ISSN 2229-5984 (P)

2249-5576 (e)

Infrastructure and Use of ICT in University Libraries of

Madhya Pradesh: Librarians Views
Dr. Braj Kishor Tiwari*, Dr. K. C. Sahoo**

*Librarian,
Shri G. S. Inst. of Tech.
and Sc., Indore (MP)
bktsgsits@yahoo.com
**Prof. and Head
Dept. of Lib. and Inf. Sc.,
Dr. H.S. Gour, Central University,
Sagar (MP)
drkcsahoo@yahoo.com

Corresponding Author
Dr. Braj Kishor Tiwari
bktsgsits@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has
influenced the libraries for its overall betterment. Libraries use ICT to
manage communication facilities, housekeeping operations, user's
services, standardization and extension of library activities. University
libraries of Madhya Pradesh (MP) are in transition stage in the use of ICT.
The study is based on librarians' views and attempts to reveal the real
scenario of university libraries of MP as regards to its infrastructure, use
and problems to develop and maintain the ICT in libraries. Survey method
has been used in the study to find out the present ICT infrastructure in
University libraries and use of ICT in terms of communication facilities,
collection, hardware, software, networking infrastructure, housekeeping
operations, user's services, training and problem areas of the university
libraries. The paper concludes that university libraries of MP are in a
developing stage in its infrastructure and use of ICT. Lack of proper
planning and supervision and frequent change in ICT are the basic
hurdles in successful development of ICT in university libraries in MP.
Key Words: ICT, University Libraries, MP, E-resources, Hardware,
Software

Received on: 27.07.2011; Revised on: 04.12.2011; Accepted on: 28.12.2011

INTRODUCTION

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Today computer is being extensively used in the management

of library and information system. Application of computer in
libraries is variously known as: Library Automation, Library
Computerization, use of Information Technology (IT) in
libraries, use of Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) in libraries, etc. In practice, all these terms cover almost
same tools and operations to manage the library's
housekeeping operations, services and dissemination of
information by the use of different versions of computer,
electronic media, automated equipment, word processors,
software, satellite and telecommunication technologies,
electronic storage media and networking technologies such as
LAN, WAN, Internet etc. The use of information and
communication technology (ICT) in libraries includes the
growing importance of delivery of digital contents and
management of electronic resources, integration of database
system with the web environment, and management
information system of parent organization. The ICT has
influenced the library world as positively as it is available to all
at 24 hours in 7days in the life.

Since last two decades, 'volumes of literature' has appeared on

the use of ICT in university libraries in India. In this regard, the
proceedings starting from the first annual national
'Convention for Automation in Libraries in Education and
Research' (CALIBER) 1994[1] held at Ahmadabad to the 9th
annual international CALIBER, 2011[2] held at Goa have
covered a huge volume of literature focusing on the gradual
development of computerization and use of ICT in university
libraries in India. Venkata Raman and Chandrasekhar Rao [3]
studied the use of information technology in central university
libraries of India. They confirmed that the use of IT in the
libraries of central universities is increasing steadily and
significantly. The comparative study of Verma and Kaur [4]
focused on the impact of e-resources in the libraries of IIT
Delhi and IIT Roorkee. They conclude that users are giving
more importance to electronic documents than print media and
number of users coming to the library is decreasing, as the
maximum information is accessed through network in
departments and hostels. Kaliammal and Sarasvadi [5] have
evaluated and supported the NAAC standards and guidelines

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to promote ICT infrastructure and use for better information

service in Indian university libraries. Krishnan and Rajkumar
[6]
conclude that the use of ICT in knowledge management and
e-learning would definitely have impact on the quality of
education. Chakravarty and Mahajan [7] state that many of the
publishers and organizations in India have started their efforts
for open access journals, which are freely available through
Internet. Such initiatives will help to reduce the problem of
budgetary starvation in libraries.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Following are the main objectives of the study:
r
To study the basic ICT infrastructure that has developed in
the university libraries of Madhya Pradesh (MP).
r
To study the various areas of library operations and
services those are performed using the ICT in university
libraries of MP.
r
To identify the various factors those promote or hinder the
development and use of ICT in university libraries.
r
To provide suggestions to improve the ICT based
infrastructure, operations and services in university
libraries of MP.

