LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Class-XI

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 Contents
Chapter – 1: Library, Information and Society – Role and its implications
Units – 1: Library, Information and Society: Concepts 01-18
Definition, Objectives, Purpose and Role of Library in the development of modern
Society
Concept of trinity: Documents, Staff, Users and their inter relationships.
Units – 2 A: Type of Libraries and their role 19-36
1.2A.1 National Library 1.2A.2 Academic Libraries 1.2A.3 Special Libraries 1.2A.4 Public
Libraries
Units – 2 B: Changing formats of Libraries 37-42
1.2B.1 Digital 1.2B.2 Virtual 1.2B.3 Hybrid
Units – 3: Five Laws of Library Science and their implications 43-56
Five Laws of Library Science
Implication of Five laws
Chapter – 2: Organisation of Library Resources: Basics
Units – 1: Library Classification (Theory) 57-80
2.1.1 Need, Purpose and Types
2.1.2 Concept of Main Classes
2.1.3 APUPA Pattern for arrangement of documents
2.1.4 Salient features of Major schemes of Library Classification
2.1.4.1 Dewey decimal Classification (DDC)
2.1.4.2 Colon Classification (CC)
Units – 2: Library Cataloguing (Theory) 81-102
2.2.1 Need, Purpose and Importance
2.2.2 Item of information required for cataloguing in a document. (Book and Non-Book
Material)
2.2.3 Salient features of Cataloguing Codes:
2.2.3.1 Anglo American Cataloguing Rules
2.2.3.2 Classified Catalogue Code
2.2.4 Forms of Library Catalogue
2.2.4.1 Physical Forms of Catalogue
2.2.4.2 Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

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Chapter – 3: Reference and Information Sources
Units – 1: Reference and Information Sources 103-114
Definition, Need
Types: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary
Units – 2: Categories of Reference and Information Sources: Description and Scope 115-126
Encyclopedias
Language Dictionaries
Biographical Sources
Atlases
Year Books
Directories
Bibliographical tools
Chapter – 4: Computer Applications in Libraries: Basic
Units – 1: Computer Hardware for a Library: Concepts 127-148
Desktop Computers, Server and their specifications
Printer and their Types
Scanners
Barcode technology
RFID technology
Modem, Wi-Fi Modem
Switches
Router
Units – 2: Library Automation: Concept and Applications 149-158
Definition
Need, Purpose and Importance
Units –3: Use of Web Based Communication systems 159-170
Internet
Intranet
Search engines
E-mail
Database.

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 Library, Information and
Unit 1 Society: Concepts

1.1.0 Introduction
The information and knowledge are the driving factors in the development of the society. The
human is the most intelligent among all category of living world. It gathers the information and
converts them into knowledge and further used it to improve the Living standard of the people.
The need and desire are the two motivating factors for acquiring knowledge since the inception of
the society. Initially, the knowledge used to be preserved and transferred through oral traditions.
When the volume of knowledge grew, people invented the mechanism of recording them through
writings. The organised set of such records called documents.

The society continued to develop and accordingly the volume of knowledge grew. Due to
such developments, different civilizations emerged. With the advent of civilization different
organizations as educational, political, administrative, cultural, religious, social, etc. were
established. This organizational approach of the society increased the intellectual activities of
the human being. The milestone was achieved in the history of preservation and dissemination
of information and knowledge by the invention of printing technology. Because of all these
developments, quest for knowledge and to disseminate as well as to preserve them for the next
generation, the concept of library emerged and got institutionalized.

1.1.1 Definition, Objectives, Purpose and Role of Library in the development

of Modern Society

Definition of a Library

The word “Library” means in English “a collection of books gathered for study, research, reference
and recreation”. It is being perceived that it has derived from a Latin word „ liber‟ which means „a
book‟. The definition of library has changed as its functions have changed since it inception. Let‟s

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Library, Information and Society: Concepts

see some of the definitions provided by different reference sources and the scholars of Library
and Information Science.

The Oxford Dictionary defines library as “a building or room containing collections of books,
periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for using or borrowing by the public or the
members of an institution”.

The Merriam-Webster‟s Dictionary says that “a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference
materials (as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale”.

The Oxford Companion to the English Language says that the “library is a collection of books,
periodicals and/or other materials, primarily written and printed”.

The Harrold‟s Librarians‟ Glossary and Reference Book explains library as:
(a) A collection of books and other literary material kept for reading, study and consultation.
(b) A place, building, room or rooms set apart for the keeping and use of a collection of
books, etc.
(c) A number of books issued by one publisher under a comprehensive title as the „Loeb
Classical Library‟, and usually having some general characteristic, such as, subject,
binding, or typography.
(d) A collection of films, photographs and other non-book materials, plastic or metal tapes,
disks and programs.

The observations of definitions, provided above make us understand a library as:

“A physical space such as a building, part of a building, room or rooms or such place having
collection or collections of intellectual or literary output of a society such as manuscripts, books,
periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, written or printed records, tape, artefacts or any literary
and artistic materials for reading, reference, or lending purpose”.

Initially, library was considered as a storehouse of books. The main function of a library was to
preserve the human thought and knowledge of the society. The „use‟ and „utilization‟ factors
of those preserved knowledge was not evident from. But as society advanced the use of the
knowledge preserved in the library become more prominent. Hence, the definition given by S. R.
Ranganathan, father of library science in India, is more appropriate from the perspective of use
of the library materials and their preservation.

Ranganathan says “a library is a public institution or establishment charged with the care of
collection of books and the duty of making them accessible to those who require to use them”.
Here, the term „book‟ symbolizes the library collection which may be book, periodicals, or any
other material kept in a library.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

1.1.1.2 Purpose of a Library

The definition of a library, given by Ranganathan, makes us to understand the status of a library
in the society. He designates the library as a public institution. This status itself set goals and
objectives for a library. Being public institution, it has the responsibility to serve the public
without any reservation or biasness. Further, he says „care of collection of books‟ which, refers
to the organization, maintenance, and preservation aspects of the library materials so, it can
serve the society or community for a longer period. The final and the most important factor in
his definition is „making them accessible‟. This aspect of the definition of a library set agenda to
provide service to the society. The collection of a library should be made available to the public
for use or consultation who so ever and whenever required by them.

Hence, the purpose of a library is to serve the society through the records of human thoughts,
ideas and expressions by making them available as and when required by the member of the
society, as well as preserve them for the coming generations, as those records are the intellectual
wealth of the society.

1.1.1.3 Functions of a Library

As the society developed the responsibility of the library also grew. The functions of a library in
the modern society falls in two categories, namely (i) preservation of the intellectual heritage of
the society in the form of literary work which are being termed as information sources; and (ii)
make these literary works accessible to the people of the society. On the parameters of these two
categories, the functions of a library can be illustrated as to:
(a) Collect, maintain and make available the information sources to the people of the
society to help them to make them aware of the available literature and to think and
act independently.
(b) Foster and promote the dissemination of information, education and cultural heritage
to promote enlightened citizenship and to enrich personal life;
(c) Provide opportunity and facility for formal and informal life-long self-education to the
member of a community irrespective of age, caste, creed, colour, gender or any other
human characteristics.
(d) Preserve the intellectual, literary and cultural heritage of humanity for posterity as
resources for research and development.
(e) Provide reliable information to all citizens without any bias and prejudice.
(f) Facilitate advancement of culture in the community.

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Library, Information and Society: Concepts

The above-mentioned functions of a library make it an important institution for the development
of the society.

1.1.1.4 Information and Library

Information has remained the changing force in the society from the foundation of civilization
to the modern society. It has played defining role in the evolution process. People from different
fields of studies; have tried to understand information with the background of their own area
of expertise. Hence, there is no universal acceptability of meaning of information, but, it can
be better understood when it would be discussed with its associated terms which are data,
information, knowledge and wisdom in sequence. Let‟s discuss the concept of data, information,
knowledge and wisdom, their association as well as their independent existence.

In the modern society, information is being considered a vital economic resources and backbone of
growth and development. People in different subject area require information on various subjects
in different forms and with different emphasis, approaches and explanations. It applies in various
ways in day-to-day usage as well as in research and studies. For researchers, it can be considered
as a thing, resource or a commodity that can be produced, purchased, replicated, distributed and
communicated. Ultimately, it becomes factors or attributes in creating knowledge. Information is
a related concept. It gets created through processing and/or analysing data and further creates
knowledge. Hence data creates information, information creates knowledge and knowledge
creates wisdom

We may define Information as “the factual data, ideas and other knowledge emanating from any
segment of society that are identified as being of value, sometimes gathered on a regular basis,
organized in some fashion, transmitted to others and used in some meaningful manner”. In other
words, we can say that information is a core value or entity; gathered on a regular basis and
collected in organized manner, have some accurate value and a part of distribution or transmission
of the values. These values can be used for decision making.

Information gets generated as a result of processing data of various human or cosmic activities,
events or incidents taking placed purposefully or naturally. Human factors involve both,
individuals and corporate bodies. The Knowledge is an organized statement of facts or ideas,
presenting a reasoned judgement or an experimental result, which is transmitted to others though
communication in some systematic form. Information becomes knowledge when it is assimilated
and shared with others. As we have studied above, data as raw facts and figures; information
assimilates the data and organized in a meaningful manner and when this information widespread,
distributed or shared among the people though communication becomes knowledge. Knowledge
can be viewed in different ways and can be categorised broadly as personal and public knowledge.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

The personal knowledge is the knowledge of an individual which may be communicated to others,
through that individual only. The public knowledge is possessed collectively by the society. It is
available for all in the society in the form of information products and services.

Michael Polayani had given two categories of knowledge as tacit and explicit knowledge. Tacit
knowledge is the knowledge of an individual which may or may not be expressed or shared while,
explicit knowledge is that which is expressed to others orally, in a recorded form or through any
communication channels.

Wisdom is the highest form of knowledge which can be acquired but not transferred. It is an
individual trait or expertise acquired through the application of sound knowledge, ability to see
far ahead in future and capability of selecting right things from the alternatives and taking right
decision.

After analysis of Data, information, knowledge and wisdom, we can say that these concepts have
well established relationship. In this series the data possess least value while the wisdom the
highest one.

1.1.1.5 Role of Library in the development of Modern Society

Library and society is inter-linked and inter-dependable. This is the strong perception and realised
truth that the development in the society is not possible without library. The society we live today
has been termed as information society as maximum population is engaged in the profession where
information and technologies are both raw as well as finished products of the human efforts.
The present stage of the society is the result of the collective intellectual human endeavour for
centuries.

The close observations of the socio-economic and cultural development of the society may give us
an idea about the role of information, knowledge and library in shaping the modern society. The
society has been segmented in three different phases on the development graph. This segmentation
is based on the vocation and profession of the population of the society.

The first phase is known as „agrarian society‟. The main occupation was agriculture. Maximum
population of the society was engaged in cultivation, fishing and mining using muscular energy.
The Living standard of the mass was simple hence, their needs were also limited. Gradually, the
population of the society grew accordingly their needs increased. By the time people started to
accumulate knowledge and apply them in improving the human lives.

Then, the second phase is called „industrial society‟ as maximum population of the society become
occupationally dependant on industries. The invention of different technologies took place in the
society because of the application of information and knowledge. These inventions produced

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Library, Information and Society: Concepts

machines and equipment which replaced muscular energy with mechanical energy. Now, the
society started to produce the goods and products based on the raw materials produced.

(by agrarian activity.) This phenomenon brought the industrial revolution and changed the dynamics
of the society. Large number of the population got engaged in the production houses. People
acquired information and used it as the resources in organising and improving the production lines
which brought industries in existence. The society moved from the agricultural occupation to
industry-based occupation.

The third phase of the society is being termed as „information society‟. The human quest grew
more, and people put more efforts in research and development. The information became the
centre of economic, political and cultural activities. Maximum population of the society got
engaged in the occupation in which creation, distribution, use, integration and manipulation of
information became significant and provided livelihood. The information became both raw as well
as finished product of a large number of human activities.

By analysing the growth of the society from agrarian to information society, we find that the
backbones of the growth are information and knowledge. In the process of development, many
institutions took shape to support this growth. Out of those institutions the most important is the
educational institutions. Initially, the educational institutions used to run in oral traditions where
generation to generation knowledge used to transfer orally. As the volume of knowledge grew
and the human activities were getting institutionalized, people invented recording mechanism
through writing and further invented printing technology for preservation and dissemination of
information and knowledge.

