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International Journal of
Information Studies & Libraries
ISSN(O):2456-1827
Vol. 6 Issue 1 January 2016
Copyright 2022. Publishing India Group.
ISSN 2229-5682
9 772229 568005
04
E-598, Ground Floor, Palam Extension,
Sector-7, Dwarka (Near Ramphal Chowk)
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Website: www.publishingindia.com
Publishing India Group
ISSN 2229-5682
9 772229 568005
01
ISSN 2456-1827
9 772229 568005
01
Volume7Issue1
Volume7Issue1January-June2022
January-June2022
InternationalJournalofInformationStudies&Libraries
Indexed:EBSCO & i-scholar
A Peer Reviewed Journal
InternationalJournalofInformationStudies&Libraries
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Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Rupak Chakravarty
Professor
Dept. of Library & Information Science
Panjab University,
Chandigarh, India
Editor(s)
Dr. Joanna Richardson
Scholarly Communication Consultant (retired)
Library, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Dr. Evgenia Vassilakaki
Scientific Associate, National Library of Greece (NLG),
Faculty, Dept. of Library Science and Information Systems,
Technological Educational Institution of Athens (TEI-A),
Ph.D., Dept. of Information and Communications of Manchester,
Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
Dr. Kiran Kaur
Associate Professor,
Dept. of Lib. & Information Science
Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Subhajit Panda
Assistant Librarian, Chandigarh University,
Mohali, Punjab, India
Dr. Simona Turbanti
Adjunct Professor
University of Milano, Italy
Disclaimer
The views expressed in the Journal are of authors. Publisher, Editor or Editorial Team cannot be held responsible for
errors or any consequences arising from the use of Information contained herein. While care has been taken to ensure the
authenticity of the published material, still publisher accepts no responsibility for their inaccuracy.
Journal Printed at Anvi Composers, Paschim Vihar.
Copyright
Copyright – ©2022 Publishing India Group. All Right Reserved. Neither this Publication nor any part of it may be
reproduced, stored or transmitted in any from or by any means without prior permission in writing from copyright holder.
Printed and published by Publishing India Group, New Delhi.
InternationalJournalofInformationStudies&Libraries (Biannual Journal)
Aim & Scope
The International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries {IJISL}, is an International online peer reviewed and indexed
journal. IJISL is initiated by the Publishing India Group, India. This will consider any original contribution that enhance
or illuminates Library and Information Science or Practice, or that educates or entertains the journal’s readers. IJISL is
published twice a year (Bi-annual).
Aims and Scope:
● Knowledge organisation and Management
● Use of ICT in libraries: best practices
● Collection development: Guidelines and strategies
● Information literacy and media literacy
● Content management
● Managing change in libraries
● Information systems and services
● Scientometrics, Bibliometrics and Informatics
● Copyright issues in Digital Environment
● Digital Library Development and Management
● Information Retrieval
● Social Networking and Libraries
● RFID, semantic web, intelligent web, data mining
● Web 2.0, Web 3.0
● Digitization and Digital Preservation
● Library websites, subject portals, web portals
● Digital libraries, Institutional repositories
● Digitization, metadata, discovery tools
● Emerging technologies in LIS
● Libraryclassication,informationmanagement,contentmanagement,contentcuration
● HRM, leadership, Job satisfaction
● E-journals, e-books, online databases
Editorial
Behaviors and Tools to Ensure Research Ethics
Simona Turbanti, University of Milano, Italy
As reported in the European Code of conduct for research integrity developed by ALLEA, ALL European Academies, revised
2017 edition1, the principles of research integrity are: reliability in ensuring the quality of research (design, methodology,
analysis and use of resources); honesty in developing, reviewing, and communicating research; respect for colleagues,
society, cultural heritage, and the environment; responsibility for research from its origin to publication and dissemination
of results.
Discoveriesmadethroughscienticresearchcanbeofgreatvaluetoresearchersinadvancingknowledge,togovernments
in shaping public policy, and to industry in developing new products. Researchers should be aware of this potential value and
the interest their laboratories and institutions have in it, know how to protect their interests, and know the rules governing
the fair and proper use of ideas.
Allthevariousstagesofscienticcreationandcommunicationshouldbeconductedfollowingprinciplesandbestpractices;
the European Code refers to “Good research practices” in different contexts, such as Research environment; Training,
supervision and mentoring; Research procedures; Safeguards; Data practices and management; Collaborative working;
Publication and dissemination; Reviewing, evaluating and editing.
When scholars do not follow these good practices they fall into the violation of research integrityand this “damages research
processes, degrades relationships among researchers, undermines trust in research and its credibility, wastes resources, and
may expose research subjects, users, society, or the environment to unnecessary harm”2.
The various types of misconduct in research can be classied into fabrication, falsication and plagiarism. Fabrication
occurs when data or results are produced; manipulating research materials and processes, altering or omitting data leads to
falsication3.
Comingtoplagiarism,itsdenitionisverycomplexastheextensiveliteratureonthesubjectdemonstrates.Althoughthe
termplagiarism wasrstusedinliteraturewasaround80AD.bytheRomanpoetMartial4,itwaswith therst modern
copyright law (The Statute of Anne) that the right of the author was recognized. For many centuries plagiarism was not
considered a serious crime and, in any case, of economic rather than creative relevance.
There are many different categories of plagiarism, but it would be too long to deal with here.
1 ALLEA, ALL European Academies, European Code of conduct for research integrity, rev. ed., Berlin, ALLEA, 2017, <https://www.
allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ALLEA-European-Code-of-Conduct-for-Research-Integrity-2017.pdf>. [Last accessed July
15, 2022].
2Ivi,p.8.
3U.S.DepartmentofHealth &HumanServices,OfceofResearchIntegrity(ORI),Avoiding plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and other
questionable writing practices: aguide to ethical writing, <https://ori.hhs.gov/avoiding-plagiarism-self-plagiarism-and-other-ques-
tionable-writing-practices-guide-ethical-writing>. [Last accessed July 15, 2022].
4 J. Mira Seo, Plagiarism and poetic identity in Martial, “The American journal of philology”, 130 (2009), n. 4, p. 567-593.
Itissufcienttorememberhow,foreasilyunderstandablereasons,theriskofplagiarismhasincreasedintheageoftheweb
with online sources.
If, “in general terms, responsible conduct in research is simply good citizenship applied to professional life”, it is often
complex to make students and young scholars understand the importance of research ethics. “Research is not an organized
profession in the same way as law or medicine” and researchers have different behaviors from one to another and from one
disciplinaryeldtoanother.
To support ethics in research it is essential to make it clear that, in the use of any bibliographic source, it is necessary to
respect any third party rights, respect the uses permitted by copyright laws and any license to use provided by the publisher
andfullltheobligationofcorrectquotation.
Not infrequently, in fact, students fall into plagiarism “simply” because of ignorance or, sometimes, unconsciously.
To this end, the role of libraries is fundamental, especially the academic ones: libraries are the main institutions that must
promote correct information literacy and courses for the creation of bibliographies through the knowledge of citational
styles and the use of reference management software. In addition to this, a role of libraries, in collaboration with teachers,
in the design of training modules on research ethics would be desirable.
With targeted student training it would be easier to have a generation of scholars more aware of the value of research.
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
ISSN(O):2456-1827
1. Embracing Blockchain Technology in Academic Libraries in Indian
Scenario: A Conceptual Study
Duragappa, Sheshadri K. N. 1-6
2. InuenceofOwnershipofInstitutiononJobSatisfactionamongLibrariansin
University Libraries in Southern Nigeria
Gloria Ogheneghatowho Oyovwe-Tinuoye, Lucky Oji Akpojotor 7-14
3. AwarenessandUseofICT-BasedLibraryandInformationServices
among the Agricultural Science Students of Uttar Banga Krishi
Viswavidyalaya,WestBengal:ACaseStudy
Bhanu Partap, Priyanka Neogi 15-22
4. BuildingDigitalRepositorieswiththeOpen-SourceSoftwareInvenio:
Use of SaaS Model Zenodo
Atasi Sinhababu, Heenam Gakhar, Rupak Chakravarty 23-34
5. PerceptiontowardsWebSearchEnginesandEvaluationofInternet
Search Results by Undergraduate Students
Auwalu Muhammad Giginyu 35-39
6. EnablingandEmpoweringthePrint-DisabledandVisuallyImpaired:
RoleofLaw,Treaty,Guidelines,andTechnology
Subhajit Panda, Rupak Chakravarty 40-55
7. ImpactofCOVID-19inAcademicLibrariesofSikkim:AStudy
Dina Subba, R. K. Choudhary 56-63
8. Preserving the Heritage for the Future: A Case Study on the Light of the
StateArchives,WestBengal
Tathagata Dhar, Sourav Roy 64-68
9. AnEvaluationoftheRole,Responsibility,andSignicanceofLibrary
Professional Associations in India
N. K. Pachauri 69 -77
This Journal is available online at www.publishingindia.com since 20th August 2022
Abstract
In this computerised world with expanding Web access, the
blockchain innovation can be utilised to ratify and store online
exchange records like Bitcoin. In this process, it is very tough
to abrogate, repudiate, and fake the transactions. Once data or
information is stored in blockchain, it is highly impossible to tamper,
duplicate, or erase it. The blockchain is used to increase the security
in transferring of things, such as money, property, contracts, and so
on. Libraries are involved in many online transactions. Therefore,
it is best to adapt blockchain technology in libraries, as they are
always involved in gathering, preserving, and sharing authoritative
information. Here, the authors have made an attempt to nd
ways to implement blockchain technology in the libraries in the
Indian scenario. Initially, the authors studied the present status of
blockchain technology in the libraries. Later, the authors identied
places where blockchain technology could be implemented, and
thus increase security. The authors have explained the concept of
blockchain technology, how it works, how to install it, use it, and
so on. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of blockchain
technology are listed.
Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Academic Libraries
Embracing Blockchain Technology in Academic
Libraries in Indian Scenario: A Conceptual Study
Duragappa*, Sheshadri K. N.**
Introducon
Blockchain technology could be identied as a chain of
blocks which contains information. It is highly impossible
to backdate or tamper with the digital documents which
are time-stamped using blockchain techniques. The chief
benet of blockchain technology is that without the
presence of a central server, it is impossible to duplicate
the records.
The librarians can accomplish their work by utilising
blockchain innovation, particularly in the ground of
* Deputy Librarian, Presidency University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Email: durageshbpt@gmail.com; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6671-0505
** Senior Librarian, Presidency University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. sheshadrikn@gmail.com
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 01-06
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
scientic research production. Journal publications
could be time-stamped and its versions veried using
blockchain technology. Irving and Holden practically
tested the utilisation of the Bitcoin blockchain “as a
minimal expense, autonomously certain strategy that
could be broadly and promptly used to review and afrm
the dependability of logical investigations”.
Another central benet of blockchain innovation is that
it very well may be utilised as a DRM (Digital Right
Management) instrument in libraries, as electronic
library assets are characteristically reproducible, which
may make issues for libraries, just as distributers. As of
now, the DRM (Digital Right Management) device is
being utilised by the distributers to forestall duplicating
of their distributions, which is not a hundred per cent
dependable. By utilising blockchain innovation, any
library can make a one-of-a-kind record, which can be
gotten to by everything that can possibly be attached to
electronic assets and utilised as a technique to designate
“provable shortage” of that material. Blockchain would
assist with improving exercises which are identied with
libraries, like academic distributing, content spreading,
and copyright implementation.
Literature Review
The present use and future implications of blockchain
technology in academia have been discussed by Chen,
Xu, Lu and Chen (2018), Turkanovic, Holbl, Kosic and
Hericko (2018), Grech and Camilleri (2017), Sharples
and Domingue (2016), Rooksby and Dimitrov (2017),
Domingue and Bachler (2018), and Grather et al. (2018).
All are exemplifying the present and future potential
applications of blockchain technologies in academia,
like issuing valid certicates, summative evaluation
2 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
for learning outcomes, storing students’ grades, getting
people to register for online courses, making digital
payments, and so on.
In ‘Blockchain for Research’, Rossum from Digital
Science depicts advantages like information colocation,
local area self-adjustment, disappointment investigation,
and extortion anticipation (Rossum, June 2019).
Blockchain is a phenomenal method to follow copyright.
A few blockchains have as of now been produced for
photographic artists, specialists, and artists. Models
incorporate photograph chain, duplicate track, binded,
and dotBC.
Blockchain could protect advanced rst-deal rights,
which are vital to libraries having the option to share such
substances. “While DRM of any kind isn’t attractive, if
by utilizing blockchain-driven DRM we exchange for
the capacity to have perceived computerized rst deal
rights, it could be a worthy bargain for libraries.” To
help such limitations, another utilisation for blockchain
created by organisations, for example, LibChain, is open,
unquestionable, and unknown access to the executives to
library content.
Objecves of the Study
●To understand the concepts and ways of implement-
ing the blockchain technology in academic libraries.
●To explore different sections in the library for adapt-
ing blockchain technology.
●To discover the possibilities of increasing the securi-
ty of the library products and transactions by adapt-
ing blockchain technology.
What is Blockchain?
The concept of blockchain technology is indeed pretty
modest; it is a type of store house of information. It is
better to understand what a store house of information is
rst to understand about blockchain technology.
A store house of information is nothing but a database
where we can store information in an electronic format in
a computer. Data or information in databases is naturally
structured in a table format to provide for easier searching
and ltering for particular information.
●Blockchain could be the particular type of database.
●Data is being stored in blocks and chained together
later in a blockchain mechanism, which is a different
storage method from a natural database.
●The block is chained with a past block whenever it is
loaded with new information, to make information
afxed together in a sequential request.
●All kinds of information could be stored on a
blockchain, which can be used as a ledger for
transactions.
●Wherever it is required it can be used in a
decentralised mode, where a single person or group
does not have control, unless the rest of the users
collectively permit modications or changes.
●It is highly impossible to revert or delete the
transactions once it is done, since a decentralised
blockchain is immutable, which means that the
information entered is permanently logged and
available to anyone.
The blockchain is a set of rules, like a software protocol,
and the Internet is required to use the blockchain. It will
be treated as a meta-technology since it affects other
technologies.
How Does Blockchain Work?
First, we have to understand what a blockchain is.
Blockchain is made up of two words – ‘BLOCK’ and
‘CHAIN’. When we enter data or information, it will go
to a block; once a block is lled, it will be chained to a
previous block, as shown in Fig. 1.
structured in a table format to provide for easier searching and filtering for particular
information.
Blockchain could be the particular type of database.
Data is being stored in blocks and chained together later in a blockchain
mechanism, which is a different storage method from a natural database.
The block is chained with a past block whenever it is loaded with new
information, to make information affixed together in a sequential request.
All kinds of information could be stored on a blockchain, which can be used as a
ledger for transactions.
Wherever it is required it can be used in a decentralised mode, where a single
person or group does not have control, unless the rest of the users collectively
permit modifications or changes.
It is highly impossible to revert or delete the transactions once it is done, since a
decentralised blockchain is immutable, which means that the information
entered is permanently logged and available to anyone.
The blockchain is a set of rules, like a software protocol, and the Internet is required to
use the blockchain. It will be treated as a meta-technology since it affects other
technologies.
5. HOW DOES BLOCKCHAIN WORK?
First, we have to understand what a blockchain is. Blockchain is made up of two words
– ‘BLOCK’ and ‘CHAIN’. When we enter data or information, it will go to a block; once a
block is filled, it will be chained to a previous block, as shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1
In Fig.1, we can see that there are two sub-blocks after Block 3. Both the sub-blocks are
legitimate. So the following mined square might be added to any of the sub-blocks.
Assume that the miner adds the recently mined block to Block 104-A. The sub-block
containing Block 104-A will be longer than the sub-block containing Block 104-B, as
demonstrated in Fig. 2.
Fig. 1
In Fig. 1, we can see that there are two sub-blocks after
Block 3. Both the sub-blocks are legitimate. So the
following mined square might be added to any of the sub-
blocks. Assume that the miner adds the recently mined
block to Block 104-A. The sub-block containing Block
Embracing Blockchain Technology in Academic Libraries in Indian Scenario: A Conceptual Study 3
104-A will be longer than the sub-block containing Block
104-B, as demonstrated in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2
In Fig. 2, we can see that Block 104-B must be cleansed, as the longest blocks
consistently win, and the more limited ones are cleansed in the Bitcoin concept. All of
the exchanges made in Block 104-B will be back in the exchange pool, so that they are
mined and added to some future blocks prior to cleansing them. In this manner the
struggles are settled and just one single chain of blocks is kept up by the framework.
6. INSTALLATION PROCESS OF BLOCKCHAIN
The following commands will show you how to install the blockchain and start the
Ethereum hub to perform fundamental exchanges.
There are mainly three tools, as mentioned below:
Implementation of GEth (Go Ethereum).
TestRPC, which we need to test-set Smart Contracts.
Truffle Build system (framework).
First, it is required to install NODEJS, as most of the tools which will be used are
dependent on JavaScript.
Start installation of NodeJS and NPM using the following commands.
Note: The text which is in italics is the command.
Step 1: Open the terminal or press Control+Alt+T
Step 2: Type “sudo apt-get install nodejs”
Step 3: Type “node-v” to check the nodejs version
Step 4: Type “sudo apt-get insta ll npm”
Step 5: Type “npm-v” to check the NPM version
Now, we have to install the GEth (Go-Ethereum)
To install the GEth, please use the following commands.
6.1. Installation of GEth on UBUNTU Via PPAs
Fig. 2
In Fig. 2, we can see that Block 104-B must be cleansed,
as the longest blocks consistently win, and the more
limited ones are cleansed in the Bitcoin concept. All of
the exchanges made in Block 104-B will be back in the
exchange pool, so that they are mined and added to some
future blocks prior to cleansing them. In this manner the
struggles are settled and just one single chain of blocks is
kept up by the framework.
Installaon Process of Blockchain
The following commands will show you how to install
the blockchain and start the Ethereum hub to perform
fundamental exchanges.
There are mainly three tools, as mentioned below:
●Implementation of GEth (Go Ethereum).
●TestRPC, which we need to test-set Smart Contracts.
●Trufe Build system (framework).
First, it is required to install NODEJS, as most of the tools
which will be used are dependent on JavaScript.
Start installation of NodeJS and NPM using the following
commands.
Note: The text which is in italics is the command.
Step 1: Open the terminal or press Control+Alt+T
Step 2: Type “sudo apt-get install nodejs”
Step 3: Type “node-v” to check the nodejs version
Step 4: Type “sudo apt-get install npm”
Step 5: Type “npm-v” to check the NPM version
Now, we have to install the GEth (Go-Ethereum)
To install the GEth, please use the following commands.
Installaon of GEth on UBUNTU Via PPAs
To enable our launchpad repository, run
Step 6: Type “sudo add-apt-repository -y ppa:ethereum/
ethereum”
Now, the repositories will be updated by running the
following command.
Step 7: Type “sudo apt-get update”
Now the stable version of Go-Ethereum has to be installed.
Step 8: Type “sudo apt-get install ethereum’’
Installing Test RPC
This is the time to install Test RPC.
Test RPC is only an Ethereum node emulator which is
executed in the NodeJS. The main objective of this Test
RPC is to quickly begin an Ethereum node for test and
advancement. We need to see that Test RPC is only an
emulator which is running as an in-memory process.
For instance, in the event that we put together a Smart
Contract, it will not proceed in the event that we restart
the Test RPC.
To install the Test RPC, the following command is used.
Step 9: Type “sudo npm install -g ethereumjs-testrpc”
Installing True
At this point, we need to introduce Trufe. Trufe is only a
form of a build framework which deals with our Contract
relics. It contains support for custom arrangements,
library connecting, and complex Ethereum applications.
To install Trufe, use the following command.
Step 10: Type “sudo npm install -g trufe”
Now the installation is done.
4 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Once installation is done, we have to set up a private
Ethereum network, which we can then use.
Dierent Modules to Adapt Blockchain
Technology in the Library
Acquision Module
Acquisition is one of the essential modules of any library,
as librarians are building a collection of books, journals,
and magazines, and kindred resources, which is a major
and important function of the acquisition module. It is
accountable for all aspects of acquiring library resources
for libraries. In this module, library materials are ordered
by the librarians to the registered library vendor or
publishers. In this process, smart contacts are being used
by librarians and registered library vendors or publishers
to cross-verify the terms and conditions of purchase and
contract by using blockchain application. Scrambled
keys might be accessed by both librarians and registered
library vendors or publishers, which could twist the parts
of a contract. The terms and conditions of an e-contract
could only be renewed with the contract of both librarians
and registered vendors of the library.
Digital Preservaon and Tracking
In the 21st century, library users are becoming e-resource
savvy. Day by day they are losing interest in print
material and turning towards e-materials. At the same
time, digital preservation is the biggest challenge due to
copyright issues in this Internet era. By using blockchain
technology, one can track downloads and modications,
and hard copies of publications could be restricted by
the publishers via e-agreements or e-contracts. Getting
printed or distribution of printed materials such as articles
and book chapters would be limited by the publishers if
printing was synchronised to the initial e-agreement. A
blockchain-based technology could not allow anybody to
alter or modify any kind of document which is uploaded,
time-stamped, and veried by the publishers. At the same
time, the readers who wish to access the original resources
can conrm that the content is unchanged or modied
from the original by using the blockchain technology.
Copyright and Royalty Defence
In this digital world, with increasing access to the Internet,
people are more involved in research, and research
content has grown, with the invention of new things.
By using blockchain application, justice can be given to
the inventors by signicantly beeng up the security of
e-content downloads and ensuring that the invention or
creation is purchased and that the inventor or creator gets
their fair royalty. The real-time and transparent royalty
distribution facts would be informed to the inventors and
content creators by employing the blockchain technology.
By doing this, we can encourage the researcher and help
them from being cheated or defrauded for their efforts.
The research content can be secured from being edited,
and the circulation of duplicated articles could be banned;
the same will be applicable for all types of content, such
as video and audio, and so on.
BLOCKCHAIN-Based Currencies for
Internaonal Financial Transacons
Nowadays, libraries deal with international publishers for
procuring resources such articles, books, and standards,
and payment can be made using blockchain-based
currencies to avoid fake transactions.
Fine Module
Where there is money, there is risk. And money is involved
in this module. As libraries collect nes for late return of
books, there is a chance of hacking the server and deleting
the ne amount from the user’s account, since some
libraries store their data on a third-party server. One can
avoid this kind of problem by implementing blockchain
technology.
Inter-Library Loan and Token System
The blockchain technology can be implemented at
different levels, such as institution level, university level,
state level, country level, and worldwide. The best idea
is we have to implement blockchain technology at the
global level, where every library will enter its holdings.
Embracing Blockchain Technology in Academic Libraries in Indian Scenario: A Conceptual Study 5
This is one of the best ways where a library’s collections
and holdings of data could be easily analysed across any
library or information centre in the world.
No single library or information centre can full all the
requirements of the library user. The role of ILL in the
library eld is unfathomable in many aspects. A worldwide
execution of blockchain innovation will signicantly
affect interlibrary loan (ILL) where library items can be
pointed out in a faster way, and the practice of issuing
and borrowing library items in ILL can be computerized
through smart contracts with imparting organization.
Libraries can be computerised in verifying accomplices,
monitoring net getting versus net loaning, and sending
materials where the protection by-plan highlights of
blockchain applications would work well.
Library Vericaon of Credenals (Informaon
Literacy)
As libraries play an important role in digital and
information literacy education, systems can be created by
using blockchain application to verify the information.
Library Card
Libraries are interacting with library patrons or users
by creating their accounts in the library software, which
could be cross-veried using a given novel patron ID
and a library card. This card will permit library clients to
collaborate with the library framework and administration.
Library patrons can validate by themselves in online and
get the access to electronic resources such as Electronic
books and journals or databases and the same can be
borrowed by them in online. For many years the system
is being followed, and it has been running smoothly.
However, nowadays, since many libraries are storing their
data on a third-party server there is chance of missing data
or information hacking. These kinds of issues could be
resolved by adopting blockchain technology.
Connuous Data Backup
Since backup is the backbone of a library, it has to
maintain backup data every day. Generally, libraries take
backup in two ways. One is manually, and the second is
an automated backup system. In the latter scenario, at
any time, data can be erased or stolen by the hackers. To
escape from the hackers and resolve the infrastructure
problems, we can use blockchain as a backup source for
cloud data centres in automated systems or for any data,
as it can be adopted with GPS receivers on its planes,
which could resolve this concern.
In this way, we can use the blockchain to protect and
secure user records, and acquired library materials data,
and improve collections maintenance. Utilisation of
extraordinary assortments will consider distinguishing
proof and nding of special records. The academic record
is another utilisation that ts blockchain by permitting
specialists to record and time-stamp their thoughts and
disperse information.
Blockchain innovation is having extremely tremendous
extensions in libraries to make progress on the protection
of library clients, expand joint effort, and change the
manner in which they work with one another and their
networks. By staying updated, libraries can survey
blockchain application openings and utilise it.
Advantages of Blockchain Technology in
the Library
●Accuracy can be achieved by removing a huge
amount of human involvement.
●We can reduce the cost factor by eliminating third-
party certication.
●It can be made harder by decentralising it.
●It makes transactions private, secure, and efcient.
●It is transparent and highly standard technology.
●It is the system to secure personal information of all
patrons of libraries with unstable or underdeveloped
libraries.
Disadvantages of Blockchain Technology
●It is highly technical.
●Qualied staff is required to implement it.
●It may take time to understand what it is exactly.
●Coding knowledge may be required to modify and
use it.
6 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Conclusion
Blockchain technology is one of the newest technological
trends. Blockchain technology has enough potential
applications in hi-tech academic libraries. This technology
is being implemented in many academic libraries for
performing varieties of operations, such as preservation
and sharing information, prevention of copyright issues,
digital sharing, and so on. Though this is much unexplored
technology, it provides both challenges and opportunities
to the current librarians, educators, and researchers. The
researchers are already exploiting this technology to
its maximum for the advantage of academic libraries.
Therefore, this will be more visible in libraries in the
future.
References
Deloitte, & Riddle & Code. (2018). IoT powered
by blockchain: How blockchains facilitate the
application of digital twins in IoT, 20.
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blockchain conference or workshop item. In World
Conference on Educational Media and Technology.
Retrieved from https:// www.semanticscholar.org/
paper/A-Learner-Centred-Approach-for-Lifelong-
Learning-by-Domingue Bachler/ce096256873ab239
15eb39312de448912ce1132e
E-Services. (n.d.). Concensum. Retrieved May 20, 2021,
from https://concensum.org/en/e-services.
Gräther, W., Kolvenbach, S., Ruland, R., Schütte, J.,
Torres, C. F., & Wendland, F. (2018). Blockchain for
education: Lifelong learning passport. Proceedings
of 1st ERCIM Blockchain Workshop 2018. European
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(EUSSET). doi:https://doi.org/10.18420/blockchain
2018
Grech, A., & Camilleri, A. F. (2017). Blockchain in
education Luxembourg?: Publications ofce of the
European Union. doi:https://doi.org/10.2760/60649
Griffey. (n.d.). Blockchain for libraries.
Hirsh, S., & Kim, B. (2019). Blockchain and its
applications for libraries. Presentations Given
at the Special Libraries Association 2019 Annual
Conference, June 14-18. Cleveland, OH.
Hoy, M. B. (2017). An introduction to the blockchain and
its implications for an introduction to the blockchain
and its implications for libraries and medicine.
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279. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/02763869.2017.13
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https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2020/01/02/
understanding-blockchain-libraries
https://connect.sla.org/ac2019/schedule/tuesday-schedule
https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/04/11/20-real-
world-uses-for-blockchain-technology.aspx
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/blockchain.asp
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resolving_conicts.htm
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timestamped protocols could improve the
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blockchain-for-research/
Ways to Use Blockchain in Libraries. San José
State University. Retrieved May 20, 2021,
from https://ischoolblogs.sjsu.edu/blockchains/
blockchains-applied/applications/
Abstract
Purpose:
The study examined the inuence of ownership of
the institution and job satisfaction among librarians in university
libraries in Southern Nigeria.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
The
study adopted ex-post-facto research design. Three research
questions were answered and one hypothesis tested in the study.
The populace comprises 841 librarians in federal, state, and
private universities in Southern Nigeria. A purposive sampling
technique was espoused for the study because the entire populace
was used as the sample. Data was collected through the use of
a self-constructed questionnaire entitled ‘Ownership of Institution
and Job Satisfaction Scales (OIJS)’. Copies of the questionnaire
were administered to 841 librarians in 84 university libraries in
Southern Nigeria. The data retrieved was analysed using simple
percentages, and descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings:
The outcomes of the study discovered that ownership of an
institution has a relationship with job satisfaction of librarians in
the university libraries of Southern Nigeria. Librarians in the
university libraries in Southern Nigeria are satised with their job
irrespective of ownership of the institution.
Research Limitations/
Implications:
This study was limited to the inuence of ownership
of the institution and job satisfaction of librarians in the university
libraries in Southern Nigeria. The result of the study will enhance
the job satisfaction of librarians in the universities, whereby
ownership of institutions should improve welfare packages of staff
by creating a good working environment, such as sponsoring short
courses, workshops on current trends in librarianship, and career
advancement both in Nigeria and abroad, which will improve their
job satisfaction.
Practical Implications:
The results of the study have
revealed the relevance of ownership of institution to job satisfaction
of librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria.