SCOPE
The study covers the development, use and problems of ICT in
the university libraries of MP. There are 17 university level
institutions in MP. Out of these, following 8 leading university
libraries established up to the year 2002 (as indicated in
brackets) and that have started the use of ICT in their activities
were selected for the study:
r
Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (HSGV) Library,
Sagar (1946)
r
Rani Durgawati Vishwavidyalaya (RDV) Library,
Jabalpur (1956)
r
Jiwaji Vishwavidyalaya (JV) Library, Gwalior (1963)
r
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAV) Library, Indore
(1964)
r
Mahatma Gandhi Chitratakoot Gramodaya
Vishwavidyalaya, (MGCGV) Library, Chitrakoot
(1991)
r
Jawahar Lal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKV)
Library, Jabalpur (1963)
r
Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV)
Library, Bhopal (1998)
r
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology
(MANIT) Library, Bhopal (Deemed, 2002)
The study is limited to the libraries point of view and
based on the information given by the librarians and the
library's incharges. A separate study may be conducted
to study the user's views regarding the services
providing through the use of ICT in the university
libraries of MP.

233

METHODOLOGY
The present study is based on the survey method of
research. The questionnaire and observation methods have
been used to collect data for the study. The study was started
with the comprehensive search for literature appeared in
primary sources of information. The 'University Handbook'
and Websites of the universities of MP have also been visited to
get primary knowledge of the university libraries. In order to
gather data, a structured questionnaire was designed and
mailed to collect all exhaustive information regarding ICT
infrastructure and its use in library operations and services in
all university libraries of MP. Responses obtained from the
librarians of university libraries of MP were analyzed in the
light of the criteria: (a) Availability of computers and related
equipment; (b) Availability of software; (c) Development of
library databases; and (d) Availability of computer networking
and electronic resources. Eight university libraries of the state
were found having the state of computerization activities as
per the criteria and finally they were selected for the study. All
the selected university libraries have been surveyed in detail to
study the development of ICT infrastructure, and its utilization
in library activities.
The non-comparative method of scaling technique has
been used to measure the ICT services in the libraries. The
information collected from the university libraries of MP was
arranged in the logical tables and bar charts and analyzed using
simple statistical methods of percentages, averages, arithmetic
mean, etc. for meaningful conclusions as per the objectives of
the study.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

The data were collected and analyzed from various angles to
find out the significant results of the study. The churning of
available data led to the following findings:
Establishment and Communication Facilities
All university libraries of MP were established after
independence i.e. after 15th August 1947. Though Dr.
Harisingh Gour Vishwavidhyalaya, (HSGV), Sagar was
established before Independence but its library came into
existence only after August 1947.
Table 1 : Automated Communication Facilities
Sr. No.

Communication Tools

% of Libraries

Library Phone

8 (100%)

Library FAX

8 (100%)

Library on University Website

8 (100%)

Library Independent Website

Nil

Library Email Address

8 (100%)

An automated communication facility indicates

preference for the fast and effective communication of
information in the concerned society. With the advent of ICT,
the telephone, fax, email and World Wide Web (Website) etc.

International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology | October-December 2011 | Vol.1 | Issue 4

have become the common tools for fast and smooth

communication for the library world. As indicated in table 1,
all university libraries of MP have telephone and fax facilities.
While none of the university libraries have independent
website, however all university libraries use university's
website for display of information about the library and they
have their E-mail addresses as means of electronic
communication.
Collection of Information Sources
A library is recognized by its quality and quantity of
various useful collections. Due to the revolutionary changes in
ICT, the physical forms of documents have gradually changed
from the paper to non-paper forms and electronic forms. The
table no. 2 indicates about the availability of electronic
resources and the print v/s electronic and non-print documents
ratio available in the libraries to measure the strength and
requirement of electronic resources.

collection is print collection while only 2.73% (0.45% and

2.28%) resources are available in electronic and non-print
form. Such a big difference indicates the requirement of more
electronic resources in the libraries.
Initiation of Library ICT Activities
Table 3 : Initiation of Library ICT Activities
Initiation Initial Library Software and Total
Year
Libraries
Libraries

Table 2 : Collection of Information Source

Sr. No. Type of Collection

Total Collection

Print Collection

1167306 (97.10%)