If we visualise the picture of the development of the society then we find that the whole process
has revolved around the information and knowledge. When the society invented the writing
mechanism, the library came in existence. After that, the library became the backbone of the
development process.

In the changing context of the society, the role of library has also changed dynamically. The
library in modern society is being considered a service agency. It organises and facilitates the use
of information and knowledge for the development of an individual as well as the society. Pierce
Butler has stated in his Introduction to Library Science that “the basic elements of librarianship
consist in the accumulation of knowledge by society and its continuous transmission to the living
generation so far as these processes are performed through the instrumentality of graphic records”.
Here, the graphic records refer to the recorded information and knowledge as, books, periodicals,
audio-visual records, etc. Here, the concept of “continuous transmission to the living generation”
gives library the status of service agency.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

Over the centuries, library has also developed different models to serve the society. Presently,
we have different types of libraries to cater wide range of the informational need of the society.
Broadly, we have three models of libraries namely (a) Academic (b) Public and (c) Special library.
Apart from these three models or types of library, we have one unique type that is National Library.
We will discuss these types of libraries in detail in Unit-2A. But altogether, the libraries play a vital
role in socio-economic, political and cultural development of a community and society.

Role of Library in Education

Library and educational institutions are two faces of the same coin; one cannot survive without
other. The meaning and purpose of education is completely supported by library. Library is often
called as hub of educational activities and heart of educational institution with which it is attached.
The main objectives of education are imparting knowledge, inculcation of values and creation of
vocational skills. These three aims are being achieved by different models of education. In modern
society, there are three models of education as: a) Formal education b) non-Formal education and
c) Informal education

(a) Formal Education

The formal education system is such a system in which education is imparted through the contact of
teacher and student in school, college and university. In such system the student is to be educated
or trained on the basis of certain curriculum for a certain period of time. After completion of the
program, within stipulated time, students are assessed and accordingly a degree or diploma is
being awarded. In the system of education, the institution is supported with the library to acquire
the knowledge on the subject as well as related subjects of the student choice. in this context
library is playing the following roles: -
(i) Library supports the teaching and learning process at all levels of education (school,
college, universities, technical or professional)
(ii) Inculcate reading habits and acquires knowledge in the subjects of pursuits.
(iii) Developing critical and analytical thinking and creating skills of self-studies
(iv) Intellectual development of a student to make one research from a simple reader.

(b) Non-formal Education

Non formal education is such a system in which a person gets educated without the help of
teacher or formal classes. In this system student get enrol with an academic institution for
certain educational program and complete it through self-studies. The library plays a major
role in supporting educational pursuit such student who is getting education through this model.
The public library plays a major role in supporting non formal education system and provides

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Library, Information and Society: Concepts

the access of required sources as books, periodicals, etc. Anyone of society has the right of
accessing the library services provided by public library. Hence, a student of non-formal education
completes his/her study easily with the help of a public library. Sometimes, the institutions,
providing non-formal education also provide library services to support the students enrolled for
such educational programmes.

A library plays following roles in non-formal education:

(i) Supports the educational program in which the student is involved.
(ii) Provide informational requirement needs for educational program.
(iii) Bridge the gap of the absence of the teacher
(iv) Help in self-learning and create a researcher for student

These days almost all the institutions of higher studies offer distance educational programmes.
In such programmes, a library plays the role of both teachers as well as information resources. In
this direction public library is more important in this mode of education. Hence the library system
itself becomes teacher, guide and mentor to the student, getting education through non- formal
mode of education.

(c) Informal Education

Informal education system is such a mode of education in which a person gets information and
knowledge as per his/her requirements it doesn‟t have a course curriculum or structure education
programme as offered in informal and non-formal education. The informal education system could
be for anything as an illiterate learns the reading-writing skills and become literate. Another
example may be taken as professional gets knowledge and skills to complete their work from any
other professionals who have such knowledge. Hence, informal education is having a wide range
of coverage. The library satisfies the knowledge quest of an individual for professional, spiritual
or recreational. It provides the opportunity of lifelong self-learning to the member of the society.

The role of library in the informal education can be listed as:

(i) Satisfy the knowledge requirement of an individual needed for personal, professional
and educational development, etc.;
(ii) Creating reading habit among semi-illiterate or illiterate.
(iii) To create responsible citizen;
(iv) Keep semi-illiterate or illiterate person educated through library services.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

Role of Library in Research and Development

The human activities in the modern society are based on creating and utilizing information and
further convert them into economic resources. Hundreds and thousands of individuals, corporative
houses, government institutions are conducting research on science and technology as well as in
social science and humanities. All these researchers need in to obtain effective and fruitful results.
Hence, the library provides support to the research and development work of an individual as well
as institutions.

The role of a library in research and development may be listed as: -

(i) Keep the researchers up to date with the latest development in their field of research.
(ii) Helps in selecting the research topic and assisting incompletion of result
(iii) Organises programmes on the process and procedure of research and research
methodology.
(iv) Provide information to avoid duplication of research.
(v) Provide bibliographical service for collecting and selecting study material.
(vi) Convey rational outlook and scientific knowledge to researchers
(vii) Bridge the gap between the researchers and experts of the field research.

The library attached to the institution, which are conducting research programmes are well
equipped and stuffed with information resources needs for research programmes of the institution.

Figure 1.1: Role of Library in Research and Development

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_and_development
Accessed on 09.08.2021 at 11hrs IST)

Role of library in Information Dissemination

Every individual of the society approaches a library for satisfying his/her informational need. For
this purpose, the library collects the information materials required by the various section of the

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Library, Information and Society: Concepts

society. With the help of library services, the library disseminates the information among the
individual of the society. Apart from this, the library organizes seminar, workshop, exhibition and
a lot of other programs which helps people in acquiring the knowledge and skills. With the help
of formal and informal library services, the library disseminates information in the society either
store in the library in the form of book, journal, Periodicals etc. or by organizing program with
the help of expert of different field. The library does not disseminate information in the present
society but, also preserve them to be disseminated in the future.

Figure 1.2: Role of Library in Information Dissemination

(Source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/14415072/ Accessed on 09.08.2021 at 14:07 hrs IST)

Role of Library in Promotion and Development of Culture

The library is one of the institutions which have responsibility to preserve the cultural heritage
of the society. It also preserves the art facts, traditions, customs and history of the society and
knowledge about own as well as other culture.

Role of a library in promotion and development of culture may be listed as:

(i) Reading and thinking helps widen the intellectual horizons and develops creativity of
an individual
(ii) The library enriches the cultural of society through its activity, lecture, seminars,
workshop, cultural programs, exhibition etc.
(iii) Preserve the cultural heritage of a nation, state, city, town even village or panchayat.
(iv) Educate people about local history as well as tradition
(v) Organizing different cultural programs as exhibitions, dance, drama, concerts of
different type of competition to save the cultural values and traditions. For ex.
Activities like puppet show, poetry show, exhibition of craft and art helps in promoting
the tradition and culture of the society.

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Role of Library in Recreation and Leisure

The library provides opportunity to the people of the society to utilize their leisure time in
the positive manner and creative direction. If a person having leisure time without any positive
work, it is possible that the person may go negative and destructive. Hence, the library has an
important role to provide positive directions to such persons through, books, periodicals, and
popular magazines as well as organizes programs to keep them in positive spirit. For this purpose,
the library stocks function, novels, other form of literature, work of the art and other materials
which have recreational values. The cultural program organized by the library also keeps engaged
such people and make the society healthy.

Figure 1.3: Role of Library in Recreation and Leisure

(Source: https://www.tateinc.com/en-us/case-studies/library/calgary-central-library
Accessed on 09.08.2021 at 14:27 hrs IST)

Role of Library in Moral, Ideological and Spiritual Development: -

Based on the contents of the book have been divided into three categories: -
(a) Inspiratory
(b) Informatory
(c) Recreatory

Books pertaining to religions, philosophy and related fields which lifts the human spirit, poetry,
drama and fiction falls under the inspiratory category.

Books pertaining to biography, history, travel science useful arts and sociology falls under
informatory category.

Books related to fiction, drama, poetry, humour, essay and light reading materials in various fields
are considered recreatory books.

Hence, a library plays positive roles in shaping the moral values, ideology and spiritual value of an
individual through inspiratory materials.

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Library, Information and Society: Concepts

1.1.2 Concept of Trinity: Documents, Staff and users and their inter
relationships
Ranganathan, the father of Library and Information Science in India, introduced the concept
of “trinity in library”. He says that “a library is a trinity made up of books, reader and staff”.
According to this concept, the library having three inter-dependent components which make it a
social institution. Those components are books, reader and staff. The „book‟ is the representative
of all the materials which provide information and knowledge to people. These materials may be
a book, magazines, journals/periodicals, map, charts, art facts, audio-visual materials, etc.

The „reader‟ refers to the member of the community or society who are directly or indirectly
dependant on a library for their quest knowledge. The reader group depends upon the nature of
the community a library is serving.

Figure 1.4: Concept of Trinity

For example, the students, teachers, researchers are the reader for an academic library. But for
a public library reader may be any one of the societies without any distinction or scrutiny. The
researcher and scholar are the reader for a special library. Hence, for the library, reader is reader
is the client for whom the library is meant for.

The staff of a library is the link between the users and the book. They play a decisive role in
establishing contact between the information source and the reader. Without the effort of the
staff, it is very difficult for the reader to get right information especially at right time.

1.1.3 Summary
Information and knowledge have been the driving force in the development of the society. Society
has passed through three different phases namely agrarian, industrial and post- industrial/

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 Library and Information Science-XI

information society. Human being understood the power of knowledge hence, they invented the
mechanism of writing to record and document the information and knowledge they acquired.
Further, they invented paper and printing technology which proved milestone in human history.

Growth in information and knowledge and birth of several institutions in the society created an
institution called library. Initially, a library had the role of preserving the knowledge of the society
but gradually it become a service agency and started to serve the society with its resources namely
books, periodicals, etc. The role of library grew many folds as society developed educationally,
socially, economically, culturally and politically. Library has become backbone of the modern
society as it provides means to the development process in each and every segment of the society.

1.1.4 Exercise
Very Short Answer Type Questions
(i) What are the driving factors for the development of society?
(ii) What kinds of institutions were borne due to development of civilizations?
(iii) Why the concept of library emerged?
(iv) Name the three different phases of society on the basis of its vocation.

Short Answer Type questions

(v) Define a library.
(vi) What is the purpose of a library?
(vii) Define post-industrial society or information society.
(viii) How data, information and knowledge are inter-linked?
(ix) What do you mean by inspiratory materials?
(x) What do you mean by informatory materials?
(xi) What do you mean by informal education?

Long Answer Type Questions

(xii) What are different functions of a library?
(xiii) How a library plays an important role in education?
(xiv) How a library disseminates information and knowledge in the society?
(xv) How a library plays an important role in research and development?
(xvi) What do you mean by the theory of trinity? Elaborate its three components with suitable
examples.

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Library, Information and Society: Concepts

1.1.5 References
1. Altay, Ahmet. The role of the libraries in the information society. Available at http://
www.kirklareli.edu.tr/download//by-files/31796092.html accessed on 05.02.14 at
22:00 hours IST.
2. Khanna, J. K. (1994). Library and society, 2nd rev. ed. New Delhi, Ess Ess Publication.
3. Ranganathan, S R (1990). Library manual. Bangalore, Sarda Ranganathan Endowment
for Library Science.
4. Ranganathan, S. R. (1961). Reference service. Bangalore, Sarda Ranganathan Endowment
for Library Science.
5. Sahai, Shrinath (1973). Library and the community. New Delhi, Today and Tomorrow‟s
Printer & Publishers.