Originality/
Value:
There are few studies on ownership of the institution and
Inuence of Ownership of Institution on Job
Satisfaction among Librarians in University
Libraries in Southern Nigeria
Gloria Ogheneghatowho Oyovwe-Tinuoye*, Lucky Oji Akpojotor**
Introducon
The term university is derived from the Latin word
universitas magistrorum et scholarium, which means
community of teachers and scholars. The university
system is an institution of higher or tertiary education
and research, which awards academic degrees in various
academic disciplines. Universities typically provide
undergraduate and postgraduate education. Nigerian
universities have three forms of ownership: federal,
state, and private. The federal and state are categorised
as the public universities, while the private universities
are degree-awarding institutions that are founded and
nanced by private individuals or corporate bodies such
as religious organisations. Ownership of institution has
a vital role to play on the job satisfaction of the staff.
Kruse, Freeman, Blasi, Buchele, Scharf, Rogers and
Mackin (2004) asserted that employee ownership causes
an increase in motivation and therefore increases the
productivity of the employees and job satisfaction.
Similarly, Yaya (2019) orated that job satisfaction of
librarians has a signicant place in the information
* Acting University Librarian, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Nigeria. Email: gloriatinuoye@yahoo.com
** Collection Development Librarian, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Nigeria.
Email: akpojotor.lucky@fupre.edu.ng
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 07-14
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
job satisfaction of librarians in university libraries in Nigeria. Therefore,
this paper will increase empirical literature on the topic.
Keywords: Ownership of Institution, Job Satisfaction, University
Libraries, Southern Nigeria
8 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
society which affects the service delivery he/she renders.
The success of a tertiary institution is dependent on the
providers of knowledge (Bello, Ogundipe & Eze, 2017).
Darbar (2015), in his study, submitted that the utmost
asset of any nation or organisation is its human resources.
Badawi (2006) posited that organisations, whether in
the private or public sector, should be concerned with
motivation, job satisfaction, and productivity among its
staff. Ademodi and Akintomide (2015) suggested that
unhappy workers will either quit their appointment from
the organisation or constitute a problem to the organisation,
and this will encourage ineptitude and low productivity or
commitment. The topic of librarians’ job satisfaction has
been a crucial researched area in library and information
studies (Leysen & Boydston, 2009; Karim, 2008). Hyder
and Batool (2013) asserted that in any library, effective
services can only be provided through level of job
satisfaction, which denitely affects the excellence of
the services delivered. It can also be established from
statistics that librarians working in the public sector are
more satised than private sector librarians, in terms of
salaries (Hyder & Batool, 2013).
Amune (2014) explained that since librarians are
professionals, encumbered with the care of the library and
its contents in numerous formats, and whose professional
duties comprise selecting the books, documents, and
non-book materials that make up its stock, and providing
information and loan services to meet the high demand
of its patrons, they should be motivated and have the
job satisfaction to be able to contribute positively to the
growth and sustenance of the library, especially now that
the library and its processes are continuously changing.
It is, however, dismal to know that literature has revealed
that many librarians are not satised with their job, as a
result of their employers not motivating them. It is on the
basis of this that this study seeks to examine the inuence
of ownership of institutions and job satisfaction among
librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
In any university library, librarians’ job satisfaction plays
a vital role in the overall functioning of the institution,
to ensure effective service delivery to library users.
Yaya (2019) asserted that job satisfaction is generally
acknowledged as a necessary ingredient for an individual’s
fullment in carrying out one’s duties. For libraries in
universities to strive well in this era, there must be a
deliberate policy to integrate librarian job satisfaction
owned by any establishment, to improve service delivery.
It is, however, dismal to know that literature has revealed
that many librarians are not satised with their job as
a result of ownership of institution not meeting the
librarians’ expectations. The drive of this research is to
examine the inuence of ownership of institution on job
satisfaction of librarians in the university libraries in
Southern Nigeria.
Objecve of the Study
The general objective is to study the inuence of
ownership of institutions on job satisfaction of librarians
in the university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The specic
objectives are to:
●Ascertain the extent to which librarians are satised
with their jobs in university libraries in Southern
Nigeria;
●Find out the relationship between ownership of in-
stitutions and job satisfaction of librarians in univer-
sity libraries in Southern Nigeria.
Research Quesons
The following research questions were answered in this
study:
●To what extent are librarians satised with the
ownership of institutions in university libraries in
Southern Nigeria?
●What is the inuence of ownership of the institution
on job satisfaction among librarians in university li-
braries in Southern Nigeria?
Review of Related Literature
The term job satisfaction has been variously discussed,
studied, analysed, and interpreted in the literature. Job
satisfaction is dened as a pleasing or positive emotional
state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job or job
experiences. Job satisfaction is closely related to human
beings or human resources in the organisational context.
Satisfaction or dissatisfaction can be perceived or noticed
from the way a given task is performed by a person or
group of persons. According to Robins (2005), job
Inuence of Ownership of Institution on Job Satisfaction among Librarians in University Libraries in Southern Nigeria 9
satisfaction is the collection of feelings that an individual
grasps in the direction of their jobs. Jex (2002) asserted
that job satisfaction of librarians is connected to how their
personal expectations of work are in congruence with the
actual outcomes, and since job satisfaction is merely a
staff attitude towards his or her job, job satisfaction of
librarians can be seen as containing three components:
affective, cognitive, and behavioural components.
The affective component refers to feelings about the
job, the cognitive component represents a belief with
regard to a job. Often these two aspects are related. The
behavioural component is an indicator of behavioural
intentions towards a job, such as getting to work on time,
working hard, and so on. However, Ikonne and Onuoha
(2015) discoursed that job satisfaction refers to the degree
to which personal needs – material and physiological,
intrinsic and extrinsic are realised by staff while
performing the tasks involved in his/her job. Similarly,
Olwolabi and Salaam (2010) asserted that job satisfaction
can be seen as a positive attitude of a worker towards his/
her job and a delightful emotional state resulting from
the perception of one’s job as fullling. Jafar, Kavousian,
Beigy, Emami, and Hadavizadeh (2010) opined that job
satisfaction is one of the most important factors that
every job atmosphere brings a dynamic and successful
ambience into every workplace across the globe. They
further identied ve major aspects of job satisfaction:
satisfaction from job, satisfaction from supervisor,
satisfaction from colleagues, the satisfaction from salary,
and satisfaction from promotion.
Baro, Fynman and Zoukemefa (2013) examined job
satisfaction among cataloguing librarians in university
libraries in Nigeria. Their ndings discovered that
cataloguers in university libraries in Nigeria are
disgruntled with dimensions such as roles and
responsibilities, workplace culture, rewards (salaries/
benets), and professional growth. Kaya (1995) surveyed
job satisfaction of the librarians in the developing
countries. Kaya nds revealed that librarians’ social
status is lower in developing countries and they are not
satised with it. However, Burd’s (2003) study on work
values of academic librarians explored the relationships
among values, job satisfaction, commitment, and intent to
leave, and found that librarians in most organisations are
less satised, less committed, and more likely to leave the
organisation, perhaps even the profession. In summary,
job satisfaction among librarians can be seen as a function
of the features of a job, the view of others, the employee’s
personality, and salary.
Ownership of institutions has a magnicent role to play
in a librarian’s job satisfaction; such a dimension includes
roles and responsibilities, work culture, performance
appraisal, rewards/salaries/reimbursement, professional
growth, opportunities, and future concerns. Unhappy
librarians in any institution may not execute his/her tasks
optimally and this may translate into poor productivity,
high rate of staff turnover, and threat to the organisation.
Hyder and Batool (2013) explored job satisfaction
among public and private university/degree awarding
institution librarians of Lahore. Their ndings revealed
that librarians in the public sector are more satised than
their counterparts in the private sector, with the physical
facilities and ICT infrastructure, with mean 3.82 and
salary with mean 3.80. On the contrary, Khan and Ahmad
(2013) asserted that public sector university librarians are
slightly satised (M = 3.86) with their pay or salaries.
However, Baro, Semiode and Godfrey (2014) examined a
comparative study of job satisfaction between cataloguers
in federal and private university libraries in Nigeria. Their
ndings discovered that cataloguers in federal universities
were enthused with better pay and benets than their
private university counterparts in Nigeria. They further
stated that private university owners are there to make
money; they show little concern for staff welfare and that
is why many librarians in private university libraries are
hunting for jobs in public universities. This implies that
librarians only work with private institutions as a last
resource. More so, reecting on rewards/pay/benets, one
cataloguer from a private university library stated, “what
we are being paid is not motivating me, it is not enough
to meet my needs” (Baro, Semiode & Godfrey, 2014).
On the contrary, Akinyemi and Ijeh (2013) asserted that
librarians in private university libraries in South-West
Nigeria were satised with their jobs. However, Adio
and Popoola (2010) examined job satisfaction and career
commitment of librarians in federal university libraries
in Nigeria. Their ndings revealed that librarians are
dedicated to their careers and had job satisfaction. Hyder
and Batool (2013) investigated job satisfaction among
public and private university/degree awarding institute
librarians in Lahore. Their ndings revealed that public
sector librarians are more satised with their salary
10 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
packages than private sector librarians. It was found that a
majority of the respondents (n = 38, 54%) considered that
working as a librarian in a government sector has superior
social status than the private sector.
The inuence of ownership of institution on job
satisfaction of librarians cannot be overstated, because
for librarians to be able to give excellent services, it is
most important that they feel good about themselves and
their jobs. Job satisfaction of librarians has to do with
the collection of feeling and beliefs that librarians have
about their current job irrespective of the institution to
which they belong. Librarians’ degrees of job satisfaction
can be an assortment, from tremendous satisfaction to
excessive dissatisfaction. Job satisfaction is exceptionally
inuenced when librarians have a sense of achievement
and success on the job, which is generally perceived to be
directly linked to productivity as well as to personal well-
being with remuneration for individual effort (Sanusi,
2015).
This implies that job satisfaction is doing a job one
enjoys because enthusiasm and happiness are the key
ingredients that lead to recognition, promotion, and
nancial achievement, leading to a sense of fullment
(Kaliski, 2007). Noticeably, it is believed that satisfaction
of librarians in the library inuences many aspects, such
as efciency, productivity, absenteeism, users’ patronage,
and general attitude to work. Institutions are guided by
human values with good orientation towards treating
librarians fairly and with respect, because the behaviour
or conduct of librarians, depending on their level of job
satisfaction, will inuence the functioning and activities
of the institution’s daily library routine. Perceptibly, one
can deduce that job satisfaction will result in positive
behaviour and dissatisfaction with the work will result in
negative behaviour of librarians (Hart, 2010).
Job satisfaction of librarians plays a great inuence,
because it serves as an indicator of institution device
of evaluation at different levels of satisfaction. That is
why, Togia, Koustelios, and Tsigilis (2004) concluded
in their study on job satisfaction among Greek academic
librarians that respondents were gratied with their jobs
and disgruntled with the pay and promotion policies
of librarians. Based on this, Tysick and Babb (2006)
suggested that university authorities should provide
librarians the same status as the teaching staff, to boost
performance and satisfaction of librarians in their place of
work. Oyovwe Tinuoye, Omeluzor and Akpojotor (2016)
studied factors inuencing job satisfaction of academic
librarians in university libraries; their study revealed
that ve factors capable of inuencing job satisfaction
of employees are work environment, remuneration,
fairness, promotion, and training. They further buttressed
that these variables signicantly inuence librarians’ job
satisfaction and also serve as a stimulus for employee’s
productivity and delivery of quality services to clientele.
A study of factors inuencing job satisfaction of librarians
in university libraries by Ikonne and Onuoha (2015)
revealed that factors such as job security, satisfactory
relationship with the supervisor, satisfactory interaction
with colleagues, satisfactory interaction with information
user/customer/clients, satisfactory job duties/job
schedules, satisfaction with the challenges of the job, task
variety and work autonomy, satisfactory communication
climate in the workplace, and satisfactory job status/
recognition at work are all signicant conditions that
elicit the achievement of job satisfaction among librarians
in federal and state universities. They also pointed out
that managerial styles in the workplace, salary, working
conditions, and opportunity to conduct research are
inuenced by low satisfaction of librarians in university
libraries. Moloantoa (2015) opined that there are two
factors inuencing job satisfaction of librarians (academic
employees), which includes extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
The extrinsic factors are made up of academic working
conditions, job security, remuneration packages, and
promotions, while the intrinsic factors inuencing job
satisfaction of librarians are relationship with colleagues,
recognition, and advancement. He further alluded that
these factors directly inuence librarians/academic
employees’ job satisfaction and should management not
address these factors, they can probably incline students
to scantily use the university library, due to poor service
delivery by displeased or unsatised librarians.
Research Methodology
This study adopted ex-post-facto research design.
The populace of the study was 841 librarians from 84
university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The entire
population of 841 librarians was used as the sample
using purposive sampling technique. This is a result of
Inuence of Ownership of Institution on Job Satisfaction among Librarians in University Libraries in Southern Nigeria 11
the manageable size of the population of librarians in the
university libraries in Southern Nigeria. A questionnaire
was the research instrument used to gather data for
the study. The questionnaire was titled ‘Ownership of
Institutions and Job Satisfaction Scales (OIJS)’. A total
of 841 questionnaires were administered; 679 were duly
completed and found useable, giving a response rate of
76.2%. The data retrieved was analysed using simple
percentages, and descriptive and inferential statistics. In
addition, the demographic information of the respondents
was analysed using simple percentages, and descriptive
and inferential statistics were used to analyse questions
1-3 and the hypothesis.
Populaon of the Study
The populace of the study comprises 841 respondents
from 84 university libraries in federal, state, and private
universities in Southern Nigeria. Around 841 copies of
the questionnaire were distributed and 679 completed
copies were returned for the study. This gave a response
rate of 76.2%, which is considered adequate for the study.
Findings and Discussion
Table 1: Gender Distribution of the Respondents
Gender Frequency Percentage (%)
Male 314 46.2
Female 365 53.8
Total 679 100.0
Table 1 shows that there are more female (53.8%) than
male (46.2%) librarians in the university libraries of
Southern Nigeria.
Table 2: Age Distribution of the Respondents
Age Range Frequency Percentage
(%)
Young – below 30 years 67 9.8
Middle-age – 31-50 years 511 75.3
Older – above 51 years 101 14.9
Total 679 100.0
Table 2 discloses the frequency distribution of age of the
librarians. The librarians in the middle-age group, which
ranges from 31-50 years, had the highest frequency,
at 511 (75.3%), followed by those above 51 years, at
101 (14.9%), and those below 30 years, at 67 (9.8%),
respectively. This means librarians in their middle age
(31-50 years) dominate the profession in the university
libraries of Southern Nigeria.
Table 3: Work Experience of the Respondents
Work Experience Frequency Percentage
(%)
0-4 years (less experienced) 144 21.2
Above 5 years (more expe-
rienced)
535 78.8
Total 679 100.0
Table 3 shows that the highest number of respondents
(535, 78.8%) have been working for more than ve years,
followed by 144 (21.2%) librarians working for 0-4 years
(less experienced). The greater proportion of the librarians
in the university libraries of Southern Nigeria are more
experienced, as indicated in Table 3.
Table 4: Educational Qualications of the
Respondents
Educational
Qualication
Frequency Percentage
(%)
B.Sc/B.L.S 87 12.8
M.Sc/M.L.S 413 60.8
M. Phil 10 1.5
Ph.D. 154 22.7
Others 15 2.2
Total 679 100.0
Presented in Table 4 are the educational qualications
of the librarians. The table shows that there are more
librarians with M.Sc/M.L.S (413, 60.8%) than Ph.D. (154,
22.7%). Only 87 (12.8%) of the librarians have obtained
B.Sc/B.L.S degrees and ten (1.5%) have obtained M.Phil.
The results revealed that there are more respondents
with M.Sc./M.L.S degrees in the university libraries of
Southern Nigeria.
Research Question 1: To what extent are librarians
satised with the ownership of institutions in the
university libraries in Southern Nigeria?
The data in Table 5 answers this question.
12 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Table 5: Simple Correlation Analysis of Librarians’
Job Satisfaction of Ownership of Institutions in the
University Libraries in Southern Nigeria
Variables NMean SD
Job Satisfaction 679 56.5361 6.68297
Table 5 reveals that the mean is 56.5361 and the standard
deviation is 6.68297. This shows that librarians are
satised with their job irrespective of ownership of the
institution. This is in line with Oluchi and Ozioko (2014)
that there is a commendable level of job satisfaction
among librarians in their various institutions.
Research Question 2: What is the inuence of ownership
of the institution and job satisfaction among librarians in
the university libraries in Southern Nigeria?
The data in Table 6 answers this question.
Table 6: Simple Correlation Analysis of the Inuence of Ownership of Institution and Job Satisfaction among
Librarians in the University Libraries in Southern Nigeria
Variables NMean SD R r2r2adjusted
Ownership of Institution 679 1.9308 .86197 .070 .005 .003
Job Satisfaction 679 56.5361 6.6829
Mediating Variable: Ownership of Institution.
Dependent Variable: Job Satisfaction.
Table 6 shows that there exists a positive correlation
between ownership of the institution and job satisfaction
among librarians in the university libraries in Southern
Nigeria. The computed simple correlation using Pearson
Product Moment Correlation produced an output of r =
.070. This provides an answer to research question 2.
It reveals that there is a positive relationship between
ownership of the institution and job satisfaction of
librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria.
The r2 adjusted value of .003 constitutes 0% amount of
variance accounted for by ownership of the institution
and job satisfaction among librarians involved in this
study. This indicates that there is little or no change in
the amount of variance accounted for by ownership of
institution in job satisfaction among librarians in the
university libraries in Southern Nigeria. This is in line
with Baro, Seimode and Godfrey (2014) that private
university owners are there to make money. They show
little concern for staff welfare and that is why many
librarians in private university libraries are hunting for
jobs in public universities.
Summary
The aim of this study is to critically examine the inuence
of ownership of institutions on job satisfaction among
librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The
sample size for this study was drawn from 841 librarians
from 84 university libraries in Southern Nigeria. The
researchers employed the purposive sampling technique
and questionnaire method of data collection to collect data
from the respondents. The questionnaire was personally
administered by the researchers and six research assistants
to librarians in university libraries in Southern Nigeria.
Two research questions were formulated for the study.
Based on the analysis, the following ndings were
revealed:
●Ownership of institution has a relationship with job
satisfaction among librarians in the universities.
● Librarians are satised with their job irrespective of
ownership of the institution.
Conclusion
The study concludes that ownership of institutions is a
motivating factor for job satisfaction of librarians in
university libraries. To enhance the job satisfaction of
librarians in the universities, ownership of institutions
should improve on welfare packages of librarians by
creating a good working environment, such as sponsoring
short-term courses, workshops, and conferences on current
trends in librarianship, including career advancement
programme both in Nigeria and abroad, to improve their
job satisfaction.
Inuence of Ownership of Institution on Job Satisfaction among Librarians in University Libraries in Southern Nigeria 13
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Abstract
The aim of the present study is to explore the awareness and
use of ICT-based library and information services among the
agricultural science students of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya
(UBKV), Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West Bengal), India. An online
questionnaire-based survey has been carried out to collect the data
from the students of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV),
Pundibari, Cooch Behar of the state of West Bengal, India. The
online questionnaire was shared among 200 respondents, of whom
159 have responded, which gives a response rate of 79.50%. The
ndings show that all the respondents were aware of and using
the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)/Web-OPAC services.
Around 91.82 per cent of the respondents were aware of the use
of e-journals and 86.80 per cent were aware of the use of e-books
for their academic and research purposes. About 76.73 per cent
of the respondents were aware of the use of the Consortium for
Electronic Resources in Agriculture (CeRA), Krishikosh repository,
Agricat union catalogue, and so on, and the e-resources packages
and related services. The ndings also reveal some of the problems
encountered by the respondents. On the basis of the feedback
from the respondents, some valuable suggestions have also been
given by the researchers.
Keywords: Users’ Awareness, ICT-Based Services,
Agricultural Universities, E-Resources, Library Services, Usage
Analysis
Awareness and Use of ICT-Based Library and
Information Services among the Agricultural
Science Students of Uttar Banga Krishi
Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal: A Case Study
Bhanu Partap*, Priyanka Neogi**
Introducon
The convergence of computers and communication
technologies has opened up a vast arena of the Internet
and Intranet. One cannot ignore the silent revolution
taking place in the communication systems, particularly
in providing library resources and services. In the present
era of knowledge revolution, capturing, preserving, and
reusing of knowledge has become absolutely essential
for any organisation to keep itself competitive and
efcient. Information and Communication Technologies
(ICT) has played a vital role in organising, storing,
preserving, and reusing the resources and services of
any library and information centre. Academic as well
as agricultural libraries have played an important role
in providing academic and research related materials to
their member users. Due to the impact of ICT, the way
of collection, organisation and services of academic
as well as agricultural libraries has totally changed. “The
introduction of ICT in the eld of libraries and information
centres has brought a sea change in the techniques of
access, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information
resources that a library acquired to serve its users. It has
also changed the ways of providing services offered to
user’s community. The development and application of
ICT in library and information centre has made library
* Assistant Librarian, Nehru Library, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Email: bpartaps2005@gmail.com
** Librarian, Uttarayan College of Education, Rajarhat, Jatrapur, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India.
Email: priyanka.neogi2019@gmail.com
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 15-22
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
16 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
professionals easier to design and develop different
services to make users aware and use the available library
resources. Application of IT in library and information
centres thus helping both library professionals and users
to access and to locate library resources easily without
wastage of time and energy” (Gohain et al., 2014).
The ICT actually is a broad term, which includes
computers, network hardware and software, satellite
systems, any communication device or application, and
other associated devices and applications. The speedy
development has changed the informational demands of
users as well. Now, users want their desired information
and resources quickly and in an easy format. Therefore,
due to tremendous growth in ICT applications, libraries
or knowledge resource centres have also been trying to
acquire ICT-based resources and services to satisfy the
varied information needs of their user community, as well
as for their survival purpose.
Similarly, in this digital era, the libraries of agricultural
universities and institutions are facing ICT-based
challenges and have to force to transform their information
resources, services, and infrastructure according to the
changing needs of the agricultural science students,
teachers, scientists, extension specialists, and progressive
farmers’ community. In view of the above discussed facts
and the high inuence of ICT in every walk of human life
as well as agricultural stakeholders, a study was planned
to know the awareness and use of ICT-based library
and information services among the agricultural science
students of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV),
Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West Bengal), India.
Literature Review
To understand the concept and state of awareness and use
of ICT-based services among the various categories of
users, an extensive review of existing literature has been
conducted, which is briey provided below.
Jindal et al. (2020) conducted a comparative study to
know the user awareness of ICT-enabled information
services and revealed that more than 84 per cent of
the users were aware of the ICT-enabled information
services, while about 61 per cent of the users found
ICT-enabled services useful to them in accessing the
university library resources. In his study, Panda (2021)
described how libraries and information centres are
increasingly using ICT and second-generation Web-
based technologies (Web 2.0) such as social media and
networking sites for activities such as providing online-
based library services, open policy making, budget
allocation, user study, demand-driven acquisition, and
marketing of library services and information products.
On the other hand, Arora and Sharma (2016) carried out a
study on acceptance of ICT-based information resources
among library users of MNIT Jaipur and observed that
most users were aware of library resources and were
also using it routinely; however, they suggested that
the library needs to employ awareness programmes for
effective and optimum use of existing resources and
services. “A study was conducted to know the use of
ICT-based library resources and services and its impact
on users at the University of Allahabad and revealed that
most of the users were aware of OPAC services, and were
also satised with the services of the library professionals
and with the availability of enough e-resources facility in
the library, whereas, most of the respondents feels that
the use of ICT played a signicant role in their studies”.
“To explore the awareness and use of IT-based library
and information services among the B.Tech. students of
the School of Engineering of Tezpur University, Assam,
Gohain et al. (2014) revealed that about 50 per cent of the
respondents were not aware about the on line reference/
information service, and respondents were also not
aware about the online renewals and online reservation
of books service; however, respondents were very much
satised with automated circulation service, OPAC/Web-
OPAC service, InfoGranth, Infoj, e-News, reprographic
services, library webpage service, etc.”. Dhanavandan et
al. (2012) conducted a study on access and awareness of
ICT resources and services in medical college libraries
in Puducherry and found that “a maximum number of
respondents learned the use of electronic resources through
external course and guidance from others as well, and the
respondents were using Google to access the information
in the Internet”; however, too much information retrieved
from the Internet was the main barrier to accessing
electronic resources. A study was conducted on “use of
information communication technology based services by
faculty members and students of one premier engineering
college of Odisha”. Satpathy et al. (2012) found that most
of the faculty members and P.G. students of C.V. Raman
College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar, possess excellent
Awareness and Use of ICT-Based Library and Information Services among the Agricultural Science Students ... 17
knowledge on ICT-based services as per their own
assessment, while most of the respondents were also using
various ICT-based services on a daily basis, because they
feel that ICT-based information resources are benecial
for teaching and learning process. Zabed Ahmed (2014)
investigated “the use of IT-based information services in
public university libraries of Bangladesh and found that
there are insufciency in library resources, automation
practices, access to online resources and IT facilities in
the universities, while the use of computer and network
technologies in older universities was reasonably high
as compared to newer universities, which are lagging far
behind in the latest technology applications”. A study on
the use of ICT-based resources and services in special
libraries in Kerala was conducted by Mohamed (2007) and
the researcher revealed that the ICT-based resources used
by the largest percentage of users was the e-mail, followed
by the WWW, which was being used by nearly 60 per cent
of the library users. However, a good number of the users
were not satised with the application of ICT in their
libraries and indicated ‘inadequate ICT infrastructure’
was the main reason for their dissatisfaction.
A good number of studies on awareness and use of ICT-
based library services have been conducted in the past
in various institutions in India and abroad; however,
the researchers were not able to nd any study which
was conducted on agricultural research institutions
particularly from the eastern part of India. The present
study was therefore planned to ll this gap and tried to
explore the interesting ndings, which will be benecial
for the studied institution, as well as for those researchers
who wanted to conduct similar types of studies in the
future.
Uar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya,
Pundibari, Cooch Behar (W.B.) – A Brief
Sketch
“The State Government of West Bengal initially
established an off campus of the Bidhan Chandra Krishi
Viswavidyalaya at Pundibari in Cooch Behar district in
1979 to cater to the need of peoples of the northern part of
West Bengal and imparting higher education in emerging
areas of modern agricultural sciences and technology,
which comprises eight districts. Later on, the Government
of West Bengal upgraded the North Bengal Campus into
full-edged Agricultural University by the name of Uttar
Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya in 2001 by the West Bengal
Act XX of 2000” (UBKV, 2021).
Statement of the Problem
Information Communication Technology (ICT) has a
wide impact on the agricultural information system; it has
also changed the complete trend of seeking information
and resources, and its usage. Accordingly, the agricultural
science students, as well as the agricultural research
fraternity now want computer-based digital information
resources, which are available to them 24x7x365, as per
their convenience, without any constraints. Therefore,
the current study endeavours to explore the awareness
of the use of ICT-based library and information services
among the agricultural students of Uttar Banga Krishi
Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West
Bengal), which is an esteemed agricultural university in
West Bengal, India.
Objecves of the Study
The main objective of the present study is to explore the
awareness and use of ICT-based library and information
services among the agricultural science students of Uttar
Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. The specic
objectives of the study include:
●To nd out the awareness of ICT-based library and
information services among the agricultural science
students of UBKV.
●To explore the use of existing ICT-based library
services.
●To discover the preferred electronic resources to ac-
cess the desired information.
●To analyse the user’s satisfaction with information
resources and services.
●To identify the problems faced by the agricultural
science students while accessing ICT-based library
and information services.
●To provide suggestions for the improvement of
awareness and use of ICT-based library and infor-
mation services.
18 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Scope and Limitaon of the Study
The scope of the present study was limited to
understanding the awareness and use of information
and communication technology-based library and
information services among the agricultural science
students of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya
(UBKV), Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West Bengal). Only
the undergraduate and postgraduate students in their
nal year were covered in this study.
Signicance of the Study
This study is about discovering the awareness and use
of information and communication technology-based
library and information resources and services among
the agricultural science students of Uttar Banga Krishi
Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West
Bengal). As we are all aware, this is the era of the Internet
and digital information resources. Due to lack of time
and the need of the day, everyone wants their desired
information in a digital form, which can be accessed as
and when they desire. The ndings of the current study
would be helpful in recognising the information use
habits, as well as the problems faced by the respondents
during the use of the library and its resources. The nding
would also be helpful for the library authorities of the
university, to upgrade the ICT infrastructure in the library,
as well as improve the service delivery pattern, so that
utmost users’ satisfaction could be achieved. Apart from
this, researchers from other parts of the West Bengal state,
as well as India, may carry out similar types of studies
to investigate the awareness and use of ICT-based library
services, which can be helpful to improve the library
service quality.
Research Methodology
The present study was carried out among the agricultural
science students of the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya,
Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal (India) in April-
May 2021. For the study, online survey design was used.
In the Indian scenario, the students who particularly
belong to rural areas and farmers’ families mostly join the
agricultural sciences courses. Furthermore, it is generally
believed that rural students are not much familiar with
the use of ICT tools and applications; therefore, the
population of 200 undergraduate and postgraduate
students of agricultural science disciplines was selected
randomly as the sample for the current study. An online
structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for
data collection. The questionnaire was prepared on
Google Forms and 200 copies of the questionnaire were
distributed online among the respondents through e-mail.
Out of 200 questionnaires, 159 responses were received.
Thus, 79.50% response rate was achieved in the study.
The collected descriptive data are reported in the form of
percentages.
Data Analysis and Interpretaon
The collected data are analysed in the form of tables under
the following headings:
Table 1: Distribution of Respondents
Academic Status of
Respondents
No. of
Respondents
Percentage
Post-graduate 68 42.76
Graduate 91 57.24
Total 159 100
Table 1 shows the distribution of the respondents based
on their categories/degrees. As the data shows, 42.76
per cent post-graduate and 57.24 per cent undergraduate
students participated in the study. The respondents were
included from all the agricultural sciences departments,
such as agriculture, horticulture, and forestry disciplines.