Print Current Periodicals

2074 (0.17%)

Non Print A/V, CDs/ Floppies etc. 5344 (0.45%)

On-line Journals

27436 (2.28%)

As shown in table 2, all University Libraries of MP have

collection of non-paper documents in the form of Floppies and
CD-ROMs and DVDs etc. 87.5% University Libraries of MP
subscribe the online electronic documents especially foreign
research journals. Out of total collection available in
University Libraries of MP, 97.27% (97.10% and 0.17%)

Before
1995

Nil

Nil

1995

Without Library Software-1 2 (25%)

(12.5%)
Alice for Winwow-1 (12.5%)

1998

Without Library Software-1 2 (25%)

(12.5%)
Libsys-1 (12.5%)

2001

Without Library Software-1 2 (25%)

(12.5%)
ILMS-1 (12.5%)

2002

SOUL -1 (12.5%)

1 (12.5%)

2003

ELIB-1 (12.5%)

1 (12.5%)

Table 3 provides information regarding initiation of ICT in

university libraries of MP. It is revealed that the ICT activities
were first initiated in 25% university libraries of MP in the
years 1995. The remaining 75% university libraries initiated
such work during 1998 to 2003. The personal computer,
printer and operating software were the initial components of
ICT in the university libraries. While 62.50% libraries initiate
their ICT activities with the application of library software.

Hardware
The computer and related hardware is the indispensable component of ICT in libraries. The available number of PCs along with
associated hardware in a university library can indicate the level of development of ICT infrastructure in libraries. The availability
and use of different versions of computer processors may clearly indicate about the old or new technology being used in the
libraries. The stabilizers, UPS and air-conditioners are included in the study because these equipment are indispensable to
maintain the servers, general computers and related ICT tools.

234

Table 4 : Availability of Hardware

Sr. No. Hardware Available
Working
Non-working

Total

PC AT 386

0(0%)

2 (100%)

PC AT 486

1(20%)

4(80%)

5 (100%)

Pentium I

3(23 %)

10 (77%)

13 (100%)

Pentium II

14 (93.33%)

1 (6.67%)

15 (100%)

Pentium III

33 (100%)

0 (%)

33(100%)

Pentium IV

40 (100%)

0 (0%)

40 (100%)

Total Personal Computers

91(84.26%)

17(15.74%)

108(100%)

Servers

8 (100%)

0 (0%)

8 (100%)

Printer

26 (96.3%)

1 (3.7%)

27 (100%)

Scanners

7 (100%)

0 (0%)

7 (100%)

2(100%)

International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology | October-December 2011 | Vol.1 | Issue 4

Table 4 depicts that about 26 types of ICT equipment are

available in the university libraries of MP. The university
libraries are absolving the computers and equipment having
old technologies. The use of PC AT 386, 486, PC-I, and II is
decreasing significantly. A significant number of hardware is
found in non-operational condition. The presence of 17.03%
non-working hardware in university libraries of MP indicates
the lack of proper maintenance and post installation support
from vendors and companies. It is also revealed that more
stress has been given to purchase computers rather than other
relevant hardware such as barcode scanner, barcode printers,
cameras and RFID equipment etc., which are equally
235

important to execute the operations for users' services. These

peripherals have not been purchased in most of the university
libraries.
Software
The software plays an important role in the success of
ICT in libraries. The computer operating system and
networking software indicate the quality and performance of
technology being used by the library. Efficient library
application software performs the effective operations and
procedures of the library, while multi-functional, integrated,
modular, multi-user, multi-security, and user-friendly library
software are found more useful to the libraries.