1.1.6 Glossary
Agrarian society: A society that depends on agriculture, fishing and mining as its primary means
for support and sustenance.
Civilization: An advanced state of intellectual, cultural, and material development in human
society, marked by progress in the arts and sciences, the extensive use of record- keeping,
including writing, and the appearance of complex political and social institutions.
Industrial society: A society driven using technology to enable mass production, supporting a
large population with a high capacity for division of labour.
Information society: A society where the creation, distribution, use, integration and manipulation
of information is a significant economic, political, and cultural activity.
Institution: An organization founded for a religious, educational, professional, or social purpose.
Intellectual heritage: Recorded and unrecorded skills, information, and knowledge of the society.
Knowledge society: A society which generates, processes, shares knowledge and makes available
to all members of the society that may be used to improve the human condition; or a knowledge
society serves to transform information into resources that allow society to take effective action.
Literary work: Information and knowledge in written or recorded form for preservation and
dissemination.
Organization: An organized group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or
government department.
Post-industrial Society: The stage of a society‟s development when the service sector generates
more wealth than the manufacturing sector of the economy.
Preservation: Carefully maintain something for longer use or to be used in future. Society: Group
of people living together, sharing same socio, economic, political, cultural and geographical
territory.

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 Types of Libraries and
Unit 2A their Role

1.2 A.0 Introduction

Library is a combination of three compounds as told by Ranganathan in the theory of trinity. These
three compounds are book, reader and staff. Books and readers are two different components
which need to come in contact for which staff is needed. Here, books represent the information
source of any form whether books, journals, periodicals, audio visual material, map, charts etc.
In case of non-documentary source, the information and knowledge come from the experts of
different fields such as academicians‟ researchers, scientists, doctors, engineers, artists etc.

The reader which uses the information sources of a library represents all those persons who need
information and knowledge for their individual, professional educational or any other purpose.
Hence, different set of persons have different approaches towards the library. They need different
types of information in wide range of area of study.

Over the year the society has created different institution for different purpose. For educational
needs we have established educational institutions for different level of studies, to satisfy the
educational need of the society. We have schools, colleges, universities and professional and
technological institution. We have social and cultural organisation for the development of our
society and culture.

The present society is engaged in research and development, inventions and discovery. The
research and development work in society is going to be undertaken by different organisations
worldwide. These organisations are government supported organisations, corporate houses,
educational institutions, autonomous bodies and many more.

19
Types of Libraries and their Role

Types of Libraries

In all human activities and in the day-to-day life people need information and knowledge. To
provide information and knowledge we have library systems in the society. The informational
needs of society differ from community to community and institutions to institutions. On the
basis of the informational needs of the society as well as the purpose of providing library services
to different user community, different models of library have been developed. These models of
library are being studied under the topic of type of library.

Broadly library has been grouped in four categories on the basis of their objectives and functions
in the society. Those categories are as follows:
(i) National library.
(ii) Academic libraries
(iii) Special libraries
(iv) Public libraries

1.2A.1 National Library

The national library is the apex library in the library system of any country. It is usually created
a fresh or entrusted the responsibility of national library by the constitutional provision of the
country. The national library of any country is the custodian of the intellectual heritage of the
country. The intellectual heritage is the total information and knowledge wealth either produced
within the nation; anywhere written by the nationals; and written by any one on that particular
nation. For example, the National Library of India, Kolkata has the responsibility to preserve the
written and published materials within India, published by the Indian Nationals anywhere in the
world and published by anyone about India.

Definition

S. R. Ranganathan defines the national library as “the library having the duty of collecting and
preserving for posterity, the literary products of that country. It is the central station for assembling
and dissemination through energy”.

Further, the UNESCO defines the national library as “libraries which irrespective of their title
are responsible for acquiring and preserving copies of all significant publications published in a
country and functioning as a deposit library, either by law or under other arrangements.

Objectives

The main objective of a National Library is:

20
 Library and Information Science-XI

(i) procure all the literary output of that nation by the legal provision of the nation or
other arrangements.
(ii) acquire foreign literature about that nation.
(iii) preserve the literary wealth of that nation for posterity
(iv) disseminate procured and preserved information through different services and
publications.
(v) maintain the national bibliography and publish it.
(vi) coordinate with other libraries of the country to develop national library system.

Functions

The comprehensive functions of a national library differ from country to country but, minimum
functions set by the UNESCO‟s General Conference (1970) are as follows:
(i) Produce a national bibliography.
(ii) Hold and keep up to date a large and representative collection of foreign literature
including books about the country.
(iii) Act as a national bibliographic centre.
(iv) Compile union catalogue.
(v) Publish the retrospective national bibliography.

The UNESCO conference had recommended that the libraries which may called “National” but
whose functions do not correspond to the above definitions should not be placed in the „national
library category‟.

Examples of a Few National libraries of the world are:

(i) The National Library of India, Kolkata. It was given the status of the National Library
of India with the enactment of the Imperial Library (Change of Name) Act, 1948, and
opened for public as the National Library of India on 1 February 1953. Web address-
http://www.nationallibrary.gov.in/
(ii) The British National Library is known as British Museum Library, London, UK was
established the act of British Parliament in 1970. Web address-http://www.bl.uk/
(iii) The United States of America has not designated any libraries as National Library of
USA by law but the Library of Congress, Washington DC is executing all the functions of
the National Library of the USA. Web address- http://www.loc.gov/index.html

Likewise, one can find about the national library of any nations from reference sources of on
internet.
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Types of Libraries and their Role

1.2 A.2 Academic Library

Education and library are the two faces of same coin. One cannot exist without other. Hence,
an academic library is an integral part of any institution of formal education. It supports the
teaching- learning process of the institution it is attached with. Academic library can be defined as
“a library which associated or attached with any educational institution to support its educational
programmes”.

Depending upon the nature of the institution and its academic programmes, the library collection
is developed. The students, teachers, research scholars and administrative and other staff of the
institution are the users of the academic library. The need of the users of all these categories
dominates the collection of an academic library. The numbers, qualities and qualifications of the
library staff of an academic library differs on the basis of the type of academic library and its
users as well as services it provides.

Figure 1.5 Architecture of Academic library

(Source: https://www.pinterest.co.kr/pin/411516484677583011/ Accessed on 10.08.2021 at

10:50 hrs IST)

Objectives

The academic library has the following objectives:

(i) serve the needs of the academic community.
(ii) collect and store all kinds of reading and reference material.
(iii) provide all kinds informational materials to support their curricular requirements.
(iv) provide supporting materials for extracurricular activities.

22
 Library and Information Science-XI

(v) provide reading areas for users.

(vi) render lending service appropriate to students, teachers and researchers.
(vii) provide an active reference and information service.

Types of Academic Library

Broadly, there are three types of academic libraries. Those are:

(a) School library
(b) College library
(c) University library

1.2 A.2.1 School Library

The school library is a library attached or associated with a school to support the education
system of the school. It caters to all the informational needs of the students, teachers and staff
of the school. In India, there are four levels of school as primary, middle, secondary and senior
secondary. The government and the agencies responsible for developing and supporting school
education in India, having policy that the school of all level should be supported by a school
library. Because of this, even primary schools are being supported by a library to serve the need
of its students, teachers and other staff.

Figure 1.6: Students reading books in the library (Source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-

x5ECGNwqp88/UYf9tPTCt1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/eaZgjvriuW8/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG Accessed on
10.08.2021 at 13:50 hrs IST)

Objectives

The objectives of a school library are to:

23
Types of Libraries and their Role

(i) Support the education programmes of the school.

(ii) Awaken and foster interest in reading book and create reading habit among students.
(iii) Nurture good moral values and principles among students to create refined citizen.
(iv) Develop self-learning skills and interest in using library for solving problems.
(v) Provides information on further study and vocation.
(vi) Help teachers to improve their teaching skills.
(vii) Inculcate communication skills through extra-curricular activities like storytelling,
viewing and discussions on audio/visual programmes workshops, etc.

The school libraries of all levels having all most same set of objectives as mentioned above.

Functions of a School Library

The school library of all levels should develop the collection to satisfy the objectives mentioned
above. Apart from developing suitable collection of inspiratory, informatory and recreatory books
and other materials, the academic library is supposed to perform following functions:

W Lending of books and other materials.

W Reading rooms with suitable furniture and lighting.

W Reference services.

W Guidance, counselling, and advisory services.

1.2 A.2.2 College Library

The library attached to college to cater the informational needs of the college community-
students, teachers and staff of the college, duty towards the alumnus and must become a positive
influence in society for expansion of knowledge and helping in satisfying the quest for knowledge.

The modern society having different types of colleges as:

(i) Junior college.
(ii) Degree college.
(iii) Postgraduate college.
(iv) Professional colleges and technical college.

24
 Library and Information Science-XI

Figure 1.7: A view of college library

(Source: https://www.presentation.edu/academics/library Accessed on 10.08.2021 at 14:00 hrs

IST)

Objectives

The college library of all categories of colleges having the following objectives:
(i) give the student, a wider and deeper understanding of the various disciplines.
(ii) helps in all the educational programmes of the college.
(iii) provide guidance to students for higher studies and self-learning.
(iv) prepare the students for shouldering higher responsibilities in government departments,
civic organizations, commercial establishments, business and industries, etc;
(v) prepare them for varied professions like law, medicine, engineering, technology, etc;
(vi) train them to become more enlightened, knowledgeable and responsible citizens; and
(vii) keep informed the teachers with latest up dates in their respective subject area.

Functions

The functions of a college library can be listed as:

(i) develop collection of textbooks, related books, books of general knowledge, reference
materials and audio-visual materials to support educational and instructional
programmes of the college.
(ii) procure popular magazines, newspapers and scholarly journals to support students
and teachers in acquiring deeper knowledge in the subject of studies and general
knowledge about their surroundings.
(iii) make the library resources accessible through proper classification, cataloguing and
shelving.

25
Types of Libraries and their Role

(iv) provide physical facilities such as functional building, furniture, equipment, reading
rooms, etc.;
(v) preserve previous years‟ question papers to help the students in preparation for
examinations and assessments.
(vi) develop collection of inspiratory materials like fiction, poetry, biographies, travel-
books, etc.;
(vii) organize orientation programmes to new students to make them aware regarding the
facilities and resources available with the library.

1.2 A.2.3 University Library

The University Library is an integral part of any university. The academic programmes of a university
cover a wide range of disciplines and subjects. The modern universities are offering a number of
academic programmes which are multi-disciplinary in nature. Apart from the curricular academic
programme, scholar of the universities undertakes research project for both, for degrees as Ph.D.,
DLit, etc., and discovery and invention of new theories, principles, technology for the sake of
society or solving the problems of the society. Hence, a library becomes an essential component
of the university to support its academic and research activities. Because of the responsibilities
a university library shoulder, it is considered the heart of a university, around which teaching,
and research revolves. According to the Association of University Teachers, “the prime function
of the university library is to provide facilities for study and research for the members of its own
institution”.

Figure 1.8: A view of university library

(Source: https://www.princeton.edu/news/2019/03/11/new-era-begins-princeton-university-
library Accessed on 10.08.2021 at 14:20 hrs IST)

26
 Library and Information Science-XI

Objectives

The objectives of a university library are to:

(i) provide facilities for all teaching, learning, educational, and research programmes of
the university.
(ii) satisfy informational need of the students, teachers and researchers of the university.
(iii) provide intellectual and managerial leadership among the professionals in various fields
of government and industry and inculcate a sense of social responsibility in them.
(iv) inspire the teachers and researchers of the university to undertake research works for
generating new knowledge to improve quality of life of the people; and
(v) provide latest knowledge to the teachers in their area of teaching and research; and
(vi) conserve knowledge and ideas for posterity.

Functions

The major functions of the university library to fulfil its objectives are to:
(i) develop collections on wide range of subjects for learning, teaching, research,
publication, etc.;
(ii) organize and store the library collection with proper classification, cataloguing,
shelving, etc to make the collection easily accessible to the users.
(iii) acquire, materials as books, journals, periodical, newspapers, and other sources of
information to provide latest information and knowledge on the concerned subjects.
(iv) provide reference, information and documentation services to the university community
to keep them up to date in their area of studies and research.
(v) keep pace with the development in the library system management and applications
of new technologies to provide better library services to the users.

1.2 A.3 Special Library

The special libraries are established to meet the informational requirements of the organisations
to which they are attached. Such organizations are devoted to Research and Development (R&D)
activities. The special library procures all types of information sources as handbooks, technical
reports, state-of-the-art reports, bibliographies, current awareness bulletin, periodicals, indexes,
abstracts, directories, etc., needed for the research projects of the organization.