Table 2: Gender-Wise Distribution of Respondents
Gender No. of
Respondents
Percentage
Male 97 61.00
Female 62 39.00
Total 159 100
Table 2 highlights the gender-wise distribution of
respondents who participated in the survey study. It is
clear from the data given that out of 159 respondents, 61
per cent were male and 39 per cent were female.
Awareness and Use of ICT-Based Library and Information Services among the Agricultural Science Students ... 19
Table 3: Awareness about Electronic Resources
Awareness about
E-Resources
No. of
Respondents
Percentage
Fully aware 65 40.88
Aware 82 51.58
Somewhat aware 12 07.54
Not aware 00 00
Total 159 100
The data given in Table 3 depicted the level of awareness
about the e-resources among the agricultural science
students of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV),
Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West Bengal). It is revealed that
51.58 per cent of the respondents were aware of the use of
electronic information resources, whereas 40.88 per cent
were fully aware, and only 7.54 per cent were somewhat
aware about the use of electronic information resources.
The analysis shows that more than 90 per cent of the
respondents were aware of the electronic information
resources and were using them in their academic and
research work.
Table 4: Awareness and Use of ICT-Based Library
and Information Resources
Awareness of ICT-Based
LIS Services*
No. of
Respondents
Percentage
OPAC/Web-OPAC 159 100
E-books 138 86.80
E-journals 146 91.82
Automated circulation
service
129 81.13
Online renewal of bor-
rowed books service
42 26.42
Online reservation of
books service
53 33.33
Access to e-contents
through digital library
portal
85 53.46
E-mail alert service for
overdue books
66 41.50
Mobile-based library
services
58 36.48
Reprographic service 118 74.21
CeRA, Krishikosh,
Agricat, and so on,
resources awareness
122 76.73
*Multiple answers were permitted.
Table 4 highlights the awareness and use of various
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based
library and information services offered by the library of
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), Pundibari,
Cooch Behar (West Bengal). It is clearly noticed from the
data given in Table 4 that all respondents were aware of
and using the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)/
Web-OPAC service offered by the UBKV library, while
91.82 per cent of the respondents replied that they were
aware of the use of e-journals and regularly accessing the
contents for their academic as well as research work.
On the other hand, 86.80 per cent were also aware of
e-books and using them for academic and research
purposes, whereas 81.13 per cent were aware of and
gained the benet of the automated circulation service.
Similarly, 76.73 per cent were aware of the Consortium
for Electronic Resources in Agriculture (CeRA),
Krishikosh repository, Agricat union catalogue, and so
on, and the e-resources packages, whereas 74.21 per
cent were aware of the reprographic service and also
using the same. Around 53.46 per cent were aware of
how to access the electronic content through the digital
library portal, while 41.50 per cent of the respondents
were aware of the e-mail alert service for overdue books,
followed by mobile-based library services (36.48 per
cent), online reservation of books service (33.33 per
cent), and online renewal of borrowed books service
(26.42 per cent), respectively. This analysis shows that
most of the respondents were aware of the ICT-based
library and information services and were using them in
their academic and research work.
Table 5: Preferred Electronic Resources to Access
Desired Information
Preferred Electronic
Resources
No. of
Respondents
Percentage
E-books 20 12.58
E-journals 52 32.70
E-databases 26 16.36
E-theses and
dissertations 41 25.79
E-magazines and
e-newspapers 13 08.17
E-reports and so on 07 04.40
Total 159 100
The presented data in Table 5 shows the preferred
electronic information resources accessed by the
20 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
respondents for their desired academic and research
work. It was noticed during the study that 32.70 per cent
of the respondents preferred to use e-journals to access
the desired information, whereas 25.79 per cent preferred
to use electronic theses and dissertations, especially for
their research work. On the other hand, 16.36 per cent
preferred to access electronic databases for their desired
academic and research related information, followed by
e-books (12.58 per cent), e-magazines and e-newspapers
(8.17 per cent), and e-reports and so on (4.40 per cent),
respectively. The analysis shows that about 60 percent
of the respondents preferred e-journals and e-theses and
dissertations as the electronic information resource to get
the desired information.
Table 6: Satisfaction Level about using ICT-Based
Library Services
Satisfaction Level No. of Respondents Percentage
Highly satised 34 21.38
Satised 65 40.88
Somewhat satised 49 30.82
Not satised 11 06.92
Total 159 100
Table 6 depicted the satisfaction level among the
respondents about using ICT-based library and
information services. It is clearly noticed from Table 6
that 40.88 per cent of the respondents were satised with
the ICT-based library and information services offered
by the library of UBKV, whereas 30.82 per cent replied
that they are somewhat satised. On the other hand, 21.38
per cent replied that they are highly satised and 6.92
per cent were not satised with the ICT-based library
and information services. The analysis shows that more
than 60 per cent of the respondents were satised with the
ICT-based library and information services offered by the
library of UBKV.
Table 7: Problems Faced while using ICT-Based
Library Services and Suggestions Thereof
Problems Faced* No. of
Respondents
Percentage
Lack of proper knowledge
about using ICT tools
51 32.07
Lack of awareness about
the ICT-based library
services
66 41.50
Problems Faced* No. of
Respondents
Percentage
Lack of training pro-
grammes on use of ICT-
based library services
77 48.42
Poor Internet connectivity 38 23.90
Lack of ICT infrastructure
in the library
70 44.02
Lack of infrastructural
facilities
58 36.48
Dissatisfaction with library
staff’s knowledge and
behaviour
27 16.98
Lack of time due to busy
class and eld schedules
43 27.04
Lack of desired e-resources 30 18.86
*Multiple answers were permitted.
The data given in Table 7 reported the various problems
faced by the respondents while using ICT-based library
and information services, and also listed the suggestions
by the respondents against each noted problem faced.
It was observed during the study that 48.42 per cent
of the respondents reported the problem of lack of
training programmes on the use of ICT-based library
and information services, while 44.02 per cent reported
the problem of lack of ICT infrastructure in the library.
On the other hand, 41.50 per cent of the respondents
reported that they are facing lack of awareness about
the use of ICT-based library and information services,
whereas 36.48 per cent reported the lack of proper basic
infrastructural facilities in the library premises. Similarly,
32.07 per cent were facing the problem of lack of proper
knowledge about using ICT tools, followed by lack of
time due to busy class and eld schedules (27.04 per
cent), poor Internet connectivity (23.90 per cent), lack
of desired e-resources (18.86 per cent), and the problem
of dissatisfaction with the library staff’s knowledge and
behaviour (16.98 per cent), respectively.
Summary of Findings
Based on data analysis, some of the major nding may be
summarised as follows:
●More than 90 per cent of the respondents were aware
of the electronic information resources and were us-
ing them in their academic and research work.
Awareness and Use of ICT-Based Library and Information Services among the Agricultural Science Students ... 21
●All the respondents were aware of and using the
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)/Web-
OPAC services offered by the UBKV library.
●Around 91.82 per cent of the respondents were
aware of the e-journals and 86.80 per cent of the re-
spondents were also aware of the e-books, and using
them for their academic and research purpose.
●Around 76.73 per cent of the respondents were
aware of the Consortium for Electronic Resources in
Agriculture (CeRA), Krishikosh repository, Agricat
union catalogue, and so on, and the e-resources
packages and related services offered by the UBKV
library; they were using them for their academic and
research related work.
●The e-journals, and e-theses and dissertations were
the preferred electronic information resources to ob-
tain the desired information for about 60 per cent of
the respondents.
●Around 40.88 per cent of the respondents were sat-
ised with the ICT-based library and information
services offered by the library of UBKV, whereas
21.38 per cent were highly satised.
●About 48.42 per cent of the respondents faced the
problem of lack of training programmes on the use
of ICT-based library and information services, while
44.02 per cent faced the problem of lack of ICT in-
frastructure in the library.
Suggesons and Recommendaons
Based on the responses of the respondents received during
the study, the following suggestions could be made:
●It has come out during the study that some of the
respondents were facing the problem of lack of
knowledge in using ICT tools, as well as ICT-based
library and information services; hence, it is sug-
gested that the central library of UBKV, Pundibari,
Cooch Behar (W.B.) should organise training pro-
grammes on awareness and use of ICT tools and li-
brary and information resources on a regular basis.
●More than 40 per cent of the respondents reported
the problem of lack of ICT and basic infrastructural
facilities in the library. Therefore, it is suggested
that these facilities should be enhanced to the user’s
satisfaction.
●It has also been noticed during the study that some of
the respondents reported the lack of e-resources and
poor Internet connectivity; hence, it can also been
suggested that a sufcient number of e-resources
must be enhanced and proper Internet connectivity,
especially high-speed bandwidth, must be provided
by the central library of UBKV, for the satisfaction
of the users.
●It has also come out during the study that some of
the respondents were not happy with the attitude and
knowledge of the library staff when searching for
their desired information and using other services
offered by the library. Therefore, it is suggested that
the skills and behaviour of the library staff of UBKV
should be improved, so that they may positively
help the users facing problems in searching for their
desired information and wanting to use other basic
services offered by the library of UBKV. The au-
thorities must have made proper provisions for the
library professional and non-professional staffs to
involve themselves in personal and professional
training programmes on various levels, so that they
may enhance their skills and the users may feel sat-
ised about the behaviour and knowledge of the li-
brary staff.
Conclusion
Information services and the way of offering services
have totally changed, due to the worldwide effect of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Similarly, the informational needs of users have also
changed. Due to the widespread effect of ICT, agricultural
library and information services have also changed. Now,
agricultural science students and the research fraternity
want quick information services at their door-step.
Agricultural library and information services have now
totally changed due to the widespread effect of ICT; hence,
it is the need of the era that every library should change its
information delivery and services pattern. More and more
electronic information resources have to be included in
the library collection, and ICT infrastructural facilities
must be enhanced, so that the library and information
services offered could be up to the optimum level of
satisfaction of the users. From the result of the study, it
is found that most of the respondents are aware of the
ICT-based library services; however, there is need for
22 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
some improvement in the various aspects of services in
the library, such as basic ICT infrastructural facilities,
ICT-based information resources and services, basic
library infrastructural facilities, high-speed uninterrupted
Internet connectivity with sufcient terminals, and so on.
Apart from this, the authorities of Uttar Banga Krishi
Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West Bengal)
must motivate the library staff for better output, and must
support the staff in frequently conducting and joining
awareness and training programmes on various levels.
References
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based information services: An investigation into
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Bangladesh. Program: Electronic Library and
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org/10.1108/PROG-08-2012-0048
Arora, A., & Sharma, S. (2016). Acceptance of ICT
based information resources among library users’ of
MNIT Jaipur. International Journal of Information
Movement, 1(6), 12-18.
Dhanavandan, S., Esmail, S. M., & Nagarajan, M. (2012).
Access and awareness of ICT resources and services
in medical college libraries in Puducherry. Library
Philosophy and Practice (E-Journal). Paper 750.
Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/
libphilprac/750
Gohain, A., Saikia, M., & Hazarika, N. (2014). Awareness
and use of IT based library and information services
among B. Tech students of School of Engineering of
Tezpur University: A survey. International Journal
of Information Dissemination and Technology, 4(4),
268-274.
Jindal, R., Khan, J., & Roy, P. (2020). User awareness
of ICT enabled information services: A comparative
study. Journal of Indian Library Association, 56(4).
Mohamed, H. K. (2007). Use of ICT based resources
and services in special libraries in Kerala. Annals of
Library and Information Studies, 54, 23-31.
Panda, S. (2021). Marketing and promotional means of
academic library products and services with ref-
erence to web 2.0 tools. In Web Based Services in
Library and Information Science (pp. 343-359).
Shree Publishers & Distributors, Daryaganj, New
Delhi, India. Retrieved from https://www.research-
gate.net/publication/353175511
Satpathy, S. K., Maharana, R. K., & Panda, S. K. (2012).
Use of information communication technology based
services by faculty members and students of one pre-
mier engineering college of Odisha. International
Journal of Digital Library Services, 2(3), 76-91.
Singh, A., Krishna, K. M., & Jaiswal, S (2014). Use of ICT
based library resources and services and its impact
on users: A case study of University of Allahabad.
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93-98.
UBKV. (2021). Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya,
Pundibari, Cooch Behar (WB). Retrieved from
https://www.ubkv.ac.in
Abstract
Owing to the prevailing ‘unfair’ digital divide, libraries worldwide
are unable to build and manage institutional repositories for
preserving and sharing the research output of academia. This
paper evaluates and demonstrates how libraries can practically
harness the completely free SaaS service model based on public
cloud deployment model infrastructure to ll this divide and achieve
the larger goal of open science. The paper highlights the process
and steps of using Zenodo, a FREE and OPEN platform, powered
by Invenio (Free Open-Source Software) RDM infrastructure, to
establish a trusted repository with the provision of self-archiving. To
test the KPIs and functionalities, a live online community ‘dlispu’
was built on the Zenodo platform and the archiving process was
executed. The ndings of the study reveal that libraries can easily
adopt Green Open Access, thus strengthening the scholarly
communication cycle without any upfront and subsequent cost.
This immediately outweighs the limitations of the digital divide.
The positive outcomes of the study pave the way for the libraries
with resource insufciencies in making research more ndable,
shareable, and reproducible, with condence. The ndings
of the study also reveal that the Zenodo repository is a OAI-
PMH-compliant repository supporting metadata harvesting and
interoperability.
Keywords: Invenio, Zenodo, FOSS, Open Access, OAI-PMH,
Self-Archiving, Curation, CC-Licenses, DOI, Community, FAIR, IR
(Institutional Repository)
Building Digital Repositories with the Open-
Source Software Invenio: Use of SaaS Model
Zenodo
Atasi Sinhababu*, Heenam Gakhar**, Rupak Chakravarty***
Study Background and Theorecal
Framework
Open Science has been dened as “an inclusive construct
that combines various movements and practices aiming to
make multilingual scientic knowledge openly available,
accessible, and reusable for everyone, to increase
scientic collaborations and sharing of information
for the benets of science and society, and to open the
processes of scientic knowledge creation, evaluation, and
communication to societal actors beyond the traditional
scientic community. It includes all scientic disciplines
and aspects of scholarly practices, including basic and
applied sciences, natural and social sciences, and the
humanities, and it builds on the following key pillars:
open scientic knowledge, open science infrastructures,
science communication, open engagement of societal
actors, and open dialogue with other knowledge systems”
(https://en.unesco.org/news/draft-recommendation-open-
science-its-way-nal-adoption, 2021). One integrated
concept with open science is open data. Open Data
Handbook has dened open data as the “data that can be
freely used, re-used and redistributed by anyone – subject
only, at most, to the requirement to attribute and share
alike” (What is Open Data?, 2021).
One other associated concept could be big data
encompassing the ever-growing research output that
* Assistant Librarian, Central Library, Amity University Punjab, Mohali, Punjab, India. Email: asinhababu@pb.amity.edu;
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7036-0827
** DLIS, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. Email: heenamgakhar0111@gmail.com;
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0549-9950
*** Professor, DLIS, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. Email: rupak@pu.ac.in;
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5046-1663
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 23-34
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
24 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
has to be managed sustainably. Big data management
(BDM) can be considered a broad term that includes data
cleansing, integration, migration, preparation, enrichment,
analytics, quality, management, reporting, governance,
and planning (Mansouri, 2021). Cloud-based platforms,
especially SaaS (software as a service), have emerged as
an effective solution for BDM. SaaS provides users with
remote access to specic software functions located in the
cloud (SaaS – What Is It? Denition – Delante SEO/SEM
Glossary, n.d.). Open-source software has the potential
to facilitate a large-scale digital repository for research
accessibility, visibility, and long-term preservation. A
large-scale digital library can service a heterogeneous
population and provide diverse digital content (Barifah
& Landoni, 2019). A large-scale digital library functions
as a portal, aggregating digital resources from disparate
collections (Xie & Matusiak, 2016).
Open Access – Green OA
Open access is a broad international movement that
seeks to grant free and open online access to academic
information, such as publication and data. A publication
is dened as ‘open access’, when there are no nancial,
legal, or technical barriers to accessing it, that is to
say, when anyone can read, download, copy, distribute,
print, search for, and search within the information,
or use it in education or in any other way within the
legal agreements. Open access is a publication model
for scholarly communication that makes research
information available to readers at no cost, as opposed to
the traditional subscription model in which readers have
access to scholarly information by paying a subscription,
usually via libraries (“What is open access?”, 2020).
Green open access, also called self-archiving, means that
a version of the article is deposited in an open repository,
often in the institutional repository of a university or a
subject repository (Danielsson, n.d.).
Why Invenio?
There are several open-source software available freely
for building institutional repositories (IR). Among them,
the two most popular software are DSpace (https://
duraspace.org/dspace/) and Eprints (https://www.eprints.
org/uk/).
Source: https://duraspace.org/wp-content/uploads/dspace-files/DSpace_Diagram.pdf
Fig. 1
However, none of these FOSS provide ‘FREE hosted’ repository solutions for the libraries.
While libraries can freely download the software, they need the server and other infrastructure to
develop and sustain the IR. On account of limited resources, including the financial and
complexities of server management, many libraries still do not have their own IR for their
research community. This puts libraries, research communities, as well as the academic
institution at a loss. They are devoid of all the benefits an IR can offer.
Invenio is a free open-source software licensed under the MIT license, supported by a
committed community of multidisciplinary institutions. It has been developed by CERN. The
European Organisation for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, is a European research
organisation that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Invenio has been
Source: https://duraspace.org/wp-content/uploads/dspace-les/DSpace_Diagram.pdf
Fig. 1
Building Digital Repositories with the Open-Source Software Invenio: Use of SaaS Model Zenodo 25
However, none of these FOSS provide ‘FREE hosted’
repository solutions for the libraries. While libraries can
freely download the software, they need the server and
other infrastructure to develop and sustain the IR. On
account of limited resources, including the nancial and
complexities of server management, many libraries still
do not have their own IR for their research community.
This puts libraries, research communities, as well as the
academic institution at a loss. They are devoid of all the
benets an IR can offer.
Invenio is a free open-source software licensed under the
MIT license, supported by a committed community of
multidisciplinary institutions. It has been developed by
CERN. The European Organisation for Nuclear Research,
known as CERN, is a European research organisation
that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the
world. Invenio has been created with security and long-
term preservation in mind. Invenio is fast and has been
designed to manage 100+ million records and petabytes
of les. All research data can be archived independently
of the size (InvenioFramework — inveniosoftware.org,
2016). There are many cases wherein massive and large-
scale digital repositories are running on Invenio. One such
global research repository which has drawn the attention
of the scholars worldwide is Zenodo.
Zenodo
The word Zenodo has been derived from “Zenodotus,
the rst librarian of the Ancient Library of Alexandria
and father of the rst recorded use of metadata”, a
landmark in library history. Zenodo is an interdisciplinary
open dissemination research data repository for the
preservation and making available of research, and
educational and informational content. Zenodo is hosted
by CERN, which has existed since 1954 and is an
intergovernmental organisation funded by the European
Commission via the openAIRE projects, CERN, Alfred
P. Sloan foundation, and Acradia fund. Donations are via
CERN and the society foundation, and currently has an
experimental programme dened for the next 20+ years.
Zenodo is powered by CERN Data Centre and the Invenio
digital library framework and is fully run on open-source
products all the way through. Physically, Zenodo’s entire
technical infrastructure is located on CERN’s premises,
and is subject to CERN’s legal status. All les uploaded
to Zenodo are stored in CERN’s EOS service in an 18
petabytes disk cluster. Each le copy has two replicas
located on different disk servers. All data les are stored
in CERN data centres, primarily in Geneva, with replicas
in Budapest. Data les are kept in multiple replicas in a
distributed le system, which is backed up to tape on a
nightly basis. OpenAIRE Orphan Record Repository got
a make-over and was re-branded as Zenodo. If we deposit
an article in OpenAIRE Orphan Record Repository, it is
also available in Zenodo. Zenodo is open to all research
outputs from all elds of science, regardless of the funding
source.
Fig. 2
"Researchers can upload files to Zenodo and there’s minimal validation of what goes in there,
but these community collections essentially allow everyone to create and curate the content and
this solves the issue of us otherwise having to validate everything that’s uploaded” (Lars Holm
Nielsen, n.d). Zenodo has attracted a large number of communities in its few years of existence.
Because Zenodo does not limit registered users from creating communities, their establishment
and operation are solely dependent on the desire of individuals and communities who interact
with the repository. This makes the repository an intriguing example of a data curation repository
in which researcher behaviour is manifested both in the repository's growth and real use, as well
as in community selection. Metadata are assigned a globally unique and persistent identifier, i.e.,
a DOI which is issued to every published record on Zenodo. It is a top-level and mandatory field
in the metadata of each record. Data are described with rich metadata. Zenodo metadata is
compliant with data cite Metadata schema minimum and recommended terms, with few
additional enrichments.
5. Zenodo and FAIR Principles
Fig. 2
“Researchers can upload les to Zenodo and there’s
minimal validation of what goes in there, but these
community collections essentially allow everyone to
create and curate the content and this solves the issue of us
otherwise having to validate everything that’s uploaded”
(Lars Holm Nielsen, n.d). Zenodo has attracted a large
number of communities in its few years of existence.
Because Zenodo does not limit registered users from
creating communities, their establishment and operation
are solely dependent on the desire of individuals and
communities who interact with the repository. This makes
the repository an intriguing example of a data curation
repository in which researcher behaviour is manifested
both in the repository’s growth and real use, as well as
in community selection. Metadata are assigned a globally
unique and persistent identier, i.e., a DOI which is issued
to every published record on Zenodo. It is a top-level and
mandatory eld in the metadata of each record. Data
26 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
are described with rich metadata. Zenodo metadata is
compliant with data cite Metadata schema minimum and
recommended terms, with few additional enrichments.
Zenodo and FAIR Principles
The FAIR Data Principles (Findable, Accessible,
Interoperable, and Reusable), published on Scientic Data in
2016, is a set of guiding principles proposed by a consortium
of scientists and organisations to support the reusability of
digital assets (What are the FAIR Data Principles? | Augustus
C. Long Health Sciences Library, n.d.).
The FAIR Data Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), published on
Scientific Data in 2016, is a set of guiding principles proposed by a consortium of scientists and
organisations to support the reusability of digital assets (What are the FAIR Data Principles? |
Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, n.d.).
Source: https://kidsfirstdrc.org/assets/images/f554d2c0-7ae0-11e8-8def-ddba9c8697d1.png
Fig. 3
Findable means data and metadata are online and openly searchable with a persistent link that is
uniquely attached to each specific dataset. Accessible means data and metadata are retrievable in
a machine-actionable form, with downloading options clearly described (including any needed
authentication). Interoperable signifies that data and metadata are consistently structured and
described, both syntactically and semantically, so that algorithms can parse and ensure that like
data are accurately compared to like. Reusable indicates that data and metadata are sufficiently
annotated so machine and human users can determine fit-for-purpose in the context of their
analysis.
Machine actionable leads to structuring data and content to make it possible for computational
systems to find, access, interoperate, and reuse data without signi ficant human intervention. Data
interoperability is the capacity to which data can be analysed and/or merged with similar data.
Data int eroperability relies on data standards, data documentation, and metadata to indicate to
Source: https://kidsrstdrc.org/assets/images/f554d2c0-7ae0-
11e8-8def- ddba9c8697d1.png
Fig. 3
Findable means data and metadata are online and openly
searchable with a persistent link that is uniquely attached
to each specic dataset. Accessible means data and
metadata are retrievable in a machine-actionable form,
with downloading options clearly described (including
any needed authentication). Interoperable signies
that data and metadata are consistently structured and
described, both syntactically and semantically, so
that algorithms can parse and ensure that like data are
accurately compared to like. Reusable indicates that data
and metadata are sufciently annotated so machine and
human users can determine t-for-purpose in the context
of their analysis.
Machine actionable leads to structuring data and content
to make it possible for computational systems to nd,
access, interoperate, and reuse data without signicant
human intervention. Data interoperability is the capacity
to which data can be analysed and/or merged with similar
data. Data interoperability relies on data standards, data
documentation, and metadata to indicate to researchers
which data sets or variables are comparable (NLM
data thesaurus) (Preparing FAIR data for reuse and
reproducibility | Research Data Management Service
Group, 2020).
Related Studies
The study states that the Open-Source system Invenio
helped the library remain active, and its unique collection
managed to survive through effective transformation. It
helped tackle the issues of lack of methodological and
technical support, and problems in research management
through digital repositories. Invenio helped a really
small specialised library provide high standard services
and grey literature open access with a limited budget
and minimal stafng. It has low demand on technical,
nancial, and personal resources, and stable development
was ensured. The main aim of the library is to fully
satisfy both internal and external users, and to always
provide accessible and transparent information about
the library’s collection, subscribed and freely available
online resources, and other information materials that
the library can offer all its users. The library is trying to
achieve this goal by using the INVENIO library system,
which represents a single interface enabling searches in
all the library’s information sources (Drozda et al., 2015).
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research),
as the world’s largest physics laboratory, has always
been facing the challenge of distributing and archiving
grey material. Invenio is an integrated digital library
system originally developed at CERN to run the CERN
document server (CDS), and the Invenio software was
born in a rich grey literature-producing environment.
Its modular design enables it to serve a wide variety of
requirements, from a multimedia digital object repository
to a Web journal, to a fully functional digital library, with
its exible nature. Grey literature has historically played a
key role for researchers in the eld of high-energy physics
(HEP). The paper highlights how the particular context
of grey literature within the HEP community shaped
the development of Invenio and focused on the process
of grey material within the software, and analysed how
it is used in a real production environment, the CERN
document server (CDS) (Caffaro & Kaplun, 2010).
Building Digital Repositories with the Open-Source Software Invenio: Use of SaaS Model Zenodo 27
Research Problem
Digital divide is a well-accepted phenomenon. This
‘unfair’ divide may be attributed to several factors,
including lack of ICT infrastructure, nancial resource
crunch, and lack of procient and skilled professionals.
Digital divide leads to so many other divides between the
‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’. Many libraries in the world
are at the wrong end of this digital divide as they nd
themselves helpless in building an institutional repository
(IR) for the benet of the members they serve. Due to
unavailability of funds and skilled human resources, they
cannot afford on-prem (on-premise) or hosted solutions or
any cloud computing deployment model. In the absence
of any systematic and permanent solution, the research
productivity of the campus researches possesses high risk
of obsolescence behind the paywall. The limited visibility
also adversely affects the likelihood of potential citations.
Moreover, the unpreserved research is at a risk of future
unavailability. This also deviates from the F.A.I.R. data
principles. Research unshared is a loss to the humanity
and social welfare. The root-cause analysis reveals that
libraries are not unwilling to take the initiative, rather
they lack the motivation in terms of availability of a
FREE and OPEN platform, built on the robust Invenio
RDM infrastructure having global exposure. This study
highlights the potential of Zenodo as an enabler and
empowering solution for libraries to build a reliable
castle in the empire of open access. Researchers have
been sharing their research via academic social networks
(ASNs) or scientic collaborative networks (SCNs) for
a long time. The basic problems with these platforms
include lack of global visibility, one platform being more
popular in certain parts of the world, well-dened long-
term research preservation commitment, and explicit
mention on their website. More often than not, they are
not governed by not-for-prot organisations. Instead, they
are partially commercialised.
Study Objecves
The main objective of the study is to evaluate and
demonstrate the usability of Zenodo repository (powered
by Invenio software) for research curation and sustainable
long-term preservation through archiving (both self-
archiving and mediated-archiving), as per the Green
Open Access. The other objectives revolving around the
main objectives are enumerated below.
●To critically evaluate the key performance indica-
tors (KPIs) of the Zenodo platform as the trusted
global research archiving platform.
●To showcase the utility/efcacy/suitability/appro-
priateness of a digital repository for libraries lacking
ICT infrastructures like on-premise or SaaS-based
cloud platforms.
●To examine and execute the steps of a building com-
munity as a repository administrator.
●To investigate the process and steps of archiving
with Dublin Core metadata schema, open access
status, and supported Creative Commons (CC)
licenses.
●To observe the download pattern of archived papers.
●To recommend best practices based on the ndings
of the study.
Research Methodology
The authors used their ORCID to sign in to Zenodo.
ORCID provides a persistent and unique digital identier
(an ORCID ID) that researchers own and control, and that
distinguishes them from every other researcher (ORCID,
2021). To achieve the study objectives, a community
‘dlispu’ was built by the authors. The community was
built with the focus of maintaining it as a real and live
repository in the discipline of library and information
science. The collection URL and repository community
details were communicated to several depositors for self-
archiving. The depositors were instructed to carefully ll
the Dublin Core metadata elements as per the requirement
of the open repository, after uploading the content.
Published research papers were given priority with the
immediate availability of full-text PDFs.
Upon successful submission, the repository administrator
curated the same by accepting the submissions. Post
acceptance the papers were immediately visible on the
Zenodo platform and were further examined for their
accuracy and completeness. Any discrepancy noted was
intimated to the submitters for corrective measures.
Submissions with inaccurate and inadequate information
were rejected at the curation stage. Duplicate submissions
were also rejected by the community administrator.
28 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
After the successful appearance of the research papers
in the global open repository platform Zenodo under
the community dlispu (https://zenodo.org/communities/
dlispu/), the download data was closely monitored for
several weeks for any positive growth rate.
Steps for Building IR using Zenodo SaaS
Sign-Up and Login
Researchers/librarians must register as a user of Zenodo.
This will allow them to access as well as deposit content
in all possible formats for which they possess the
appropriate rights.
●Go to Zenodo.org.
●Create an account using an e-mail or sign up using
a GitHub account or by using an ORCID account.
●After logging in, users can have authorised access to
different Zenodo functions.