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Table 5 : Available Software

Operating /Networking System

Library Application Software

Software

Available

Use

Software

Available

Use

DOS

5 (62.5%)

0 (0%)

CDS/ISIS

3 (37.5%)

1 (12.5%)

Windows

8 (100%)

8 (100%)

SOUL

5(62.5%)

2 (25%)

Unix

2 (25%)

0 (0%)

LIBSYS

1 (12.5%)

1(12.5%)

Linux

3 (37.5%)

0 (0%)

Alice

1(12.5%)

0 (0%)

TLS

2 (25%)

2 (25%)

ELIB

1(12.5%)

1 (12.5%)

LIBMAN

1(12.5%)

1 (12.5%)

It is found from table 5 that University Libraries of MP are

using the Windows operating and networking software, other
softwares such as DOS, Unix and Linux are not used in any
university library. Out of seven library management software
available in university libraries of MP, six are being used. The
SOUL and Total Library Solution (TLS) are being used in 25%
-25% university libraries, while Libsys, E-LIB, LIBMAN and
CDS/ISIS each are used in 12.5%-12.5% university libraries.
The majority of university libraries (i.e. 62.5%) have more
than one library management software. None of the libraries
have tried to develop in-house library software.
Selection of Library Software
There are many factors that can influence the
selection of particular library software.

the library procedures' and 'cost of the software' are kept in

mind by the authorities of 100% university libraries of the
state. Equally important criteria such as 'Warranty and
updating', and 'Post installation supports for the software' are
considered by 75% University Libraries of MP.
Efficiency of the Library Software
The efficiency of library software is judged by the functions
available in it. Absence of any particular function tells upon the
efficiency of software. The strengths and weaknesses of the
library software directly affect the efficiency of library
automation. Lack of any single important function can push
the software into the dull category.
Figure 2 : Evaluation of the Library Software

Figure 1 : Criteria of Selection of Library Software

As presented in figure 1, eight criteria were employed for

selecting the library automation software package in
university libraries of MP. It is revealed that due to lack of
technical support, none of the university libraries of the state
have tried to develop in-house library software. Therefore,
they preferred to purchase ready-made library software
available through various agencies and firms. The In-charges
of the university libraries of the state adopt certain criteria at
the time of selection of library software. The criteria related to
'capacity of the software to automate maximum functions of

236

It is revealed from figure 2 that majority of university libraries

are not satisfied with their library software. 87.5% university
libraries of MP have felt the problem of non-availability of one
or more functions in the library software used by them.
Consequently 37.5% libraries have changed their library
software while 50% libraries are willing to change their
existing library software. The availability of multiple library
management software (table 7) also indicates the movement of
libraries from one to another software.

International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology | October-December 2011 | Vol.1 | Issue 4

Networking Infrastructure and Facilities

Networking is essential to achieve the goal of efficient use of ICT in library operations. Local Area Network (LAN), Campus
Wide Network (CWN/Intranet) and Internet facilitate the import and export of on-line information and resources within the
different sections of library, library and remaining campus of the university and library and the worldwide areas respectively.
Table 6 : Infrastructure of Library Network
LAN

CWN

Connectivity Type

Speed

8 (100%)

5 (62.5%)

Lease-3

Year of
Commencement

Network
Membership

Consortium
Membership

256 kbps.-5 2002-1 (12.5%)

INFLIBNET-5

INFONET-5

(37.5%)

(62.5%)

2003-2 (25%)

(62.5%)

(62.5%)

VSAT -5

1mbps. -1

2004-2 (25%)

DELNET-2

INDEST- 3

(62.5%)

(12.5%)

2005-1(12.5%)

(25%)

(37.5%)

2mbps-2

2006-1(12.5%)

ERNET- 3

(25%)

As indicated in table 6, networking facilities are in developing

stage in the university libraries of MP. All university libraries
of the state have Local Area Network (LAN) and Internet while
Campus Wide Network (CWN) is available in 62.5%
university libraries. Out of the total computers available in the
libraries, only 49.09% are connected with Internet and only
24.07% computers are available to the users (Table 7). Only
37.5% university libraries of MP have Internet speed in
megabits, i.e. 1.0 mbps, and 2.0 mbps. VSAT type of Internet
connectivity with 256 kbps speed is available in majority
(62.5%) of university libraries of MP. The speed of 256 kbps is
considered as a poor speed for fast functioning of Internet,
therefore all libraries are in the process to increase their
Internet speed up to 10 mbps with the help of INFLIBNET. It is
also found that all university libraries of MP are members of
library networks. Out of said quantity of membership, 37.5%
libraries have the membership of more than one library
networks. INFLIBNET is found as the most preferred library
network for the university libraries of the states.
Membership of Library Consortium
Higher cost of print and electronic resources,
specially the international research journals, is exerting everincreasing financial pressure on the university libraries. In
order to overcome such financial pressure, the university
libraries prefer 'shared subscription' or 'consortia based
subscription' to journals and other resources available in
electronic form everywhere in the world.
Table 6 provides information that all university libraries of MP
have opted membership of library consortium. Out of that,
62.5% are members of UGC-Infonet Consortium and 37.5% of
INDEST Consortium. Usually member university libraries are
subscribing on-line electronic resources through consortium
approach.
Use of Computers
As presented in table 7, computers were found in three
conditions i.e. number of computers available; number of
computers in working condition (84.25%); and number of
237