27
Types of Libraries and their Role

Definition

The American Library Association (ALA) Glossary of Library and Information Science defines
Special Library as, “a library established, supported and administered by a business firm, private
corporations, associations, government agency, or other special interested group or agency to
meet the information need of its members or staff in pursuing the goals of the organization. Scope
of services is limited to the subject interest of the host or parent organization”.

Harrods‟s Librarians‟ Glossary of Terms sates that a, “Special library is a collection of books and
other printed, graphic or recorded material dealing with a limited field of knowledge and provided
by a learned society, research organization, industrial or commercial undertaking, government
department or even an educational institution. It may also be a special branch of a public library
serving certain interests or occupational groups such as a technical library or a special subject
library, meeting the needs of all enquiries on that given subject such as music library”.

A special library serves specialist user, located within a single organization or group and is
responsible for the collection, organization storage, retrieval and dissemination of information
directly concerned and ancillary to, the work of the specialized institution with which it is attached.

Objectives

The objectives of a special library are to:

(i) develop current as well as retrospective collection in core subjects based on the
projects and programmes of the parent organization.
(ii) provide promptly the latest information about the significant developments in the field
whenever requested by the users.
(iii) provides all types of academic, technical, and documentary support to render and
appropriate services to the specialists.

Functions and Services

The functions of a special library are to:

(i) select, procure, organize, store and retrieve current information required by the
researchers and other users of the library.
(ii) analyses, synthesizes and evaluates available information in the area of concern.
(iii) provides state-of-the-art-reports, critical reviews, monographs, research reports, etc,
to support the study and research programmes of the organization.
(iv) provides indexes, abstracts and extracts for critical analyses of literature, identify and
procure relevant source of information.

28
 Library and Information Science-XI

(v) provide reference service as Current Awareness Services (CAS), Selective Dissemination
of Information (SDI), and Translation Services.
(vi) provide document delivery service including lending and inter library loan service.

1.2 A.4 Public library

Public library is a social institution established for providing opportunities to each and every
person of the society, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, gender, social, economic and
educational status, etc., to acquire knowledge through reading materials. It is established for
general public and maintained chiefly by public fund. It is an integral part of the community, it
serves.

The public library research group of U.K. states that the whole aim of a public library is “to
contribute to sustain the quality of life in all its aspects- educational, economic, industrial,

scientific and cultural and promote the concept of democratic society in which equal opportunity
exist for all, to develop into true citizens, with whole and balanced personalities leading to
an increase in the sum total of man‟s happiness and aware of himself, his fellow men and his
environment”.

Ranganathan says that “the public libraries generate material happiness, mental jobs, and spiritual
delight: they are social institution charged with the duty of providing the means for the perpetual
self-education of one and all: and the contribution to the circulation of the idea, the harnessing
of leisure, the demand of democracy , the spreads of literary and the success of commercial and
industrial organisation”.

Hence, we can say that „the public library is a social institution with responsibility of providing
library services to the community, without any bias and prejudice to cater informational and
recreational needs. It provides equal opportunity to each and every member of the society to
get success in life which ultimately contributes in development of the society. It promotes the
democracy in true sense. Inspired by the definition of democracy, given by Abraham Lincoln, the
public library has also been defined as “a library, of the people, by the people, for the people.”

29
Types of Libraries and their Role

Figure 1.9: A view of public library

(Source: https://qphs.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ed17bf898182a245fa4e9c3de88bf40d-c

Accessed on 10.08.2021 at 14:40 hrs IST)

UNESCO’s Public Library Manifesto

UNESCO‟s Public Library Manifesto was formulated for its members countries in 1949, to promote
the public library system and provide access of knowledge to each and every member of the
society. This manifesto was further revised in 1972 and in collaboration with International

Federation of Library Associations and Institutes (IFLA), it revised in 1994. The final manifesto is
widely accepted by the member countries of United Nations. The manifesto provides guidelines
regarding objectives, activities and services of public library; its funding, legislation and networks;
its operations, management and implementation of the Manifesto.

According to the manifesto, public Library is the local gateway of knowledge, provides basic
conditions for lifelong learning, independent decision making and cultural development of the
individual and social groups. This manifesto proclaims UNESCO‟s belief in the public library as a
living force for education, culture and information and as an essential agent for the fostering of
peace and spiritual welfare through the minds of men and women.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

Figure 1.10: UNESCO Public Library Manifesto

(Source: Libri. International Journal of Libraries and Information Services Accessed on 20.02.2014
at 01:10hrs IST)

Mission of the Public Library

The UNESCO‟s Public Library Manifesto provides following key missions that relate to information,
literacy, education and culture should be at the core of public library services:
(i) creating and strengthening reading habits in children from an early age.
(ii) supporting both individual and self-conducted education as well as formal education
at all levels.
(iii) providing opportunities for personal creative development.
(iv) stimulating the imagination and creativity of children and young people.
(v) promoting awareness of cultural heritage, appreciation of the arts, scientific
achievements and innovations.
(vi) providing access to cultural expressions of all performing arts.
(vii) fostering inter-cultural dialogue and favouring cultural diversity.

31
Types of Libraries and their Role

(viii) supporting the oral tradition.

(ix) ensuring access for citizens to all sorts of community information.
(x) providing adequate information services to local enterprises, associations and interest
groups.
(xi) facilitating the development of information and computer literacy skills; and
(xii) supporting and participating in literacy activities and programmes for all age groups,
and initiating such activities, if necessary.

Funding, Legislation and Network

On the issue of funding, legislation and network, the Manifesto states that:
(i) the public library shall in principle be free of charge. The public library is the
responsibility of local and national authorities. It must be supported by specific
legislation and financed by national and local governments. It has to be an essential
component of any long-term strategy for culture, information provision, literacy and
education.
(ii) to ensure nationwide library coordination and cooperation, legislation and strategic
plans must also define and promote a national library network based on agreed
standards of service.
(iii) the public network must be designed in relation to national, regional, research and
specific libraries as well as libraries in schools, colleges and universities.

Operation and Management

The manifesto further provides guidelines on operation and management of public library as:
(i) A clear policy must be formulated, defining objectives, priorities and services in relation
to the local community needs. The public library has to be organized effectively and
professional standards of operation must be maintained.
(ii) Cooperation with relevant partners - for example, user groups and other professionals
at local, regional, national as well as international level - has to be ensured.
(iii) Services have to be physically accessible to all members of the community. This requires
well situated library buildings, good reading and study facilities, as well as relevant
technologies and sufficient opening hours convenient to the users. It equally implies
outreach services for those unable to visit the library.
(iv) The library services must be adapted to the different needs of communities in rural
and urban areas.

32
 Library and Information Science-XI

(v) The librarian is an active intermediary between users and resources. Professional and
continuing education of the librarian is indispensable to ensure adequate services.
(vi) Outreach and user education programmes have to be provided to help users benefit
from all the resources.

Objectives of Public Library

S. R. Ranganathan, in his book “Library Manual”, lays down the following objectives of the public
library:
(i) it should help the life-long self-education of one and all.
(ii) it should furnish up-to-date facts and information on all subjects to one and all;
(iii) it should distribute in an unbiased and balanced way, all shades recorded views and
thoughts to one and all, as a help in discharge of their political functions in respect of
local, national and international affairs.
(iv) it should contribute the productivity drive by informing top management of the latest
trends in diverse enterprises, by ploughing back into the mind‟ s researchers, designers,
and technologists every piece of relevant new thought, promptly an pin- pointedly;
(v) it should provide one and all a harmless and elevating use of leisure.
(vi) it should preserve the literary remains of humanity for posterity, as vehicles of culture
and as source materials for antiquarian research; and in general,
(vii) it should work for continued social well-being, as the agency in charge of all socialized
recorded thoughts.

Hence, as per model functions listed by Ranganathan, a public library has, educational,
informational, political, economic, industrial, cultural and antiquarian objectives.

Function of Public Library

The public library performs different functions to achieve its objectives. Those functions can be
listed as:
(i) Supporting Education: The public library provides all kinds information resources to the
member of the community it serves. It helps people in educational endeavour whether
formal, informal or non-formal education. Especially, it is boon for the people who
acquire knowledge through non-formal and informal education system. Its services to
the community support Adult Education and Social Education which ultimately demolish
illiteracy from the society. Because of this function, the public library is considered
people‟s university as it provides the sources of knowledge whether printed, non-

33
Types of Libraries and their Role

printed or any other form, to develop professional, intellectual, moral and spiritual
capabilities of an individual member of the society.
(ii) Knowledge Preservation and Dissemination: The public library preserves the socio-
cultural, historical, geographical and other categories of knowledge either produced
or needed by the community it serves. It disseminates this preserved knowledge in
the community to make people aware about community, its professions and vocations,
culture, customs, lifestyle, etc.
(iii) Creating Reading Habits and Love for Knowledge: The public library provides all kinds of
reading materials as books, periodicals, popular magazines, etc, which creates reading
habits among the people of the community which has positive effects on creating
refined citizens.

Apart from the functions discussed above, providing needed information and knowledge to the
member of the community it serves is the prime function of the public library.

1.2 A.5 Summary

The changing agent in society is information and knowledge. The need of information and knowledge
has grown many folds since the inception of civilization. Different communities needs different
types of information for their wide range of activities and further create wealth of knowledge for
the betterment of the society. to serves the information and knowledge needs of the society and
further preserve them for future generation, different types of library came in existence.

On the basis of the objectives and services rendered by the libraries, they have been grouped in
four categories. Those categories are (i) Public Library (ii) Academic Library (iii) Special Library,
and (iv) National Library.

The public library is to serve to all members of the community irrespective of their caste, creed,
colour, nationality, gender, etc. It has the objective to satisfy the information and knowledge
needs of the community members for whatever purposes they wish to study. Beyond this the
public library has important roles to play in the society to make the people, knowledgeable and
responsible citizen.

The academic library is the part and partial of academic institutions. The academic community
of any Institutions needs information and knowledge to supporting its curricular programmes,
careers and character building and research and development work. Hence, an academic library
has objectives to satisfy the quest of knowledge of the community of the academic institution,
the library is attached with.

The modern society has wide range of organisation which are engaged in specialized study and

34
 Library and Information Science-XI

research activities. The researchers of such organizations have need intensive information and
knowledge in their area of study. Hence, such organizations have their own library system to cater
the information and knowledge need for its activities. Hence the special library is always attached
to an organization of research and development and completely owned, funded and managed by
that specific organization.

The national library is being considered the apex library of any nation having the responsibility
to preserve intellectual wealth of the nation and disseminate among the nationals as well as
international community. The national library is usually created by the legal provisions of a
particular nation and has the responsibility to acquire the information and knowledge created
in the nation, by the nationals and on the nation by other nationals. It has the responsibility
to create, maintain and publish national bibliography. Sometimes, a particular nation has not
created such library by the legal provisions of that nation, but a particular library executes the
responsibilities of a national library can also be designated as National Library of that particular
nation, as Library of Congress, USA.

1.2 A.6 Exercise

(i) Name different types of libraries.
(ii) What are different types of academic library?
(iii) Define a public library.
(iv) Define a special library.

Short answer type questions

(i) What are different objectives of academic library?
(ii) What are different objectives of a special library?
(iii) What are the objectives of the national library?
(iv) What are the functions of the national library?
(v) What are different functions of a university library?

Long answer type questions

1. What are different objectives for a public library have been laid down by S. R.
Ranganathan?
2. Discuss three main functions of a public library.
3. What are different functions of a college library?
4. What are different functions of a special library?

35
Types of Libraries and their Role

1.2 A.7 References:

1. Fox, Edward A., Gonçalves, Marcos André, Shen, Rao (2012). Theoretical Foundations for
Digital Libraries: The 5S (Societies, Scenarios, Spaces, Structures, Streams) Approach.
Synthesis Lectures on Information Concepts, Retrieval, and Services, Morgan & Claypool
Publishers 2012.
2. Guidelines for legislation for national library services. Available at http://www.unesco.
org/webworld/nominations/guidelines1_h.htm. accessed on 13.02.2014 at 22:10hours
IST.
3. Khanna, J. K.(1994). Library and society, 2nd rev. ed. New Delhi, Ess Ess Publication.
4. Ranganathan, S R(1990). Library manual. Bangalore, Sarda Ranganathan Endowment
for Library Science.
5. Sahai, Shrinath(1973). Library and the community. New Delhi, Today and Tomorrow‟s
Printer & Publishers.
6. UNESCO‟s Public Library Manifesto. Available at http://www.unesco.org/webworld/
libraries/manifestos/libraman.html. Accessed on 10.02.2014 at 22:55hours IST.