Create an account using an e-mail or sign up using a GitHub account or by
using an ORCID account.
After logging in, users can have authorised access to different Zenodo
functions.
10.2 Building Community:
After logging in to Zenodo, click on Communities, shown in the red box.
After that, click on ‘New’ to create a community. To create a community, the user
account must be verified at least an hour prior.
Building Community
●After logging in to Zenodo, click on Communities,
shown in the red box.
10.2 Building Community:
After logging in to Zenodo, click on Communities, shown in the red box.
After that, click on ‘New’ to create a community. To create a community, the user
account must be verified at least an hour prior.
●After that, click on ‘New’ to create a community. To
create a community, the user account must be veri-
ed at least an hour prior.
Identifier: (Required)
Only letters, numbers, and dash are allowed. The identifier is used in the URL for the community
collection, and cannot be modified later.
D) Title: (Required)
Enter the title of the community in the provided text box.
E) Description: (Optional)
●Identier: (Required)
Only letters, numbers, and dash are allowed. The identier
is used in the URL for the community collection, and
cannot be modied later.
Identifier: (Required)
Only letters, numbers, and dash are allowed. The identifier is used in the URL for the community
collection, and cannot be modified later.
D) Title: (Required)
Enter the title of the community in the provided text box.
E) Description: (Optional)
●Title: (Required)
Enter the title of the community in the provided text box.
Identifier: (Required)
Only letters, numbers, and dash are allowed. The identifier is used in the URL for the community
collection, and cannot be modified later.
D) Title: (Required)
Enter the title of the community in the provided text box.
E) Description: (Optional)
●Description: (Optional)
A short description of the community collection can be
entered in the text box provided, which will be displayed
on the index page of the community.
●Curation Policy: (Optional)
The curator describes briey and precisely the policy
by which he/she accepted/rejected new uploads in this
community.
Building Digital Repositories with the Open-Source Software Invenio: Use of SaaS Model Zenodo 29
A short description of the community collection can be entered in the text box provided, which
will be displayed on the index page of the community.
F) Curation Policy: (Optional)
The curator describes briefly and precisely the policy by which he/she accepted/rejected new
uploads in this community.
G) Page: (Optional)
A long description of the community collection will be displayed on a separate page linked from
the index page.
H) Logo: (Optional)
This is the image file used to aid and promote instant public recognition. Supported formats are:
PNG, JPG, and SVG. Max. file size: 1.5MB.
During the ‘New community’ creation, description, curation policy, and page are all optional.
They provide the complete text formatting features, such as bold, italics, strikethrough, subscript,
insert/remove, numbered list, insert/remove bulleted list, block quota, table, link, anchor, undo,
redo, remove format, math, insert special character, formatting styles, paragraph format, source,
maximise, and so on.
●Page: (Optional)
A long description of the community collection will be
displayed on a separate page linked from the index page.
●Logo: (Optional)
This is the image le used to aid and promote instant
public recognition. Supported formats are: PNG, JPG,
and SVG. Max. le size: 1.5MB.
A short description of the community collection can be entered in the text box provided, which
will be displayed on the index page of the community.
F) Curation Policy: (Optional)
The curator describes briefly and precisely the policy by which he/she accepted/rejected new
uploads in this community.
G) Page: (Optional)
A long description of the community collection will be displayed on a separate page linked from
the index page.
H) Logo: (Optional)
This is the image file used to aid and promote instant public recognition. Supported formats are:
PNG, JPG, and SVG. Max. file size: 1.5MB.
During the ‘New community’ creation, description, curation policy, and page are all optional.
They provide the complete text formatting features, such as bold, italics, strikethrough, subscript,
insert/remove, numbered list, insert/remove bulleted list, block quota, table, link, anchor, undo,
redo, remove format, math, insert special character, formatting styles, paragraph format, source,
maximise, and so on.
During the ‘New community’ creation, description,
curation policy, and page are all optional. They provide
the complete text formatting features, such as bold,
italics, strikethrough, subscript, insert/remove, numbered
list, insert/remove bulleted list, block quota, table, link,
anchor, undo, redo, remove format, math, insert special
character, formatting styles, paragraph format, source,
maximise, and so on.
Content Deposit
●After creating a community, log in to your account
and select the ‘upload’ tab at the top of the page. You
will be brought to an upload landing page.
10.3 Content Deposit:
After creating a community, log in to your account and select the ‘upload’ tab at the top
of the page. You will be brought to an upload landing page.
Now click on the ‘New Upload’ green button on the top right.
To upload a new file, click on the ‘choose files’ button. Once the file appears, click on
the ‘Start upload’ button.
The content scope includes all types of research content in all fields of research adhering
to copyright and privacy policy originating from any stage of the research lifecycle. Users
are encouraged to use preservation-friendly formats, with a total file size limit per record
of 50GB. Higher quotas can be requested and granted on a case-by-case basis.
●Now click on the ‘New Upload’ green button on the
top right.
10.3 Content Deposit:
After creating a community, log in to your account and select the ‘upload’ tab at the top
of the page. You will be brought to an upload landing page.
Now click on the ‘New Upload’ green button on the top right.
To upload a new file, click on the ‘choose files’ button. Once the file appears, click on
the ‘Start upload’ button.
The content scope includes all types of research content in all fields of research adhering
to copyright and privacy policy originating from any stage of the research lifecycle. Users
are encouraged to use preservation-friendly formats, with a total file size limit per record
of 50GB. Higher quotas can be requested and granted on a case-by-case basis.
●To upload a new le, click on the ‘choose les’ but-
ton. Once the le appears, click on the ‘Start upload’
button.
10.3 Content Deposit:
After creating a community, log in to your account and select the ‘upload’ tab at the top
of the page. You will be brought to an upload landing page.
Now click on the ‘New Upload’ green button on the top right.
To upload a new file, click on the ‘choose files’ button. Once the file appears, click on
the ‘Start upload’ button.
The content scope includes all types of research content in all fields of research adhering
to copyright and privacy policy originating from any stage of the research lifecycle. Users
are encouraged to use preservation-friendly formats, with a total file size limit per record
of 50GB. Higher quotas can be requested and granted on a case-by-case basis.
●The content scope includes all types of research
content in all elds of research adhering to copy-
right and privacy policy originating from any stage
of the research lifecycle. Users are encouraged to
use preservation-friendly formats, with a total le
size limit per record of 50GB. Higher quotas can be
requested and granted on a case-by-case basis.
There are several metadata fields that can be selected in Zenodo. Some of them are
recommended and some of them are required. Among the recommended ones, there are
communities. Select the community name, i.e. ‘dlispu’.
Select the type of file that the user wants to upload. The user is free to upload any type of
file, like publication, poster, presentation, dataset, image, video/audio, software, lesson,
and others. Select the publication type, like a journal article.
●There are several metadata elds that can be select-
ed in Zenodo. Some of them are recommended and
some of them are required. Among the recommend-
ed ones, there are communities. Select the commu-
nity name, i.e. ‘dlispu’.
There are several metadata fields that can be selected in Zenodo. Some of them are
recommended and some of them are required. Among the recommended ones, there are
communities. Select the community name, i.e. ‘dlispu’.
Select the type of file that the user wants to upload. The user is free to upload any type of
file, like publication, poster, presentation, dataset, image, video/audio, software, lesson,
and others. Select the publication type, like a journal article.
●Select the type of le that the user wants to upload.
The user is free to upload any type of le, like pub-
lication, poster, presentation, dataset, image, video/
audio, software, lesson, and others. Select the publi-
cation type, like a journal article.
30 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Click the button ‘Reserve DOI’ to generate a DOI for your work instantly, i.e. before you
submit the work. This allows you to know the DOI prior to submission, though it will not
be registered until the submission is complete.
Enter the original publication date in the text box provided. Enter the title of the
publication and then enter each of the authors of the publication, their affiliation, and
ORCID ID where possible. To add multiple authors, click ‘+ add another author’.
●Click the button ‘Reserve DOI’ to generate a DOI
for your work instantly, i.e. before you submit the
work. This allows you to know the DOI prior to
submission, though it will not be registered until the
submission is complete.
Click the button ‘Reserve DOI’ to generate a DOI for your work instantly, i.e. before you
submit the work. This allows you to know the DOI prior to submission, though it will not
be registered until the submission is complete.
Enter the original publication date in the text box provided. Enter the title of the
publication and then enter each of the authors of the publication, their affiliation, and
ORCID ID where possible. To add multiple authors, click ‘+ add another author’.
●Enter the original publication date in the text box
provided. Enter the title of the publication and then
enter each of the authors of the publication, their
afliation, and ORCID ID where possible. To add
multiple authors, click ‘+ add another author’.
Add description of data type in the provided description box. Version is optional here and
is mostly relevant for software and dataset uploads.
Select the language of the article. Language codes are provided according to ISI 639 code
in Zenodo. For textual items, English is preferred; however, all languages are accepted.
●Add description of data type in the provided de-
scription box. Version is optional here and is mostly
relevant for software and dataset uploads.
Add description of data type in the provided description box. Version is optional here and
is mostly relevant for software and dataset uploads.
Select the language of the article. Language codes are provided according to ISI 639 code
in Zenodo. For textual items, English is preferred; however, all languages are accepted.
●Select the language of the article. Language codes
are provided according to ISI 639 code in Zenodo.
For textual items, English is preferred; however, all
languages are accepted.
Add keywords from the article in the text box. To add more than one keyword, click o n
‘+ add another keyword’. One can also add additional notes; it is optional.
Users must specify a license for all publicly available files. Files may be deposited under
closed, open, or embar goed access. Access to metadata and data files is provided over
standard protocols such as HTTP and OAI-PMH. Users may deposit content under an
embargo status and provide an end date for the embargo. The repository will restrict
access to the data until the end of the embargo period, at which time the content will
become publically available automatically. Users ma y deposit restricted files with the
ability to share access with others if certain requirements are met. These files will not be
made publicly available and sharing will be made possible only with the approval of the
depositor of the original file. If we choose open access, we must specif y the license under
which the publication is distributed. Usually, the default Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 li cense is appropriate. However, check with any existing publisher. Files deposited
under closed access are protected against unauthorised access at all levels.
●Add keywords from the article in the text box. To
add more than one keyword, click on ‘+ add another
keyword’. One can also add additional notes; it is
optional.
Add keywords from the article in the text box. To add more than one keyword, click on
‘+ add another keyword’. One can also add additional notes; it is optional.
Users must specify a license for all publicly available files. Files may be deposited under
closed, open, or embargoed access. Access to metadata and data files is provided over
standard protocols such as HTTP and OAI-PMH. Users may deposit content under an
embargo status and provide an end date for the embargo. The repository will restrict
access to the data until the end of the embargo period, at which time the content will
become publically available automatically. Users ma y deposit restricted files with the
ability to share access with others if certain requirements are met. These files will not be
made publicly available and sharing will be made possible only with the approval of the
depositor of the original file. If we choose open access, we must specif y the license under
which the publication is distributed. Usually, the default Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 license is appropriate. However, check with any existing publisher. Files deposited
under closed access are protected against unauthorised access at all levels.
●Users must specify a license for all publicly avail-
able les. Files may be deposited under closed,
open, or embargoed access. Access to metadata and
data les is provided over standard protocols such
as HTTP and OAI-PMH. Users may deposit content
under an embargo status and provide an end date
for the embargo. The repository will restrict access
to the data until the end of the embargo period, at
which time the content will become publically avail-
able automatically. Users may deposit restricted
les with the ability to share access with others if
certain requirements are met. These les will not be
made publicly available and sharing will be made
possible only with the approval of the depositor of
the original le. If we choose open access, we must
specify the license under which the publication is
distributed. Usually, the default Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 license is appropriate. However,
check with any existing publisher. Files deposited
under closed access are protected against unauthor-
ised access at all levels.
Enter the grant number for the grant/project in the neighbouring text box.
Enter related/alternate identifiers, such as DOI, handle, ARK, PURL, ISSN, ISBN,
PubMed ID, PubMed Central ID, ADS Bibliographic Code, Life Science Identifiers
(LSID), and resource type of the related identifier.
Building Digital Repositories with the Open-Source Software Invenio: Use of SaaS Model Zenodo 31
●Enter the grant number for the grant/project in the
neighbouring text box.
Enter the grant number for the grant/project in the neighbouring text box.
Enter related/alternate identifiers, such as DOI, handle, ARK, PURL, ISSN, ISBN,
PubMed ID, PubMed Central ID, ADS Bibliographic Code, Life Science Identifiers
(LSID), and resource type of the related identifier.
●Enter related/alternate identiers, such as DOI,
handle, ARK, PURL, ISSN, ISBN, PubMed ID,
PubMed Central ID, ADS Bibliographic Code, Life
Science Identiers (LSID), and resource type of the
related identier.
Enter contributors, references, journal, conference, book/report/chapter, thesis, and
subject in the text boxes. These are optional.
Work in progress can be saved by clicking ‘Save’ at the top or bottom of the page. Then
click ‘Publish’ to publish your work on Zenodo.
Items will be retained for the lifetime of the repository. Zenodo makes no promises of usability
and understandability of deposited objects over time.
●Enter contributors, references, journal, conference,
book/report/chapter, thesis, and subject in the text
boxes. These are optional.
Enter contributors, references, journal, conference, book/report/chapter, thesis, and
subject in the text boxes. These are optional.
Work in progress can be saved by clicking ‘Save’ at the top or bottom of the page. Then
click ‘Publish’ to publish your work on Zenodo.
Items will be retained for the lifetime of the repository. Zenodo makes no promises of usability
and understandability of deposited objects over time.
●Work in progress can be saved by clicking ‘Save’ at
the top or bottom of the page. Then click ‘Publish’
to publish your work on Zenodo.
Enter contributors, references, journal, conference, book/report/chapter, thesis, and
subject in the text boxes. These are optional.
Work in progress can be saved by clicking ‘Save’ at the top or bottom of the page. Then
click ‘Publish’ to publish your work on Zenodo.
Items will be retained for the lifetime of the repository. Zenodo makes no promises of usability
and understandability of deposited objects over time.
Items will be retained for the lifetime of the
repository. Zenodo makes no promises of usability and
understandability of deposited objects over time.
Content Curaon (Post Submission)
●Curation e-mail Alert/Intimation
10.4 Content Curation (Post Submission)
Curation e-mail Alert/Intimation
Repository Community Curation Service
The pending submissions for curation can be viewed by the repository administrator (RA) after
login, wherein the submission may either be accepted or rejected.
●Repository Community Curation Service
The pending submissions for curation can be viewed by
the repository administrator (RA) after login, wherein the
submission may either be accepted or rejected.
10.4 Content Curation (Post Submission)
Curation e-mail Alert/Intimation
Repository Community Curation Service
The pending submissions for curation can be viewed by the repository administrator (RA) after
login, wherein the submission may either be accepted or rejected.
Until a submission is accepted or rejected by the curator, the documents are saved in drafts with
an indication of a red arrow for the submitter.
View Collection
As soon as a submission is accepted or approved by the RA, the same becomes part of the
repository and is readily available for viewing.
Until a submission is accepted or rejected by the curator,
the documents are saved in drafts with an indication of a
red arrow for the submitter.
32 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Until a submission is accepted or rejected by the curator, the documents are saved in drafts with
an indication of a red arrow for the submitter.
View Collection
As soon as a submission is accepted or approved by the RA, the same becomes part of the
repository and is readily available for viewing.
●View Collection
11. Zenodo Compliance with OAI-PMH
Zenodo allows IR administrators to harvest our entire repository via the Open Archives Initiative
Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI- PMH). OAI-PMH is a widely used protocol for
harvesting metadata and the most popular repository software provides support for this protocol.
OAI-PMH is developed by th e Open Archives Initiative. It is a low-barrier mechanism for
repository inte roperability. Data providers are repositories that expose structured metad ata via
OAI-PMH. Service providers then make OAI-PMH service requests to harvest that metadata.
The base UR Lof Zenodo is https://zenodo.org/oai2d. The validation test was executed using the
link https://www.openarchives.org/Register/ValidateSite. The interface of this validator and the
results generated are reproduced below.
As soon as a submission is accepted or approved by the
RA, the same becomes part of the repository and is readily
available for viewing.
Zenodo Compliance with OAI-PMH
Zenodo allows IR administrators to harvest our entire
repository via the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for
Metadata Harvesting (OAI- PMH). OAI-PMH is a widely
used protocol for harvesting metadata and the most
popular repository software provides support for this
protocol. OAI-PMH is developed by the Open Archives
Initiative. It is a low-barrier mechanism for repository
interoperability. Data providers are repositories that
expose structured metadata via OAI-PMH. Service
providers then make OAI-PMH service requests to harvest
that metadata. The base URLof Zenodo is https://zenodo.
org/oai2d. The validation test was executed using the link
https://www.openarchives.org/Register/ValidateSite. The
interface of this validator and the results generated are
reproduced below.
Fig. 4: OAI-PMH Validation Test with Zenodo Base URL
Fig. 5: OAI-PMH Validation Test Result
The result of the validation test indicates that the Zenodo archive successfully passed the
validation test with full conformity.
12. Findings
Zenodo is ORCID-enabled, providing convenient access with a futuristic vision.
Records are indexed immediately in OpenAIRE (able to see the record within a few
minutes in OpenAIRE).
Fig. 4: OAI-PMH Validation Test with Zenodo Base
URL
Fig. 4: OAI-PMH Validation Test with Zenodo Base URL
Fig. 5: OAI-PMH Validation Test Result
The result of the validation test indicates that the Zenodo archive successfully passed the
validation test with full conformity.
12. Findings
Zenodo is ORCID-enabled, providing convenient access with a futuristic vision.
Records are index ed immediately in OpenAIRE (able to see the record within a few
minutes in OpenAIRE).
Fig. 5: OAI-PMH Validation Test Result
The result of the validation test indicates that the Zenodo
archive successfully passed the validation test with full
conformity.
Findings
●Zenodo is ORCID-enabled, providing convenient
access with a futuristic vision.
●Records are indexed immediately in OpenAIRE
(able to see the record within a few minutes in
OpenAIRE).
●Building a repository (individual/community) in
Zenodo is easy, fast, and quick, since it is a SaaS
deployment model of cloud computing.
●Disciplinary/subject/topical repository can also be
implemented quite easily.
●The platform (powered by FOSS Invenio) provides
accessibility, visibility, and long-term preservation
of research with vast storage and adequate security.
●Usage statistics are readily available for download-
ing and viewing.
●It is for all researchers, scientic communities, and
research institutions, and is open to all research out-
puts regardless of the funding source.
●Zenodo provides free DOI (prex: 10.5281) in case
the publisher has not assigned any to the archived
content.
●Zenodo allows small modications to the record’s
le by providing the edit option.
●It adheres to the FAIR Data Principles, and thus en-
courages the sharing of research openly for maxi-
mum utilisation and re-use of research results (re-
search re-use and reproducibility).
Building Digital Repositories with the Open-Source Software Invenio: Use of SaaS Model Zenodo 33
●Zenodo repository was found to adhere to OAI-PMH
in terms of interoperability for metadata harvesting.
Recommendaons and Suggesons
●As of now, Zenodo does not allow “sub-community”
under a given community. It is highly recommended
that provision of sub-communities must be offered.
●Social sharing links also need to be integrated for
instant sharing of research articles.
●Libraries that still do not have their IR should cre-
ate the same using the open Zenodo platform for re-
search curation, preservation, and visibility.
●Metadata creation workshop and training pro-
grammes may be conducted for making independent
self-archiving in Zenodo platform using Dublin-
Core metadata schema.
●Depositors should be encouraged to deposit content
under Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
License wherever possible.
●The benets of the IR in terms of download statis-
tics and citations must be shared/communicated to
the stakeholders for marketing and promotion of the
service.
●Authors/researchers must be encouraged and mo-
tivated to deposit the full-text version (published
or author-accepted VOR – Version-of-Record) of
the content (wherever possible) as per the Sherpa
Romeo (available at https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/)
analysis of publisher open access policies from
around the world on a journal-by-journal basis.
●Libraries can focus on self-archiving by the authors
as the rst priority, with an additional provision of
mediated archiving by a pre-identied team.
●Libraries might explore the possibility of establish-
ing on-prem cloud IR using Invenio software on the
SaaS model, for constituting Repository as a Service
(RaaS)/Digital Repository Service (DRS).
●Curator should know the credentials of the depositor
before accepting or rejecting the document.
●Provision of duplication checking of document
should be available, before accepting or rejecting
the document.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of a digital repository
elucidates and validates the availability of Zenodo
as a pragmatic and sustainable platform for research
preservation and visibility. Zenodo facilitates metadata
access, and reuse by it is licensed under CC0. All metadata
is exported via OAI-PMH and can be harvested. It offers
longevity to the archived content, with versioning of the
data les. The uploaded data is archived as a Submission
Information Package. To facilitate le preservation, the
les and metadata are backed up nightly and replicated
into multiple copies in the online system. Zenodo ensures
xity and authenticity of the content; at regular time
intervals les are checked for their integrity. It has a
well-planned succession plan. In case of closure of the
repository, best efforts will be made to integrate all content
into suitable alternative institutional and/or subject-based
repositories.
References
Barifah, M., & Landoni, M. (2019). Exploring usage
patterns of a large-scale digital library. 2019 ACM/
IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries (JCDL).
doi:https://doi.org/10.1109/jcdl.2019.00020
Caffaro, J., & Kaplun, S. (2010). Invenio: A modern
digital library for grey literature. Retrieved from
https://cds.cern.ch/record/1312678/files/CERN-
OPEN-2010-027.pdf
Caffaro, J., & Kaplun, S. (2011). Invenio: A modern digi-
tal library system for grey literature. Grey Journal
(TGJ), 7(2), 105-108.
Cornell University. (n.d.). Research Data Management
Service Group Comprehensive Data Management
Planning & Services. Preparing FAIR Data
for Reuse and Reproducibility | Research
Data Management Service Group. Retrieved
from https://data.research.cornell.edu/content/
preparing-fair-data-reuse-and-reproducibility
Drozda, J., Synková, V., & Pejšová, P. (2014). Publishing
geodesy, topography and cartography research
via Invenio. Conference Papers: International
Conference on Grey Literature, 16, 59-63.
Drozda, J., Synková, V., & Pejšová, P. (2015, March 1).
Publishing Geodesy, Topography and Cartography
Research via Invenio. www.opengrey.eu. http://hdl.
handle.net/10068/1024639
34 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
(2021, May 18). Draft recommendation on Open Science
on its way to nal adoption. UNESCO. Retrieved
from https://en.unesco.org/news/draft-recommenda-
tion-open-science-its-way-nal-adoption
InvenioFramework — inveniosoftware.org. (n.d.).
Inveniosoftware.Org. Retrieved from https://in-
veniosoftware.org/products/framework/ ORCID
(2019). ORCID. Orcid.org. https://orcid.org/
Mansouri, Y. (2021, May 7). Big data management: Data
repository strategies and data warehouses. Medium;
Towards Data Science. Retrieved from https://
towardsdatascience.com/big-data-management-
data-repository-strategies-and-data-warehouses-
bfa9b45c95de
SaaS – What is it? Denition – Delante SEO/SEM
Glossary. (n.d.). Delante. Retrieved from https://del-
ante.co/denitions/saas/
Welcome to Sherpa Romeo – v2.sherpa. (2017). Retrieved
from https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/
What is Open Data? (2021). Opendatahandbook.org.
Retrieved from https://opendatahandbook.org/guide/
en/what-is-open-data/
Wilkinson, M. D., Dumontier, M., Aalbersberg, I. J.,
Appleton, G., Axton, M.,…Mons, B. (2016). The
FAIR guiding principles for scientic data manage-
ment and stewardship. Sci Data, 3. doi:https://doi.
org/10.1038/sdata.2016.18
Xie, I., & Matusiak, K. (2016). Discover digital libraries:
Theory and practice. Elsevier Science Publishing.
Abstract
The Internet has become a major source of information today, and
nding relevant information is a difcult task. The Web search engine
is a software program that allows users to quickly retrieve specic
information out of millions stored on the Internet.
Purpose:
The
main aim of the paper was to ascertain the perception of students
towards Web search engines and to determine the criteria adopted
when evaluating Internet search results.
Methodology/Approach:
Quantitative research methodology using cross-sectional survey
design was used for the study. The population of the study was
65,018 students, of which 462 were sampled. A total of 462 copies
of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents, of
which 394 were lled and returned.
Findings:
The paper conrmed
that the respondents perceived Web search engines as useful
and easy to use. In terms of evaluation of Internet results, it was
found that the respondents lack knowledge on the criteria used
to evaluate information resources.
Recommendations:
The paper
recommended that there is need for teaching students the criteria
for evaluation of information resources. There is need for librarians
of these institutions to be proactive in guiding students on how to
evaluate information resources. There is need for the students
to discuss among themselves, in a forum, the knowledge they
acquired on how to evaluate information resources.
Originality/
Value:
The ndings would be benecial to the lecturers teaching
information literacy and other related courses, since it explored
the attitudes of students towards important retrieval tools and the
criteria they adopt when evaluating the search results.
Keywords: Web Search Engines, Evaluation, Internet,
Search Results, Students
Perception towards Web Search Engines and
Evaluation of Internet Search Results by
Undergraduate Students
Auwalu Muhammad Giginyu*
Introducon
A search engine is a software that has the capability of
searching through large volumes of text or other data
for specied keywords, and then returning a list of les
where the keywords are found. A search engine helps
users track down online information on a wide variety
of topics that are valuable. It is a software program that
searches a database and gathers reports on information
that contains or is related to specied terms (Louis,
2012). When using the Internet for research purposes,
search engines serve a similar function to a library
catalogue, because it informs users about the information
stored so that he/she can decide whether to select it or
not. The abundance of information currently available
on the Internet is unmatched in human history. Given the
considerable information options available today, nding
reliable information is a complex and challenging task for
any information seeker, but especially so for students of
tertiary institutions (Hallaq, 2016).
In this era of widespread ICT, for every second, over
100,000 information searches are performed on Web
search engines. People use the Web to nd information
on almost everything, from day-to-day information,
such as text, audio, video, audio-visual, and images
multimedia. Internet has become a part and parcel of our
day-to-day life. However, many questions linger in the
minds of many people. How accurate and reliable are
* Bayero University, Kano. Email: amgiginyu.lis@buk.edu.ng
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 35-39
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
36 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
the information they retrieve from a Web search engine?
How does a person make a decision to use information
from a particular search engine or Web site? Anyone can
publish on the Internet and of course it is easier to nd
and access the published information on the Internet.
This means that the quality of the information one nds
on the Internet must be evaluated very carefully, unlike
in the traditional media where, for example, a journal
article to be published goes through peer review before
it is accepted for publication. With a book one can judge
the quality by the reputation of the publisher, author,
series, and so on (Pérez, Potocki, Stadtler, Macedo-
Rouet, Salmerón & Rouet, 2018). However, the ood of
raw information on the Internet has not been ltered by
peer review or the collaborative efforts of the traditional
publishing industry. In addition, there is need for a
software that helps users access the information stored on
the Internet. It is also important for information seekers to
possess skills for selection and evaluation of information
on the Internet. Kovacs, Schloman and McDaniel (1994)
stressed the need for evaluation of information on the
Internet and advised people not to believe everything
that is found, but to nd its author’s background and
abilities. Similarly, Kanniainen, Kiili, Tolvanen, Aro and
Leppänen (2019) emphasised that reading to learn from
online information, often referred to as online research
and comprehension (ORC), requires, in particular, skills
and strategies for locating, evaluating, and synthesising
online information, as well as for communicating one’s
learning to others. Kovacs (1999) used the terms good
stuff and poor stuff. Good stuff described the quality of
information on the Internet. Good stuff is any information
that is relevant to the information needs of the client, and
meets basic quality-of-information standards.
Fritch and Cromwell (2001) asserted that information
on the Internet can be published by almost anyone, that
there is virtually no ltering of information on the Internet
and that lters of information typically present in a print
environment (publishing houses, editors, reviewers,
librarians/selectors) are often not present on the Internet.
Anyone can publish almost anything on the Internet,
often bypassing the quality assurance benets offered
by traditional publishing (Kaushik, 2012). Traditional
publishing benets include issuance by an authoritative
source, editorial or peer review, and evaluation by experts.
There is little or no editorial review of material and no
ofcial agency, specialist, or review process for Internet
subject matter (Schrock, 1996). Hahn (1997) stressed the
need to teach students how to evaluate Internet resources.
Bell and Frantz (2014) catalogued criteria to consider
when evaluating information resources as authority,
timeliness, relevancy, accuracy, and bias. According to
Metzger, Flanagin, Markov, Grossman and Bulger (2015),
contemporary students are a particularly intriguing group
to consider with regard to information credibility issues.
Although they have been described as “digital natives in
a land of digital immigrants” (Rainie, 2006), they may
lack the tools and abilities critical to evaluate information
effectively, in part due to their relatively limited
development and life experience. While new technology
continues to develop and become increasingly affordable,
and students have increased access to the Internet, the
lack of Internet skills in higher education may be due to
the communication gap between what Prensky (2012)
refers to as digital natives and digital immigrants. Nearly
all educators, especially those in higher education, fall
into the category of digital immigrants and “speak” with
an “accent” when it comes to digital technology, whereas
most students are identied as digital natives, coming
to higher education already “speaking” the language of
digital technology uently. He has later recognised digital
technology as ‘“the right stuff’ to be teaching our kids
today to prepare them for the future” (Prensky, 2012).
Research Quesons
This work attempts to provide answers to the following
questions:
●What is the perception of students of Kano state ter-
tiary institutions towards Web search engines?
●What are the criteria used by the students of Kano
state tertiary institutions to evaluate Internet search
results?
