPercentage
Yes 00 00
No 45 100.00
Total 45 100.00
Table 16 reveals clearly that all the colleges under the study are not
constituted the book selection committee. Infact the HOD’s and faculty members
are selecting the reading materials and the same is communicated to the librarian
for the further action in this regard.
9.1 Library collection
The main function of an engineering college library is to select and acquire
sufficient reading materials for its readers. Keeping the users requirements the
library should collect good and worthwhile documents. Without balanced and rich
collection, engineering college library is like a temple without an idol or a body
without soul.
Due to the rapid development in science and technology and information
explosion, the engineering faculty and students are required the following
information sources, Periodicals, Bound Volumes of Periodicals, Electronic
Resources includes e-journals and e-books, Reference Materials such as Project
Reports, Patents/ Standards, Bibliographic Database on CD-ROM, Non Book
Materials, Technical Reports etc. They contain latest information in order to satisfy
the users in the subject field and the developments taking place in different subject.
It is essential for the engineering college library to procure periodicals on various
subjects offered in the college. The subscribed journals are to be bound and keep
them a usable state for readers.
Library is a growing organism. This growth of library collection, if not
properly nurtured, invariably deteriorate and not merely in its physical aspects but
also in its coverage and depth of specialization. The college library has to develop a
planned and systematic collection of various kinds, so that the needs of teachers
and taught are fulfilled and their academic objectives are accomplished.
Book Collections
Books form a major types of library collection. These include reference
books, textbooks, and such other books. Table 17 presents data relating to books
collection in engineering colleges under the study.
Table 17: Books collection in engineering college libraries
No. of DocumentsNo. of librariesPercentage
5001-10000 02 4.44
10001-15000 03 6.67
15001-20000 05 11.11
20001-25000 08 17.78
25001-30000 10 22.22
30001-35000 06 13.33
Above 35,000 11 24.45
Total 45 100.00
All the engineering college libraries under the study have given data on
library collection; the collected data has been tabulated and presented in table 17.
It is revealed from the table that in 2 (4.44%) colleges the total collection is ranging
from 5001-10000, followed by 10001-15000 in 3 (6.67%) colleges, 15001-20000 in
5 (11.11%) colleges, 20001-25000 in 8 (7.78%) colleges, 25001-30000 in 10
(22.22%) colleges, 30001-35000 in 6 (13.33%) colleges and more than 35000
collection is available in 11 (24.45%) colleges under the study.
Current Periodicals
Journals, being the primary sources of information, contain current trends in
respective disciplines. Most of these being scholarly in nature are useful to
teachers, scholars and students in institutions of higher education and research.
Hence, these are one type of important sources in engineering college libraries.
The investigator therefore obtained the data from 45 libraries, and these are
categorized into foreign and India journals and the data are presented in table 18.
Table 18: Current periodicals (Indian and foreign journals)
No. of titles subscribed
Number of institutions subscribing
Indian Journals PercentageForeign Journals Percentage
25 04 8.89 07 15.56
26-50 05 11.11 03 6.67
51-75 11 24.45 12 26.67
76-100 06 13.33 04 8.89
101-125 10 22.22 05 11.11
Above 125 09 20.00 08 17.78
Not subscribing -- -- 06 13.33
Total 45 100.00 45 100.00
Table 18 clearly shows that 4 (8.59%) college libraries are subscribing less
than 25 Indian journals, followed by 5 (11.11%) college subscribing 26-50 Indian
journals, 11 (24.45%) colleges subscribing 51-75 Indian journals, 6 (13.33%)
colleges subscribing 76-100 journals, 10 (22.22%) colleges subscribing 101-125
journals and 9 (20%) colleges are subscribing more than 125 journals. On the other
hand as for as foreign journals are concern 7 (15.56%) colleges under the study
are subscribing less than 25 journals followed by 3 (6.67%) colleges subscribing
25-50 journals, 12 (26.67%) colleges subscribing 51-75 journals, 4 (8.89%)
colleges subscribing 76-100 journals, 5 (11.11%) colleges subscribing 101-125
journals, 8 (17.78%) colleges subscribing more than 125 journals and 6 (13.33%)
college libraries under the study does not subscribing any foreign journals in the
colleges.