1.2A.8 Glossary
UNESCO: United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization- an agency of the United
Nations which promotes education, scientific communication, the arts and culture.

36
 Changing formats of
Unit 2B Libraries: Digital, Virtual
and Hybrid

1.2 B.0 Introduction

Time is of the essence for library professionals to review the pace of change. The development
of technology and integration of technology with libraries has compelled the libraries to make
the changes of traditional system to modern system of library services. This also may be due to
changing format of material or documents and the scholarly communication options and changing
how information is delivered, beyond the classroom experience.

1.2B.1.Digital Library
The implications of computer and digital technologies changed the forms of information sources
their storage and retrieval approaches. The 1980‟s decade can be considered the transforming
decade in the field of information publication industries. The information started to be published
and distributed in electronic form. Initially, the storage media for transferring the information
content were floppy disk or CD-ROM and likewise other storage devices. The content of these media
were accessible with the help of computer and the special software provided by the publisher.

Further the improvement in the storage capacities of the storage media and the becoming internet
accessible to the people in 1990‟s the delivery of content through internet to the institutions of
individual become easy.

The publication of information sources become most popular 1990‟s onwards as the access device
like computer, laptop, book reader and now smart phones become cheaper and affordable to the
mass. Hence, the concept of digital library came in existence.

Definition

The scholars have tried to define the digital library differently, but the central theme of those

37
Changing formats of Libraries: Digital, Virtual and Hybrid

definitions is same. Witten and Bainbridge (2002) define the digital library as “an organized and
focused collection of digital objects, including text, images, video and audio, with the methods
of access and retrieval and for the selection, creation, organization, maintenance and sharing of
collection”.

The partner institutions in the Digital Library Federation (DLF) defines it as “Digital libraries are
organizations that provide the resources, including the specialized staff, to select, structure, offer
intellectual access to, interpret, distribute, preserve the integrity of, and ensure the persistence

over time of collections of digital works so that they are readily and economically available for
use by a defined community or set of communities”.

1.2 B.1.1 Characteristics of a Digital Library

The digital library is a library which select, collect, store, retrieve and disseminate electronic
information. Main characteristic of a digital library is to build library collection of information
sources in electronic or digital form and provide services to its members using such resources.
Hence, the library services are there but only the form of information sources has changed
from print to electronic. The digital library uses digital technology for storing, retrieving and
dissemination information.

Example:
(i) National Digital Library of India: https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/

Figure 1.11: National Indian Digital Library

(Source: https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/ Accessed at on 10.08.2021 at 15:00 hrs IST)

38
 Library and Information Science-XI

(ii) J. R. D. Tata Memorial Library, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore:

https://library.iisc.ac.in/

Figure 1.12: J. R. D. Tata Memorial Library

(Source: https://library.iisc.ac.in/ Accessed at on 10.08.2021 at 15:20 hrs IST)

1.2B.2. Virtual Library

Virtual library is a library without wall. With the application information and communication
technology, the information become accessible from the remote. This accessibility power created
the environment for such library which can stores information in digital form anywhere in the
world and give access to its members through several electronic devices which are capable of
accessing information through network. Those devices are computer, laptop, smart phone, etc.
The member of the library uses these electronic devices for accessing information from the library
portal through internet.

Definition

Gapen (1993) defines virtual library as “the concept of remote access to the content and services
of libraries and other information resources, combining and on-site collection of current and
heavily used materials in both print and electronic form, with an electronic network which

provides access to and delivery from, external worldwide library and commercial information and
knowledge sources”.

Hence virtual library has changed the concept of physical form of library with physical space
and building. The approaches towards the access of knowledge by the users and managing the

39
Changing formats of Libraries: Digital, Virtual and Hybrid

knowledge by the staff have completely changed in this environment. The library staff need to
store and makes knowledge content of the library searchable and accessible through the computer
and telecommunication network i.e. internet. Now, instead of visiting the library by the users for
knowledge, the library itself reaches to the users place demolishing physical barriers of time and
space.

1.2 B.2.1 Characteristic of a Virtual Library

The main characteristic of a virtual library is that is demolish the time and space barriers and is
available 24 hours of a day and 365 days of a year. As the library is maintained virtually, hence
providing library services to the users and management of such libraries by staff are done remotely.

Examples of Virtual Library

(i) Indian Culture Library: https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks

Figure 1.13: Indian Culture Library

(Source: https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks Accessed on 14.08.2021 at 18:00 hrs IST)

(ii) The www virtual library: http://vlib.org/ provides a list of virtual libraries in different
subjects or streams

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 Library and Information Science-XI

Figure 1.14: The www Virtual Library

(Source: http://vlib.org/ Accessed on 10.8.2021 at 16:55 hrs IST)

1.2 B.3 Hybrid Library

The name hybrid library is intended to reflect the transitional state of the library which today
can neither be fully print nor fully digital. As we have seen, in so many cases the results of
adding technology piece-meal are unsatisfactory. The hybrid library tries to use the technologies
available to bring things together into a library reflecting the best of both worlds.

The hybrid library is on the continuum between the conventional and digital library, where
electronic and paper-based information sources are used alongside each other. All the major
libraries fall in this category which are maintaining traditional document collection and digital
collection and mix library services. Users of this type of libraries can get maximum of the two
worlds at one place and time.

1.2B.3.1 Issues in Hybrid Library

Some of the challenges being faced by the hybrid libraries are the digital divide, interoperability,
collection development, ownership of electronic resources and preservation of digital media. Any
advancement in information technology will be useful only when you know how to use it. The term
digital divide is used to describe the gap between those with information technology knowledge
and those who do not.

Majority of the libraries these days are hybrid libraries. The libraries own and subscribe to
different resources in different formats. Some of the common formats are e-journals, serials, print
monographs, CD and DVD. The main components of digital library framework are user interfaces,

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Changing formats of Libraries: Digital, Virtual and Hybrid

repository handle system, and search system. The handle system and search system are the major
components that should be designed with interoperability features to search across different
repositories owned by different vendors. The user interface should be designed in a generic way
that it helps library patrons develop a common knowledge to do advanced searches across all
repositories.

1.2B.4 Summary
The information and communication technology has also changed the forms and format of
information sources and the methods of dissemination. Due to the application of technology,
especially computer and networking technologies, new breeds of libraries have emerged. Before
the invention of computer, the information sources used to be in printed form. Now, the information
sources are available in electronic form which is processed, stored, retrieved and disseminated
using computer or other electronic devices and communication technology. Such libraries which
have the collection of information sources in electronic form serving the community is called
electronic library. The electronic information sources is being called digital information sources
also as it uses digital technology for storing, retrieving, disseminating the information.

The digital information sources and application of computer and telecommunication networks
has changed the model of the libraries also. Now, the concept of virtual library has emerged with
the application of these technologies. The library without any physical existence, providing the
library services to the community with the help of internet, telecommunications networks and
electronic devices like computer, laptop, tablets, smart phones, book readers, etc, can be called
virtual library.

The basic categories of libraries are same as public, academic, special and national but if they
are using the technologies to reach the members of the community then they may also fall in the
category of electronic (digital) or virtual library depending upon the model they adopt.

1.2 B.5 Exercise

(i) Differentiate between virtual library and Digital library?
(ii) Define Hybrid library?
(iii) Define digital library?
(iv) Define virtual library?
(v) Discuss the advantages of virtual libraries?
(vi) Write down the characteristics of a digital library.
(vii) Write down the characteristics of a virtual library?
(viii) Discuss the different issues involved in Hybrid library‟

42
 Five Laws of Library
Unit 3 Science and their
implications

1.3.0 Introduction
The laws of Library Science govern various disciplines within the field library science and are
normally invoked when two or more commons lead to any conflicting. S. R. Ranganathan formulated
five laws of Library Science in 1928 and published them in 1931 under the title “Five Laws of
Library Science”. According to these five laws of Library Science, books are for use and user is the
king whose time must be saved.

The five laws of Library Science are:

1. Books are for use
2. Every reader his/her books
3. Every Books its reader
4. Save the time of the user
5. Library is a growing organism

1.3.1 Five Laws of Library Science

1.3.1.1 First Law: Books are for use

The first law of Library Science is „Books are for use‟. No one will question the correctness of this
law but the story in actual practice is different. Historically in 15th and 16th century in Europe,
books were chained with the selves. In those days, libraries were meant for storage rather than
for use. At a later stage, books were made available to those persons who pay a fee but now
the book lending is free for all. Modern libraries are attractive, comfortable and several special
services are introduced to ensure optimum utilisation of the book. A modern librarian is happy

43
Five Laws of Library Science and their implications

when the readers make his shelves constantly empty. He is worried and depressed on seeing those
volumes which stay at home-library. Librarians have taken some initiatives to make the library as
the centre of intellectual achievements by maximum use of books.

1.3.1.2 Second Law: Every Reader his/her Book

The second law of library science has established a new concept of libraries and has inculcated
the culture of libraries. Every Reader his/her book means books for all. Books for all symbolises

„Education For all.‟ In the past education was not for all, it was only for the chosen few.

The Second law says that every reader of the library should get the book he wants. This law also
advocates the generalisation and democratisation of library services. In earlier days, the access to
libraries and their books were only available to few persons who were belonging to the aristocracy
and the upper classes of the society. Hence the library services have become a basic right of all
citizens without any distinction or discrimination. Thus, the second law „Every Reader his/her
Books‟ obtained great importance in this age of democracy. The second law honestly maintain the
principal of equality of opportunity for books and provides suitable environment to learn for all.

1.3.1.3 Third Law: Every Book its Reader

The third law is “Every book its reader”, it ensures maximum utilization of books by their readers.
This law advocates for providing appropriate reader for each and every book. The first law is
developed for satisfying the interest of library documents. While the second law is concerned with
the task of finding appropriate book for every reader, the third law expects that an appropriate
reader should be found for every book. The most prominent process used by the libraries for
satisfying the third law is „Open Access System‟, while the other prominent library activities
which relate to the shelf-arrangement, catalogue entries, reference work, access of popular
departments, publicity methods, Book selection and extension work also satisfy the third law of
library science.

1.3.1.4 Fourth Law: Save the Time of the Reader

The main concern of the first three laws of library science is to facilitate access of books by
their appropriate reader and to optimise the usage of library collection. While the Fourth law is
focusing on the services for the readers. The Fourth law demands to save the time of the reader
as well as staff. The Fourth law expects the library‟s reference staff to support a reader from the
vary instant he enters the library up to the moment he leaves it, critically examine each and every
process he involves himself, with a care to save his time.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

1.3.1.5 Fifth Law : Library is a Growing Organism

The Fifth Law is „Library is a growing organism‟. This law enunciates a fundamental rule and
principle which govern planning and organisation of libraries. The fifth law handles the library as
an institution which holds all qualities of a growing organism. A growing organism has an inherent
feature of natural growth, deterioration in old matters, change in size, development of new
shapes and forms etc.

1.3.2 Implication of Five Laws

Implications: First Law

In order to satisfy the first law of library science, libraries have to look into a number of factors.
The most prominent factors are as follows:
(i) Library Location: The resources of the library are to be fully exploited. Library has to
play its vital role among intellectual users. It must be located at the central location
of its user‟s community. If it is academic libraries, it should be situated in the middle
of the academic institution or at few minutes‟ walk from the teaching departments or
hostels. If it is a public library, it must be located in the heart of the city. A centrally
located library will be most helpful in increasing the use of the books and become the
soul of the institution or city for intellectual achievements.
(ii) ii.Library hours: Before the advent of this law, the library was more often closed
then open. Even when opened, it was mainly to perform dusting books and chasing
out the book worms. Fortunately, in countries where the law “Books are for use” is
implemented, it has changed the public mind and normally the libraries are kept open
for 18 hours a day. Majority of universities in USA and Europe, the library is kept open
round O‟clock.
In libraries, the opening hours of the library would be according to the convenience
of library users. In academic library, libraries are kept open during the institution‟s
working hours. Most of the libraries are kept open in morning to evening. In case of
public library, most of the users are workers, businessman, professionals etc, so such
libraries are kept open according to the off/free timing of these users. Now a day‟s
due to impact of the culture of western countries, majority of libraries are kept open
round O‟clock.
(iii) Library Furniture: The impact of the first law „Books are for use‟ on library furniture
and internal equipment is really appreciable. In the old days when the books were
stored for the preservation purpose, the focus was to keep maximum number of books

45
Five Laws of Library Science and their implications

in the least space at lowest cost. Hence the books were shelved up to the roof. The
implementation of the first law motivates us to provide open access of books for library
users, the shelves should not more than 7‟ high. The space between two rows of shelves
should be sufficient enough so that the readers and staff can move comfortably.