Methodology
Quantitative methodology using cross-sectional survey
design was employed. A questionnaire was used to gather
data from the respondents. The population of the study
was conned to tertiary institutions in Kano state that
have Internet connection in their libraries, and there were
a total of 65,018 in these institutions. The sample size was
462, which was determined using Cochran’s formula. The
data collected for the study was analysed using frequency
Perception towards Web Search Engines and Evaluation of Internet Search Results by Undergraduate Students 37
and percentage using Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences (SPSS).
Findings and Discussion
This section presents the ndings of the study based
on the research questions. A total of 462 copies of the
questionnaire were administered to the respondents, of
which 394 were lled and returned.
Table 1: Perception of Students towards Web Search
Engines
Sr.
No.
Statement SA/A % SD/D %
1I believe it is
important to use Web
search engines
320 81.2 74 18.8
2I believe Web search
engines save time
278 70.6 116 29.4
3I am satised with
the results provided
by the Web search
engines
286 72.6 108 27.4
4 I nd what I am
looking for with the
help of Web search
engines
295 74.9 99 25.1
5 Web search engines
are user friendly
205 52.0 189 48.0
Table 1 shows that a majority of the respondents (320,
81.2%) agreed that Web search engines are important.
Similarly, 278 (70.6%) believed that Web search engines
save time and 286 (72.6%) indicated that they were
satised with the results provided by the Web search
engines after giving it a command. Finally, a majority
of the respondents (295, 74.9%) stated that they found
what they were looking for and what they wanted to nd
with the help of search engines. In addition, 205 (52.0%)
respondents indicated that the interface of search engines
was user friendly. These ndings are encouraging; these
results show that the respondents perceived Web search
engines as useful and user friendly. There is a tendency by
the students to access information from the convenience
of their locations. They can also have access to resources
published in any period, because most of them are
available on Internet platforms. They can also visit
reputable institutions of learning anywhere in the world
and access their information materials. The results further
indicated that students can supplement their lecture notes
via tutorials and other information materials available
on the Internet. The results depicted that the respondents
accepted this vital technology and there is a likelihood
of accepting any technology that helps in boosting their
academic performances. Therefore, the implication
of these ndings is that there is a tendency of utilising
Web search engines for information retrieval by the
respondents, which eventually would have great impact
on their academic performance.
Table 2: Criteria Used to Evaluate Internet Search Results by the Students
Please state which of the following you consider as a criteria for evaluation of Internet search results.
Sr.
No.
Criteria Yes % No %
1Afliation of the author (place of work) 72 18.3 322 81.7
2Citation and references 85 21.6 309 78.4
3Date of publication 65 16.5 329 83.5
4 Design and the layout 209 53.0 185 47.0
5 Objectivity of the author 65 16.5 329 83.5
6 Qualication of the author 123 31.2 271 68.8
7Relevance 254 64.5 140 35.5
8 Scope covered 209 53.0 184 47.0
9 Sponsor of the website 95 24.1 299 75.9
10 Writing style and language used 198 50.3 196 49.7
38 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Table 2 shows the results of the study on the criteria used
by the students for evaluation of Internet search results.
The table indicates that a majority of the respondents (322,
81.7%) do not consider afliation of the author as a criteria
for evaluation. It also shows that most of the respondents
(309, 78.4%) ignore citation and references provided
as a way of evaluation. A majority of the respondents
(329, 83.5%) do not look at the date of publication when
evaluating Internet search results. Further, it indicates
that more than half of the respondents (329, 83.5%) do
not bother about the objectivity of the author and 271
(68.8%) respondents do not consider the qualication of
the author as a criteria for evaluation. Ninety-ve (24.1%)
respondents do not consider the sponsor of the website as a
criteria for evaluation of Internet results. It was also found
that a majority of the respondents (209, 53.0%) prepare
the design and the layout when evaluating information.
It shows that a majority of the respondents (198, 50.3%)
consider writing style and language used in the document
as a criteria for evaluation of Internet search results. In
addition, a majority of the respondents (254, 64.5%)
indicate that they consider relevance of the document
to their information needs and most of the respondents
(209, 53.0%) regard scope covered by the document as a
criteria for evaluation.
These results indicate the lack of knowledge on the criteria
for evaluation among students of Kano state tertiary
institutions. The ndings of this study raised a sceptical
alarm regarding students’ ability to locate and discern
high-quality information online. Consequently, this study
sought to understand the various criteria used by the
students to evaluate the credibility of information found on
the Internet appropriately and accurately. The implication
of these ndings is that students would nd it difcult to
select relevant information resources that would satisfy
their information needs. There is also a tendency to spend
a lot of time in searching and selecting information from
the Internet. In some instances, users can ignore valuable
information material and go for irrelevant ones. These
ndings were similar to those of Metzger, Flanagin,
Markov, Grossman and Bulger (2015) who observed
students’ critical evaluation of online information; most
nd the students to be largely uncritical or reliant on
inappropriate criteria when seeking information online.
Thus, the authors concluded that most of the students
were not fully or properly evaluating the information they
nd online, and some may not even be aware of the need
to do so. However, students are still required to build and
understand the logical ways of nding information and
acquire skills that help them locate relevant information
to solve their problems. Locating information requires the
ability to form adequate search queries for search engines
and to analyse search engine results. Without these skills,
students are unable to use the Internet efciently for their
learning, because a considerable amount of information
on the Internet appears to be questionable or commercially
biased. An ability to critically evaluate online information
is essential. To make informed judgements of the quality of
online information, readers need to evaluate the author’s
expertise and the trustworthiness of online resources
(Britt, Rouet & Durik, 2018).
Conclusion and Recommendaons
Based on the results collected, it can be inferred that
students of Kano state tertiary institutions perceived
Web search engines positively; they consider them as
tools for searching and retrieving relevant information
for their day-to-day endeavours. They are also satised
with the information provided by the Web search engines;
its interface is user friendly. On the other hand, students
of Kano state tertiary institutions lack knowledge on
the criteria used to evaluate information resources. The
major criteria that are used to evaluate Internet search
results were not adopted by the students. Therefore, the
researcher suggested the following:
●There is need for teaching students the criteria for
evaluation of information resources.
●There is need for librarians of these institutions to
be proactive in guiding students on how to evaluate
information resources.
●There is need for the students to discuss among
themselves, in a forum, the knowledge they acquired
on how to evaluate information resources.
References
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Abstract
Article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),
proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris
on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A)
as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all
nations, reads “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and
expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without
interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through any media and regardless of frontiers.” The International
Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has
taken the initiative, IFLA/FAIFE (Freedom of Access to Information
and Freedom of Expression), to defend and promote the basic
human rights dened in Article 19 of the UN’s UDHR. While such
movements and initiatives are focused towards the citizens of the
world, WIPO’s Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT) and the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) cater to the requirements and
rights of the persons with vision aberrations and other such bodily
deciencies, which deprives them from accessing information
and knowledge, building a steeper and deeper knowledge divide.
The present paper examines the relevant articles as mentioned
in the MVT, encompassing the ‘Accessible Format Copies’ (AFC)
for the visually disadvantaged. The paper also investigates the
provision in the Indian Copyright Act. Various tools as technological
interventions have also been discussed, including the Web
browser screen readers. A brief discussion on the current status
and its implications of WCAG have been also given for greater
understanding in context with the theme of the paper.
Keywords: Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT), Indian Copyright
Law, Screen Reader, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG), Accessible Format Copy (AFC), Alternate Format Material
(AFM), Accessible Books Consortium (ABC), Book Famine
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled
and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty,
Guidelines, and Technology
Subhajit Panda*, Rupak Chakravarty**
Introducon
Library & Information Science (LIS) is a profession
where there are ethical responsibilities on the part of the
LIS professionals towards the users and the institution
he/she serves. Library service is a noble profession and a
librarian is a person who carries this service within some
imaginary ethical line of control. It is the responsibility
of a library professional to provide access to required
information to each user, without any discrimination
based on caste, gender, colour, and nancial or physical
aspect. That means it is the responsibility of a library
professional to look after every single user, understand
their information needs, and try to full them to their
best. Now, users with special disabilities demand more
attention than others, so that they can be inuenced and
motivated to become dependent on himself/herself and
get the energy to overcome his/her disability barrier and
can full his/her information needs satisfactorily.
However, when it comes to copyright and copyright
protected material, accessibility to information is
somehow unbalanced for the visually impaired/print
disabled persons. The Marrakesh Treaty completely
balances human rights and intellectual property
rights (IPR) in line with the basic principles of
non-discrimination, equal opportunities, equality,
full individual growth, and efcient and equitable
partici pation in society (Nayak, 2013). It is an international
treaty that makes it easier for visually impaired people to
read books, ratied unanimously by the member state of
the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of
the United Nations.
* Assistant Librarian, Central Library, Chandigarh University, Punjab, India. Email: suvapanda007@gmail.com;
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-1578-1159
** Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Email: rupak@pu.ac.in; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5046-1663
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 40-55
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty, Guidelines, and Technology 41
This paper mainly focuses on the information access
barrier of copyright laws for visually impaired/print
disabled persons, the Marrakesh Treaty and exceptions to
copyright, and its Indian context.
Objecves of the Study
●To study the signicance and role of the Marrakesh
VIP Treaty (MVT).
●To examine the current status of MVT globally.
●To critically examine the role and contribution of
WIPO, the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC),
and IFLA in strengthening and supporting the MVT
movement.
●To examine the current status of MVT in context
with Indian Copyright Law.
●To assess the role of libraries in strengthening and
supporting the MVT movement.
●To identify Free and Commercial Software Programs
(Screen Readers) and other Web Tools for the imple-
mentation of MVT in libraries.
Copyright Law and Fair Use
Copyright law, which grants exclusive rights to the creator
of an original work to protect literary, dramatic, musical,
artistic, and related works, mandates that permission from
its owner or author be obtained to reproduce or use (e.g.
copy, reprint, translate, or distribute) a copyrighted work
(Selvam & Selvam, 2016). Later, some amendments
were taken as a fair use principle that permits limited use
of copyrighted material without having to rst acquire
permission from the copyright holder. There are four factors
by which it is considered whether the use of the copyright-
protected material has come under fair use or not.
However, it is always to be remembered that there is no
hard and fast rule to decide the fair use policy; neither
do the factors allow accessibility of copyrighted item as
a whole and there is no special exceptions for visually
impaired/print disabled persons.
Disability Excepons in Copyright
There are many cases where copyright can limit access
and use of protected work by people with disabilities. For
example, a visually impaired user may need to translate
a book’s text into a format that is compatible with screen
reading software, a process that requires a complete copy
of the original work (Diver & Schafer, 2017). Further,
there is a clear conict between these two sections of
law. On the one hand, people with disabilities have a
constitutional right to access material, but on the other
hand, the author of a copyrighted work has the right to
control the copying of their work. So, there should be a
necessary provision in making such copyrighted work
accessible to people with a particular disability. Therefore,
an exception to copyright, particularly for the visually
impaired/print disabled segment of the user should be the
way to solve this conict, with certain limitations. This
exception in copyright law helps in deciding the nature and
degree of content that can be reproduced in an accessible
format (Rishika, 2015). There are some criteria which
should be considered as a mandatory part of the copyright
exception law for making Braille, audio, or large-print
copies of books, newspapers, or magazines for visually-
impaired persons. Content reproduction is permissible in
case there is shortage of commercially available copies.
It is mandatory for the organisations to provide details of
copyrighted material being used for creating accessible
format copies to the copyright owner of the original work.
The Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT)
for the visually impaired/print disabled segment of the user should be the way to solve this
conflict, with certain limitations. This exception in copyright law helps in deciding the nature and
degree of content that can be reproduced in an accessible format (Rishika, 2015). There are some
criteria which should be considered as a mandatory part of the copyright exception law for
making Braille, audio, or large-print copies of books, newspapers, or magazines for
visually-impaired persons. Content reproduction is permissible in case there is shortage of
commercially available copies. It is mandatory for the organisations to provide details of
copyrighted material being used for creating accessible format copies to the copyright owner of the
original work.
5. The Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT)
When we talk about the Copyright exception for the visually impaired/print disabled persons,
the Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT) is the most
useful and internationally accepted one. The
foundation to the Marrakesh Treaty was laid
down in 1981, when a joint working group was
created between the WIPO (World Intellectual
Property Organization) and the UNESCO. The
treaty was signed on 27.06.2013, and after its
ratification by 20 countries, it was enacted on
30 September 2016. MVT ensures access to
published copyrighted written works, for
people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise disabled.
The Treaty imposes two main restrictions/limitations on copyright:
Table 1: MVT – Permissions & Solutions
Sr.
No
.
Access &
Exchange
Permissions
Exceptions/Solutions
1.
Accessible Copies
of Copyrighted
Works
Print-disabled persons
can make themselves
OR
Done by the
Authorised Entities
(AEs)
Copyright holders’/publishers’
permission not required
No need to pay royalties
2.
Cross-Border
Exchange of
'Accessible Format
Copies'(AFC) OR
Alternate Format
Materials (AFM)
Allows AEs to facilitate
cross-border exchange of
AFC/AFM
Deal with global 'Book Famine' to
empower people with print
disabilities, especially in developing
countries, having access only to a
small percentage (< 10%) of all books
on the market
5.1. Benefits of MVT (WIPO, 2016)
MVT enhances the access to books, magazines, and other printed materials for the visually
impaired/print disabled persons.
MVT creates a positive influence among them and is accepted globally, including both
developing and least developed countries (LDCs).
When we talk about the Copyright exception for the
visually impaired/print disabled persons, the Marrakesh
VIP Treaty (MVT) is the most useful and internationally
accepted one. The foundation to the Marrakesh Treaty
was laid down in 1981, when a joint working group was
created between the WIPO (World Intellectual Property
Organization) and the UNESCO. The treaty was signed
on 27.06.2013, and after its ratication by 20 countries, it
was enacted on 30 September 2016. MVT ensures access
to published copyrighted written works, for people who
are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise disabled.
The Treaty imposes two main restrictions/limitations on
copyright:
42 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Table 1: MVT – Permissions & Solutions
Sr.
No.
Access & Exchange Permissions Exceptions/Solutions
1. Accessible Copies of Copyrighted
Works
●Print-disabled persons can make
themselves OR
●Done by the Authorised Entities
(AEs)
●Copyright holders’/publishers’ per-
mission not required
●No need to pay royalties
2. Cross-Border Exchange of ‘Acces-
sible Format Copies’(AFC) OR Al-
ternate Format Materials (AFM)
Allows AEs to facilitate cross-border
exchange of AFC/AFM
Deal with global ‘Book Famine’ to em-
power people with print disabilities, es-
pecially in developing countries, having
access only to a small percentage (< 10%)
of all books on the market
Benets of MVT (WIPO, 2016)
●MVT enhances the access to books, magazines, and
other printed materials for the visually impaired/
print disabled persons.
●MVT creates a positive inuence among them and
is accepted globally, including both developing and
least developed countries (LDCs).
●MVT improves awareness of the challenges faced
by the print-disabled community and persons with
disabilities, awareness of policy making, the imple-
mentation of additional provisions in context with
other laws, and greater access to education.
●MVT empowers VIPs through Accessible Format
Copies (AFC)/Alternate Format Material (AFM) to
contribute in cultural development, both as consum-
ers and creators.
●MVT increases the availability of AFCs, which will
enable educational institutions to serve the disad-
vantaged, that is visually impaired persons, so that
they can enjoy equal access to education.
●MVT facilitates enhanced social inclusion, enables
one to become an integral part of the cultural and
social life of the print-disabled communities.
●MVT intervenes with poverty alleviation and in-
creased contributions to the national economy
through professional development.
●MVT makes the VIPs economically self-sufcient
by providing access to learning materials in acces-
sible formats, which generates opportunities for pro-
fessional growth, allowing beneciaries to contrib-
ute to their local economies.
●The MVT strengthens local publishing industries
and increases investment in copyright industries,
which are key drivers for economic growth and
development.
MVT Arcles
The Marrakesh VIP Treaty contains a total of 22 articles,
which thoroughly discuss the provisions to facilitate
access to published copyrighted works to visually
impaired persons and persons with print disabilities.
Among the 22 Articles, there are some specic ones
which are directly linked to the accessibility criteria and
exceptions that should be made under the copyright law,
its extent, and limitations. These are briey discussed in
Table 2.
Table 2: Detailed Description of Some Relevant MVT Articles
Article Specication Description
Article 2(a) Works Covered ●Nature: Literary and artistic works (as per the Berne Convention)
●Forms: Text, notation and/or related illustrations
●Status: Published or otherwise made publicly available in any
media
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty, Guidelines, and Technology 43
Article Specication Description
Article 2(b) Accessible Format Copy (AFC)
or Alternate Format Materials
(AFM)
●Ease of Use: Format which beneciary or recipient with vi-
sual impairment or other print disabilities can access and read
conveniently
●Quality: No deviation in the context, semantics, and integrity
of the original work
Article 2(c) Authorised Entity ●Authorisation: Govt. approved/licensed
●Scope: Provides non-prot access to education, instructional
training, adaptive reading, or knowledge to recipients
●Inclusions: Someone acting on beneciary’s behalf, govt. insti-
tution, or non-prot body with similar scope as one of its prime
obligations
Article 3 Beneciary Persons ●Scope: Persons having hindrances with successful reading that
interferes with holding a book efciently, turning pages, or con-
centrating on the page
●Beneciaries: Blind, visually impaired, dyslexia (decient in
reading) or physical impairment
Article 4 National Law Limitations and
Exceptions Regarding Acces-
sible Format Copies
●Obligations: Contracting Parties (CPs)/Signatory Countries
●Copyright Law: Facilitates availability of AFC/AFM
●Permissions: No permission to be sought from the rights-holder
for the creation/production of AFC/AFM by the Authorised
Entities (AEs)
Article 5 Cross-Border Exchange of Ac-
cessible Format Copies
●Provision: Cross-border exchange of AFCs
●Scope: From AEcountryA to AEcountryB
●Directly from AE to beneciaries in other countries
Article 6 Importation of Accessible For-
mat Copies (AFC)
●Import: In addition to creation, the National law of a Contracting
Party (CP) shall also permit the import of an AFC/AFM
●Permission: No authorisation of the rights-holder required
Article 7 Obligations Concerning Tech-
nological Measures
●Actions: Legal protection of the copyrighted works using tech-
nological techniques (implemented by publishers) shall not re-
strict the rights of the patrons/beneciaries
●Obligations: AEs to ensure that compliance of such legal provi-
sions block the legitimate access to the content created
●Circumvention: Legal remedies to be nullied
Article 8 Respect for Privacy ●Non-Discriminatory Protection: While applying the permis-
sions and exceptions, the privacy or secrecy of beneciary
persons shall be protected by the Contracting Parties (CPs) as
applicable for the general public/citizens
Article 9 Cooperation to Facilitate
Cross-Border Exchange
●Identifying Global AEs: WIPO’s Information Access Point fa-
cilitates identication and coordination among geographically
distributed AEs for the effective cross-border exchange of AFC
by sharing information on voluntary basis
●Obligation: Contracting Parties
Source: WIPO-Administered Treaties.
Almost 80 countries have signed the Treaty since its
initiation. There are many other countries who accessed
and enforced MVT later. The latest countries to access
this treaty is New Zealand, Trinidad, and Tobago, on
02-October-2019, and the expected enforcement date is
04-January-2020.
44 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Accessible Publishing
Accessible publishing is an approach to publishing and
book design, whereby books and other texts are made
available in alternative formats designed to aid or replace
the reading process. Alternative formats that have been
developed to aid different people to read include varieties
of larger fonts, specialised fonts for certain kinds of
reading disabilities, Braille, e-books, and automated
Audiobooks and DAISY digital talking books. EPUB3 is
considered as the gold standard in the publishing industry
for the production of accessible digital books. ‘Ace by
DAISY’ is a free open-source software for testing and
evaluation of e-books with respect to conformance of
the accessibility of the EPUB Accessibility Specication
(ABC, n.d.). EPUB3 generates an electronic le
for producing accessible digital books, only upon
conformance to the “EPUB Accessibility Specication”.
Ace by DAISY, the Accessibility Checking Tool can be
downloaded freely from the URL:
https://inclusivepublishing.org/toolbox/accessibility-
checker/. The Windows version is available as Ace by
DAISY App.
behalf, govt. institution, or non-profit body with
similar scope as one of its prime obligations
Article 3
Beneficiary
Persons
Scope: Persons having hindrances with successful
reading that interferes with holding a book
efficiently, turning pages, or concentrating on the
page
Beneficiaries: Blind, visually impaired, dyslexia
(deficient in reading) or physical impairment
Article 4
National Law
Limitations and
Exceptions
Regarding
Accessible
Format Copies
Obligations: Contracting Parties (CPs)/Signatory
Countries
Copyright Law: Facilitates availability of
AFC/AFM
Permissions: No permission to be sought from the
rights-holder for the creation/production of
AFC/AFM by the Authorised Entities (AEs)
Article 5
Cross-Border
Exchange of
Accessible
Format Copies
Provision: Cross-border exchange of AFCs
Scope: From AEcountryA to AEcountryB
Directly from AE to beneficiaries in other countries
Article 6
Importation of
Accessible
Format Copies
(AFC)
Import: In addition to creation, the National law of
a Contracting Party (CP) shall also permit the
import of an AFC/AFM
Permission: No authorisation of the rights-holder
required
Article 7
Obligations
Concerning
Technological
Measures
Actions: Legal protection of the copyrighted works
using technological techniques (implemented by
publishers) shall not restrict the rights of the
patrons/beneficiaries
Obligations: AEs to ensure that compliance of such
legal provisions block the legitimate access to the
content created
Circumvention: Legal remedies to be nullified
Article 8
Respect for
Privacy
Non-Discriminatory Protection: While applying
the permissions and exceptions, the privacy or
secrecy of beneficiary persons shall be protected
by the Contracting Parties (CPs) as applicable for
the general public/citizens
Article 9
Cooperation to
Facilitate
Cross-Border
Exchange
Identifying Global AEs: WIPO’s Information
Access Point facilitates identification and
coordination among geographically distributed
AEs for the effective cross-border exchange of
AFC by sharing information on voluntary basis
Obligation: Contracting Parties
Source: WIPO-Administered Treaties.
Almost 80 countries have signed the Treaty since its initiation. There are many other
countries who accessed and enforced MVT later. The latest countries to access this treaty is New
Zealand, Trinidad, and Tobago, on 02-October-2019, and the expected enforcement date is
04-January-2020.
6. Accessible Publishing
Accessible Books Consorum (ABC)
Accessible publishing is an approach to publishing and book design, whereby books and
other texts are made available in alternative formats designed to aid or replace the reading process.
Alternative formats that have been developed to aid different people to read include varieties of
larger fonts, specialised fonts for certain kinds of reading disabilities, Braille, e-books, and
automated Audiobooks and DAISY digital talking books. EPUB3 is considered as the gold
standard in the publishing industry for the production of accessible digital books. ‘Ace by
DAISY’ is a free open-source software for testing and evaluation of e-books with respect to
conformance of the accessibility of the EPUB Accessibility Specification (ABC, n.d.). EPUB3
generates an electronic file for producing accessible digital books, only upon conformance to the
“EPUB Accessibility Specification”. Ace by DAISY, the Accessibility Checking Tool can be
downloaded freely from the URL:
https://inclusivepublishing.org/toolbox/accessibility-checker/. The Windows version is available
as Ace by DAISY App.
6.1. Accessible Books Consortium (ABC)
The Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT) only provided the theoretical framework for the exchange
of books and publications in accessible formats,
but it did not actually transfer them. This needed
an action vehicle. Accessible Books Consortium
(ABC) was initiated at a global level on June 30,
2014, to realise the principle and philosophy of
the at an operational level through its Global
Book Service of searchable online catalogue of
books in accessible formats. Authorised Entities
(AEs) can order and exchange accessible books
across borders through this portal.
On the Fourth (4th Ordinary) Session of WIPO (Geneva, Sept. 30 to Oct. 9, 2019), the
Director General, WIPO, highlighted ABC’s three main areas of activity.
First, the Global Book Service had a catalogue of 540,000 works available in 76
languages, of which 425,000 works were available for free cross-border exchange under
the Marrakesh Treaty, i.e. could be exchanged without formalities, and the remaining
100,000 or so works were still subject to formalities for exchange because the relevant
countries were not yet party to the Marrakesh Treaty; there were 61 authorised entities in
the Global Book Service from around the world who facilitated the exchange of books,
with 22 from developing countries.
Second, Accessible Publishing, which is the promotion among the publishers of
born-accessible publications. There are 100 signatories to the ABC Publishers Charter,
with the recent signing by a major publisher around the world, Hachette Livre.
Third, Capacity Building, which involves building capacity in a country to be able to take
advantage of the services offered by the ABC and also to take advantage of the provisions
of the Marrakesh Treaty. The Director General highlighted various ongoing projects in 13
countries. ABC also focused on capacity building activities to support publication in
accessible formats of educational books in local languages. Some 9,300 accessible
educational materials had been made available to students at all levels since the launch of
the ABC five years before11.
The cross-border exchange of accessible books becomes easy for the AEs belonging to
countries who have already ratified the MVT and is In Force, as no authorisation is needed from
The Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT) only provided the
theoretical framework for the exchange of books and
publications in accessible formats, but it did not actually
transfer them. This needed an action vehicle. Accessible
Books Consortium (ABC) was initiated at a global level
on June 30, 2014, to realise the principle and philosophy
of open access at an operational level through its Global
Book Service of searchable online catalogue of books in
accessible formats. Authorised Entities (AEs) can order
and exchange accessible books across borders through
this portal.
On the Fifty-First (24th Ordinary) Session of WIPO
(Geneva, Sept. 30 to Oct. 9, 2019), the Director General,
WIPO, highlighted ABC’s three main areas of activity
(WIPO, 2019).
●First, the Global Book Service had a catalogue of
540,000 works available in 76 languages, of which
425,000 works were available for free cross-border
exchange under the Marrakesh Treaty, i.e. could be
exchanged without formalities, and the remaining
100,000 or so works were still subject to formalities
for exchange because the relevant countries were
not yet party to the Marrakesh Treaty; there were
61 authorised entities in the Global Book Service
from around the world who facilitated the exchange
of books, with 22 from developing countries.
●Second, Accessible Publishing, which is the pro-
motion among the publishers of born-accessible
publications. There are 100 signatories to the ABC
Publishers Charter, with the recent signing by a ma-
jor publisher around the world, Hachette Livre.
●Third, Capacity Building, which involves building
capacity in a country to be able to take advantage of
the services offered by the ABC and also to take ad-
vantage of the provisions of the Marrakesh Treaty.
The Director General highlighted various ongoing
projects in 13 countries. ABC also focused on ca-
pacity building activities to support publication in
accessible formats of educational books in local lan-
guages. Some 9,300 accessible educational materi-
als had been made available to students at all levels
since the launch of the ABC ve years before.
The cross-border exchange of accessible books becomes
easy for the AEs belonging to countries who have already
ratied the MVT and is In Force, as no authorisation is
needed from the copyright holder. In case the AEs (one
or both) are from the non-signatory countries, the ABC
Secretariat needs to obtain the necessary authorisation
from the rights-holder for cross-border exchange of
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty, Guidelines, and Technology 45
Source: Fifth Annual Report on ABC/WIPO, Fifty-First (24th
Ordinary) Session/Geneva, Sept. 30 to Oct. 9, 2019.
IFLA Movement in Marrakesh VIP Treaty
(MVT)
Eighty countries have joined Marrakesh since its
establishment in Morocco on 28 June 2013, including the
European Union as an individual bloc. Its success would
allow a growing number of exchanges of accessible
format books between countries, allowing signicant
progress towards the goals of the Treaty. However, if no
steps are taken to amend domestic legislation, ratication
may be meaningless. IFLA has a rm belief that the right
to access and use the knowledge artifacts should come to
the print-disabled or libraries supporting them. For this
reason, to enforce and spread the treaty more strongly
around the world, the International Federation of Library
Associations and Institutions (IFLA) takes certain steps
for the benet of the visually impaired people. Some of its
notable movements (Coates, Felsmann & Hackett, 2018)
are discussed below:
●IFLA, along with partner organisations, contin-
ues to articulate or argue for effective national
implementation.
●IFLA generates regular Marrakesh Monitoring
Reports to investigate the status of compliance with
the MVT (making and sharing of accessible format
accessible books. ABC has achieved some important milestones during the
ve years since its initiation. The following statistical
table shows its growth in numbers.
Table 3: ABC Statistics (2018-2019)
ABC Global Book Service Indicators January
2014
September 2018
(all Numbers are
Cumulative)
September
2019 (All
Numbers are
Cumulative)
Increase in Percentage
(%)
Since Jan.
2014
Since Sept.
2018
No. of signatory authorised entities (AEs) par-
ticipating in the ABC Global Book Service
11 43 61 455% 42%
No. of titles in the ABC Global Book Service
catalogue
224,500 365,600 540,000 141% 48%
No. of titles available for cross-border ex-
change under the MVT (No authorisation
needed from the copyright owner)
N/A 35,800 425,000 N/A 1087%
No. of downloaded titles by participating AEs 200 13,000 22,000 10900% 72%
No. of titles where rights were obtained from
the copyright owner for cross-border exchange
1,270 26,100 28,500 2144% 9%
No. of loans of ABC titles to print disabled in-
dividuals through participating AEs
16,000
(Dec. 2014)
233,000 (Aug. 31,
2018)
293,000 (Aug.
31, 2019)
1731% 26%
No. of educational titles that were produced
in national languages in accessible formats
through training and technical assistance pro-
vided by ABC
N/A 5000 9300 N/A 86%
Inclusive Publishing Indicators January
2014
September 2018
(All Numbers are
Cumulative)
September
2019 (All
Numbers are
Cumulative)
Increase in Percentage
(%)
Since Jan.