9.1.3 Back Volumes of Periodicals, Reports and Standards
Back volumes of journals are archival sources of information containing
scholarly articles and research. The libraries in engineering institutions do maintain
project reports of students of both graduate and postgraduate levels. The standard,
patents, technical reports are yet another source of information those are helpful
particularly for technical staff and researchers. Hence information regarding back
volumes of journals, project reports and standards is obtained from respondent
libraries and the same is tabulated and presented in table 19.
Table 19: Back volumes of periodicals
No. of DocumentsNo. of librariesPercentage
500 11 24.44
501-1000 05 17.78
1001-1500 10 22.22
1501-2000 07 15.56
2001-2500 04 8.89
Above 2,500 05 11.11
Total 45 100.00
Table 19 clearly shows that 11 (24.44%) libraries are having less than 500
back volumes followed by 5 (17.78%) libraries are having 501-1000 back volumes,
10 (22.22%) libraries are having 1001-1500 back volumes, 7 (15.56%) libraries are
having 1501-2000 back volumes, 4 (8.89%) libraries are having 2001-2500 back
volumes and there were more than 2500 back volumes in 5 (11.11%) college
libraries under the study.
Table 20: Reports and standards
No. of
Documents
Project Reports/ Technical
reports
PercentageStandards Percentage
500 10 22.22 06 13.33
501-1000 02 4.44 03 6.67
1001-1500 02 4.44 02 4.44
1501-2000 03 6.67 -- --
2001-2500 03 6.67 -- --
NA 25 55.56 34 75.56
Total 45 100.00 45 100.00
Table 20 stipulates that 10 (22.22%) college libraries are having less than
500 reports, followed by 2 (4.44%) college libraries each are having501-1000 and
1001-1500-report respectively. 3 (6.67%) college libraries each are having 1501-
2000 and 2001-2500 reports respectively. It is very sad to note here that 25
(55.56%) colleges are not provided any data as for as reports are concerned.
Where as on the other hand 6 (13.33%) college libraries under the study are
having less than 500 standards, followed by 3 (6.67%) colleges are having 501-
1000 standards, and 2 (4.44%) colleges are having 1001-1500 standards in these
libraries. Again it is very sad to record here that 34 (75.56%) colleges are not
provided any data in this regard.
9.1.4 Non Book Materials and Electronic Resources of Information
Advances in technology have lead to information explosion. This
information explosion is not only in quantity and complexity but also in the form of
documents from the print stage to the present electronic era. After a gap of few
years of invention of printing, the technological developments led to the invention of
microforms, audio-cassettes, video-cassettes, discs and now the recent CD-ROM
and other optical media. The data so collected in this regard is tabulated and
presented in table 21.
Table 21: Non book materials and electronic resources of information
No. of items* No. of librariesPercentage
50 06 13.33
51-100 15 33.33
101-150 06 13.33
151-200 03 6.67
201-250 09 20.00
251-300 03 6.67
Above 300 03 6.67
Total 45 100.00
*No of items include non-books materials such as microfiche, microfilm,
audiocassettes, videocassettes, gramophones, computer floppies and CD-
ROMs.
Table 21 point out that, among 45 engineering college libraries under the
study 6 (13.33%) college libraries are procuring and accessing less than 50
electronic resources, followed by there were 51-100 e-resources in 15 (33.33%)
colleges, 101-150 e-resources in 6 (13.33%) colleges, 151-200 e-resources in 3
(6.67%) colleges, 201-250 e-resources in 9 (20%) colleges, 251-300 in 3 (6.67%)
colleges and above 300 e-resources in 3 (6.67%) colleges.
Table 22: E-Books and E-Journals subscription
Response
No. of libraries
E-Journals E-Books
Subscribing 03 (6.67%) --
Not subscribing42 (93.33%)45 (100.00%)
Total 45 (100.00) 45 (100.00)
The table 22 reveals that majority of engineering college libraries 42
(93.33%) are not subscribing E-Journals, where as 03 (6.67%) engineering college
libraries are subscribing E-Journals.