The Reading room must be quite attractive with hangings flowers and pictures. The
rooms are made vermin-proof, theft proof and air proof. The tables and chairs should
be comfortable and suitable for continuous sitting for longer hours. Bureau of Indian
standards established standards for designing tables and chairs of reading room of the
library under the chairmanship of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan. The Library building should be
functional in nature with spacious rooms. The first law has thus exercised tremendous
influence on library building and its furniture.
(iv) Library Staff: In the older day‟s librarian was expected to protect the books from four
enemies- fire, water, vermin and man. Librarian was supposed to be a caretaker. He
was just a matriculate and his pay were less. The first law of library science directs us
that the libraries must have well educated and qualified staff, so that they can provide
better library services to their user.

Library professionals should not forget the noble cause of the service. Scholarship,
training emoluments and status etc. are some essential issues for attracting qualified
and sincere professionals. The staff of the library should ensure the maximum use of
books by readers.

The library should try to keep balance between the retrospective holdings and latest
information bearing documents in its collection. Staff of the library should express
their pleasure while providing services and express their lovable attitude. They should
work as a friend, guide and teacher to their users. The efficiency of service and the
ultimate success of the modern library as an agency for diffusion of knowledge depend
upon the performance of its staff.
(v) Book Selection: The first law had a tremendous impact on book-selection procedure.
The librarians should perform the primary work of selecting books while keeping
the present and potential needs of users in mind. To maximize the use of books, the
librarian should select the books in a suitable, informative, evaluative and inspiring
way. In fact, the first law allows placing only those books on the shelves which are
regularly read, enjoyed, understood and acted upon by users. Worn out and out of date
books should be weeded out with rigidity.

In brief, the implications of the first law are profound, rich, useful and revolutionizing.
This law has changed the concept of the old day‟s librarianship.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

1.3.2.2 Implications: Second Law

Reader‟s requirements are varied for implementation of law „Every Reader his/her books‟. It is the
obligation of the library to provide every reader his/her books. This law has contained obligations
on the State, Library authority, Library staff and the Readers of the library.
(i) Obligation of the State: It is the obligation of the state to provide sufficient support
to its citizens for informal, continuous and self-education through the network of
libraries. Public libraries provide academic and literary support to the cross section
of the society- children, men, women, rich, poor, abnormal, and so on to facilitate
development and dissemination of knowledge.

The state maintains various library services through several provisions for library activities and
organisation. Various levels of provisions for better functioning of libraries are as follows-

W State public library act.

W State library authority

W Local library authority

W Local library committee and village library committee

W State central library

W Finance, Accounts and Audit.

The functioning of the system will be well defined with regard to gradation of the authority,
power and duties of the authority at various level, sources of income and permissible items
of expenditure, selection and acquisition of books, co-operative storage, centralized and co-
operative cataloguing and classification, cooperation in dissemination of information, inter- library
loan etc. This can provide a balance, economic and uniform development of library services based
on approved standards. The development of the planned programmes of library services to “All”,
can only come from the government of the state.
(ii) Obligation of the Library Authority: The library authority should monitor the
functioning of libraries and the overall system. They should try to provide prompt and
free service. A well-thought legislative and co-ordinated measure on the part of state
ensuring an evergreen source of finance is essential, but not sufficient.

For the second law, obligation of library authorities is in respect of choice of books and
the choice of the staff. These are two main functions of authorities in libraries.

To provide Every Reader his/her book, the second law requires the librarians to know
(i) Subject, (ii) Standard (iii) Language of the books used.
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Five Laws of Library Science and their implications

The second law indicates that a library should select books on all the major occupations
of its actual and potential users. The people are also likely to demand biographies
and travel books. The second law also desires that book selection should be closely
connected with the exposition of language; style suited to all the intellectuals. The
librarians should select and furnish books which satisfy the demands of the neo-literates
as well as of the scholars.

Regarding the choice of staff, an adequate and competent team of staff is necessary for
facilitating every reader his/her book. In the absence of the able support of competent
staff, a reader will not be able to approach good number of books.
(iii) Obligation of the Staff: The library staff has a great role to play in the success of the
second law. The first law stresses the need for a well-qualified, trained and properly
paid staff, the second law requests the library authority to provide for an adequate
and devoted staff to show every reader how to use books as tools. To act as the
canvassing agent for the books, the staff must know the readers, must know the books
and actively help every reader to find his or her work; this work is known as Reference
service. Reference service is an effective means of ensuring that a reader gains access
to books of possible interest to him.

Book selection is an important Job of the library staff. The staffs should build-up good
collections of reference work in libraries and provide personalised service is needed.
In conclusion we see that second law demands active help of the staff to the readers
of the libraries in locating their required books.
(iv) Obligation of the Reader: For the second law, there are certain duties/responsibilities
of the reader of libraries also. The users of the library should cooperate with the
library staff so that they can provide better library services. The users should have a
sound knowledge of the rules and regulations of the library.

A Reader can get his/her book only if each realises that he is not the only one using
the library. It is the obligation of every reader to get only the number of books he is
entitled for and return them on due dates. The users should have basic knowledge of
the scheme of classification used in the library and the art of using library catalogue.
They should know about reference work, bibliographies, catalogues of other library
services.

1.3.2.3 Implications: Third Law

(i) Open Access: Open access system provides an opportunity to see and examine the
book collection with as much freedom as one has in his own library. In open access

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 Library and Information Science-XI

library, the reader is permitted to enter the stack room and browse books at his/her
own desire and pleasure for selecting the best to satisfy requirement.

Open access system increases the use of books. It provides opportunity to its readers
for searching books which he never expected to have due to various reasons. With this
specific support, less used books are that way put to use.
(ii) Shelf-arrangement: Shelf-arrangement plays a vital role in providing easy and
comfortable access of books by their appropriate readers. The third law emphasizes
on the need of arrangement of books on shelves in classified order based on their
content. Subject arrangement on selves, a special shelf for displaying recent arrivals
and novelty in arrangement and display will attract the attention of the users.
(iii) Catalogue: It is the catalogue that caters useful bibliographic information about the
library collection and helps in selection of sources. A well-planned classified shelf
arrangement is highly desirable, but it is not self-sufficient in itself to attract needy
reader unless it is supported by a well-developed catalogue. The third law also expects
from the technical staff for preparing analytical entries based on the contents of each
document for the benefit of the readers.
(iv) Reference Work: The books cannot reach to the hands of readers until their thought
content is interpreted by the reference staff. It is the duty of a reference librarian to
act like a marriage match maker between books & readers. He should find a suitable
reader for each and every book or vice versa. He should identify all those books which
are of less use or no use. This is a kind of service that the third law expects from the
reference staff.
(v) Publicity: Publicity is a powerful tool to attract the readers of the library and thereby
to increase the chances for every book to find its reader. Regular publicity is carried
out though library bulletins, newspapers, magazines, printed catalogues, subject
book lists, press notice, book fair, window displays, radio/TV talks, public lectures,
exhibitions, demonstration tours, library week, brochures and leaflets. The library
should adopt all of the authorized methods for attracting library users.
(vi) Books Selection: The third law has an important role in book selection process. For
satisfying the third law and fulfilling the user‟s demand, it is essential to examine the
user‟s requirements and the objectives of the library. Book selection must be proper,
timely and be based on the local demand, local history and local needs of the users.
Thus, the book selection process plays an important role in satisfying the third law of
library science.

49
Five Laws of Library Science and their implications

(vii) Extension Service: Extension service is a vital part of the implications of the third
law. The purpose of providing extension services is to convert the library into a social
centre for encouraging and inculcating reading habits and to turn non-reader into a
regular reader.

To satisfying the demand of the third law, the librarians celebrate the local festivals
and certain national days dedicated to national leaders or ideas and participate in
local festivals. In India,

where such celebrations attract huge crowds of people, this form of extension service
is having great potential for satisfying the issues of the third law of library science.

1.3.2.4 Implications: Fourth Law

(i) Open Access System: The fourth law strongly opposes the process of the Closed
Access System as the time is an important constraint. In a closed access system, there
will be a sufficient loss of time while going through the library catalogues. In larger
libraries, if the closed access system is followed, the unit processing time for getting
the required book may be longer in comparison of the open access system. As the user
after submitting the request, is bound to wait at the counter to get the required book
and it may take a longer time if the asked book is not available on shelf and the staff
ask to give another related requirement (slip). In Open Access System, the user can
go to the desired shelf and can browse several books and then finalise the best suited
book.

(ii) Shelf Arrangement: The comfortable and useful method of shelf arrangement can
save sufficient time of the user. Arrangement by subject has been found to be useful
and easy to locate a desired book. But in some cases, the interest of the reader goes
primarily by the author than by the subject. The method of shelf arrangement should
base on the convenience of the user.
(iii) Stack Room Guides: Proper guides in the stack room will save the time of the user. It
may be quite useful to place them at the entrance of the stack room. It should include
the complete plan of the stack room indicating the disposition of every row. Every
bookshelf must have a separate signal guide.
(iv) Catalogue: The fourth law is aware of the composite nature of the books. Some
prominent aspects of a composite book can be highlighted only by cross-reference and
analytical entries. The Fourth law advises the librarian to meet the diverse approaches
of reader. To save the time of the reader, the library catalogue is generally in two
parts as: Alphabetical part and Classified part. Some libraries also have an Author-Title

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 Library and Information Science-XI

catalogue and Subject catalogue, altogether it is known as divided catalogue.

Although the library catalogue enables a reader to locate the desired book without any
loss of time, yet it becomes difficult to search a micro-document.

Further for saving the time of readers, the library must procure published Bibliographies
of individual authors, Subject bibliographies, Cumulative indexes to periodicals, Topical
bibliographies, National and Regional bibliographies, Union catalogues, Computerised
databases etc.
(v) Reference Services: Most of the readers require assistance of reference staff who
know the hide and seek character of all kinds of catalogues and indexes and can
easily handle them. They can bring books and readers together by providing both ready
reference and long-range reference services. Reference staff can also help in selection
of books; documentation services like indexing, abstracting, translation, reprography;
information services like CAS (Current awareness services), Selective Dissemination of
Information, Referral Service, Information Consolidation and Repackaging etc.
(vi) Issue/Return Methods: Circulation service is an important service of any library. If this
service is well planned and equipped in any library, it saves the time of user and staff
both. After a number of experiments, it is brought out that Browne charging system,
Newark Charging system, Ranganathan Reader ticket-Book ticket method and Detroit
self-charging system are some of the economical, time saving charging systems. Two
card systems are found to save the time of the readers over „Day book‟ and „Ledger
system‟. Automated circulation system is better than all other systems that save the
time of the users.
(vii) Other Service: To save the time of reader, libraries provide some other services like
Mobile library services, Library services for special classes etc.

1.3.2.5 Implications: Fifth Law

(i) Growth in size: Library is a growing organism, its growth depends on the count of reader,
material, and staff. According to Dr. Ranganathan there are two types of growth- Child
growth and Adult growth. Here child growth is characterized by an overall growth in
size and weight, while adult growth on the other hand is characterized by the absence
of an overgrowth. The growth of library is very much similar to child growth in the
respect of reading material and staff. It may possibly attain the adult growth but only
in respect of the count of readers.

The main components of the library organism are books, readers, and staff. A modern
library is a trinity of all these factors. There must be a harmonious growth among all
of these basic components.
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Five Laws of Library Science and their implications

(ii) Reading Materials: The quality of every library service is based on a live, well
chosen, selective and growing collection of information and documents. Library
should purchase new books, journals, audio-visuals materials and other informative
documents to provide information support for teaching and research activities of the
parent institution.
(iii) Library Building: Increasing size of the library collection is one of the important
aspects for growth, this type of growth is reflected in the stack room of library. Its
size, relative position,

book racks, forming unit of which the stack is built, the parts of the book rack, the self-
planks, label holders and all such things relating to housing of books will be examined
in the light of inevitable growth in stack. In terms of the size of library building, the
librarian should provide sufficient provisions not only for satisfying present needs but
also for the future needs.

