What next shall I do in Library?

 Generally, this question comes in mind when we finish one task and I believe this question must be taking place in every professional’s mind. Really, it is very tough task to decide what next I can do which will be beneficial for everyone.

Actually, in my opinion, we must sense the need of our library users and accordingly we should provide the services from library. I thought of sharing some of my experiences with young library professionals who have just started their career…hope it will be very useful for everyone.

1.      Library Automation:

This mechanism has reduced the work load of every professional in this digital era but now-a-days, the biggest problem is to choose the right library automation software. Actually, there are many good library automation software available in the market (Commercial and Open Source both). In my opinion, those libraries which are in primitive stage, they must go ahead with Open Source Technology such as Koha, NewGenLib, and Evergreen etc. which supports International Standards and later, if you are not satisfied with the current software’s functionality, very easily you can switch over to the Commercial Software or any other with all your bibliographical data in same condition.

Open Source Tools for Library Automation:

Koha, NewGenLib, Evergreen etc.
OPAC: http://202.164.58.103/

2.      Digitization:

A library can start this service for maintaining the Institutional Repository or managing the electronic documents with the help of open source technology such as DSpace, E-Print, and Greenstone etc. But In my opinion, DSpace will be suitable for all as it has some unique features which will be very effective for academic community as well as for working staff for both operation and dissemination of Information.

Tools for Digitization:

DSpace, Greenstone, e-Print and Fedora Project etc.

3.      Library Website

This is the best service & application for any library to dissemination information quickly. As web application can be accessed anytime from anywhere, every library must maintain library web page. Now the question is how to maintain and develop the website? Now-a-days, there are many open source content management system available using which anyone can develop a very good and attractive website for library. I have also developed many websites using Joomla, WordPress etc.

Example: http://202.164.58.103/library

4.      e-Newsletter

This service can also be started in library which will be very effective for library to bring to the notice of all the library users about one month activity of library. This e-newsletter can be designed and published using many methods. But, I find easy to publish e-newsletter with Microsoft Publisher which is available in MS Office Package in every system now a days. This tool is very easy to use and publish the newsletter.

https://library.nitrkl.ac.in/images/enewsletter/2016/v3n1.pdf

Tool to publish e-newsletter:

a.      Microsoft Publisher

b.      Adobe Photoshop etc.

5.      Information KIOSK

The users find very easy to get the information about library & its resources with this equipment. Generally, it costs approximately Rs. 140000/- It is available with different configuration such as Thin Client, Stand Alone etc. Develop the software your own for this and keep in front of main gate of library which will be very effective for dissemination of information.

Tools to develop program for Information KIOSK:

We can use HTML and Flash for developing the program for Information KIOSK. For more assistance, visit www.w3schools.com

6. Develop Android Application for Library

A library can develop an Android Application for its services which will also be very effective as keeping smartphone has become very easy for everyone so the users can be made aware about library services through smart phone.

Tools to develop android application:

•  https://developer.android.com/studio
•  https://www.eclipse.org/ 

7.      New Arrival

This service is very essential as it keeps every library users updated with the latest editions available in the library. Generating the list of new arrivals is very easy as ready option is available in almost every software now-a-days. If not, this can be generated manually based on the processed documents in technical section. Later, the same list can be sent to all members through mail. User likes this service very much as they get information about latest books.

http://library.nitrkl.ac.in/newarrival/2014/june/4.pdf

8.      Photocopier with Smart Card:

This service can also be provided to the user with Smart Card facility. In this, users are given one smart card (just like an ATM Card) with an option to have balance in it. When users come to take photocopy, they first swap the card and deduct the amount equal to the calculation of pages for which photocopy is to be done. Then, system allows user to photocopy the document up to the limit already deducted from user’s account. In-case, user does not have sufficient balance then user can recharge it.

9.      User Education Program:

Every month, a user education program can be organized on library services and its resources. This service is very useful for making the students aware about library resources, how to use these and also about other services. This program generally must be provided according to the user’s requirement.

10.  Demonstration:

Most of the library users don’t understand the nature of resources available in the library especially e-resources. A demo can be very helpful for all the users who access e-resources.

Apart from all these, there are many services which can be provided to our users.

Thanks
DP Tripathi
NIT Jalandhar

मैं साक्षात्कार के लिए क्या और कैसे तैयार करूं?

 

साक्षात्कर की तयारी करना एक सुखद अनुभव है ... इस दौरान अधिकांश समय हमारा दिमाग प्रश्नों के चयन में व्यस्त रहता है कि मैं क्या और कैसे साक्षात्कार कि तयारी करूं| मैं जब कुछ साक्षात्कार के लिए चयनित हुवा तो साक्षात्कार शुरू होने से पहले तक अपने आपको प्रश्नों और उत्तरों को खोजने में व्यस्त पाया | इस बात पर मैंने विचार किया और अनुभव किया कि यदि मैं इस अनुभव को दूसरों के साथ बाटूँ तो सभी को लाभ होगा और यह सोच कर मैंने यह आर्टिकल लिखना शुरू किया |

१.      ज्ञान:

ज्ञान सभी उर्जाओं का श्रोत है जो कि आपको मजबूत और आत्मविश्वास से भरा हुआ बनाता है | लेकिन ज्ञान कि प्राप्ति एक या दो दिन में नहीं हो सकती इसके लिए आपको निरंतर अभ्याश करना होगा, निरंतर पढने के आदत और उससे ज्ञान को अर्जित करना होगा| इसका सबसे अच्छा उपाय यह है कि आप या निश्चित कर लें कि रात्रि में विस्तर पर जाने से पहले मैं एक टॉपिक पढ़ कर सोऊंगा| धीरे धीरे आप महसूर करेंगे कि किताब पढना आपकी आदत बन जाएगी और आप अपने आप को बहुत ही मजबूत और आत्मविश्वास से भरा हुआ पाएंगे मुख्यतया जब आप किसी समूह में व्यक्तिगत चर्चा में भाग लेंगे|

२.      आत्मविश्वास

आत्मविश्वास बढाने का सबसे आसन तरीका परफोर्मिंग and प्रक्टिसिंग है | मेरे नज़र में इससे अच्छा और कोई दूसरा उपाय नहीं है आत्मविश्वास बढाने का | आप जितना अभ्याश करेंगे और उतना ही आपका ज्ञान बढेगा और आपका आत्मविश्वास अपने आप बढ़ता जायेगा |

३.      भाषा

कई बार हम सब कुछ जानते हैं लेकिन उसको व्यक्त नहीं कर पाते उसकी एक प्रमुख वजह है कि हम भाषा के चयन में धोखा खाते हैं | भाषा के गलत चयन के कारन साक्षात्कार के दौरान हम अपनी बात ठीक ढंग से रख नहीं पाते और हमें असफलता का स्वाद चखना पड़ता है | दूसरा जो एक असफलता का प्रमुख कारण है कि हम साक्षात्कार की तयारी उस दिन से शुरू करते हैं जब हमें पता चलता है कि हमारा साक्षात् इस दिन है और हम पुरी तरह से तैयार नहीं हो पाते |

उत्तर भारत में अंग्रेजी भाषा साक्षात्कार में एक महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाती है लेकिन हम यह जानते हुवे भी अपनी भाषा को मजबूत नहीं करते और बाद अपने आप को कोश्ते हैं कि काश मैंने ये तैयार कर लिए होता | मैंने अपनी अंग्रेजी को अच्छा करने के लिए कुछ इस प्रकार तयारी की जो मैं आप सबसे बाँटना चाहता हूँ|

अंग्रेजी सीखने के लिए सबसे महत्वपूर्ण है कि आप के साथ कोई बोलने वाला चाहिए| इसके लिए सबसे अच्छा साधन है कि आप अपने आपको सीसे के सामने खड़ा करिए और जितना ज्यादा हो सके अपने आप से सीसे के सामने वार्तालाप करिए | अपने मित्रों, परिवार के अन्य सदस्यों के साथ खूब बात करिए | हो सकता है कि वो आपकी बात न सुने फिर भी उनको सुनाइए | यदि आप बोलते समय कोई गलती करते हैं गलती होने दीजिये लेकिन गलती याद रखिये और सोचिये कि अगली बात वही गलती दुबारा न हो |

धीरे धीरे अंग्रेजी कहानी की किताबें पढिये और फिर अंग्रेजी के अखबार |

अपने शब्दकोष में प्रतिदिन एक नए शब्द को जोडीये इसके लिए आप एक शब्दकोष अपने पास हमेशा रखिये |

आप कुछ दिनों बाद देखेंगे कि आप न सिर्फ बोलने बल्कि लिखने में अपने आपको आत्मविश्वास से भरा हुआ पाएंगे|

 

४.      प्रस्तुति
साक्षात्कार के समय इस बात का अवश्य ध्यान रखना चाहिए कि जितना आवश्यक हो उतना ही बताये और यदि जरुरत पड़े तो उसकी व्याख्या करें| पूछे गए प्रश्न का सही तरीके से उत्तर देना चयनकर्ताओं को चयन करने में सहायक होगा | बिना वजह प्रश्न के उत्तर इतना लम्बा न करें कि उसको समझना चयनकर्ताओं के लिए टेढ़ी खीर बन जाये |

 

५.      सामाजिक जानकारी:

अधिकांश समय जब हम साक्षात्कार की तयारी करते हैं समाज से जुडी हुई नयी ख़बरों को छोड़ देते हैं | मेरे ख्याल से आप जिस पद के लिए चयनित होने जा रहे है उससे सम्बंधित प्रश्नों चाहे हो विषय से हो या सोशल (सामाजिक) हो, की जानकारी अवश्य रखें| यदि प्रश्न का उत्तर आप देते हैं तो आप के लिए यही जानकरी लाभान्वित करेगी|

 

६.      पुनः अभ्याश:

यह हमारे आदत में होता है कि हम एक बार जो पढ़ लेते और समझ लेते हैं तो उसे दुबारा नहीं पढना चाहते और सोचते हैं कि ये तो तैयार हो गया | लेकिन यह हमारी भूल होती है | उचित समय आने पर हम उस पढ़ी हुई पंक्तियों तुरंत दिमाग में नहीं ला पाते हैं| इसलिए यह अतिआवश्यक है आप जो भी पढ़ें अभ्याश पुनः जरूर करें|

 

७.      भावनाओं पर नियंत्रण:

हम सभी भावनाओं से भरे हुवे प्राणी हैं इसलिए साक्षात्कार के समय अपने भावनाओं को नियंत्रण में रखे और प्रयोगात्मक उत्तर देने का प्रयास करें | आपने आपको चयनकर्ताओं के सामने यह साबित करने के प्रयास करें कि यदि आपका चयन हुवा तो आप संस्था के लिए एक एसेट साबित होंगे |

 

८.      अपने आपको कभी नीचा न समझें:

जब भी आप साक्षात्कार के लिए जायें तो यह याद रखें कि आप किसी से भी अपनी तुलना न करें और आपने आप को बार बार इन शब्दों को दोहरा कर आत्मविश्वास से भरें जैसे “मुझे अच्छा करना है” “मैं ये कर सकता हूँ”| अपने दिमाग को नकारात्मक विचारों से दूर रखें| भगवान् को याद रखें और साक्षत्कार पूरे आत्मविश्वास से दें|

 

मुझे पूर्ण विश्वास है कि यदि हम इन बातों को ध्यान साक्षात्कार से पूर्व रखें तो चयन में यह सभी सहायक होंगे|

Information Literacy: Need for Good Deed

Believe it or not! Today we are talking and talking only about information, information explosion and its management and present situation has forced us to become information manager which is not at all an easy task. To become successful information manager, we are supposed to be information literate first which requires the understanding of the following in my opinion:

 a.     Information – why needed?

 In order to become successful Information Manager, first we need to identify that information is really needed and we have to understand why information is needed, what, how much, what kind of information is really required and at the same time, we need to identify that information is spread in wide range of formats in different locations (geographically and virtually). And, the skill which we need to develop to articulate a particular question for fetching the information for specific research is very important.

We all know that information is not limited to the boundary and inside the boundary of wall but it is available on paper, digital files, and other media such as audio visuals or from different sources. It may or may not be easy to get information to fulfill the need for making a right decision for getting a right answer against right question but we need to develop this skill.

 b.    Available Resources – Understand:

An information manager is supposed to develop a skill to evaluate and identify what resources are available on particular topic or particular information and where we can locate them in order to access them. If found also, what type of resources and whether we can use for our purpose. We need to understand the different types of resources such as paper-based, electronic resources, digital resources etc. and when & how to use them considering the merits of types of resources and differences as well.

 c.     Find Information – How?

We may be having very good resources but we need to develop technique and at the same time of plan for using the available resources so that we can get best information for the best question. Information literate has to understand that searching should not only be the option to get information but also learn other techniques such as browsing, monitoring information resources etc. Generally, we may find information from the following methods such as:

• Go through several resources
• Book Indexes given at the back
• Abstracting and Indexing Journals
• Use of RSS feed in order to get information from different sources
• Active participation in forum, discussion list, e-mail alerts and bulletin boards etc.
• Bookmarking the address on Browser such as Mozilla, Chrome etc.
• Searching the information in search engines using Boolean Logic
• Develop the understanding to use relevant ranked searching

d.    Evaluation of Results and Implementation

We need to develop skill to evaluate the obtained information for checking the accuracy and its value without biasness keeping the same in mind that the evaluation will not misguide or mislead with incomplete result. Many times it happens that we get information through search engines against our filled question, but we need to evaluate and understand whether the information is trustworthy then only information can help the researcher in right direction.

A prior knowledge of author, name of publisher, editor and series may help the researcher to reach the right destination with less effort.

 e.     Disseminate your search results (findings)

To become information literate, we need to develop the understanding to analyze the retrieved information to disseminate with accuracy. But before we leave the information for others to use, we need to understand the use of information in a responsible, sensitive and ethical manner. A proper respect to confidentially should be given and at the same time credit to the person who really owes the copyright. We also need to develop the ability to communicate in a manner which is appropriate to information, the user and present situation.

 f.      Manage your findings – How?

Finding is never easy against any question and it involves efforts and human interpretation at different stages to get right information for the right purpose. We need to develop the skill to manage the acquired information in most effective way with suitable methods and for that we will have to, sometimes, evaluate critically on our process and findings as well as sources from where we retrieved the information for using the findings and information at later stage. And for that we will have to think as follows:

• Use of used resources in finding the information again
• Use file cabinets or proper shelves to managing physical resources
• Arrangement of emails with attachments
• Planning security and backup of information retrieved for re-locating and use
• Getting updates in changes in documents where you retrieved information
• Use of Content Management System such as Joomla, Drupal etc. for information management  

If we succeed in developing such skills, definitely it will help us to become a successful information manager to support our academic community and we would also be able to contribute to our nation and its development and knows as ‘Digital India’.

Thanks,

DP Tripathi
NIT Jalandhar