2014
Since Sept.
2018
No. of signatories – ABC Charter for Acces-
sible Publishing
N/A 16 100 N/A 525%
46 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
works) by the respective governments, as articulat-
ed in their national legislation fully enables making
and sharing of accessible format works.
●IFLA, along with the partner organisations, includ-
ing EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries),
the World Blind Union (WBU), the University
of Toronto, and the Canadian Research Library
Association (CRLA), has published a guide,
‘Getting Started’, for librarians willing to adopt the
Treaty (EIFL, 2015).
●EIFL has published a highly insightful library guide
to Marrakesh.
●WBU actively advocates MVT for its global
adoption.
●IFLA has developed a short toolkit for libraries to
address the perceived challenges for enabling infor-
mation access to the deprived.
●More recently, IFLA has also begun to issue moni-
toring reports on how the Member States of the
United Nations are incorporating the Marrakesh
Treaty into their national legislation, rendering the
Treaty a fact.
On the Fifty-First (24th Ordinary) Session of WIPO
(Geneva, Sept. 30 to Oct. 9, 2019), the representative of
the IFLA commended all countries that had ratied or
acceded to the Treaty, that not only underlined the appetite
for that particular WIPO instrument, which helped to
deliver public goods and overcome market failure, but also
made clear WIPO’s unique power through its normative
work to provide the legal clarity and impetus necessary
for change and to enable cross-border exchanges. IFLA
observed that a crushing majority of those countries that
were passing legislation were not taking advantage of
certain provisions in Articles 4.4 and 4.5 of the Treaty that
were against its spirit, and were extending its benets to
people with other disabilities as much as possible. IFLA
thus commended the work of the ABC and its Global Book
Service, which was setting the pace for broader efforts to
promote the sharing of books for the benet of people
with print disabilities across borders (WIPO, 2018).
Table 4: Marrakesh Treaty Implementation (IFLA Monitoring Report) (August, 2019 Update)
Increase in
Percentage
(%)
Status
Can Libraries Use MVT Rights Without
Can Libraries
Use Exceptions
to Serve People
with Dyslexia?
Are People
with Other
Disabilities
Included?
Paying
Remuneration
for Books?
Paying
Remuneration
for Audio Books?
Needing to
Check on
Commercial
Availability?
A Registration
Obligation?
Additional
Record Keeping
Requirements?
Australia Ratied,
national law
amended
Yes Yes Yes* Yes Yes Yes Yes
France EU ratied,
national law
adopted
Yes Yes Yes No No Ye s Yes
India Ratied,
no national
reform
No No Unclear No** Unclear Yes Yes
Russia Ratied,
national law
amended
Yes*** Yes*** Unclear
(Yes)
No Unclear Unclear
(No)
No
United King-
dom
EU ratied,
national law
adopted
Yes Ye s Yes Yes Ye s Ye s Yes
United States Ratied,
national law
amended
Yes Ye s Yes Yes Ye s Ye s No
*Yes, but with incentives provided to do so.
**The beneciary or authorised entity must apply to the copyright board for the right to do this.
***Yes, but lending only, not distribution.
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty, Guidelines, and Technology 47
Marrakesh VIP Treaty (MVT) in India
“Every country should have the widest possible copyright
exception permitting the conversion of books and other
cultural material into accessible formats for persons with
disabilities” (Nirmita Narasimhan, Centre for Internet and
Society, India).
Every year, just 1-7 per cent of the millions of books
released worldwide are made available to the world’s 285
million blind and visually impaired people, 90 per cent
of whom live in low-income environments in developing
countries. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), India has more than 63 million visually impaired
people, some eight million of whom are blind.
Table 5: India & MVT
Signature Instrument Effective
India 30-April-2014 Ratication:
June 24, 2014
30-Septem-
ber-2016
Source: WIPO-Administered Treaties/MVT/Contracting Parties.
The ratication of at least 20 states was required for the
treaty to enter into effect, which was achieved on 30 June
2016 with the 20th ratication. Thus, MVT came into
force on 30 September 2016. The rst country to ratify
the Marrakesh Treaty was India (PIB, 2014) when it
signed the Treaty on 30 June 2014, and handed over the
Instrument of Ratication to the then Director-General of
WIPO at a ceremony held at WIPO Headquarters during
the 28th Session of the SCCR (Standing Committee on
Copyright and Related Rights). The ratication will
enable Indian Authorised Entities (IAEs) to import AFCs
without any legal barrier. More benet can be relinquished
as imported copies can be translated into an accessible
format and the same can be exported in Indian languages.
The IAEs include organisations working for the benet
of VIPs and the blind, like educational institutions and
libraries. Till 1st January 2020, 80 WIPO member states
have signed the MVT and 88 countries have ratied it.
Marrakesh Treaty in Harmony with Indian
Copyright Act
On May 17, 2012, the Indian Parliament introduced a
rather liberal disability-friendly copyright exception.
In the Indian Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2012, there
are two sections, namely §52(1)(zb) and §31(B), which
enabled the MVT enforcement in India. More specically,
§52(1)(zb) was introduced to permit the conversion of a
copyrighted work to any accessible format, so long as the
converter operated on a non-prot basis and ensured that
the converted formats were only accessed by persons with
disabilities. In case the conversion and distribution were
done for prot, the concerned entity would have to apply
for a compulsory license under §31(B) (Zero Project,
MHRD, n.d.).
The relevant exception envisaging provision is reproduced
as under (Indian Copyright Amendment Act, 2012):
Fair Use Rights for the Disabled/Exempts from
Infringement [§52(1)(zb)]
“The adaptation, reproduction, issue of copies or
communication to the public of any work in any accessible
format, by
● any person to facilitate persons with disability ac-
cess to works including sharing with any person
with disability of such accessible format for private
or personal use, educational purpose or research; or
● any organisation working for the benet of the per-
sons with disabilities in case the normal format pre-
vents the enjoyment of such works by such persons:
“Provided that the copies of the works in such accessible
format are made available to the persons with disabilities
on a non-prot basis but to recover only the cost of
production: Provided further that the organisation shall
ensure that the copies of works in such accessible format
are used by persons with disabilities and takes reasonable
steps to prevent its entry into ordinary channels of
business.”
Compulsory Licence for the Benet of Disabled
[§31(B)]
●Any person working for the benet of persons with
disability on a prot basis or for business may apply
to the Copyright Board, in such form and manner
and accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed,
for a compulsory licence to publish any work in
which copyright subsists for the benet of such per-
sons, in a case to which clause (zb) of sub-section
(i) of section 52 does not apply and the Copyright
48 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
and reading materials in accessible formats for people
who are unable to read the standard print. India’s DAISY
platform envisages a world in which print-disabled
people have fair access to information and expertise in
their own language without delay or additional expense
(DAISY India, (n.d.)). Indian DAISY Forum member
organisations create and manage Electronic Talking
Books, Braille, or e-text libraries. Books created in any
of the preferred formats and in any part of the country,
e.g. DAISY Audio, eBook, Braille, and Large Print are
available to the common people. The DAISY Forum
of India also integrated with ‘Bookshare’, the world’s
largest online library for the print disabled, where one
user can get access to the collection of both Indian and
International publications.
Sugamya Pustakalaya is a collaborative effort of the
Daisy Forum of India, TCS (Tata Consultancy Service),
the NIEPVD (National Institute for Empowerment of
Persons with Visual Disabilities), and the Government of
India to end the book famine faced by people with print
disabilities. The online page of Sugamya Pustakalaya is
created and supported by Access Innity, a platform of
Tata Consultancy Services, which gives it an easy-to-
navigate search interface.
Table 6: Collection Statistics of Sugamya
Pustakalaya
Total number of books available for
download
345295
Total books in all libraries in Daisy
India Library
16395
Total formats in all libraries in Daisy
India Library
7
Total languages in all libraries in Daisy
India Library
16
Source: DFI/Library/Sugamya Pustakalaya.
The National Mission on Libraries (NML), which has been
set up by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, on
4th May, 2012, in pursuance of the National Knowledge
Commission (NKC), recommends sustained attention
for the development of the Libraries and Information
Science Sector; it also recommends screen reader access
to its website in compliance with the World Wide Web
Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG) 2.0 level AA for the visually impaired or print
Board shall dispose of such application as expedi-
tiously as possible and endeavour shall be made to
dispose of such application within a period of two
months from the date of receipt of the application.
●The Copyright Board may, on receipt of an appli-
cation under sub-section (i), inquire, or direct such
inquiry as it considers necessary to establish the cre-
dentials of the applicant and satisfy itself that the
application has been made in good faith.
●If the Copyright Board is satised, after giving to
the owners of rights in the work a reasonable oppor-
tunity of being heard and after holding such inquiry
as it may deem necessary, that a compulsory licence
needs to be issued to make the work available to the
disabled, it may direct the Registrar of Copyrights
to grant to the applicant such a licence to publish
the work.
●Every compulsory licence issued under this section
shall specify the means and format of publication,
the period during which the compulsory licence may
be exercised and, in the case of issue of copies, the
number of copies that may be issued including the
rate or royalty:
“Provided that where the Copyright Board has issued
such a compulsory licence it may, on a further application
and after giving reasonable opportunity to the owners of
rights, extend the period of such compulsory licence and
allow the issue of more copies as it may deem t.”
In short, the amendment envisaged three broad kinds of
activities:
●Conversions by the disabled person for his/her own
use and for sharing with others in the community;
●Conversions by third parties (individuals or organ-
isations) working on behalf of the print-disabled on
a non-prot basis;
●Conversions by ‘for prot’ organisations under
a certain and compulsory license issued by the
Government or Registrar of Copyrights of the
country.
DAISY Forum of India
DAISY Forum of India (DFI) is a consortium of Indian
non-prot organisations engaged in producing books
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty, Guidelines, and Technology 49
disabled persons. Further, it makes people aware of the
various types of screen readers, both commercial (like
JAWS) and free ones (like NVDA), with their respective
external links (NML, 2014).
Libraries and the Marrakesh VIP Treaty
The World Blind Union (WBU) was the rst organisation
at the global level that submitted the draft of the MVT
treaty to WIPO. IFLA and library-centric organisations
played a signicant role in the adoption of the Treaty
(Sutori, n.d.). The member states of the WIPO obtained
feedback and suggestions regarding the provisions of
the Treaty from the stakeholders, including associations
working for the social benets of the visually-impaired,
as well as library associations. Library professionals are
expected to contribute signicantly towards the realisation
of MVT by ensuring ways to maximise the benets of the
Treaty. In this context, it can be said that libraries can play
a vital role in addressing the issues and challenges of the
global Book Famine for empowering people with print
disabilities.
The Marrakesh Treaty supports library services in a
number of ways. Once a country implements the MVT
into their national copyright law, it transforms library
services for people with print disabilities. The following
are some notable implications where the MVT treaty
helped the libraries serve people with print disabilities.
Table 7: Implications of MVT Treaty in Libraries
Sr. No. Areas Scope & Status Applicable On Impact
1. Libraries as Authorised
Entities (AEs)
Not-for-prot or
govt.-recognised,
for-prot entity,
serving the print-
disabled
Entitled to enjoy the
privileges and rights as per
the provisions in the MVT
without permission from
the copyright-holders &
publishers
Enable them to serve patrons with a print
disability successfully
2. Legal Restriction None Creation and Dissemina-
tion of AFCs with rights
to:
produce
supply
import and export (cross-
border)
store
catalogue the work
Enhanced availability, by direct supply,
of the reading material for print-disabled
readers or to someone acting on their
behalf, such as a caregiver; immediate
realisation
3. Resource Sharing Local, regional, and
national, as well as
international level
Better coordination in the
production of works.
Supply/Receive AFCs
from:
– another library
– or institution in the
country or
– in another country signa-
tory to the MVT (Article
6)
Aims to reduce duplication of time, effort,
and valuable resources in conversion of
content multiple times by different CEs
4. Obligations None To provide AFCs Right to implement the MVT provisions
as mentioned in 2 (above), but not bound
5. Published as well as
Unpublished Works
Digital reposito-
ries and pre-print
servers
Both Gold & Green Open
Access (OA)
Expanding the benets of scholarly pub-
lications, often otherwise paid, through
OA to the print-disabled engaged in higher
education and research
50 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Sr. No. Areas Scope & Status Applicable On Impact
6. Audio-visual Works Audio-visual (a/v) works such as lms are NOT covered
Textual works embedded in a/v works, such as an educational multimedia DVD, are COV-
ERED
7. Recommendations A library can produce an accessible format copy of a work (AFCs)
Library guidelines should include best practices for determining beneciaries’ eligibility
Proper care procedures for producing and distributing AFCs
Prevent unauthorised use
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
is an internationally recognised standard developed by
the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The WCAG
standard establishes guidelines for making the Web
content more accessible to individuals with impairments.
Visual, auditory, physical, oral, cognitive, language,
learning, and neurological disorders all fall under the
umbrella of accessibility. Even though these standards
cover a wide range of topics, they are unable to meet
the needs of persons with a wide range of disabilities,
degrees, and combinations of disabilities. These standards
also make Web material more useable for older people
with changing abilities as a result of ageing, and they
frequently increase usability for all users.
The WCAG standard species how mainstream websites
(Internet and Intranet) and other digital content, such as
electronic documents, mobile interfaces, and related Web
technologies, should behave to make them accessible
to individuals with disabilities. It accomplishes this by
establishing requirements that make interfaces and their
content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
Web and digital content designers, developers, and testers
are the major target audience for this standard. Having
the requirements dened allows a secondary target
audience, public procurement policymakers, to reference
these standards in their activities. Using these guidelines
as a guide gives service providers and users a common
vocabulary and understanding of what is considered
“accessible”.
On May 5, 1999, the World Wide Web Consortium
(W3C) released WCAG 1.0. There were 14 criteria
in total, ranging from the requirement for equivalent
content to Web-based clarication and simplicity. There
were one to ten checkpoints for each guideline. WCAG
2.0 was released on December 11, 2008, and WCAG
2.1 was released on June 5, 2018. Content that complies
with WCAG 2.1 is likewise compliant with WCAG 2.0.
A website that complies with WCAG 2.1 should also
comply with policies that reference WCAG 2.0. Existing
standards include WCAG 2.0 and WCAG 2.1. WCAG 2.1
is not a replacement WCAG 2.0. The usage of the most
recent version of WCAG is encouraged by the W3C.
Universal Acceptance of WCAG
WCAG offers an actionable platform for open websites
and apps to be developed or remediated. It is not abstract,
but concrete and technical, and is accompanied by
documentation that denes methods and techniques that
are considered to pass or fail the checkpoint’s minimum
accessibility standards. WCAG is divided into four
guiding principles that include perceivable, operable,
understandable, and robust Web content.
Developed for content creators, developers of content
authoring tools, accessibility testers, and developers of
test tools, and anyone who wants to understand how digital
experiences can be accessed, WCAG is used worldwide.
Tools to Implement MVT Eecvely:
Soware Soluons
To make published works accessible to the visually
impaired/print disabled person is not the nal step to
implementing MVT properly; making them accessible
in a format that is supportable for those people (visually
impaired/print disabled) is the main challenge here. To
do so, the best available solution is the Screen Reader
Software Programs. Article 7 of MVT gives the provision
for using screen-reading text-to-speech software and
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty, Guidelines, and Technology 51
ensures that the publishers provide some exceptions on
the use of a digital padlock on a digital book and other
electronic media, which inadvertently block legitimate
access to the print disabled people.
“A screen reader is a technology that helps people who
have difculties seeing to access and interact with digital
content, like websites or applications via audio or touch.
The main users of screen readers are people who are
blind or have very limited vision” (AbilityNet, Feb.,
2019). Screen readers are useful software programs that
also assist people who are visually impaired or blind in
operating applications, drafting papers, sending emails,
surng the Web, and doing much more with a computer.
There are many screen reader software available
nowadays. Some of these are freely available and others
require paid subscription. The functionaries of these
software are more or less the same. Some of their general
functions are discussed here:
●Read or spell a word.
●Read a line or full screen of text.
●Find a string of text on the screen.
●Announce the location of the computer’s cursor or
focused item.
●Locate text displayed in a certain colour.
●Read pre-designated parts of the screen on demand
●Read highlighted text
●Identify the active choice in a menu
●Allow users to utilise the spell checker in a word
processor or read the cells of a spreadsheet with a
screen reader
There are different types of screen readers available
now; based on the specic requirements and available
infrastructure, one can choose the right one. The best
choice for the user depends on:
●The type of device (computer and or mobile phone)
he/she possess.
●The kind of browser he/she prefers. Many browser
and screen reader combinations work better than
others.
●The software he/she uses; while all screen reader
users work with popular ofce apps, email and the
Internet, if he/she needs a screen reader to deal with
specic applications, he/she may be limited to one
that can be programmed to t well with it.
Some of the best screen readers (Everyday Sight, 2019),
their functionality, supportive system, price, availability,
and other details are provided in Table 8.
Table 8: List of Best Screen Reader Software Programs (Free & Commercial)
Name Creator Initiation Supported
Platform
Nature Price
Job Access with
Speech (JAWS)
Freedom Scientic 1995 Windows & DOS Commercial $1000/one time (Home
License)
$1200/one time (Profes-
sional License)
Dolphin Screen Reader Dolphin Computer
Access Ltd.
1986 Windows Commercial $795/one time
Cobra 2006 Windows Commercial $749 to $849/one time
System Access Serotek 2001 Windows Commercial $895/full package
$39.95/month
ZoomText Ai Squared 1991 Windows Commercial $875/one time
VoiceOver Apple Inc. 2005 Mac OS X,
iPhone, iPad, iP-
ods, and Apple TV
Free, Commer-
cial
Free with an Apple
product
NaturalReader NaturalSoft Ltd. Windows, Mac
OS, Linux
Free, Commer-
cial
Premium features
available on, $99.50,
$129.50, & $199.50/one
time
52 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Name Creator Initiation Supported
Platform
Nature Price
NonVisual Desktop
Access (NVDA)
NonVisual Desktop
Access Project
2006 Windows Free & open
source
N/A
TalkBack Google 2009 Android Free & open
source
N/A
WebAnywhere University of Wash-
ington
2008 Web Free & open
source
N/A
Ocra The GNOME Project 2005 Linux, Unix Free & open
source
N/A
BRLTTY The BRLTTY Team 1995 Linux/Unix,
Windows console,
DOS, Android
Free & open
source
N/A
Text to Speech (TTS) SpeakComputers.com 2006 Windows Freeware N/A
NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) & NV
Access
Concerned by the high cost of commercial screen readers,
Michael began developing a free screen reader for use
with computers running on Windows called NVDA
(NonVisual Desktop Access) in April 2006. Later, James
Teh, his school friend, also joined to help with this
project. The main reason for briey discussing about this
screen reader in this paper is because the not-for-prot
organisation, NV Access, is founded by two fully blind
men, to support the development of the NVDA screen
reader. The main purpose of NV Access is to abolish the
social and economic barriers of visually impaired/print
disabled persons by developing free open-source assistive
technologies for them, enabling and ensuring access to
information. It aims to remove the cost barrier and raises
awareness and promotes the importance of accessibility
for the blind or vision impaired. It is also engaged in
fundraising to support the various existing and future
projects encompassed by the organisation.
Table 9: NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA): Specications
Creator Michael Curran
Initial Release 2006
Programming Language Python, C++
System Requirements (for NV Access) Operating System Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (all
32-bit and 64-bit editions), and all Server Operating Sys-
tems starting from Windows Server 2008 R2
Memory 256MB or more of RAM
Processor speed 1.0ghz or above
License GNU General Public License (Version 2)
Type Free & Open Source Software
Availability (language) 55
International acceptability Used by people in more than 175 countries
Website www.nvaccess.org/
Repository github.com/nvaccess/nvda
Features
The following are some features (NV Access, 2018) which
placed NVDA in a better position than other available
screen readers:
●Support for popular apps like Web browsers, includ-
ing Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, email,
Internet chat applications, music players, and ofce
programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
●Built-in speech synthesiser that supports more than
Enabling and Empowering the Print-Disabled and Visually Impaired: Role of Law, Treaty, Guidelines, and Technology 53
50 languages, plus support for many other third-
party voices.
●Text formatting reports where available, such as
font name and size, style, and spelling errors.
●Automatic text notication under the mouse and op-
tional audible mouse location indication.
●Support for many refreshable braille displays, in-
cluding Braille through braille displays with a
braille keyboard.
●Ability to run completely without the need for in-
stallation from a USB ash drive or other portable
media.
●Easy to use speaker installer.
●Translated into more than 50 languages.
●Support for modern Windows operating systems,
both 32-bit and 64-bit editions (e.g. Windows 7,
Windows 8, Windows 8.1, & Windows 10).
●Ability to run on Windows logon and other secure
screens.
●Announcing controls and text when engaging with
touch-screen motions.
NVDA also provides certication tests (NV Access,
2019) for the expert to test his knowledge using the
NVDA screen reader in Microsoft Word. It is a great
opportunity for the librarians and library professionals to
gain expertise in NVDA, and help the blind and vision
impaired user in the best possible way.
Conclusion
The Utopian idea of building a knowledge society has to
be all-inclusive, without any discrimination of individuals
on account of their right to access, read, understand, and
comprehend published knowledge tangibly without any
struggle through the established modes of publishing.
The realisation of the very idea of facilitating ‘Access to
Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually
Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled’ has been
successfully accomplished through the Marrakesh VIP
Treaty, a.k.a. the MVT, administered by WIPO (2013).
MVT is a living example of a noble, humanistic, and
societal upliftment of those who are marginalised in
terms of their right to read and gain knowledge, as
they are incapacitated due to vision abnormalities,
preventing them from holding and manipulating a book,
which interferes with the effective reading of printed
material. MVT mandates the Authorised Entities (AEs)
(“recognised” by the government) located in Contracting
Parties (CEs) to facilitate reproduction, dissemination,
and availability of published works in accessible formats
by means of a collection of restrictions and exceptions
in their national copyright laws. At present, the ABC
catalogue contains only bibliographical details. To make
the retrieval more fruitful, it is now being automated with
the facility to upload the actual digital les, minimising
the role of human intervention for uploading the title
requested by the patron, thus saving a signicant amount
of AEs’ time per transaction. This will reduce the delivery
time of the requisite document to the beneciary, bringing
satisfaction and ease of use. ABC is planning to procure
the necessary technical infrastructure for the automation
process. Additionally, WIPO is looking forward to
providing the beneciaries a single-window federated
search and discovery platform for wider access to the
widest possible range of languages. ABC encourages the
production of “born accessible” works by publishers, i.e.
books that can be used from the start by both the sighted
and the print disabled. A major focus remains on the
EPUB3 standard for the production of digital publications,
with the required accessibility features. Currently, there
are 100 signatories to the ABC Charter for Accessible
Publishing comprising of eight high-level principles
pertaining to digital publications in accessible formats.
ABC also organises the ABC International Excellence
Award for Accessible Publishing.
ABC provides training and technical assistance in EPUB3,
DAISY, and Braille (both electronic and paper-printed)
formats in developing countries and LDCs. ABC has
drafted syllabi for capacity-building regarding accessible
publishing. WIPO has established an ABC fellowship
programme seeking support for the library services as
well as in other ABC activities. One of the targets of ABC,
along with the IPA (International Publishers Association),
is to increase the number of signatories (member nations)
to the “ABC Charter for Accessible Publishing” (WIPO,
2018). The work of the ABC is consistent with the spirit
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and
promotes several of them, supporting the work of the
MVT in an admirable way.
54 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
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Abstract
The major outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the
end of 2019 caused a huge impact globally in almost all the
sectors. Even academic libraries experienced a major impact of
this virus. Hence, this article aims to study how this virus affected
people globally and its impact on four major areas of academic
libraries, like library working hours, library services, preventive
measures taken, and also the enhanced services provided by the
academic libraries of Sikkim. The study also tries to identify the
loophole that originated and further plans to cope with it in the
future by the academic libraries of Sikkim. The data was collected
through a structured questionnaire, followed by an interview, and
distributed to the librarians of all the government degree colleges
afliated with Sikkim University, Sikkim. Purposive sampling has
been executed during the study. The paper nds the major problem
of library services during this pandemic is the unavailability of
e-resources in any of the college libraries in Sikkim, thereby where
they provided very few services to its users. The study also nds
that the plan to have e-resources in the library has been taken
up by a few of the libraries. Several recommendations have been
made to help libraries provide services in the upcoming days, to
tackle this kind of pandemic and other disasters in the library.
Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Academic Libraries,
Resources, Library Services, Sikkim
Impact of COVID-19 in Academic Libraries of
Sikkim: A Study
Dina Subba*, R. K. Choudhary**
Introducon
The world witnessed a dangerous health disaster at the
end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and it was called a novel
coronavirus or COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2020); it was
so tiny and microscopic. This virus was rumored to be
a kind of biological weapon prepared for other countries
* Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar,
India. Email: dinasubba@gmail.com
** Head and Supervisor, Department of Library and Information Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari,
Bihar, India. Email: rkchoudhary@mgcub.ac.in
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 56-63
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
as well. The whole world had not experienced anything
like this before; there was a worldwide lockdown due to
the transmission of this tiny virus. Since its origination
in Wuhan, China, this virus started affecting almost all
the countries of the world within no time. Hence, this
COVID-19 pandemic was announced as a global pandemic
on March 11th, 2020, by the World Health Organization
(WHO). This virus started affecting mankind and millions
of people lost their lives. COVID-19 posed a global threat,
and hence, governments started imposing a lockdown in
their respective countries. To cut the spread of the virus
through droplets, the government guidelines was to keep
a distance of 1 metre in public places and wearing face
masks became mandatory (CDC, 2020). It has not left
even a single corner unaffected. Educational institutes
were closed almost for two years or less, depending on
the pace of transmission of this pandemic. There was
a need for an hour to shift from traditional or manual
(OFFLINE) working, teaching, and so on, to the ONLINE
mode. The work-from-ofce formula was shifted to
work-from-home, with some exceptions like hospitals,
banking, and public transportation. This pandemic left no
stone unturned and affected libraries as well, whether it
was a public, academic, special, or national library. The
library, which is regarded as the storehouse of knowledge
or information centre, became a service, especially in
those places where only traditional or manual operations
take place, and where online sources are not available.
The library was not prepared with any policy to cope with
such a situation.
COVID-19 highlighted that the use of electronic
resources was the only alternative to cope with the
situation in the libraries. The Internet played an
Impact of COVID-19 in Academic Libraries of Sikkim: A Study 57
important role in the dissemination of information during
the pandemic, and life started relying on it. However,
there is another side to the story, where students who
are economically downtrodden and are from the
geographically remote areas were unable to avail these
facilities. Hence, it is right to say that Internet service
does not benet the students uniformly, and increases
the disparity among them. Okike (2020) said that social
media can be used as an instrument for marketing and
delivering information resources to the people. During
this pandemic, most libraries engaged users through social
media, and to reduce direct communication between the
user and staff, many libraries started circulation services
as a drive-thru. Lara (2020), in her paper, advised
quarantining the returned books for four days so that
there will not be any transmission of the virus from the
books. Rogers (2020) also said that the returned books
should be stored separately for at least for 72 hours. Some
libraries started services like zero library loans during
this pandemic (ITS, 2020). The library became service-
less as users could not come to the library to access any
information (Mac Gregor, 2020). Hence, library services
had a high impact in disseminating information. Digital
divide, lack of digital literacy skills, and poor Internet
connection were found to be the most common challenges
when it came to transferring the services from ofine
to online mode. Hence, this article tries to nd to what
extent academic libraries of Sikkim have been affected by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statement of the Problem
Sikkim, which lies in the North-Eastern part of India, is
very small in area and is a geographically mountainous
region. Sikkim University is only the Central University
under which all the government degree colleges are
afliated, and is located in all the four districts of Sikkim.
As we talk about the status of college libraries, the
libraries do not have a good collection of resources, and
e-resources were not at all available before the pandemic.
However, the pandemic brought some good impact to
some libraries, as they started subscribing to e-resources
and accessing information through remote access from
Sikkim University. Hence, it is necessary to study how
the traditional library services work during a pandemic
to disseminate information and what measures are taken
to cope with the situation. Further, this article is the rst
to be studied on this topic in Sikkim. Therefore, a study
on the ‘Impact of COVID-19 in academic libraries of
Sikkim: A study’ is undertaken.
Literature Review
Before the outbreak of COVID-19, not much literature
was available about libraries handling such a pandemic;
however, after the outbreak of this virus, the research
on coping with the situation during the pandemic is
exponentially growing.
The following are the related works done on the study:
Asif and Singh (2020) conducted a study on ‘Trends,
opportunities and scope of libraries during COVID-19
pandemic’. The study was conducted to nd new ways
to reach the users, to nd the opportunities to overcome
this situation, and ways to be prepared for a new normal
life. The paper has suggested many ways to combat the
situation during the pandemic, like keeping the returned
books separate for at least 48 hours, limiting the number
of users in the reading room, maintaining social distance,
using masks, promoting paperless work culture in the
library, and so on.
Chakraborty and Jana (2021) carried out a study on
‘Challenges and opportunities of academic libraries in
India because of COVID-19’. The study aims to see the
impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of the library,
like space, collection development, service, and overall
library management, to identify the challenges faced by
the libraries, and to examine the opportunities to enhance
the library services due to COVID-19. The study discusses
the rst challenge of academic libraries, as a space where
guidelines dictate the following of a safe distance, and
where the library was forced to reduce the number of
seats in the reading hall. Another challenge discussed
was Information and Communication Technology
facility. The study also nds that there is a decrease in
the use of printed resources, but an increase in the use
of electronic resources, during the pandemic. Several
recommendations were made, like remote access service,
training on information literacy, lending of digital access
tools, constraints on budget, open online educational
resources, open access to research, and so on.
