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A Study of IT Infrastructure in Pakistani University Libraries
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This study has investigated the status of hardware, software, networking and IT support available in university libraries of Pakistan. Survey method of research was employed to collect the data through a questionnaire survey. Fifty two out of 82 chief librarians/head librarians of central libraries of the public and private universities responded. The study concluded that except few, a vast majority the university libraries have computers and other peripherals; use of ‘free and open sources’ software increase in the university libraries; only few university libraries implement standard integrated library software, while the use of in-house developed library software is common; most of university libraries use ‘Internet Explorer’ as their search engine; fixed line telephone facility is available in most of the university libraries, while ‘fax’ is available in some of the university libraries; a vast majority of the university libraries have local area network (LAN), whereas wireless network is available in some of the university libraries; a vast majority of the university libraries receive IT support from their university’s IT Center/Computer Center, while some have their in-house support.
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Nowadays many Libraries in the process of transforming the manual catalogs into a database in the form of Digital Catalogue. KOHA, because it is an Open source and contains a complete integrated system is the preferable choice of librarians of the developing countries. But there are many challenges and problems occurred and made the task difficult. Presently the Bait AL Hikmah Library of Hamdard University is also in process of converting its in-house based digital catalog and library system and services into KOHA. The paper is a case study of the existing system, there drawbacks and limitations, reasons for choosing KOHA, and finally
The paper examined the extent to which the University of Zambia (UNZA) Library was addressing the information technology (IT) sustainability challenges. This was with a view to establishing a feasible IT sustainability model approach that could be adopted by the Library. In this case study, multiple sources of data, including document review, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, were used to collect data from students, lecturers, librarians, computer centre management and a donor representative. The findings of the study show that most of the IT facilities in the Library were not functioning. This was attributed to such factors as poor funding, lack of support from the university administration, and shortage of staff. The study recommended setting up an automation committee, with a national information policy, and a strategy to reallocate funds to support hardware and software upgrades. In conclusion, the problem of sustainability of IT is an issue that requires concerted effort by ensuring efficient and effective resource allocation, organisational responsibility and commitment, appropriately scaled technology, cooperation and genuine assistance from donor agencies.
Wireless networking offers a way to meet the needs of an increasingly mobile, tech-savvy student population. While many research libraries offer wireless access to their patrons, academic libraries serving smaller populations must heavily weigh both the potential benefits and disadvantages of this new technology. Will wireless networks become essential components of the modem academic library, or is this new technology just a passing fad? Prompted by plans to implement a wireless network at the Houston Cole Library (HCL) (Jacksonville State University's [JSU's] library), which serves a student enrollment close to ten thousand, this study was conducted to gather information about whether libraries similar in size and mission to HCL have adopted wireless technology. The study also sought to find out what, if any, problems other libraries have encountered with wireless networks and how successful they have perceived those networks to be. Other questions addressed include level of technical support offered, planning, type of equipment used to access the network, and patron-use levels.
The paper highlights the use of hardware and software facilities in University of Agricultural Science Libraries in Karnataka. It also highlights the access of networks, information services and barriers in infoimation technology (IT)' applications. A survey conducted on two agricultural universities tibraries in Karnataka, namely University of Agricultural Science Library, Dharwar and University of Agricultural Science Library, Bangalore found that none of the University libraries under the study is having databases and full implementation of IT applications in their libraries.
Library automation, in rudimentary form, began in the late 1960s and since 1990 has been the main focus of Pakistani librarianship. The generous financial assistance provided by the Netherlands Library Development Project (Pakistan) further accelerated the pace in this regard. However, the libraries in Pakistan have not registered any significant progress. Automated systems are lacking in large university libraries, as well as in college and public libraries. The largest group using this technology is specialist libraries. These libraries use automation primarily for a few selected operations. Some private sector universities have taken steps towards the planning and implementation of integrated library systems, but these are still in the trial stages. The National Library in Pakistan has also just made similar steps. The UNESCO sponsored CDS/ISIS is the most commonly used software; other popular packages used include ORACLE and INMAGIC. Some indigenous systems have also been developed, but without much success. IBM 386 and IBM 486 compatibles are used by the vast majority of libraries. Computer application education is yet to be introduced to schools by the country's library. The major constraints on library automation include: absence of planning, non-availability of software, import restriction on choice of hardware, lack of competent manpower, non-existence of standard, absence of co-operation etc.
Advances in computer technology combined with communication technologies have exerted unprecedented pressures for change on libraries. This study investigated the measures to be taken for strengthening information technology in Pakistani libraries. The critical issue identified provides closer insight into the issues affecting overall implementation of IT. This study found out that condition of IT implementation in Pakistani libraries is very pathetic. It highlights the status of existing information technology facilities in Pakistani libraries. It highlights the barriers in the way of IT implementation e.g. scarcity of funds, low level of IT education in library schools, shortage of expertise, obsolete syllabi of library schools, no arrangement for continuing education, lack of planning in IT implementation projects. There seems to be a direct correlation between the IT education in library schools and level of IT implementation in libraries. There is a widening chasm between LIS education in developing countries and those in developed countries. In the light of research questions data were analyzed and elaborated. On the basis of findings, recommendations were given.
Key words: IT education, IT implementation Pakistani libraries
The study assesses levels of automation of Ghana five public libraries in Ghana and five university libraries in the UK and relates the findings to two dominant theories on the strategic management of IT namely - Competitive advantage approach and the strategic necessity hypothesis.
The primary findings are that low levels of IT application exists in all the Ghanaian University libraries. There was a positive correlation of IT sophistication and organisational performance as the UK university libraries appeared to out- perform their Ghanaian counterparts in terms of service development. The UK university libraries were also found to exhibit a better fit of IT and strategy integration than the Ghanaian university libraries.
The study concludes with some ideas on how to address the situation.The Information Technologist Vol.1(1&2) 2004: 25-37
Central University (CU) Libraries in India are currently at various stages of advancement in the use of information technology(IT). This paper presents the results of a research study conducted to survey the use of IT in CU libraries. It describes libraries collection, current periodicals, library staff, users, budget, and infrastructural facilities of CU libraries. It discusses planning approaches adopted for IT implementation, objectives of library automation, persons involved in library automation planning, steps taken for library automation implementation, factors considered in selecting library automation software, and constraints faced in library automation. It covers computers and software packages used, computerised library operations, development of databases, bibliographic standards used, computerised information services, level of participation in networks and computerised facilities offered to users, etc. The results summarized in this paper reflect the current trends and future plans relating to the use of IT in CU libraries.