READIT-2007 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

4. DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
A ‘Digital Infrastructure’ consists of computers, storage devices, network
cabling, switches and operating systems that support an organization's digital
operations. A survey had been conducted among the eight SAU libraries to know the
digital infrastructure available in the libraries.
4.1 Computers, Printers, Scanners
The survey conducted at the select eight SAU libraries revealed that all the
libraries are provided with computer systems and other digital infrastructure and the
details are furnished in Table-1.
Table-1: Digital Infrastructure available in SAU Libraries of South India
S.No. SAU Computer Printer Scanner
1 ANGRAU 20 3 2
2 KAU 25 4 1
3 KVAFSU 2 1 1
4 SVVU 2 1 1
5 TANUVAS 20 5 1
6 TNAU 15 2 1
7 UAS-B 15 2 1
8 UAS-D 14 1 1
4.2 Storage Devices
Another important component of digital infrastructure is storage device.
Earlier only magnetic tapes were used as storage devices. The advent of latest
techniques brought a variety of storage devices which include floppy disks, CD-ROM
disks, DVD, Optical disks and pen / flash disks where we can store gigabytes of
information. The study revealed that all the eight SAU libraries are having required
storage devices.
4.3 Network
The technology to connect or 'network' all these computers is another
component of Digital Infrastructure. The widely accepted standard that we all use
Ethernet, is faster and more affordable than ever before, and is the common carrier of
digital data in today' business world. Networking used to mean carrying a magnetic or
optical disk from one computer to another. Nowadays, Gigabit Ethernet is the
standard data highway for moving large files. It should already be the backbone of our
Digital Infrastructure, connecting our file server to our LAN switch to provide the
fastest access to files for users. The study revealed that out of eight SAU libraries, six
libraries have library network and connectivity to its LAN whereas only three libraries
are accessible over the Intranet of the university which connects its campuses. The
particulars in respect of library network facilities are furnished in Table-2.
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