The Role of Radio Frequency Identification in Modern Libraries

This chapter reveals the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) in modern libraries, thus demonstrating the theoretical and practical concept of RFID; the utilization of RFID in global operations; RFID perspectives in modern libraries (i.e., operating cost, information technology infrastructure cost, skilled RFID workers, access rate, patron policy, data security, barcode factor, and patron issues); the applications of RFID in modern libraries (i.e., data management, circulation, inventory, assistance in searching and orientation, data accuracy and reliability, theft prevention, utilization statistics for serials, and personal service); and the significance of RFID in modern libraries. RFID solutions can be utilized to reduce the operating costs through decreasing labor costs, enhancing automation, improving tracking and tracing, and preventing the loss of materials. Applying the RFID will significantly improve educational performance and gain sustainable competitive advantage in modern libraries.

Library Resources and Services in Tamilnadu State Central Library (Connemara Public Library)

It is a known fact that Chennai city has a well-defined place when talking about landmark buildings, which have gone down the annals of history- Connemara library, certainly a pride of Madras is not only heaven for book lovers and research Scholars, the building by its sheer architectural beauty and marvel acquires a special significance as part of the history of Madras City. Public library is largely regarded as the People's University. It has tremendous developments in India from the early period to till date at various stages. Most of the Indian states now have free public library services to develop the people of India at different levels, which can be stated as below briefly. Majority of the users prefer to search documents directly from the stack room. The main purpose of visiting the library by the users is to prepare for completive examinations and some other purposes are to study in the library and to update their subject knowledge. The general book services provided by the library are highly useful. The Reference services provided by the library are highly useful. The users are satisfied with the information provided in the library. All the services available on the library except latest collections are found to be at satisfactory level. Nearly 7.5 lakhs of collection of books are available in the library. Selection of books is done by book selection committee. Nearly four hundred books are issued daily to the public The uses can retain the book for a maximum of 14 days. The users can renew the books for another three times either through phone or in person. A minimum amount of Rupees two per week is charged as overdue charge.

An Assessment of Digital Library Functions and Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries

This chapter critically assess digital library functions and services in Nigeria academic libraries. It highlighted the roles of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) that brought about digital libraries. It is a collection of digital contents that is housed electronically and made available to users. The advantages of digital library were also discussed such as improved access, improved information preservation, it improved information sharing, it enhances library functions and services. Nigerian academic libraries has benefited from the enormous benefits of digital library. The chapter stressed that effort should be improved consortium building so as to improve the services Nigerian libraries render to their patrons. The chapter concludes that Digital library has come a long way in Nigeria, and 21st century libraries cannot afford to render services to users without digital contents added to the prints resources. Therefore, Nigeria libraries and information centres must cooperate in a formal consortia building; this will go a long way to reduce the burden of all participating libraries.

Open Access Initiatives and Institutional Repositories

This chapter gives an over view of Open access initiatives and institutional repositories. It emphasizes the emergence and development of open access initiatives from various international declarations up to its present stage. Definitions, types, characteristic features and impact of open access on various sectors are discussed. Open access initiatives in India are briefly included. DOAJ and other global organizations are taken in to discussion with their recent events. Objectives of Institutional repositories are given with an emphasis on institutional repositories in India. It throws light on DOAR and ROAR. Types of institutional repositories and softwares used to create them are also discussed. Earlier and latest institutional repositories in India are listed in tables. Major Indian institutional repositories with their software used are also in the table form. Role of librarians and libraries on open access and institutional repositories are also included followed by a conclusion for the whole chapter.

Mapping Forensic Odontology Literature Using Open Source Bibliographies and Software

Domain visualization, an emerging field of study is used to map the growing domain structure of scientific disciplines. Scientometrics is a distinct discipline that has emerged from citation based domain visualization. Visualization with the aid of science maps enables visual comprehension. Science maps can be effectively created with the help of computer algorithms. Bibliographic databases are also available freely over the internet. The various computer algorithms and bibliographic databases are discussed. Some of the different bibliometric indicators are also briefly explained. A mapping study of forensic odontology literature for a five year period of 2009 to 2013 is done using two bibliometric databases, viz., PubMed and Google Scholar, which are freely available. MS-Excel spreadsheets and Publish or Perish (PoP) software are used for data analysis. Co-word maps are also created using VOSviewer to visualize the sub-fields of forensic odontology.

Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Rural Women

Indian society has been bound by culture and tradition since ancient times. The patriarchal system and the gender stereotypes in the family and society have always showed a preference for the male child. Sons were regarded as a means of social security and women remained under male domination. Due to her subordinated position, she has suffered years of discrimination, exploitation and subjugation. She became the victim of several evils like child marriage, sati, polygamy, Purdah system, female infanticide, forced pregnancy, rape etc. In such incidents/recorded cases surprisingly mother-in-law are also taking active part. This discrimination and violence against women had an effect on the sex ratio in India. The main causes of violence are unequal power-relations, gender discrimination, patriarchy, and economic dependence of women, dowry, low moral values, negative portrayal of women's image in media, no participation in decision-making, gender stereotypes and a negative mindset. In this study about 69.39% of the respondents were married and 4.91% respondents were widow, it is observed that 3.82% of respondents were divorcee. The rest of them 21.85% were unmarried. In this study 50.27% majority of the women need information on education information, followed by information on others respectively 25.68%, agriculture information 22.95%, employment information 15.30%, health care information 11.48%, loan and politics information 9.29%, food nutrition, entertainment information respectively 6.01%, the lowest 3.28% of the respondents needed information on religion. In this study 88% of respondents responded that they were highly satisfied with the source of information, where as 9% of respondents responded that they were partially satisfied, 2.73% of respondents said that the source of information are moderately satisfied.

Role of Digital Libraries in the Present Era

The Digital library plays an important role in promoting the use of information. Digital libraries give solutions to main challenges to traditional libraries such as storage. This paper discusses the concept of digital library and how it helps in conserving manuscripts and what type of equipments or software are required in this work. We want digital information in every field so that every library should be a digital library. It highlights the Necessity, Challenges and issues in creating digital library, there are certain issues which should be taken care like copyright and Intellectual Property Right. This article also explores successful digital library project set up in India and what is the future of digital library in Indian scenario.

ICT Skills among Library Professionals

ICT has changed the traditional methods of library activities and services providing new dimensions for teaching, learning and research in higher educational institutions. With the help of ICT tools, it is possible to store, retrieve, disseminate and organize information by creating websites and databases. Information is now published both electronically and by print making it accessible to users according to their demands. The study shows that that out of the total 172 respondents, 53.48 per cent of them belong to the age group of 30-40 years and 20.93per cent of them come under the age group of below 30 years. In this study, 22.58 per cent of the respondents have above 4 hours of access to internet. Majority of the respondents (37.03%) in the age group 40-50 years have above 4 hours of access to internet. The study reveals that librarian take the first position in their overall expertise in system analysis and design, assistant librarian the second, deputy librarian the third, technical staff the fourth and ministerial staff the last.

Webscale Discovery Tools

Due to the overwhelming increase in the electronic resources and databases, there is a difficulty in searching and locating the exact piece of information and at this context, resource discovery tools or web-scale discovery services emerged. No person is capable to cope up with all the information / literature available in electronic sources. At this point, resource discovery tools are providing a helping hand to find the precise information at the user's point of view. This chapter deals with various concepts, definitions, needs, type of services offered and different providers of discovery tools are discussed.

Using Social Network Sites for Library Services in Public Libraries

Social Network sites are one of the innovative technologies contributing libraries the opportunity to reach out to its patrons. Keeping library users up to date is the primary aim of every library, online library services taken the role successfully, and among them Social Network Sites plays the unique role to keep the patrons informative. In this chapter, we provide a study of an attempt to use social media to engage with public libraries. Also this chapter has come out with a testimony on library services and the challenges through FaceBook, Twitter and Weblogs.