(37.5%)

computers being actually used by the libraries (58.33%). All

the university libraries of the state use computers mainly for
Acquisition, Data entry, OPAC and Internet facilities. The
Internet facility is available in 49.07% computers. Only 24.07
% computers with internet facility are available to users while
34.26% (25%+9.26%) are used by the library staff for library
operations. It is also revealed that libraries do not use all
Table 7 : Use of Computers in University Libraries
Availability of Computers

Nos. of
Computers

Total Computers in University Libraries

108 (100%)

Total Computers in Working condition

(84.25%)

Total Computers in Non-Working condition

Computers in Use
Computers not in Use
Computers with Internet
Computers with Internet available for Users
Computers with Internet used by Library staff
Computers without Internet used by Library staff

17(15.75%)
(58.33%)
45 (41.67%)
(49.07%)
26 (24.07%)
27(25%)
10 (9.26%)

available computers that are in working condition. Such a

situation clearly indicates the lack of proper planning for the
use of computers and associated ICT infrastructure.
Computerized House Keeping Operations
Broadly, ICT in house keeping operations
encompasses the areas of Acquisition, Cataloguing,
Circulation control, Serials control and Online searching of
library database i.e. OPAC. University libraries of MP were
expected to use the ICT at different levels of applications, viz.
(i) Only typing, word processing and printing applications; (ii)
Maintaining the databases through standard library
management software and partial user services; and (iii) Well
computerized library house keeping operations and services.

International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology | October-December 2011 | Vol.1 | Issue 4

Table 8 Use of ICT in Library House Keeping Operations

Sr.
No.
1

(A)
Acquisition in
Libraries
a-8 (100%)

(B)
Cataloguing
in Libraries
a-8 (100%)

(C)
Circulation
in Libraries
a-5 (62.5%)

(D)
Serial Ctrl.
in Libraries
a-0 (0%)

(E)
Others
in Libraries
a-8 (100%)

2
3

b-2 (25%)
c-4 (50%)

b-5 (62.5%)
c-8 (100%)

b-5 (62.5%)
c-4 (50%)

b-3 (37.5%)
c-1 (12.5%)

b-0 (0%)
c-1 (12.5%)

d-5 (62.5%)

d-2 (25%)

d-2 (25%)

d-0 (0%)

d-1 (12.5%)

e-5 (62.5%)

e-4 (50%)

e-2 (25%)

e-0 (0%)

e-3 (37.5%)

f-2 (25%)

f-1 (12.5%)

f-5 (62.5%)

f-4 (50%)

f-0 (0%)

g-5 (62.5%)

g-4 (50%)

g-0 (0%)

h- 8(100%)

h-5 (62.5%)

(A) Acquisiti1on :
(a) Database of Collection/Retro-conversion.
(b) Document Selection. (c) Prepare Purchase Order.
(d) Accessioning.
(e) Documents Bar-coding.
(f) Invoice Processing. (g) Reporting.
(B) Cataloguing :
(a) Database for Catalogue
(b) Maintain Authority File.
(c) OPAC
(d) Export/ImportCataloguing Data
(e) Printing of Catalogue Cards
(f) Stock Verification
(C) Circulation :
(a) Database of Users.
(b) Member Registration.
(c) Circulation of Documents.
(d) User Bar-coding.
(e) Fine Management.
(f) Statistics.
(D) Serial Control :
(a) Database of Serials. (b) Serial Selection.
(c) Ordering/Renewal
(d) Bar-coding of loose Issues
(e) Bindery Management.
(f) Accessioning of Bound Vols.
(g) Reporting.
(h) Online Journals.
(E) Others :
(a) Word Processing/Printing
(b) Classification
(c) In-house Scanning/Digitization of Documents
(d) Use of RFID/Similar Technology
(e) Close Circuit TV Cameras
(f) Budgeting Purchase/ Tender Procedure.
(h) System Administration.