9.2 Financial Resources
Finance plays a significant role in the organization and administration of a
library. A library has to purchase books. A library has to purchase books, periodical
and other reading materials, get modern furniture and equipment, erect and
maintain the building and employ trained and experienced staff. All this requires
sufficient funds. In the absence of adequate finance, the library cannot discharge its
obligation and guarantees the continuity of proper services to the users. In other
words, the quantum of funds made available towards library resources and
personnel determines to a large extent the quality of a library and the services
provided by it. It is, therefore, necessary that the library among other units in a
college will find its separate budget head that is planned systematically.
Table 23: Sources of Finance
Sources No. of libraries Percentage N=45
Management 32 71.11
State Government13 28.88
Central Govt. 01 2.22
AICTE 08 17.77
Table 23 shows the sources of finance received from different sources. Out
of 45 colleges 32 (71.11%) colleges are receiving grants from management. Out of
45 colleges 13 (28.88%) colleges are receiving grants from state government. One
college under the study is also receiving grants from the central government. 8 out
of 45 college libraries are also received AICTE grants. This clearly shows that the
engineering college libraries are getting financial assistance mainly from their parent
institution i.e. Management and a few engineering college libraries were also
receiving AICTE grants.
Table 24: Total library budget
Amount (Lakh)No. of libraries Percentage
< 2 04 8.89
2-4 11 24.44
5-6 06 13.33
7-8 07 15.56
9-10 04 8.89
Above 10 08 17.78
N R 05 11.11
Total 45 100.00
The budgetary provision of different colleges were collected and presented
in tabular form in table 24, it clearly depicts that the budget of different college
libraries ranging from 2 to 10 lakhs and above. It can be observed from the table
that 2 lakhs and less than 2 lakhs of rupees budgetary provision were made in 4
(8.89%) college libraries followed by 2-4 lakhs in 11 (24.44%) college libraries, 5-6
lakhs in 6 (13.33%) college libraries, 7-8 lakhs in 7 (15.56%) college libraries, 9-10
lakhs in 4 (8.89%) college libraries and in 8 (17.78%) colleges the budgetary
provision is more than 10 lakhs of rupees. Five college libraries were did not
provide any information as for as budget is concern.
The expenditure on different items was collected from all the libraries under
the study and the same is computed and presented in table No.25, 26, 27
respectively.
Table 25: Year wise expenditure on books
Amount spent ( in Lakhs)
No. of libraries
2002-032003-042004-052005-062006-07
< 2 12 14 07 08 06
2-4 08 13 12 14 10
5-6 10 07 09 05 08
7-8 04 03 06 08 05
9-10 03 02 02 04 06
> 10 01 01 03 02 04
N R 07 05 06 04 06
Total 45 45 45 45 45
NR: no response
The expenditure on purchase of books is presented in table 25 which
reveals that 12 colleges in 2002-03, 14 colleges in 2003-04, 7 colleges in 2004-05,
8 colleges in 2005-06, and 6 colleges in 2006-07 were spent less than 2 lakhs for
purchase of books, followed by 8 colleges in 2002-03, 13 colleges in 2003-04, 12
colleges in 2004-05, 14 colleges in 2005-06 and 10 colleges in 2006-07 were spent
2-4 lakhs of rupees for procurement of books to their college libraries.
10 colleges in 2002-03, 7 colleges in 2003-04 and 9 college in 2004-05, 5
colleges in 2005-06 and 8 colleges in 2006-07 were spent 5-6 lakhs of rupees for
acquisition of new books to their libraries. 4 colleges in 2002-03, 3 colleges in
2003-04, 6 colleges in 2004-05, 8 colleges in 2005-06 and 5 colleges in 2006-07
were made 7-8 lakhs expenditure on purchase of books. 3 colleges in 2002-03, 2
colleges each in 2003-04, 2004-05, 4 colleges in 2005-06 and 6 colleges in 2006-
07 were spent 9-10 lakhs for procurement of books to their college libraries. 0ne
college each in 2002-03, 2003-04, 3 colleges in 2004-05, 2 colleges in 2005-06
and 4 colleges in 2006-07 were spent more than 10 lakhs towards purchase of
books to their libraries.