Library building must have a self-sufficient system for adjusting books of fluctuating size.
Being a service institution, a library may provide a number of user-based services, the
design of library building must be functional in nature for providing proper space to all
of the services. The periodicals room also needs a careful design in the light of fifth law
of library science. While designing the library building, new principal of architecture
such as modular design and dry construction need to be seriously considered.

Catalogue Room is very important part of the Library building. Catalogue room is the
room in which the catalogue cabinets are kept. A standard size of unit cabinet is
23”X28”. It can hold 48000 catalogue cards. It is observed that each book may have
enough cards for its proper representation, so there must be some provision for its
proper extension.

Fifth law also affects the physical form of library catalogue. If a library is a growing
organism, the library catalogue will also have growth in its nature. If a library grows
dynamically, librarian finds it exotic to administer its catalogue because of its limited
identity, inflexibility, absoluteness and increasing cost. Another physical form of the
catalogue is shelf catalogue, lose- leaf book catalogue and one leaf one entry catalogue
but all of these are not competent enough to satisfy the fifth law of library science.
Because of the simplicity, attractiveness, cost effective and less chance to error in
use, card catalogue is very useful for libraries. Card catalogue has an epoch-making
contribution in the library profession. It is quite valuable for preparing bibliographies,
indexes, and union catalogues for ensuring interior qualities of up datedness and
endless expansion.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

(iv) Classification Scheme: Another important matter that needs to be examined in the
light of the fifth law is the classification of books. As knowledge itself is growing with a
very high speed, it is necessary that the classification scheme must be comprehensive,
embracing all past and present issues, allowing places for any possible addition of
knowledge. It means classification must be flexible, expansible, and hospitable with
the highest degree, so that it can accommodate the new subject without dislocating
its predefined sequence.

The Reader is a part of trinity; he/she is an important part for any library organisation.
The growth of libraries is measured in terms of continuity, eternity and perpetuity
depends upon the growth in the count of readers. The growth of readers is examined
in the light of the following factors:
a. The size of the reading Room
b. The use method
c. Certain Safeguards.

The growth of the reader requires that the reading room must be flexible to meet the
growth of documents, furniture, and accommodation for readers. The reading room
should have well planned, attractive and comfortable seating arrangement for painless
studies.
(v) Issue Work: Increased count of readers leads to increase of issue and return works.
The size and shape of the issue counter must, therefore, be taken into consideration
to meet the future growth. The issue system will also affect the size of the counter.
The counter should be spacious enough to make the reader easy while getting their
books issued and returned. Provision of property counter must be available, where the
reader can deposit their luggage (belongings).
(vi) Open access: Open access system is only medium for facilitating the meeting of books
and the readers through fifth law. In open access the readers themselves pick out
books of their choice while in closed access system it is not possible.
(vii) Circulation system: The ledger system-based circulation is not sufficient enough due
to the growth of issue/return work as it involves a number of operations in completing
the process of issue/return of a volume. Browne Changing System and Newark changing
system has achieved better success in heavy loaded environment.

On the other hand, Ranganathan proposed two card system known as Reader‟s ticket-
book card charging system. It is useful and most economical charging system. These
methods have solved the problem of identifying borrowers. Each reader is made

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Five Laws of Library Science and their implications

responsible for the books drawn on his tickets and it is his business to keep the tickets
in his personal custody and prevents their use by others.
(viii) Safeguards: As the number of user increases, the problems of preventing unauthorised
removal of books from the library becomes an acute problem in open access libraries.
It necessitates some safeguards. Safeguards really secure that all the readers can leave
the library through single door, on that door vigilance can be exercised. The safeguards
consist of the following arrangements:

Entrance and exit to the library must be provided by one and only one gate. The gate
should be normally in closed position. They should open it only if the counter assistant
allows. The moment reader leaves it, it should automatically close/lock itself. The
passage of the gate should be big/wide enough to allow one and only one reader to
pass through it at a time. All other doorways and windows should be fitted with grill
work, shutters, or weld-mesh shutters; whose meshes are too small for a book to allow
replacing. The greatest disservice to the open access is its introduction without proper
safeguards.
(ix) Staff: For providing quality support to the library users on various library services,
library may require larger count of professionally trained staff. For facilitating this,
the library decision maker provides the needed staff. To acquire the aim of library
organization, the librarian must keep in view three behavioural requirements-
1. Brilliant, trained persons must be inspired to join the library profession and to
remain in it.
2. The person must be aware with their task for which they have been appointed.
3. Working environments must be conductive for creative, spontaneous, and
innovative work.
(x) Staff Council: Dr. Ranganathan suggests the formation of a staff council for helping the
librarians to obtain maximum outcome of work in an efficient manner. In the constitution
of the council, it should one representative from each section of the library. The prime
function of the staff council is to advice librarian on various matters. Besides, the
librarian should encourage the staff members through the sectional meetings.
(xi) Spirit of the hive: As a library remains open on all days for long hours, the organisation
of the reference section and the direct dealing counters require the greatest skill
and care while interaction. Further, library professionals in such areas should work
hard with a natural quality of politeness. In other words, the members of staff should
inculcate themselves a spirit of hives. It means that member of staff should be willing
to co-operate with one another in every possible way.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

1.3.3. Summary
The Five laws are the five commandments, embodying the rational for unifying the theory of
library science with their formulation. Dr. Ranganathan infused a new life into librarianship and
changed it into a scientific approach-based library science.

1.3.4 Exercise
Short question
(i) How library‟s location is important for popularising library?
(ii) Explain ideal opening time of the library.
(iii) Point out various obligations for satisfying second law of library science?
(iv) How third law of library science can be satisfied?
(v) How will you publicize library services?
(vi) Point out various library services for saving the time of users.
(vii) What do you mean by Guide? How is it useful for saving the time of users?
(viii) Discuss various types growth in a library.
(ix) Discuss various implications of fifth law of library science on technical processing-
based activities.

Long question
(i) Explain various obligations in the context of second law of library science.
(ii) What is the importance of Open Access System in terms of the third law of library
science? Explain.
(iii) How a librarian can save the time of a library user? Explain.
(iv) Discuss various issues which establish the library as a growing organism.

1.3.5 Reference
(i) Ranganathan, S.R. (1957). The Five Laws of Library Science. Madras: Madras Library
Association.
(ii) Kumar, P.S.G. (2003). Foundation of Library and Information Science. Delhi: B.R.
Publishing Co.
(iii) Khanna, J.K. (1994). Library and Society. Delhi: Ess Ess Publications.

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Five Laws of Library Science and their implications

(iv) Kumar, Krishan (). Library Organisation. Delhi: Vikas Publishing House.
(v) Vyas, S.D. (1993). Library and Society. Jaipur: Panchsheel Publications.

1.3.6 Glossary
Open Access System: In this system a user is allowed to go inside the library stack and browse
document.

Close Access System: In this system a user searches an entry of a document of his/her interest in
the library catalogue, writes the description on the slip and hand that over to the stack assistant.
The stack assistant goes inside the stack and searches the document of the slip and then hand over
the document to the corresponding user.

Modular building design: In a modular building design, all of the services of the library are
independent in nature. Any one of the services does not get effected due to functionality or non-
functionality of any other service.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

Chapter-2
Organization of Library Resources: Basics
Location Learning Knowledge Performance Teaching and
Outcome Evaluation Evaluation Training Method
Unit-1 : Library Classification (Theory)
Class room Under standing Meaning of: Chart out: Interactive Lecture:
Library Library Classifi- • Library Classi- • Need and Pur- Need and Purpose,
cation: fication, Need, pose Main Classes, APUPA
• Need, Pur- Purpose and • Main Classes Pattern, Different
pose and Kinds, • APUPA Pattern steps of Classifica-
Types • Concept of • Different steps tion.
• Main Classes Main Classes of Classifica- Activity:
• APUPA Pat- • APUPA tion Classification Practice
tern • Steps of Classi-
Salient fea- fication
tures:
• DDC
• CC

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Library Classification Theory

Location Learning Knowledge Performance Teaching and

Outcome Evaluation Evaluation Training Method
Unit-2 : Library Cataloguing (Theory)
Classroom, Understanding: • Meaning of Chart out: Interactive Lectures:
Library / • Library Cataloguing- • Library Cata- Under standing
Computer- Cataloguing, Need and Pur- loguing Need Library Cataloguing
Laboratory Need and poses Identifi- and Purposes. Need and Purposes,
Purposes cationof: • Items of in- Books and Non-Book
• Cataloguing • Items of in- formation Materials, Features
of Books and- formation- required for of AACR2R and CCC;
Non-Books required for cataloguing Physical Forms of
material cataloguing of Books and- Catalogue and OPAC
• Salientfea- of Books and- Non-Books Activity:
tures of Cat- Non-Books material Identifying Books and
aloguingCode material • Salientfeatures Non Book Materials,
• Forms of • Salientfeatures of AACR2R and- Items of information
Library Cata- of AACR2R and CCC. required for Cata-
logue CCC. • Physical Forms loguing and Catalogu-
• Physical Forms of Catalogue ing Practice.
of Catalogue and OPAC
and OPAC

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 Library Classification
Unit 1 Theory

2.1.0 Introduction

The word Classification comes from the Latin word “Classis”. The term Classification in one sense
applies to the process of arranging individual objects or ideas into groups according to their
degrees of likeness and combining these groups into larger groups. The term divisions refer to the
reverse procedure. Here a single group is subdivided according to some quality possessed, not
possessed or shared in varying degrees by some of the individuals it contains. The sub-groups thus
obtained may be further sub-divided in the same way, until further divisions is impossible.

In general, the above processes are referred to as classification, and it is said that classification is
a separating as well as grouping process; it collects like things and separates unlike things.

Classification is a process of sorting; ideas or objects are collected into groups, and these groups
stand for certain qualities which its members possess.

Classification not only assists the memory by arranging individuals into groups but expresses the
relationships of things and ideas to the discovery of their laws. Classification is essentially a
mental process; we group or separate according to our concepts or ideas of the individuals. The
mental process of separation or grouping is called abstraction. It is an aid to the memory and
reasoning power. Nothing can be identified without it, in fact all thought and reasoning may be
said to consist of classification. When we recognize “a little black dog”, we distinguish the dog as
an animal from all other mammals and further identify it by recognizing size and colour.

The term „Classification‟ is used in many senses. Ranganthan has recognized five senses. Thus, this
term is a homonym. The following three out of five senses have been taken from Rangnathan‟s
Prolegomena to Library Classification, 1967.

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Library Classification Theory

Classification in Sense 1:

Division:

“Process of sorting the entities of a universe into sub aggregates on the basis of a preferred
characteristic or putting like entities into the same sub-aggregate and unlike entities into different
sub- aggregates”.

Classification in Sense 2:

Assortment:

“The process of the division of a universe into groups plus that of arranging the groups in a definite
sequence - that is of ranking - that is, assigning a rank to each resulting group”.

Classification in Sense 3:

Classification in Sense 2 plus representing each entity by an ordinal number taken out of a system
of ordinal numbers, designed to mechanise the maintenance of the sequence,
(i) Either when an entity has to be replaced after having been taken out of its position.
(ii) Or when a new entity has to be interpolated or extrapolated in the correct place in the
sequence.

Basis of Classification
Basis of classification is based on two views. One view is that classification is based on “Type”.
The second view is that it is based on “Definition”. „Type‟ is the representative member of a class
possessing the characteristics dominantly. But classification by „Type‟ presupposes knowledge of
classification itself, because a type is found only by the knowledge of the general attributes of a
class.

According to J.S. Mill, classification is based on „Definition‟ which states the essential attributes
or features of a class. The classifier is supposed to find out common and essential characters of
objects and then he should classify according to those characters. It is presumed that scientific
classification is always based on „Definition‟. Since classification by „Type‟ is called general
classification, the classification by Definition may be called specific classification.