Table 8 shows that all university libraries of MP use computers

in their acquisition system. Word processing, printing and
maintenance of database or retrospective conversion of print
collection are computerized in all university libraries while
bar- coding, accessioning and reporting of documents have
been completed in 62.5% university libraries of the state.
University libraries of MP use computers in six operations of
the cataloguing system. All libraries are maintaining databases
for cataloguing and On-line Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
purpose. Operations of export/import of cataloguing data and
stock verification are done in 25% and 12.5% university
libraries respectively. Use of computers and associated
technology in circulation system has been started in 62.5%
university libraries of MP. The key function of circulation
system i.e. issue and return of documents has been started only
in 50% university libraries. Computerized registration process
and database of users are maintained in 62.5% university
libraries of MP. Use of computers in serial control system has
been started in half of the university libraries of the state. The
extent of use of computers in serial control system varies from
one operation to four operations. The most important and
useful application of ICT in serial control is the access of
online journals in the libraries. All university libraries of MP
subscribe online journals for easy use and smooth serial
control in the library. However an important house keeping
operation of this system i.e. 'database of current print serials
available in the library' is not computerized in any of the
university libraries of MP. Computerized ordering and renewal
processes of serials have been started in 12.5% university
libraries of MP. Serial's budgeting, Bar-coding of issues and
bindery management are not computerized in any of the
university libraries of the state. In other operations all
university libraries use computers in word processing and
printing purpose. Only 12.5% libraries are digitizing the print
material and have installed the radio frequency based system
for security of documents. None of the university libraries use
computers in any of the operations related to library
classification.
User's Services through ICT
One of the main objectives of use of ICT in library is to provide
better facilities and services to the users.

Libraries

Figure 3 Computerized User Services

238

International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology | October-December 2011 | Vol.1 | Issue 4

Figure 3 presents the level of computerized services being

provided to the users in the University Libraries of MP. Out of
total university libraries of MP under study, all libraries offer at
least three computerized services. More or less, a total of
thirteen computerized services are available to users in
university libraries of the state. OPAC, Reprographic services
Internet facility and online search of journals are available in
all university libraries, while Reservation of documents, SDI,
in-house Indexing and Abstracting services are not provided in
any of the university libraries of the state. Computerized list of
new arrivals is provided in 75% libraries and book-demand list
sent through e-mail or CDs by the users is accepted in 62.5%
university libraries. Current awareness service (CAS) and
facility to search databases on CD-ROM are available in 50%
university libraries while computerized user orientation and
Inter Library Loan (ILL) are provided occasionally in 37.5%
University Libraries of the state. Though the issue-return and
renewal of documents are treated as the most important and
most demanded services for the users but it is surprising that,
these services are computerized only in 50% University
Libraries. However libraries has not provided the data
regarding usage of electronic resources and other services by
the users.
Training to Staff for ICT
With the rapid development in ICT and the changing
perceptions of users, the libraries have raised the need for
lifelong learning and training to the library and information
professionals. Level of skill of library staff plays an important
role in technical development of library. Better-qualified and
trained staff possesses progressive thinking, which could
move the things better for modernization of the library.
Table 9 Training of Staff for Library Automation
Trainer Agency

Libraries

No. of Trained
Staff

No. of Trained
Staff Retired

INFLIBNET Ahmadabad
CRIPS Bhopal
TTTI Bhopal
Total Trained Staff [Total Staff
in University Libraries
171(100%)]

6(75%)
1(12.5%)
1(12.5%)
8 (100%)

13 (7.60%)
3 (1.75%)
6 (3.51%)
22 (12.86%)/ 171
(100%)

4 (18.18%)
0 (0%)
2 (9.1%)
6 (27.27%) / 22
(100%)

Table 9 states that all university libraries of MP provide

training to their staff in the area of ICT to operate IT based
library operations. University libraries of MP have trained
12.86% staff members. It is found that, 75% libraries sent their
staff to the INFLIBNET Center located at Ahmadabad while
25% university libraries had trained their library staff through
local agencies. During the survey, it was revealed that, most of
the computer-trained staff had been engaged in manual work
for a long time. There is a very less practice to use the trained
staff to impart training to other untrained staff of the library.
Approximately 27.27% trained staff members have reached
their superannuation age and almost same numbers of trained
staff are close to retire. Consequently, the number of computertrained staff is not increasing as per the requirement in the
university libraries, and university libraries of the state are
facing the problems of shortage of IT trained staff.