Chisita et al. (2022) in their study ‘Remaking academic
library service in Zimbabwe in the wake of COVID-19
58 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
pandemic’, explored how the librarians in Zimbabwe
responded to the outbreak of COVID-19, how the library
provided services during the pandemic, the perception
and challenges faced by academic librarians during a
pandemic, and the sort of opportunities presented by
COVID-19. The study nds that during the lockdown
users were redirected to use online resources, and
electronic resources were permitted to be accessed
by remote logging. The reference service has become
completely online. Social media applications like
WhatsApp are found to be the most powerful and exciting
tools to deliver service. The paper also nds that open
access resources and resource sharing gained popularity
during the pandemic. Suggestions included disaster
preparedness and management plans by the academic
libraries, which should be ensured to minimise risk;
there should be awareness on how to respond during a
pandemic.
Connell (2021), in her paper, ‘The impact of COVID-19
on the use of academic library resources’, examined the
impact of COVID-19 on higher education. She compares
the use of library resources, which includes interlibrary
loan, website, and discovery tool page views, database
use, patron interaction, and so on, in three universities.
The paper nds that all the three libraries’ websites
and the use of major databases decreased during the
time. However, there was virtual interaction among the
students, librarians, and the library staff. The paper also
nds that students started using open-access Web tools
like Google Scholar for their information needs. Some
recommendations were made: the university should
practice shifting from acquisition of printing resources to
electronic resources.
Fraser-Arnott (2020) carried out a study on ‘Academic
library COVID-19 subject guides’. The study was
focused on university library subject guidelines during
the pandemic. The main aim of the paper is to identify
patterns in the types of resources identied and to give
recommendations to libraries for information sharing with
the institution of their partner library during the pandemic.
The paper nds that library subject guides and university
COVID resources suggest certain opportunities, like
collaboration with other university units and the creation
of information literacy resources, as well as offering
an opportunity to provide links to library resources and
opportunity to provide instructions on data management
and evaluation.
Kang et al. (2022), in their study, ‘COVID-19 impact on
the Chinese top academic libraries: Libraries response
to space, collection and services’, seek to nd libraries’
responses to space design, collection development, and
services, and the effect of COVID-19 on all of these. The
paper also examines the two-year process of developing
a library service and analysing the data during the
pandemic. The paper nds that before the pandemic,
academic libraries were engaged in a wide variety of
activities, like collaborative social learning, engaging in
workshops and group activities, using print materials, and
so on; however, all libraries under study were closed to a
full extent and 98% of the printed materials were acquired
and used by the library. However, after the pandemic,
purchase of books was done online and the libraries
provided enhanced online access to printed books to all
users and developed inter-library loan; remote access,
document delivery service, and online information
literacy were emphasised.
Nawaz, Gomes and Saldeen (2020) carried out a study
on ‘Articial Intelligence (AI) applications for library
services and resources in COVID-19 pandemic’. The
study investigates the way to search and provide a
satisfactory administration, particularly in advanced
education libraries, to full the user needs by considering
databases like Pubmed, Baidu, Scopus, and Google
Scholar. The study also aimed at providing articial
intelligence applications to library services and resources
during the pandemic. The paper suggested that libraries
need to develop their infrastructure facilities to give quick
and fast services. Use of AI, like identication of a user
with AI support, AI-based monitoring, AI Chatbots, AI
alarms, and AI-based online tutorials were recommended
to overcome the coronavirus outbreak.
Neog (2020), in the paper titled ‘Library services through
social media during lockdown due to COVID-19 with
special reference to university libraries of Assam’, sought
to examine the status of the library services provided
by the university library through different social media
tools. The paper also aims to study the effectiveness of
social media on library services, as well as to identify
the challenges faced by the library. The paper nds that
WhatsApp is the most popular social media tool used by
library users and the study also reveals that the library
Impact of COVID-19 in Academic Libraries of Sikkim: A Study 59
has not taken any initiatives to make the users aware of
COVID-19. Few challenges have been discussed, like
lack of policy guidelines, lack of positive attitude, and
lack of high-speed Internet connection, which are the
common challenges.
Raq et al. (2021) conducted an exploratory investigation
on ‘University libraries’ response to COVID-19 pandemic:
A developing country’s perspective’. The study tries to
nd the type of practices and services followed by the
university during the pandemic, when ofine classes were
suspended and online classes started. The paper nds that
libraries revamped their Web pages, reassigned resources,
and planned robust online offerings. Social media tools
were used as communication tools during the pandemic.
The paper nds challenges, like the digital divide, lack of
digital literacy skills, slow Internet connection, and so on.
The paper suggests that there is a need for individual and
collective roles of societal and educational dimensions in
this kind of pandemic situation.
Tammaro (2020), in her paper ‘COVID-19 and libraries
in Italy’, carried out a study to investigate how the
COVID-19 had a great impact on libraries, which led to
the closure of the entire library. The main objective of the
study was: which information was given priority for the
communities; what library services were provided during
the pandemic; any new services started to provide the
information needed; and how the service was assessed.
The paper nds that library loan is delivered at home and
the loan period is also extended. Access to digital resources
was increased. Library networks play an important role in
the dissemination of information during an emergency.
Some challenges were also discussed in the study, like
scarcity of library funds, lack of professionally trained
staff, lack of library legislation and policies, lack of vision,
and so on. Another challenge of digital transformation is
the digital divide. The suggestion was made for a digital
strategy that should aim at the transformation of libraries
with an innovative vision of service.
Objecves of the Study
The main aim of this article is to study the impact of
COVID-19 on academic libraries of Sikkim. However,
more specic objectives are as follows:
●To understand the impact of COVID-19 on academ-
ic libraries.
●To know the impact of COVID-19 on library work-
ing hours and library services.
●To nd the preventive measures taken by libraries.
●To identify the enhanced services provided.
●To investigate the problems and further plans to
tackle them during a pandemic.
Methodology
In this study, data was collected through a questionnaire
method. The questionnaire comprises both open- and
close-ended questions related to library services,
working hours, measures for prevention, any enhanced
services provided, and so on. Only the librarians of the
Government General Degree Colleges afliated with
Sikkim University comprise the study population. The
data were carefully analysed and presented through a
diagram, for easy understanding.
The scope of the study undertaken is as follows:
●Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Tadong
(East Sikkim)
●Namchi Government College (South Sikkim)
●Sikkim Government College, Burtuk (East Sikkim)
●Government College, Rhenock (East Sikkim)
●Sikkim Government College, Gyalshing (West
Sikkim)
●Government Arts College, Mangshila (North
Sikkim)
Analysis of Data and Interpretaon
Table 1: Status of the Govt. Degree Colleges
Sr. No. Status No. of Libraries
1. Open 6
2. Closed 0
Total 6
Table 1 shows the status of the govt. degree colleges
under study, which were all closed during the COVID-19
pandemic. These college libraries were also closed due
to the lockdown. However, after the second phase of the
lockdown, the library started functioning partially for the
students, with 50% library staff on a roster basis.
60 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
Table 2
Sr. No. Impact on Library Working
Hours
Percentage
1. The regular working hours of
the library are reduced.
100%
2. The library is open for the
circulation process.
60%
3. The library is open during the
usual hours.
0%
4. The library did not have any
users.
30%
5. The library was closed. 70%
Fig. 1 represents the impact of the library working hours,
where it shows that the regular working hours of the
library was reduced to 100%, and 70% of the libraries,
where there were fewer collections, along with fewer
students and library staff, were closed. The data also
shows that 60% of the libraries were open for circulation,
as the electronic resources were not available in any of the
libraries before the pandemic. So, circulation of books in
the ofine mode was kept open, especially for the students
of those colleges located in the city where transportation
was easily available during the pandemic. The library did
not open during the usual hours, as the data shows 0%,
and the reason behind this was that only a few students
visited the library and the communication for visiting the
library was over the phone.
2. The library is open for the circulation
process.
60%
3. The library is open during the usual
hours.
0%
4. The library did not have any users.
30%
5. The library was closed.
70%
Fig. 2
Fig. 2 represents the impact of the library working hours, where it shows that the regular working
hours of the library was reduced to 100%, and 70% of the libraries, where there were fewer
collections, along with fewer students and library staff, were closed. The data also shows that
60% of the libraries were open for circulation, as the electronic resources were not available in
any of the libraries before the pandemic. So, circulation of books in the offline mode was kept
open, especially for the students of those colleges located in the city where transportation was
easily available during the pandemic. The library did not open during the usual hours, as the data
shows 0%, and the reason behind this was that only a few students visited the library and the
communication for visiting the library was over the phone.
1
2
3
4
5
00 0 0 0 0 0
100%
60%
0%
30%
70%
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
1 2 3 4 5 6
Sl. No Im pact on library working hours Percentage
Fig. 1
Table 3
Impact on the Library Services
Sr.
No.
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Neutral
1 Decreased book lending 20% 70% 10% 0% 0%
2Decreased usage of library resources 30% 60% 0% 10% 0%
3 Decreased number of library visitors 30% 70% 0% 0% 0%
4 Increased usage of e-resources 0% 0% 20% 80% 0%
Table 3
Impact on the Library Services
Sr.
No.
Agre
e
Strongly
agree
Disagr
ee
Strongly
disagree
Neutr
al
1
Decreased book lending
20%
70%
10%
0%
0%
2
Decreased usage of library
resources
30%
60%
0%
10%
0%
3
Decreased number of library
visitors
30%
70%
0%
0%
0%
4
Increased usage of e-
resources
0%
0%
20%
80%
0%
Fig. 3
The bar diagram in Fig. 3 shows the impact of COVID-19 on library services. It is found that the
pandemic had the most impact on book lending, as well as the number of visitors to the library
(70%). The data shows that 60% of the libraries faced a decrease in the usage of library
resources, because the lockdown minimised the availability of transportation, which hindered the
students from using the library resources. The data shows that 80% strongly disagreed that there
was an increase in the usage of electronic resources; the reason behind this is lack of digital
literacy, lack of digital divide, poor Internet connection in Sikkim, lack of knowledge on open
access materials, and above all, none of the college libraries under study had the library e-
resources to provide to the students in this pandemic.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Agree Strongly
agree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Neutral
Impact on the library services
Impact on the library services
1 Decreased in the book lending
2 Decreased in the usage of library
resources
3 Decreased in the number of
library visitors
4 Increased in the usage of e-
resources
Fig. 2
The bar diagram in Fig. 2 shows the impact of COVID-19
on library services. It is found that the pandemic had
the most impact on book lending, as well as the number
of visitors to the library (70%). The data shows that
60% of the libraries faced a decrease in the usage of
library resources, because the lockdown minimised the
availability of transportation, which hindered the students
from using the library resources. The data shows that
80% strongly disagreed that there was an increase in the
usage of electronic resources; the reason behind this is
lack of digital literacy, lack of digital divide, poor Internet
connection in Sikkim, lack of knowledge on open access
materials, and above all, none of the college libraries
under study had the library e-resources to provide to the
students in this pandemic.
Impact of COVID-19 in Academic Libraries of Sikkim: A Study 61
at the entrance.
Table 5
Sr. No. Enhanced Services Percentage
1Remote access to library e-re-
sources
10%
2Extension of due dates of books 100%
3Did not charge a ne 100%
4Alternative working days for
the staff
100%
5 Online assistance 10%
Sr. No.
Enhanced Services
Percentage
1
Remote access to library e-resources
10%
2
Extension of due dates of books
100%
3
Did not charge a fine
100%
4
Alternative working days for the staff
100%
5
Online assistance
10%
Fig. 5
Fig. 5 presents the data related to enhanced services provided by the libraries, where it shows
that the entire library (100%) did not charge any fine, extended the due dates of books, and the
staff were made to work on alternative days. The data shows that the biggest challenge faced
during the pandemic was providing e-resources, and hence, remote access as well. Online
assistance was also limited.
7. Findings
The following are the major findings of the study:
After the second phase of the lockdown, libraries started functioning partially, with 50%
capacity, while following the COVID-19 protocols.
1 Remote access to
library e-resources
3%
2 Extension of due
dates of books
32%
3 Fine did not charge
31%
4 Alternative
working day for
the staff
31%
5 Online assistance
3%
Enhanced Services
Fig. 4
Fig. 4 presents the data related to enhanced services
provided by the libraries, where it shows that the entire
library (100%) did not charge any ne, extended the
due dates of books, and the staff were made to work on
alternative days. The data shows that the biggest challenge
faced during the pandemic was providing e-resources,
and hence, remote access as well. Online assistance was
also limited.
Findings
The following are the major ndings of the study:
●After the second phase of the lockdown, libraries
started functioning partially, with 50% capacity,
while following the COVID-19 protocols.
●The entire library working hours were reduced and
70% of the libraries were closed for half-a-day due
to fewer collections, students, and staff. Circulation
was 60% open, with the entire library functioning
manually.
●The study showed that 70% of the libraries had the
most impact on book lending and 80% strongly
disagreed that there was an increase in the use of
e-resources, because of lack of digital literacy and
digital divide, poor Internet connection, and lack of
knowledge of open access sources.
●The libraries limited the number of users and fol-
lowed the COVID protocols and adopted the mea-
Table 4
Sr. No. Measures Adopted Percentage
1 Limited the number of users 100%
2Hand sanitisers installed 80%
3Sanitisation in the library 80%
4Face mask made mandatory 100%
5Social distancing followed 100%
6Temperature monitoring at the
entrance
20%
Table 4
Sr.
No.
Measures adopted
Percentage
1
Limited the number of users
100%
2
Hand sanitisers installed
80%
3
Sanitisation in the library
80%
4
Face mask made mandatory
100%
5
Social distancing followed
100%
6
Temperature monitoring at the
entrance
20%
Fig. 4
In Fig. 4, the data shows the different measures adopted by the library to combat the problem of
COVID-19. All the libraries (100%) limited the number of users, the use of face masks in the
library was made mandatory, and the guidelines of social distancing were strictly followed.
Around 80% of the libraries installed hand sanitisers and sanitised the library. The study finds
that only 20% of the libraries adopted measures like monitoring the temperature at the entrance.
Table 5
Limited the
number of
users
Hand
sanitizers
installation
Sanitization in
the library
Face mask
made
manditory
Social
distancing
followed
Temperature
monitor at
Gate
123456
100%
80% 80%
100% 100%
20%
Measures adopted
Fig. 3
In Fig. 3, the data shows the different measures adopted
by the library to combat the problem of COVID-19. All
the libraries (100%) limited the number of users, the use
of face masks in the library was made mandatory, and
the guidelines of social distancing were strictly followed.
Around 80% of the libraries installed hand sanitisers and
sanitised the library. The study nds that only 20% of the
libraries adopted measures like monitoring the temperature
62 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
sures. Only 20% of the libraries took measures like
monitoring the temperature of the customers at the
entrance.
●The libraries did not charge any ne and the due
date had been extended.
●The biggest challenge faced by the library was un-
availability of e-resources in the college library.
Suggesons
After investigating and analysing the data, the following
recommendations are made:
●Academic libraries in Sikkim should increase their
collection so that most of the students would benet
from its resources.
●Libraries must plan to have electronic resources so
that students can be provided with remote access to
library resources.
●Libraries should conduct an awareness programme
on how to respond to pandemics and other disasters,
along with education on digital literacy and the use
of open-access resources.
●The library should encourage the students to use an
online platform or social media to share knowledge
or information, especially during a pandemic.
●The recommendation is given by the librarians to
use the various applications on mobile phones, to
enhance library services.
●The academic library should plan for a digital strat-
egy to overcome and manage the pandemic, to mi-
nimise the risk.
●To overcome the poor Internet connection, the aca-
demic library should arrange a high-speed Internet
connection for smooth service.
Conclusion
Around the world, the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a
great impact on all aspects of our life. It posed a threat,
caused frustration and depression, which led to poverty,
unemployment, and so on. It also had a great impact on
the education sector, as there was almost two years of
lockdown, which caused the education sector to move
from OFFLINE to ONLINE classes. Academic libraries
around the world have faced the biggest challenges in
transforming ofine resources into online resources. Most
of the libraries around the world, which were operating
manually, were affected a lot as they could not serve their
users efciently. The information did not reach the user in
their time of need. Hence, this paper conducted a study to
explore the impact of COVID-19 on academic libraries.
COVID-19 has offered both challenges and opportunities
to learn technological advancements, to maximise the
usage of library resources and services during such a
pandemic. So, there is a need to re-plan and re-organise
services according to the situation.
References
Asif, M., & Singh, K. K. (2020). Trends, opportunities
and scope of libraries during COVID-19 pandemic.
IP Indian Journal of Library Science and
Information Technology, 5(1), 24-27. doi:http://doi.
org10.18231/j.ijlsit.2020.005/
CDC. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/prevent-getting-sick/socialdistancing.html
Chakraborty, S., & Jana, S. (2021). Challenges and
opportunities of academic libraries in India because
of COVID-19. Annals of Library and Information
Studies, 68, 110-118.
Chisita, C. T., Chiparausha, B., Tsabetse, V., Olugbara,
C. T., & Letseka, M. (2022). Remaking academic
library services in Zimbabwe in the wake of
COVID-19 pandemic. The Journal of Academic
Librarianship, 48, 1-7, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
acalib.2022.102521/
Connell, R., Wallis, L., & Comeaux, D. (2021). The
impact of COVID-19 on the use of academic library
resources. Information Technology and Libraries,
1-35. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.lsu.
edu/libraries_pubs/
Coronavirus. (2020, 5 June). Guidelines for
libraries, galleries, community organizations
and places of religious worship – stage 3,
(COVID-19). Retrieved from https://coronavirus.
nt.gov.au/roadmap-newnormal/business/
guidelines-for-libraries
Fraser-Arnott, M. (2020). Academic library COVID-19
subject guides. The Reference Librarian, 61, 3-4,
165-184. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.202
0.1862021/
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ITS. (2020, 5 June). Zero library loan services during
COVID 19 pandemic. Perpustakaan. Retrieved
from www.its.ac.id/perpustakaan/2020/06/05/zero-
library-loan-services-duringthe-covid-19-pandemic/
Kanga, Q., Song, Z., Lu, J., Shi, T., & Yang, J. (2022).
COVID-19 impact on the Chinese top academic
libraries: Libraries’ response to space, collection and
services. The Journal of Academic Librarianship,
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2022.102525/
Lara, E. (2020). How to sanitize collections in a
pandemic. American Libraries Magazine. Retrieved
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the-scoop/how-to-sanitize-collections-covid-19/
Mac Gregor, T. (2020). The future of libraries in a social
distancing world. Carnegie Mellon University in
Qatar. Retrieved from www.qatar.cmu.edu/news/
future-of-libraries-social-distancing-world/
Nawaz, N., Gomes, A. M., & Saldeen, M. A. (2020).
Articial intelligence (AI) applications for library
services and resources in COVID-19 pandemic.
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7.2020.1785172/
Abstract
An archive is the primary source of historical importance. It reects
the glorious past. It is also historical evidence. However, there is a
problem of deterioration. Deterioration is a characteristic of all hard
documents, with the records deteriorating over time. This is why
our ancestors had tried to preserve all the manuscripts and ancient
documents by using or applying various traditional and modern
methods and techniques. In this paper, we discuss how to protect
our heritage for the future. In India, the West Bengal State Archive
takes an excellent initiative for protecting the historical evidence.
This paper also discusses their efforts to preserve the manuscripts.
Keywords: Preservation, Conservation, Historical Collections,
State Archive, West Bengal
Preserving the Heritage for the Future: A Case
Study on the Light of the State Archives,
West Bengal
Tathagata Dhar*, Sourav Roy**
Introducon
Thousands of ofcial records are being published every
day. Eventually, most nd their way into the garbage,
under litter boxes, into bird cages, or hopefully, into
recycling containers. The perception persists that old
records are of no value at all. For archivists, however, that
perception presents a terric challenge. The main obstacle
to the archivists is the increasing volume of records, and
the simultaneous decrease in space. Easy retrieval is
also a big concern. The archivist has to have strategies
for easy access, before worrying about preservation.
The environment is another issue, especially since our
subcontinent is not constructive for preservation. The
purpose of preservation is to ensure the protection of
information of enduring value for access by present and
* Assistant Librarian, MVJ College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: tdtathagata@gmail.com
** Professional Trainee, National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Email: rsourav1994@gmail.com
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 64-68
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
future generations. The art of preservation is as old as
human civilisation itself. Preservation is a set of activities
aimed at prolonging the life of a record while making as
few changes as possible (Mathew, 2014).
An archive is a collection of historical records or the
physical location where they are kept. It consists of
primary source records, collected over the course of
a person’s or organisation’s lifetime, and are kept
to showcase that person’s or organisation’s function.
Experienced archivists and historians often consider
archives as records that have been inevitably and
necessarily produced as a result of regular legal, social,
administrative, or other processes. They have been
symbolically described as “organism secretions”, and
excerpts from documents that are prepared purposefully
or formed to express a specic message for posterity
(Archive, 2011).
Objecves
●To show different preservation and conservation
techniques used in the State Archives, Kolkata.
●To show the need for preserving ancient documents
for the future.
Literature Review
Sawant (2014) explained the causes and nature of
deterioration of print materials occurring in academic
libraries. She also explained preservation and
conservation techniques of the printed materials of the
particular libraries, and found the dedication of the library
Preserving the Heritage for the Future: A Case Study on the Light of the State Archives, West Bengal 65
staff to the preservation and conservation programmes in
her article ‘A study on preservation practices in academic
libraries in Mumbai’.
Mazumdar (2009) explained how to save manuscripts
through digital preservation techniques in KKH Library
in his article ‘Digital preservation of rare manuscripts in
Assam’.
Kemoni (1996) found the factors that contribute to
ineffective conservation of archive materials in Kenya.
He also discussed the lack of planning, absence of a
preservation policy, and absence of trained staff in
his article ‘Preservation and conservation of archive
materials: The case of Kenya’.
Mezbah-Ul-Islam (2008) in his study ‘Preservation
of archives: A case study of Bangladesh National
Archives’ discusses the current PAC (Preservation and
Conservation) status of archives in the Bangladesh
National Archive, and the hurdles that prevent the
implementation of a full-edged PAC programme in the
archive. This study depends on primary and secondary
information. It also gives some remedial measures, such
as recruitment of qualied trained staff and developing
proper infrastructure. Further, the Bangladesh National
Archive should coordinate with other national libraries to
safeguard the cultural heritage.
Narang (2014) in her article ‘Preservation and
conservation of manuscripts and rare documents in
National Archives of India and National Mission
for Manuscripts’ highlights the role of the national
archives of India and the national manuscripts’ mission
for preserving the precious and invaluable manuscripts.
This paper also deals with the factors for deterioration of
manuscripts and rare documents available in the national
archives of India and the 13 national manuscript resource
centres in the National Manuscript Mission. This paper
further deals with the process and techniques to keep
these endangered documents in good health.
Methodology
We surveyed the West Bengal State Archive, Kolkata,
with questionnaires consisting of two sections: i) general
information, including some general questions which
give us information about the archive and ii) subjective
information, which focuses on the preservation and
conservation systems of the archival materials. We
used the interview method as well. Not only that, we
have done some literature review. Then we arranged the
collected data and analysis to show a clear picture of the
preservation and conservation techniques.
Scope and Coverage
The scope of this study is to show the preservation and
conservation techniques in the West Bengal State Archive.
Limitaon
This study is only limited to the State Archive in West
Bengal.
State Archive, Kolkata
The State Archives, which is the ofcial guardian of all
historical records of the government, is a dedicated and
specied wing of the West Bengal Government’s Higher
Education Department. It is the world’s oldest repository
of ancient documents, and its collection continues to
increase in both quantity and quality over time. The State
Archives’ collections are spread over three buildings.
The Historical Section, located in Bhawani Dutta Lane,
Kolkata, is responsible for documents ranging from
1758 to 1900. The Division, which deals with documents
post 1900, is housed at the Writers’ Buildings, Kolkata.
Lastly, information about the Intelligence Branch, the
Public Works Department, and the Chancellor Secretariat
documents are kept at the New Functional Building at
Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata. The State Archives hold
a unique collection of records, containing roughly a
1,000 ancient maps and 42,000 glass and lm negatives
and photographic prints, comprising intercepted letters,
articles, and portraits of freedom ghters (Welcome to
ofcial website of the Directorate of State Archives,
Kolkata, West Bengal 2019).
Dierent Secons
Records Management
Records management is the supervision, maintenance,
and administration of digital and paper records. One of
66 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
the requirements of excellent record management is to
make sure that les are neither deleted prematurely nor
kept for a prolonged period. Along with the staff members
of the record creation organisations, archivists play a very
important role in the evaluation of the whole process. All
government records, when they turn 25 years old, are
bound to be appraised.
Consequently, two sets of records emerge – Keep (K) and
Destroy (D). Hence, only the ‘K’ records are transferred
to the archives.
Conservaon Unit
It is of public concern and responsibility to protect
the valuable archival materials. The State Archives
Conservation Programme consists of: (i) precautionary
measures as well as preservation where all issues which
are harmful to the records are eliminated; (ii) restorative
measures through fumigation and deacidication; (iii)
curative measures to restore the documents to their
previous condition, before acquiring tissue repair,
lamination, full-pasting, binding, and so on; and (iv)
replication through microlming, photocopying, and
digitisation of old and fragile records.
Research Room
As a primary source of information, historical documents
reect the origin of a government and explanation of all
its activities. The information contained in the records
is primarily required by the administrators to take
appropriate decisions. These records are also very useful
for research workers, history analysts, and archivists,
to present an analysis of ancient details. Because of its
unique nature, access to the archives is restricted.
Library
The State Archives Library is basically a reference library
which furnishes the needs of the researchers, interns of
the particular archive, and the professionals connected
with their ofcial work. The total number of holdings
of this library is approximately 9,000. With a searchable
catalogue, it offers access to government papers, rare
publications, old periodicals, geographical records, and
recent social sciences articles. To prepare a theme-based
catalogue and to try to provide a better service, a tailor-
made software has been installed in the computer in the
aforementioned library situated in the Bhawani Dutta Lane.
Preservaon and Conservaon Techniques
When a le or book comes into the State Archive for
repair, they are rst paginated according to the page
numbers. The stitching of the book or le is then opened;
nally, it is washed for deacidication.
Deacidicaon Process
Aqueous Method/Barros Method
In this process, the documents which are less acidic,
printed, and soluble in water are deacidied.
Deacidification Process
Aqueous Method/Barros Method: In this process, the documents which are less acidic,
printed, and soluble in water are deacidified.
Tray 1
Keep documents in this tray for ten minutes
Ca(OH)2
Tray 2
Freshwater Sink documents in this tray for 2-3 minutes
Tray 3 Finally, sink the documents in this tray
Ca(HCO3)2
(Continuously)
HCl + marble chips CO2 Ca(HCO3)2 (Calcium
bicarbonate)
CaCO3
(Calcium carbonate)
Firstly, all the documents are placed in a calcium hydroxide solution for ten minutes. After that,
the documents are placed in the freshwater tray for two to three minutes. Next, the documents are
placed in a calcium bicarbonate solution for treatment. These treated documents are then placed
in the drying rack; later, the flattening of the documents is done. Finally, the documents are sent
for binding.
Non-Aqueous Method
In this process, documents which are acidic, brittle, and insoluble in water are deacidified; the
following technique is used: 100ml methanol (CH3OH) + 2 gr Barium Hydroxide Ba(OH)2. This
solution is then brushed over the brittle documents. After some time, the methanol evaporates.
Firstly, all the documents are placed in a calcium
hydroxide solution for ten minutes. After that, the
documents are placed in the freshwater tray for two
to three minutes. Next, the documents are placed in
a calcium bicarbonate solution for treatment. These
treated documents are then placed in the drying rack;
later, the attening of the documents is done. Finally, the
documents are sent for binding.
Non-Aqueous Method
In this process, documents which are acidic, brittle, and
insoluble in water are deacidied; the following technique
is used: 100ml methanol (CH3OH) + 2 gr Barium
Hydroxide Ba(OH)2. This solution is then brushed over
Preserving the Heritage for the Future: A Case Study on the Light of the State Archives, West Bengal 67
the brittle documents. After some time, the methanol
evaporates.
Gaseous Method
NH4 is sprayed over the affected les, books, and
documents.
Dry Method
A spray gun is used for the dry method.
Finely powdered calcium carbonate is used in the spray
gun. Then, the powder is sprayed over the brittle materials,
thus neutralising the acidic content of extremely fragile
documents. Next, the documents are set aside for drying.
After that, the attening of the documents is done. Later,
the documents are sent for binding.
After deacidication, tissue repairing and full pasting is
done. Wax paper is used for it.
Tissue Pasting and Full Pasting
CMC glue or rened our glue is used for this technique.
Full pasting is used since 1897.
Stitching
It is mainly of three types:
●Four sewing (stitching by creating holes)
●Sewing with handmade paper and tape
●Leipeta stitching
Process
At rst the documents are arranged with maintaining
signatures. Then the documents are pasted and pressed
in a pressing machine. After that, small holes are created
and sewn with tape. Then, Sirish glue is applied. Now the
papers are attached one with the other. After sometime the
documents are placed in a rounding and backing machine.
Then, a cardboard is attached with the binding cloth.
Finally, a page, called the Pustin, is attached.
Solvent Laminaon
This lamination is used for extremely brittle documents.
First, a tissue paper is taken, and then an acetate foil is
attached to the tissue. Then, the main document is placed.
Next, they attach an acetate foil and nally attach the tissue
paper. Now the capsule is ready for solvent lamination.
A cotton swab is drowned in acetone and then pulled from
the centre sideways.
Archival document mending should be reversible.
Archival documents can be categorised into three types:
●Current – Those records which are recently created.