Table 26: Year wise expenditure on current journals
Amount spent( in Lakhs)
No. of libraries
2002-032003-042004-052005-062006-07
< 1 12 16 16 10 08
1-2 20 08 12 13 10
3-4 08 03 05 04 06
5-6 03 04 03 06 09
7-8 01 02 01 03 02
9-10 0 01 01 0 01
> 10 0 0 01 01 02
N R 9 11 06 08 07
Total 45 45 45 45 45
NR: no response
The expenditures on subscription of current journals were presented in
table 26, which shows that in 2002-03, 12 college libraries spent less than one
lakhs for subscription of journals, followed by 20 college libraries spent 1-2 lakhs, 8
college libraries spent 3-4 lakhs, 3 college libraries spent 5-6 lakhs, one college
spent 7-8 lakhs for subscription of journals to their respective libraries. 9 college
libraries were not provided any data as for as expenditure on subscription of
journals are concern.
During the year 2003-04, 16 colleges spent less than one lakh for
subscription of current journals to the libraries, followed by 8 colleges spent 1-2
lakhs, 3 colleges spent 3-4 lakhs, 4 colleges spent 5-6 lakhs, 2 colleges spent 7-8
lakhs, one college spent 9-10 lakhs for subscription of journals to their libraries. 11
colleges under the study neither subscribe any journals nor provided any data
pertaining to expenditure on subscription of journals are concern.
In the year 2004-05, 16 colleges were spending less than one lakh for
subscription of current journals, followed by 12 colleges spent 1-2 lakhs, 5 colleges
spent 3-4 lakhs, 3 colleges spent 5-6 lakhs, one college each spent 7-8 lakhs, 9-
10 lakhs and more than 10 lakhs respectively for subscription of current journals to
their college libraries. 6 colleges were not furnished any data on this item.
In 2005-06, 10 colleges spent less than one lakh for subscription of
journals, followed by 13 colleges spent 1-2 lakh, 4 colleges spent 3-4 lakhs, 6
colleges spent 5-6 lakhs, 3 colleges spent 7-8 lakhs and one college is spent 9-10
lakhs for subscription of journals to their college libraries. 8 colleges were not
provided any data in this regard. During 2006-07, 8 college libraries were spent
less than one lakh rupees for subscription of journals, followed by 10 college
libraries are spending 1-2 lakhs, 6 college libraries spent 3-4 lakhs, 9 colleges
spent 5-6 lakhs, 2 colleges spent 7-8 lakhs, one college library spent 9-10 lakhs
and 2 college libraries were spending more than 10 lakhs rupees for subscription of
current journals. 2 colleges were not furnished any data as for as expenditure on
journals subscription.
Table 27: Miscellaneous expenditure
Amount spent (in Rupees)
No. of libraries
2002-032003-042004-052005-062006-07
< 25,000 16 13 12 14 15
25,000-50,000 13 14 16 17 08
51,000-75,000 02 03 02 02 05
76,000-1,00,000 01 02 04 03 04
Above 1 lakhs 0 01 02 01 03
N R 10 12 09 08 10
Total 45 45 45 45 45
NR- no response
The data on miscellaneous expenditure is computed and presented in
talbe-27 which clearly stipulated that 16 colleges in 2002-03, 13 colleges in 2003-
04, 12 colleges in 2004-05, 14 colleges in 2005-06 and 15 colleges in 2006-07
were spent less than 25,000=00 rupees on other expenditure of the libraries. 13
colleges in 2002-03, 14 colleges in 2003-04, 16 colleges in 2004-05, 17 colleges in
2005-06, 8 colleges in 2006-07 were spent 25,000-50,000 on miscellaneous
expenditures. 2 colleges in 2002-03, 3 colleges in 2003-04, 2 college each in
2004-05 and 2005-06 and 5 colleges in 2006-07 were spending 51,000-75,000
rupees on journal subscription. One college in 2002-03, 2 colleges in 2003-04, 4
colleges in 2004-05, 3 colleges in 2005-06 and 4 colleges in 2006-07 were spent
rupees 76,000-1,00,000 and one college each in 2003-04 and 2005-06, 2 colleges
in 2004-05 and 3 colleges in 2006-07 were spent more than one lakh for others
expenditure. Few colleges were not provided any data in this regard.