239

Problems in Implementation of ICT

Identification of problems is essential for the suggestions and
remedial action for smooth working and significant
development of ICT. Important obstacles and the factors that
affect the use of ICT have been recognized and presented in
table 10.
Table 10 Problems Experienced in
Implementation of ICT Activities
Sr. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Problems
Inadequate Financial Support
Lack of Planning
Inadequate Management Support
Non- availability of IT Trained Staff
Lack of Willingness of Staff
Non-availability of Consultancy Service for ICT
Lack of Well Accepted Standard of Library Software
Non-availability of Less Expensive Software
Inadequate Hardware
Lack of Continuous Training Facility
Taken More Time for Retro -Conversion & Bar-coding
Lack of Awareness/ Hesitation in Users for ICT
Long Time Power Cut
Low Priority to ICT
Lack of Control Over Library Staff
Lack of Motivation to Staff

Libraries
6 (75%)
6 (75%)
7 (87.5%)
8 (100%)
6 (75%)
4 (50%)
4 (50%)
5 (62.5%)
7 (87.5%)
8 (100%)
8 (100%)
3 (37.5%)
5 (62.5%)
3 (37.5%)
3 (37.5%)
8 (100%)

17
18

Vacant Post of Librarian and Staff

Frequently Change in ICT

6 (75%)
8 (100%)

Table 10 indicates that university libraries of MP are facing

problems in the use of ICT. However, most of the problems
seem to go through the basic management of ICT
infrastructure and operational staff. More or less, a total
number of 18 problems have been identified in university
libraries of the state. Problems of lack of training facilities and
non availability of IT trained staff, delay in retro conversion
and bar coding of documents, lack of motivation to staff for
performing better and frequent changes in ITC used in libraries
are faced in all the university libraries. Problems of inadequate
hardware and inadequate support from the university
management are experienced in 87.5% university libraries.
Inadequate finance for ICT implementation, lack of
willingness of staff for ICT, vacant post of Librarian and
library staff and lack of effective planning and organization are
recognized as problems in 75% university libraries. Half of the
university libraries are facing the problems of lacking in the
'after sell support' for hardware and software, non-availability
of proper consultancy service and lack of less expensive wellaccepted standard library software to implement better ICT
activities in libraries.

CONCLUSION
Infrastructure and use of ICT in university libraries of MP are
in developing stage. Implementation of ICT in libraries is
going to change the whole environment of the libraries and

International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology | October-December 2011 | Vol.1 | Issue 4

their users. However lack in the infrastructure, proper planning

and supervision and frequent change in ICT are the basic
hurdles in successful development of ICT in university
libraries in MP. University authorities should draw its attention
to appoint a full time computer professional, ICT advisory
committee and policy to develop and manage the ICT
infrastructure and services. The big difference between ratio of
availability of print and electronic resource may be minimized
by purchasing more electronic resources. Universities should
have high speed network and provide more computers with
Internet connectivity to library users. The use of RFID
technology may opt the revolutionary useful change in the
libraries.
The authorities of university libraries including Librarians,
Professors-in-charge, Deputy and Assistant Librarians are also
realizing that, 'ICT application in library operations is an
unavoidable phenomenon and there is no way to escape from it'
[8]
. On the whole, major benefits and prospects of ICT are:
Increase of digital resources in the libraries; Improvement in
networking and resource sharing among the university
libraries; Increasing use of available and forthcoming
resources; Saving of time of both library staff and that of users
and; Accuracy and standardization of operations. However, the
library authorities and computer experts have expressed their
concern for frequent changes in ICT being used in the library
and information field. Such frequent changes lead to
requirement of more finance, continuous training of staff and
up-gradation of basic ICT infrastructure available in the
libraries.

240

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