●Semi current – All the departmental records fall in
this category.
●Non-current – These records have historical and ad-
ministrative value. These documents will be in the
archive after 30 years.
Archive
They classify archival materials department-wise,
chronologically, and Company period (till 1858).
Then, the record is divided into A, B, and C.
Class A: To be permanently preserved; two copies are
there – one is in the British Library and the other is in the
State Archive, West Bengal.
Class B: No copy found.
Class C: To be destroyed.
Need to Preserve Archival Materials
This explains why we need preservation of archival
materials.
●Compendium of Information: It reects social, eco-
nomic, and political situations of a particular time.
●The Backdrop to History: From the archive, we get
raw materials which form the backdrop to history.
●Capturing Genetic Evolution: It is important to
know the past for developing the future.
Suggeson
●Regular dusting should be done.
68 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
●Air conditioning system should be there to control
humidity and temperature.
●Trained staff needed.
References
Kemoni, H. N. (1996). Preservation and conservation
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Abstract
The role of professional associations cannot be under-estimated.
In any eld, professional associations have been found to do
remarkable jobs with great achievements. The present study
endeavours to nd out the role of professional associations in
the development of the library profession and professionals. Any
professional association forms the backbone of professional
development, and library associations are powerful platforms to
raise issues related to the profession at the national level. This
paper presents a brief outline of the issues and problems of LIS
professionals in the country, and the existing scenario of the
Library Associations of India. The role of state and regional library
associations is more visible in some parts of the country, and in
recent years, the associations at the national level are striving
hard to make their presence felt, and convincing the professionals
that they have some role to play in the library development
programmes. In this paper, some of the vital issues are proposed
for consideration and discussion. As per the study, it is observed
that in the present scenario all the library associations in India are
not playing a proper signicant role.
Keywords: LIS Professionals, LIS Associations, Professional
Societies, Unemployment, Career Advancement, Promotional
Avenues, Re-Designation
An Evaluation of the Role, Responsibility, and
Signicance of Library Professional Associations
in India
N. K. Pachauri*
Introducon
The community of LIS professionals should pay homage
to Padmashri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the father of library
movement in India, for his valuable and important
contributions towards Library Science, and in providing
status, pay scales, and other benets as per the teachers
* TGT (Lib), Kendriya Vidyalaya, OEF Hazratpur, Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: nkpagra@gmail.com
International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries
7 (1) 2022, 69-77
http://publishingindia.com/ijisl/
in the society. Dr. S. R. Ranganathan did a lot for library
and librarianship.
Being a member of the UGC Committee, Dr. Ranganathan
did a splendid job for librarians. One may imagine
his vision, as due to his herculean efforts, the posts of
‘Reference Librarian’, ‘Information Scientist’, and
‘Cataloguer’ may be created in higher education. He
strongly raised the voice of library professionals through
library associations at various national platforms. Today,
we need another Dr. Ranganathan, who may be a torch
bearer, to ght the challenging issues of librarianship and
put forth all the facts at the national level.
Library associations are not recent developments. The
American Library Association, the rst of its kind, was
formed in 1876, and the next year, the library association
of Great Britain was established. Since then several
library associations at the international, national, state,
district, and city levels have been formed, each of them
with denite aims and objectives. Nowadays, associations
of special library and information centres are also formed.
Library associations are learned societies. They
promote the development of the library movement in a
country. They strive for better provision of library and
information services. In this process, library associations
also strive for the advancement of the profession
and the professionals. Associations and professional
societies are powerful forces representing the voice
of the professional community, to solve the problems
related to welfare, status, working conditions, physical
facilities, education, and training, including research and
development activities. Although the central purpose of
70 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
the associations has always been to serve the needs and
to protect the interests of the community, they strive to
broaden the purpose and serve the overall needs of the
nation. So, library associations are powerful platforms
to raise the issues of any profession at the national level.
At present, more than 20 state and local level library
associations and two or three national level associations
exist in India; however, none of them are working or
playing their roles properly.
Review of Related Literature
As per the investigation of Srivastava (2010), “Library
associations have been bringing to the notice of the
concerned authorities from time to time problems
connected with the improvement of service conditions
of libraries. The annual general body meetings,
conferences and seminars usually provide an opportunity
to the members to discuss the matters concerning service
conditions, employment, pay scales and cadre. Resolutions
and recommendations passed at these meetings, the
associations have been in a position to place before the
Government the collective opinion of its members in the
problems relating to service conditions.”
Pan and Hovde (2010) opined that “the conferences and
meetings sponsored by professional associations provide
a forum not only for learning, but also for professional
exchange. Presentations, posters, panel sessions,
exhibition etc., all bring people in the profession together,
keeping them abreast of current trends, problems, and
solutions. Associations also sponsor single-subject
sessions and courses.”
As per the investigation by Kumar and Kumari (2019),
“Libraries hold a special position in the development
of a society. The objective for training of Library and
Information Science (LIS) professionals is to promote
library, to educate, to articulate and provide for the need of
the clientele to increase productivity and economy of the
society. The process of developing competent library and
information science professionals is directly related to the
quality of LIS education imparted to these professionals.”
Pradhan (2018) stated, “The basic assignment of a library
Association is to improve, expand and the professional
knowledge in the library and information institutions and
research centres, to provide leadership quality among the
library professions, promote and improvement of library
services, to promote educational programs and other
innovative programs and publications.”
As per Dowling and Fiels (2009), “Library associations
are crucial to the development of libraries and the
profession locally, nationally, and internationally. They
represent libraries, the profession, and the needs of users
to those outside the library community, advocating for and
promoting positions on issues that impact everyone. It is
important for those entering the profession to understand
the value of library associations and the need to join
and participate. Library associations need new members
to provide energy and ideas, and future leadership to
continue to succeed.”
Prins and Gier (1995) concluded, on the basis of an
international survey, that “the library profession has been
facing image problems for a quite long time. Further they
stated that there is no easy and fast solution to change the
image of the library professionals. Librarians should nd
out new ways to sort out this very serious issue.”
Franklin (2010) said, “As we are aware that ‘Unity is
strength’, hence associations are formed to unite the
professionals of a particular eld of common interest
areas. Professional associations are playing an important
role in the development of a particular subject eld. It is
true for the library and information science profession
as well. Library associations at different levels have
been playing a signicant role in the development
and promotion of library systems. They are providing
a platform to discuss various issues and problems
regarding the libraries. Library Associations help in
various ways. First of all, they unite the professionals
and provide a common platform to raise their voice.
Seminars, conferences, workshops, training programs,
orientation courses, short-term training courses, ICT
literacy awareness events are arranged from time to time
by the library associations for keeping their members
abreast of new developments in the eld of library and
information science/service.”
The study conducted by Pachauri (2020) reveals that “the
image of a profession is created in form of the judgment
or perception of others by analysing the nature of work,
type of work, customer satisfaction, quality and quantity
of the performance etc. Study covers the image of library
An Evaluation of the Role, Responsibility, and Signicance of Library Professional Associations in India 71
professionals in cinema, commercial advertisement,
comic books, and print media and in the society”.
Chikkamanju (2015) states, “Different forms of
unemployment occur, few are not that harmful but few
are very risky for the society as a whole. People waiting
for their rst job come under frictional unemployment.
The study reveals that the Library Science trained
professionals having the highest unemployment rates and
facing low wages issues in India. The drop out rates of
High school students are better than the unemployment
growth of LIS professionals. So right about now you are
thinking to yourself, ‘Why in the world would I want to
become a librarian?’”
Rai (2017) stated in his research, “After 75 years of
independence librarianship in India is not as strong as
it must be, somehow or other these library associations
are also responsible for the present poor condition of
librarianship in India. These associations just give their
comment on problems, but not take proper action to
solve the problem, this is the reason that after 75 years
of independence of India, public libraries could not be
administered and managed with the clear mandate of law
in many states of India. They also never raised the voice
against unemployment, exploitation in private sector,
designation, promotion, status, pay scales etc.”
Issues Regarding the Profession
The following factors call for a total re-look at and
remedial measures in the eld of Library and Information
Science:
●Conventionally accepted importance of libraries and
librarians.
●Changing scenario of our education system, with a
major shift from teaching to teaching-learning pro-
cess, and the consequential importance of modern
library and information systems.
●Technological advancement and its high impact in
the information handling processes in libraries, in-
cluding the new gen resource development and user
services.
●Enhanced knowledge, skill, and competence of li-
brary professionals, warranting better service condi-
tions, including adequate career advancement.
●Unemployment, exploitation, better salaries, and as-
sured job prospects to attract the best talents to the
profession.
Objecves of the Study
The objectives of the study are as follows:
●To discuss the role and responsibility of various li-
brary associations in India and to nd the impact of
library associations in the betterment of librarian-
ship in India.
●To depict the status, functions, and signicance of
library associations in India.
●To know how much they are active and signicant in
playing their roles in LIS professional developments.
●To know about their activities, like organising semi-
nars, conferences, workshops, training programmes,
support to young professionals, publications, and so
on.
●Representation on various issues at the national and
regional platforms and the discussion of the issues
with higher authorities and government ofcials, in-
cluding public representative MPs and MLAs.
Methodology
Online survey method is the primary data collection
instrument in this investigation. Google Forms was
created and circulated among the students, teachers,
research scholars, librarians, professors, and other library
professionals via WhatsApp groups, email, and social
media groups. Data was tabulated and analysed in the
form of charts and tables. Various problems and issues
were also discussed with the respondents. An online
questionnaire was framed and a mix of close- and open-
ended questions were included for the respondents. In the
last question, suggestions, feedback, and opinions were
also invited from the respondents.
Data Analysis
Data analysed is presented in the form of tables and charts.
From the Google Forms, data is exported to the MS Word
format and tabulated in a meaningful order. Library and
Information Science professionals are facing a number
72 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
of issues and problems related to the status, profession,
working conditions, basic infrastructure, unemployment,
and exploitation. Let us understand every aspect, one by one.
Sample Size
As per the data collected from the respondents, a total of
150 respondents share their views and responses on the
questionnaire. We may clearly observe in Fig. 1 that a
majority of the respondents (39.3%) are school librarians,
followed by college and university librarians (30%),
students (9.3%), LIS professionals (9.3%), LIS teachers
(5.3%), research scholars (5.3%), and other respondents
(1.3%).
7
college and university librarians (30%), students (9.3%), LIS professionals (9.3%),
LIS teachers (5.3%), research scholars (5.3%), and other respondents (1.3%).
Fig. 1
1. A Google Form was created for collecting the responses and a total of 150
responses were recorded. The first question was related to membership in any
association or society.
Are you a member of any library association or society?
Table 1
Total Response = 150
Yes
No
99
51
Percentage
66.00
34.00
It is clearly observed that out of 150 respondents, only 99 (66%) LIS professionals
are members of any library association/society in India. It is shocking to observe
that approx. one-third (34%) of the LIS professionals are not members of any
national or regional association or society. How can we think about professional
development when more than 34% (51) LIS professionals are not members of any
association or society?
Fig. 1
●A Google Form was created for collecting the re-
sponses and a total of 150 responses were recorded.
The rst question was related to membership in any
association or society.
Are you a member of any library association or society?
Table 1
Total Response = 150 Ye s No
99 51
Percentage 66.00 34.00
It is clearly observed that out of 150 respondents, only
99 (66%) LIS professionals are members of any library
association/society in India. It is shocking to observe that
approx. one-third (34%) of the LIS professionals are not
members of any national or regional association or society.
How can we think about professional development when
more than 34% (51) LIS professionals are not members of
any association or society?
●Membership in an Association/Society: In response
to this, we observe that 47.3% (71) of the respon-
dents are members of the Indian Library Association
(ILA); 16 (10.70%) respondents are members of the
Uttar Pradesh Library Association; 14 (9.30%) are
members of the IASLIC; and 10 (6.70%) are mem-
bers of the United Progressive Library Association.
A majority of the LIS professionals are not members
of any association or society.
8
2. Membership in an Association/Society: In response to this, we observe that
47.3% (71) of the respondents are members of the Indian Library Association
(ILA); 16 (10.70%) respondents are members of the Uttar Pradesh Library
Association; 14 (9.30%) are members of the IASLIC; and 10 (6.70%) are
members of the United Progressive Library Association. A majority of the LIS
professionals are not members of any association or society.
Fig. 2
3. Democratic Environment in Professional Associations: The third question was
related to the democratic procedures followed by the professional associations.
It was asked whether the respondents think that their professional
Fig. 2
●Democratic Environment in Professional
Associations: The third question was related to the
democratic procedures followed by the professional
associations. It was asked whether the respondents
think that their professional association/society con-
ducts regular elections for electing people as presi-
dents, secretary, and to other important posts.
Only 64 (42.70%) LIS professionals think that
their associations regularly conduct elections for
presidents, secretary, and other important posts.
Around 86 (57.30%) do not have information about
and awareness of the election procedures of their
association.
9
association/society conducts regular elections for electing people as
presidents, secretary, and to other important posts.
Only 64 (42.70%) LIS professionals think that their associations regularly
conduct elections for presidents, secretary, and other important posts. Around 86
(57.30%) do not have information about and awareness of the election procedures
of their association.
Fig. 3
4. Training and Workshop for Professional Development: To organise short-term
training and workshop programmes must be a feature of any professional
association or society, for the professional growth and development of their
fraternity. When we analysed the responses showed in Fig. 4 regarding the
short-term workshops and training programmes, we clearly observed that only
64 (42.70%) respondents agree that their professional association regularly
conducts workshops and training programmes for the LIS professionals;
however, a majority (86, 57.30%) of the respondents denied this.
Fig. 3
An Evaluation of the Role, Responsibility, and Signicance of Library Professional Associations in India 73
●Training and Workshop for Professional
Development: To organise short-term training and
workshop programmes must be a feature of any
professional association or society, for the profes-
sional growth and development of their fraternity.
When we analysed the responses showed in Fig.
4 regarding the short-term workshops and train-
ing programmes, we clearly observed that only 64
(42.70%) respondents agree that their professional
association regularly conducts workshops and train-
ing programmes for the LIS professionals; however,
a majority (86, 57.30%) of the respondents denied
this.
10
Fig. 4
5. Seminars and Conferences: It is a regular feature of any professional
association/society to organise conferences, seminars, symposiums, and
annual meetings for professional communication and to discuss various
important professional issues. Fig. 5 indicates that 88 (58.70%) respondents
agree that their professional association organises conferences and seminars
at regular intervals; 33 (22%) do not agree with the statement; and 29
(19.30%) LIS professionals could not the answer the question because they are
not members of any library association or society.
Fig. 5
6. Publication of Newsletter and Journals: Publication is an intellectual and
scholarly communication activity in which the professional associations
Fig. 4
●Seminars and Conferences: It is a regular feature
of any professional association/society to organise
conferences, seminars, symposiums, and annual
meetings for professional communication and to
discuss various important professional issues. Fig.
5 indicates that 88 (58.70%) respondents agree that
their professional association organises conferences
and seminars at regular intervals; 33 (22%) do not
agree with the statement; and 29 (19.30%) LIS pro-
fessionals could not the answer the question because
they are not members of any library association or
society.
10
Fig. 4
5. Seminars and Conferences: It is a regular feature of any professional
association/society to organise conferences, seminars, symposiums, and
annual meetings for professional communication and to discuss various
important professional issues. Fig. 5 indicates that 88 (58.70%) respondents
agree that their professional association organises conferences and seminars
at regular intervals; 33 (22%) do not agree with the statement; and 29
(19.30%) LIS professionals could not the answer the question because they are
not members of any library association or society.
Fig. 5
6. Publication of Newsletter and Journals: Publication is an intellectual and
scholarly communication activity in which the professional associations
Fig. 5
●Publication of Newsletter and Journals: Publication
is an intellectual and scholarly communication ac-
tivity in which the professional associations publish
their newsletters and journals, to keep their mem-
bers updated, so that they may be aware of the recent
trends and developments in the subjects. A newslet-
ter is the most predominant resource to inform the
professionals about welfare activities, like union
activity, protests, agitations, professional issues,
professional representations, and correspondence
with government ofcials. We analyse (Fig. 6) that
only 72 (48%) professionals think that their profes-
sional association/society regularly publishes jour-
nals and newsletters, and the remaining 78 (52%)
respondents are not aware and do not think that their
professional bodies regularly communicate with
the members and publish journals and newsletters
regularly.
11
publish their newsletters and journals, to keep their members updated, so
that they may be aware of the recent trends and developments in the subjects.
A newsletter is the most predominant resource to inform the professionals
about welfare activities, like union activity, protests, agitations, professional
issues, professional representations, and correspondence with government
officials. We analyse (Fig. 6) that only 72 (48%) professionals think that their
professional association/society regularly publishes journals and newsletters,
and the remaining 78 (52%) respondents are not aware and do not think that
their professional bodies regularly communicate with the members and
publish journals and newsletters regularly.
Fig. 6
7. Apprenticeship for BLISc and MLISc Students: Apprenticeships are an excellent
way to encourage young people and allow them to learn a wide range of skills
in many different environments pertaining to their interests and career
choices. So it is a technique which offers a solution to help young people into
any profession, by equipping them with the technical and core skills needed to
take on new jobs, both today and in the future. When we asked if the
respondents thought that their professional association/society was working
towards providing apprenticeships to the MLISc and BLISc students, the data
was shocking (Fig. 7). Only 13 (8.7%) respondents agreed that their
professional association provides apprenticeship programmes for the young
Fig. 6
●Apprenticeship for BLISc and MLISc Students:
Apprenticeships are an excellent way to encour-
age young people and allow them to learn a wide
range of skills in many different environments per-
taining to their interests and career choices. So it is
a technique which offers a solution to help young
people into any profession, by equipping them with
the technical and core skills needed to take on new
jobs, both today and in the future. When we asked
if the respondents thought that their professional as-
sociation/society was working towards providing
apprenticeships to the MLISc and BLISc students,
the data was shocking (Fig. 7). Only 13 (8.7%) re-
spondents agreed that their professional association
provides apprenticeship programmes for the young
professionals; 73 (48.70%) denied the statement; 36
(24%) were not sure; and 28 (18.70%) respondents
could not give their opinion.
74 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
●Are the Professional Issues Being Addressed by
the LIS Associations at Various National/Regional
Platforms?
We have already discussed various contemporary
issues and challenges in point number 8, and those
are very inuencing factors for the professional
growth of the LIS professionals. When we anal-
ysed the data (Fig. 9), it was found that 96 (64%)
respondents were not satised with the role of LIS
professional associations or societies. The unions
and associations are not representing their issues, on
the national platforms, to the government authori-
ties, ministries, Honourable Members of Parliament
(MPs), and Assemblies (MLAs). They are also not
raising the issues in front of regulatory bodies like
the AICTE, CBSE, UGC, education boards, MCI,
NCTE, and so on. The LIS professionals are facing
various problems like unemployment, promotional
avenues, scale, cadre, re-designation, exploitation,
career advancement, and some other issues.
14
Fig. 9
10. Role and Responsibility of Professional Library Associations:
In this section, the question was raised about the role, responsibility,
significance, and moral duty of LIS professional associations and societies.
The following suggestions and views were received from the respondents:
Support to Young Professionals: Librarianship is an ever-changing field.
Therefore, the things that we learn in the time span of two years of the
Master’s degree becomes obsolete very fast. At times, it even happens that
what we learn as students is totally different from what we experience as
library professionals. So, it can be rightly said that the actual learning
process begins when an LIS student starts working as a library
professional. Therefore, senior professionals must help and support the
youth.
Regular Elections of LIS Professional Bodies: It is important to have
elections at regular intervals for any association or union to ensure the
proper functioning of the executive body. Elections provide an opportunity
to the members of the associations to assert their voice and opinion, and
choose the person whose priorities and ideas match with them the most.
The election process must be on time, so that a democratic environment
may be setup.
Fig. 9
●Role and Responsibility of Professional Library
Associations:
In this section, the question was raised about the
role, responsibility, signicance, and moral duty of
LIS professional associations and societies.
The following suggestions and views were received from
the respondents:
●Support to Young Professionals: Librarianship is an
ever-changing eld. Therefore, the things that we
learn in the time span of two years of the Master’s
degree becomes obsolete very fast. At times, it even
happens that what we learn as students is totally
different from what we experience as library pro-
fessionals. So, it can be rightly said that the actual
learning process begins when an LIS student starts
12
professionals; 73 (48.70%) denied the statement; 36 (24%) were not sure; and
28 (18.70%) respondents could not give their opinion.
Fig. 7
8. Issues of LIS Professionals: There are various burning issues faced by LIS
professionals in the present era. Career advancement, exploitation of youth in
the private sector, impact of ICT on the profession, chaos in scholarly
communication, promotional avenues, unemployment, support for young
professionals, and issues related to pay scales, cadre, re-designation, and so
on, are some important issues faced by LIS professionals.
After analysis (Fig. 8), we observe that 68% of the respondents agree that
unemployment is a big issue for them; 62.7% think that career
advancement is also a burning issue; while 50% believe that exploitation in
the private sector is a challenging issue for LIS professionals.
Re-designation, promotional issues, and pay scales and cadre are serious
issues of the profession as well, and 58%, 46.70%, and 40.70% of the
respondents agreed, respectively. The impact of ICT is an influencing factor
and 32% of the LIS professionals accepted that it is a major issue for them.
Some other issues like chaos in scholarly communication, support to
young professionals, role of professional bodies, and so on are some big
issues faced by the LIS professionals.
Fig. 7
●Issues of LIS Professionals: There are various burn-
ing issues faced by LIS professionals in the present
era. Career advancement, exploitation of youth in
the private sector, impact of ICT on the profession,
chaos in scholarly communication, promotional
avenues, unemployment, support for young profes-
sionals, and issues related to pay scales, cadre, re-
designation, and so on, are some important issues
faced by LIS professionals.
After analysis (Fig. 8), we observe that 68% of the
respondents agree that unemployment is a big issue
for them; 62.7% think that career advancement is
also a burning issue; while 50% believe that exploi-
tation in the private sector is a challenging issue for
LIS professionals.
Re-designation, promotional issues, and pay scales
and cadre are serious issues of the profession as
well, and 58%, 46.70%, and 40.70% of the respon-
dents agreed, respectively. The impact of ICT is an
inuencing factor and 32% of the LIS profession-
als accepted that it is a major issue for them. Some
other issues like chaos in scholarly communication,
support to young professionals, role of professional
bodies, and so on are some big issues faced by the
LIS professionals.
13
Fig. 8
9. Are the professional issues being addressed by the LIS associations at various
national/regional platforms?
We have already discussed various contemporary issues and challenges in
point number 8, and those are very influencing factors for the professional
growth of the LIS professionals. When we analysed the data (Fig. 9), it was
found that 96 (64%) respondents were not satisfied with the role of LIS
professional associations or societies. The unions and associations are not
representing their issues, on the national platforms, to the government
authorities, ministries, Honourable Members of Parliament (MPs), and
Assemblies (MLAs). They are also not raising the issues in front of regulatory
bodies like the AICTE, CBSE, UGC, education boards, MCI, NCTE, and so on.
The LIS professionals are facing various problems like unemployment,
promotional avenues, scale, cadre, re-designation, exploitation, career
advancement, and some other issues.
Fig. 8
An Evaluation of the Role, Responsibility, and Signicance of Library Professional Associations in India 75
working as a library professional. Therefore, senior
professionals must help and support the youth.
●Regular Elections of LIS Professional Bodies: It is
important to have elections at regular intervals for
any association or union to ensure the proper func-
tioning of the executive body. Elections provide an
opportunity to the members of the associations to
assert their voice and opinion, and choose the per-
son whose priorities and ideas match with them the
most. The election process must be on time, so that
a democratic environment may be setup.
●Unemployment: Trained library and information
science professionals are not getting jobs. The gov-
ernment is not planning for the development of the
libraries, so the job opportunities are reducing day
by day. Our professional unions should raise their
voice at the national and state-level platforms, and
should make dialogue and communication with the
government representatives, by xing meetings, and
sending demands and reminders.
●Exploitation in the Private Sector: Every school,
college, and institution is given an afliation by var-
ious regulatory bodies like the CBSE, UGC, AICTE,
NCTE, DEC, MCI, and so on. All the regulatory
bodies formulate certain rules and regulations for
the smooth and effective functioning of the institu-
tion. In the present scenario, a number of institutions
are running under self-nancing schemes. In such
types of institutes, the management of the school,
college, or university is the supreme authority for
recruitment, salary, pay structure, and working and
service conditions of the employees. All of these reg-
ulatory bodies emphasise only on the recruitment,
qualication, salary, and the working conditions of
the teachers of the institutions, and give approval to
the teaching faculties only. So, the management of
the institution provides a proper salary and healthy
working atmosphere for the teachers and not for the
librarians. These regulatory bodies do not bother
about the librarians, so the management offers only
2,500 to 5,000 rupees to the librarians as there is
no strict policy from the concerned regulatory bod-
ies of the organisation. The respondents think that
the only solution to the problem is that these bodies
should also look at the recruitment, pay and salary,
and service and working conditions of the LIS pro-
fessionals, and approval must be given for the same.
●It is the duty of the library associations to take
feedback and put pressure on all the above-men-
tioned regulatory bodies for the effective imple-
mentation of recruitment, pay, salary, working
conditions, and approvals of LIS professionals
in their afliated institutes and organisations.
●Organise Seminars and Workshops: Professional as-
sociations can be said to be those associations which
are formed by a specic group of professionals to
achieve some common goals, like an association of
teachers, doctors, lawyers, and so on. Similarly, in
the eld of library science, many library associations
and societies are formed. These associations are
important because they indulge in many activities
which can develop the skills of the professionals to
bring them at par with the growing demand of time.
These associations conduct seminars, conferences,
refresher courses, short-term courses, and training
programmes, to make the professionals aware of the
current trends in their eld.
●Cadre and Promotional Avenues: The UGC cat-
egorised the librarian as a non-vocational teaching
staff or academic staff; however, the librarian is not
given the teaching cadre. They are not entitled to
avail the winter and summer vacations. They also do
not have promotion opportunities, although all the
recruitment conditions, minimum eligibility, quali-
cations, and cadre are the same as assistant profes-
sors. So, why are library professionals not eligible
for promotion as a principal in degree colleges? In
polytechnic colleges, librarians face a lot of prob-
lems to get scales and cadre. Similarly, there is also
an urgent need to review the promotional avenues,
cadre, and pay scales of the librarian in school li-
braries. All the state- and national-level professional
associations should discuss the above-mentioned is-
sues with higher government authorities, regulatory
bodies, and policy makers as soon as possible.
●Re-Designation: For attracting efcient and hard-
working people towards this profession, it is neces-
sary that sufcient changes in the promotion oppor-
tunities and progress are made. A highly qualied
librarian retires at the same designation at which
they were initially recruited, after putting in about
30 years’ service. So, an enlightened promotion
76 International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries Volume 7 Issue 1 January - June 2022
policy must be evolved by the administrators. It is
high time for the authorities to follow suit, and even
go one step further by re-designating the post of
the librarian as TGT/PGT (Library & Information
Services: LIS) in the school libraries and Assistant
Professor (Library & Information Science) at the de-
gree colleges and universities. Once they are re-des-
ignated as teachers, the channel of promotion opens
automatically for them, the same way that it does
for the other teachers. Moreover, membership of a
larger community creates a sense of security and
satisfaction among the librarians, and the feelings of
mutual brotherhood and fraternity are strengthened.
●Overall, it is observed that the designation of
a Librarian is not appropriate in the present-
changing ICT era, as the roles and responsibili-
ties of librarians have completely changed since
the last two decades. Change of designation will
improve and boost the responsibility, image, sta-
tus, and cadre of the librarians.
●Representation at National Platforms: Associations
should write regularly to put pressure on the cen-
tral and state governments to make a common pol-
icy for the implementation of library legislation in
the country. At present, only 19 Indian states have
passed the library legislation in their states; how-
ever, the conditions of the public libraries are still as
before. These bills are similar to other bills – once
passed, they are forgotten in red-tape of the country.
The chain of libraries (state, district, taluka, and vil-
lage) could not be developed till now. The central
government should have the provision of levy for
the libraries, so that the working conditions, infra-
structure, and literacy could be strengthened for the
benet of the public of the country.
●Joint Federation of LIS Associations: Library as-
sociations of various states and other library teach-
ers associations must jointly form a new federation,
i.e. the Federation of India Library Associations, to
ght for the rights of the library professionals. This
federation may communicate at least twice a year
to discuss various issues, challenges, and problems
faced by the LIS professionals. The responsibility
to form the Federation of LIS Associations of India
must be taken by ILA, because ILA is the pioneer
and leading library association in India.
●Publication of Literature: Journals and newsletters
are important sources of information for academic
study, research, and development activities. The
article published or information published in these
sources often provide more up-to-date or detailed
information about the concerned subject and pro-
fessional development. All the LIS associations and
societies must publish their newsletters and journals
periodically, to provide up-to-date information and
news to their fellow professionals.
Conclusion
One voice is easily lost, but an organisation representing
hundreds or thousands provides a unied voice
representing all – a voice that can be heard. It is the prime
role and responsibility of library associations to raise the
voice about unemployment, promotion, re-designation,
pay scales, cadre, and status of library professionals.
Library associations should write to the higher authorities
regarding the above serious issues of the profession.
There are a number of learned professors, librarians, and
information scientists who are a member of various high-
level commissions and committees, and they should come
forward and put forth these serious issues at a national
level. ILA is the biggest and pioneer national association;
therefore, ILA should come out in a leading role and
the debates must be open at the regional and national
levels for the same. It is high time for submitting strong
representations, recommendations, and follows-ups by
the library association to regulatory bodies like the UGC,
AICTE, NCTE, CBSE, MCI, NCERT, universities and
government representatives, and the policy makers.
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