Organization of Reading Materials
Classification System Used
Table.28: Status of Classification
ResponseNo. of librariesPercentage
Yes 42 93.33
No 03 6.67
Total 45 100.00
Table 29 : Classification scheme used
Classification scheme No. of librariesPercentage N=42
Dewey decimal classification39 92.86
Colon classification 02 4.76
Other 01 2.38
Table 28 is reveals that the status of classification done in the engineering
college libraries. It shows clearly that 42 (93.33%) college libraries are classified
their documents, and remaining 3 (6.67%) college libraries are not classified the
documents. Further table 29 shows the clear picture about classification scheme is
adopted to classify their documents. It is observed from the table that 39 (92.86%)
college libraries are following DDC classification scheme, and 2 (4.76%) college
libraries are following Colon Classification scheme to classify their documents.
Cataloguing Code Adopted
Table 30: Status of Catalogue
ResponseNo. of librariesPercentage
Yes 42 93.33
No 03 6.67
Total 45 100.00
Table 31: Catalogue code used
Catalogue code No. of librariesPercentage N=42
CCC 02 4.76
AACRII 37 88.10
NR 03 7.14
NR-Not responded
The data pertaining to catalogue is presented in table 30. It reveals that 42
(93.33%) college libraries are prepared catalogue cards in their libraries. Remaining
3 (6.67%) colleges yet to prepare catalogues. Further the table 31 shows that 2
(4.76%) colleges followed the Classified Catalogue Code to prepare the catalogue
cards, and 37 (88.10%) colleges are adopted AACR-II for preparing catalogue
cards. 3 (7.14%) colleges are not furnished any information about cataloguing is
concern.
Circulation Section
Table 32: Position of circulation section
ResponseNo. of librariesPercentage
Yes 26 57.78
No 19 42.22
Total 45 100.00
Table 32 deals with the provision of separate circulation section. It is
observed from the table that 26 (57.78%) college libraries are having separate
circulation sections, where as on the other hand 19 (42.22%) college libraries not
having separate circulation section. Further table 38 shows that in 8 (30.77%)
college libraries the circulation section is managed by professionals, followed by
semi-professionals manages in 9 (34.62%) college and non-professionals are
maintaining in 6 (23.07%) colleges. Information not furnished in 3 (11.54%)
colleges.
Table 33: Type of professionals managing circulation section
Type of professional No. of librariesPercentage N=26
Professionals 08 30.77
Semi professionals 09 34.62
Non- professionals 06 23.07
NR 03 11.54
Table 34: System followed for circulation
System No. of libraries Percentage
Borrowers ticket 19 42.22
Register system 09 20.00
Barcode method15 33.33
Other 02 4.45
Total 45 100.00
Table 33 gives the detail account of different systems used to issue the
books to the user. It is observed from the table that in 19 (42.22%) college libraries,
books are issued to users through borrowers card/tickets. In 9 (20%) college
libraries are lent out the books through ledger system. Barcode method is used in
15 (33.33%) colleges; other system is followed in 2 college libraries (Other System
were not specified by the respondents.
Table 35: Average number of books circulated per day
No. of books Circulated per dayNo. of librariesPercentage
25 03 6.67
26-50 02 4.44
51-75 04 8.89
76-100 06 13.33
101-125 09 20.00
126-150 08 17.78
Above 150 13 28.89
Total 45 100.00
The table 35 reveals the average number of books circulated per day in
engineering college libraries. The number of books issued on an average per day is
25 in 03 (6.67%) libraries. It ranges between 26-100 in 12 (26.67%) and 101-150
in 17 (37.78%) libraries. In 13 libraries books issued on average per day is above
150 (28.89%).
Table 36: Types of access provided
Access No. of libraries Percentage
Open access 24 53.33
Closed access 09 20.00
Partially open access 12 26.67
Total 45 100.00
Table 36 shows that, open access followed in 24 (53.33%) libraries,
whereas closed access is followed in 9 (20.00%) libraries and partially open access
in 12 (26.67%) libraries. More than half of the libraries followed open access
system.
Table 37: Daily average time spent in library
Hours per day No. of librariesPercentage
Less than one 19 42.22
One-two 11 24.45
Three-four 02 4.44
More than four03 6.67
Total 45 100.00
Table 37 reveals the daily average attendance of the engineering college
teachers. It is observed from the table that in 19 (42.22%) colleges the teachers
using the library less than one hour in a day, followed by in 11 (24.45%) colleges
the teachers stay in the library 1-2 hours per day, 2 (4.44%) colleges teachers
using three to four per day, 3 (6.67%) colleges the daily attendance of the teacher
is more than four hours. The information in this regard is not furnished by 10
(22.22%) college libraries.
