READIT - 2009 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

Proceedings of READIT-2009, Kalpakkam - 603 102, 29-30 Dec 2009
Digital Information Services: Infrastructure and
Development.
R. Pandian, M. Aruldhanakar and G. Krishnamoorthy
University Library, Anna University Chennai-600 025
ABSTRACT
The paper discusses the concept of digital libraries, embarking on why it is essential to adopt
digitization in the present information intensive era. It’s also discusses the Initiative of Digital Library in
University Library, Anna University Chennai, process of digitization of resources, identification for resources
and requirement for digitization.
1. INTRODUCTION
The idea of converting library materials into digital formats for creating digital
collections has advanced rapidly in the last few year, thus leading to the concept of a virtual
in the last few year, thus leading to the concept of a virtual library or a library without walls.
Making the concept functional involves the use of hardware and software for capturing and
converting an item in to a digital format. Further, it is to be matched by developing a set of
methods for describing and retrieving the digital information. The collections, services and
information needs in Anna University library are different from other types of libraries. The
information required for R & D work, Engineering, Science and Technology faculty members
and students are normally available in books, journals, technical reports, patents, standards,
theses, databases, institutions websites etc., in various places and also in various format and
media. These users are requires the latest information for the time bound for them study. It is
vary difficult for a single library to acquire all these resources and provide them to their
users, yet, at the same time. In this context Anna University holds the responsibility to initiate
requisite action to establish a Digital Library for the benefit of its user community. University
has already received adequate funds from the Alumni plus its own funds to initiate this
project. To this end, it is imperative that this Centre needs to be improvised to extend its
services to a wider access.
The prime objective of this Digital Library is to act as a subject gateway providing
access to the information resources of various libraries and information services both internal
and external, all in one place, enabling users to search, browse and download any required
data needed quickly and easily. it is the duty of the librarian to provide the required latest
information, wherever available and in whatever form and whenever required.
it is important to find out the various patterns in digital applications that enable
effective and creative use in the traditional library functions of collecting, reserving, and
making information accessible that is before the process of digitization.
2. CURRENT LIBRARY FACILITIES AND TRENDS
The current access of digital library system and services at Anna University ranks
amongst top 10 institutions in Tamilnadu state. The Library has computerized all its
housekeeping activities using software developed in-house that is being maintained and
updated regularly.
Our first priority is to enhance the collection by using power and efficiency of digital
library. By adding more digital resources, the Faculty Members, Research Scholar, Students
will immensely benefit in their academic pursuits. It is proposed to strengthen the Digital
Library in phase.
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