Table 38: Preferable time using the college library
Timings No. of librariesPercentage
8 am to 10 am 05 13.33
10 am to 3 pm 16 35.55
3 pm to 6 pm 20 44.44
At leisure time 12 26.67
NR 11 24.45
Total 45 100.00
The data pertaining to the preferable time to visit the college libraries by
the teachers of engineering college is collected, tabulated and presented in table
38. It is observed from the study that teachers preferred 8 am to10 am in 5
(13.30%) colleges, followed by 10 am to 3 pm is preferable to the teachers in the
16 (35.55%) college libraries. In 20 (44.44%) colleges the teachers prefer the time
spent in the college libraries is 3 pm to 6 pm. Where as teacher in 12 (26.67%)
college said that they are using the library at their leisure time that means as and
when they get time they will make use of their libraries. In 11 (24.45%) college
libraries are not provided any information in this regard.
Table 39: Access tools used by teachers
Tools
No. of
libraries
Percentage
Library catalogue / OPAC 36 80.00
Current awareness Bulletins (Eg. List of additions) of
library
12 26.67
Consulting colleagues & fellow professionals 10 22.22
Consulting Librarian / library staff 38 84.44
Other 05 11.11
Total 45 100.00
Table 39 depicts that the information regarding the access tools used by
the faculty members of the engineering college libraries. In 36 (80%) college
libraries the teachers are using the library catalogue /OPAC. List of new addition
are also used to locate their required books in the library in 12 (26.67%) college
libraries. In 10 (22.22%) colleges the teachers are consulting their colleagues,
fellow professional etc, to locate their needed books. Faculty members are
consulting the Librarian and Library staff to locate their required reading materials in
38 (84.44%) colleges libraries. The remaining 5 (11.11%) college authorities were
not furnished any information in this regard.
Services Offered
The main task of the college library is to supplement the teaching and
learning process of teachers and learners. For this purpose and also to make their
teaching and learning more effective, the library has to set various services, so that
the information needs of teachers and students are satisfied. While the service of
college libraries in their early stage was restricted to circulation of books, with the
changing circumstances today, we find several services extended to their users.
Table 40: Services offered by libraries
Services No. of librariesN=45Percentage
Reference service 45 100.00
Bibliographic databases on CD ROM 18 40.00
Internet Services 28 62.22
Inter library loan 16 35.55
CAS 08 17.77
SDI 03 6.66
Reprographic Services 26 57.77
News paper clipping services 08 17.77
Table 40 exhibits the services provided by the libraries. Reference service
is provided in all the engineering college libraries. 18 libraries are providing CD
ROM Bibliographic data base search service, 28 libraries are providing Internet
service to the teachers, representing 40.00% and 62.22% respectively. 16 (35.55%)
libraries are providing inter library loan facility. Current awareness service and SDI
service are not provided in large number of libraries, they representing 08 (17.77%)
and 03 (6.66%) respectively. 26 (57.77%) libraries are providing reprographic
services and 08 (17.77%) libraries are providing newspaper-clipping service to the
teachers.
Librarian Feedback and Plan to Introduce New Services
Table 41: Plan to introduce new services
ResponseNo. of librariesPercentage
Yes 29 64.44
No 16 35.56
Total 45 100.00
Table 41 reveals that 29 (64.44%) libraries are interested in introducing
computer based information services such as accessing e-resources, consortia
facilities, full text article service, online database services etc., 16 (35.56%) colleges
are not interested in introducing new services because of shortage of manpower
and infrastructure facilities.
Conclusion
The data collected from 45 engineering college libraries are analysed and
explore the status of resources and services provided to the users. Some of the
colleges have rich collection and infrastructure facilities, which have to share with
other colleges.
In the era of information technology, computers and communication
infrastructure are pre requisites, hence libraries are to provide more fund and
trained manpower to maintain and extend better service to the engineering college
library users.
Owing to the tremendous expansion of knowledge and its dissemination
through great variety of media, the organization of information services in
engineering college libraries requires new technology and methods for the benefit of
the users. Information has been recognized as a vital resource. Its need in
decision-making, extension of knowledge, and conservation of research efforts is
indispensable.
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