Difference between Classification and Division:

(i) Classification is the process of grouping individuals‟ items into classes; or grouping
classes into higher classes. However, Division is a reverse process. It consists of dividing
classes into sub-classes and sub-classes into further sub-classes and so on.

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(ii) In classification we move from less general to more general or from minor extension to
greater extension of classes. In division, we move from more general to less general or
from greater extension to smaller extension. Therefore, classification is inductive and
division is deductive.
(iii) According to S.R. Ranganathan, division is putting entities into many groups on the basis
of characteristics, and classification is division plus ranking the groups and arranging
the groups in a definite sequence.

Kind of Classification:

There are two kinds of classification:

(i) Natural Classification and
(ii) Artificial Classification

A Natural Classification is supposed to be one that exhibits the inherent properties of things
classified. It depends on homology, the likeness that resides in the structure and function of the
entities classified. Artificial Classification is based on analogy, where things are classified by their
external likeness and apparent purpose like colour, shape, etc.

According to H. E. Bliss, “There are indeed two kinds of classification, on the one hand logical,
natural and scientific, on the other hand the practical, the arbitrary, the purposive; but for library
classification we should join these two hands; the two purposes should be combined”.

A natural classification may be defined as one which group or separate a series of individuals according
to the degree of their fundamental likeness or unlikeness. However, Artificial Classification is one
which group or separates a series of individuals according to some external or accidental likeness
or unlikeness. It is the result of reasoning by analogy, i.e. the likeness between individuals having
a similar function, appearance, or purpose.

Differences between two:

Natural Classification Artificial Classification

i. It is classification according to important i. It is classification as per some un-important
and numerous points of similarity. or less important points of resemblance.
ii. It is grouping of things according to nature‟s ii. It is grouping of things according to the
plan and order. purpose of the individual concerned.
iii. It is a more or less objective classification. iii. It is more or less subjective classification.
iv. It is classification for general purpose. iv. It is classification for specific purpose.

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Library Classification Theory

Differences between Knowledge and Book Classification:

Knowledge Classification Book Classification

i. It arranges knowledge itself, its substances i. It arranges the expression of this knowledge
tangible and intangible. in written or other form.
ii. A knowledge classification is abstract, for ii. Book classification is concrete and concerned
ideas only are arranged. with ideas in their written representation -
iii. Knowledge classification is based on a much more complex form.
preconceived ideas, essentially superficial, iii. Have the practical aspect of the purpose
which depend upon personal or current of book classification comes to the fore; it
theories and which a new doctrine might becomes a method not only of arranging
upset. Books are actual indivisible objects ideas in the mind, but more essentially of
and their form and purpose - recreational, collecting together, so that they may be
educational, and literary - demand special found easily, actual things that are used
treatment in any attempt to arrange together.
them systematically on the shelves of the
library.

2.1.1 Library Classification: Need, Purpose and Types

The Library Classification has been defined by various classifiers. The aim of library classification
is to arrange the available documents in the library in the most helpful and permanent order.

According to N. C. Berwick Sayers, Classification is “the arrangement of books on shelves, or

descriptions of them, in the manner which is most useful to those who read”. Arthur Maltby
revises Sayers‟s definition as “the systematic arrangement of books and other material on shelves
or of catalogue and index entries in the manner which is most useful to those who read or who
seek a definite piece of information”. Margaret Mann defines the classification as “the arranging
of things according to likeness and unlikeness. It is the sorting and grouping of things, but in
addition, classification of books is a knowledge classification with adjustments made necessary by
the physical form of books”.

According to Ranganathan, “it is the translation of the name of the subject of a book into the
preferred artificial language of ordinal numbers, and the individualisation of several books dealing
with the same specific subject by means of a further set of ordinal numbers which represent some
features of the book other than their thought content”.

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2.1.1.1 Need of Library Classification

The problem of the arrangement of a collection of books first presents itself when specific works
are likely to be sought by persons other than those who collected the books. The Librarian of a small
library can lay his hand on any required title at will and requires no systematic arrangement to help
him. However, users of the library, on the other hand will need to scrutinize the bookshelves to
find the particular book they want, and the larger the collection the larger the search. Therefore,
the Librarian must use the principle of orderly arrangement to reduce the cumulative loss of time
to successive readers. Any grouping is better than none, but some are better than others, if only
because it breaks down the whole collection into two or more parts according to some criterion
which one can apply mentally to the book one is seeking: e.g. which colour group, which size
group or which author group will contain it?

The foundation of the library is the book; the foundation of librarianship is classification, without
classification no librarian can build up a systematic library; one, that is to say, which represents
adequately the field of human learning as it is recorded in books.

Dr. Richardson has said, “The books are collected for use. They are administered for use. They are
arranged for use; and it is use which is the motive of classification.”

Library exist to provide the “right book to the right user,” or, as Ranganathan puts it, “to every book
its reader” with the greatest possible saving of time for both staff and reader. The classification
of books should assist in the realization of this ideal.

Classification, thus perfected, has the obvious value of economizing time and energy.

2.1.1.2 Purpose and Importance of Classification

The primary purpose of classification is the arrangement of books in some order convenient of
both the reader and the librarian.

J.S. Mill said that the purpose of classification is primarily “to facilitate the operations of the
mind in clearly conceiving and retaining in the memory the characters of the objects in question”.
A general classification sets out to cover the whole field of knowledge; a special classification to
classify the branches of one section of knowledge.

The basic purpose of classification is to individualise each subject within its relevant class. This
individualisation is only possible if each subject is given its own special name or number and that
no other subject shares this number. For individualising a subject in this manner, classification
must be provided with an exhaustive scheme of notation.

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Library Classification Theory

The following features of classification shows the purpose of classification:

(i) When a reader asks for a book (document) which is in a library, it must be located
immediately, even though the library may have miles of shelves of books.
(ii) When a book (documents) is returned to a library its correct place on the shelves must
be easily determinable so that it can be replaced (and be ready) for the next user.
(iii) When a new book is added to a library it must find its proper (helpful) place among the
other books on the same subject.
(iv) When the first book on a new subject arrives in a library, it must find a place among the
books on such other already existing subjects which are related to it and in the degree
of its relation to them.

Importance of library classification can be summarised as follows:

(i) Library Classification helps to arrange documents in a systematic order, which is most
convenient to the reader and the library staff.
(ii) It helps to identify and locate a document on a given subject required by a user
irrespective of size of the library collection.
(iii) It helps to retrieve the documents from and replace the documents to the original
position.
(iv) It helps to identify the appropriate place of newly added documents among the other
documents on the same subject.
(v) It helps in compilation of statistics on issue, which reflect the pattern of use and
demand of documents on different subjects. The feedback helps in the allocation of
funds to various subjects and guides the book selection policy of the library.
(vi) It assists user of the catalogue (through call number) to refer to the location of a
document on the shelves.

2.1.2. Concept of Main Class

Dr. Ranganathan defined Main class as “the fairly homogenous conventional regions of knowledge,
which together form the first order array of classes which are mutually exclusive and totally
exhaustive of the field of knowledge”.

The main classes in all the schemes of classification may not be the same. The classes which
appear as the major divisions of the universe of knowledge are the main classes in that scheme.
Once the knowledge is organized into a number of main classes, the next steps is to mark out for
each main class the facets which are likely to be presented by subjects falling within it.

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2.1.2.1 Facets of a Main Class

When we divide the universe of knowledge up to the stage of Main Classes, facets do not appear.
But when we have to divide a Main Class, the concept of facets appears in the case of some main
classes.

The purpose of facets is to divide a main class into its possible aspects. As a Main class contains a
number of smaller units of ideas or entities within it, one method of their division is to group all
of them only in one line.

Another possible method for division of a main class is to divide it first into its possible facets. The
process can be termed as recognizing categories under a class. Therefore, any class enumerated
in the first order array of a scheme of classification of the universe of knowledge is categorised
as main class.

2.1.3. APUPA Pattern for arrangement of document

Dr. S. R. Ranganathan enunciated the APUPA pattern of helpful sequence. APUPA pattern is seen
through Reader‟s point. The focal point of his interest at the moment will be a particular subject.
But we must remember that his interest will not be exhausted by that focal point. It will spread
out from there in different directions in different dimension. The reader would really like to have
the subject forming his focal point, and also certain other subjects with different degrees of
immediate neighbourhood Relation with it.

The focal point of his main interest is called Umbral Region. He would like to have fanned out on
either side of the Umbral Region, the subjects partially relevant to the Umbral subject. The two
regions on either side of the Umbral Region may be called his Penumbral Region; and the subjects
in them are Penumbral Subject. The Penumbral Region will ultimately thin out into the Alien
Region on either side. As he glances from one end to the other of his total Region, the reader will
pass successively through the Alien, the Penumbral, the Umbral and again the Penumbral and the
Alien Subjects. This is APUPA Arrangement.

This sequence puts the most relevant records in the centre. The records which are connected with
it are placed before and after it; and those which are totally disconnected records are put at a
distance from the Umbral. It is such an APUPA arrangement that will give that reader the greater
satisfaction at the moment in full conformity to all the Five Laws of Library Science.

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Library Classification Theory

Alien Penumbral Umbral Penumbral Alien

Figure 2.1 APUPA Arrangement

2.1.4. Salient features of Major Schemes of Library Classification

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

Figure 2.2. Melville Louis Kossuth Dewey (1851 – 1931)

Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Melvil_Dewey -Portrait_
et_signature.jpg/220px-Melvil_Dewey-Portrait_et_signature.jpg Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:08
Hrs IST

The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) was formulated in 1873 by the late Melvil Dewey (1851-
1931. Melville Louis Kossuth (Melvil) Dewey (December 10, 1851 – December 26, 1931) was an
American librarian and educator. The first edition entitled “A classification and subject index for
cataloguing and arranging the books and pamphlets of a library” was published in 1876. The first
edition was consisted of 12 pages of preparatory matter, 12 pages of tables and 18 pages of index,
a total of 42 pages. Edition after edition come out with additions and alterations till the 14th
edition published in 1942. The 15th edition known as standard library edition came out in 1951.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

The 19th edition of 3361 pages came out in 1979. The 19th edition was in 3 volumes: Introduction,
Table (Volume 1), schedules (Volume 2) and Relative index (volume 3). The 20thedition of 3383
pages came out in 1989. The 20th edition was in 4 volumes. The subsequent editions were also
published in 4 volumes. It is now in its 23rd edition published in 2011.

Source:

Figure: 2.3 DDC 23rd edition

https://images-na.ssl-images amazon.com/images/I/41wx5mtWEFL._SX313_BO1,204,203,200_.
jpg

Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:17 Hrs IST

Besides the editions of this scheme mentioned above, an abridged edition of the DDC was first
published in 1894. At present, the abridged version is in its 15th edition published in 2012. This
edition is meant primarily for use in schools and in small public libraries.

Figure 2.4 DDC – Abridged edition

Source:

https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31FrWFsQ25L._SY264_BO1,204,203,200_
QL40_FMwebp_.jpg

Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:20 Hrs IST

67
Library Classification Theory

Main Outline:

Dewey divided the field of knowledge into ten main classes as given below:

000 Generalities
100 Philosophy and related disciplines
200 Religion
300 Social Sciences
400 Language
500 Pure Sciences
600 Technology
700 Fine Arts
800 Literature
900 General Geography and history and their auxiliaries

The above main classes indicate that each main class represents either a major discipline or a
group of related disciplines. However main class 000 includes varied subjects. Each main class
has ten divisions. The divisions are “the second degree of subdivision in the classification (the
first degree of subdivision of one of the ten main classes), represented by the second digit in the
notation. There are 100 divisions”.

The ten division of the main class 100 are given below:

100 Philosophy
110 Metaphysics
120 Other Meta Physical topics
130 Mind and Body
140 Philosophical system and doctrines
150 Psychology
160 Logic, Dialectics
170 Ethics
180 Ancient, medieval, Oriental Philosophy
190 Modern Western Philosophy

Each division has ten sections. The digit representing section numbers are allocated third position
in the notation. A section is “the third degree of subdivision in the classification (the second
degree of subdivision of one of the ten main classes, and the first degree of subdivision of one of
the 100 divisions), represented by the third digit in the notation. There are 1000 sections”.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

Thus 170 represent Ethics in general. The ten sections of 170 are given below:

170 Ethics
171 Systems and doctrines
172 Political ethics
173 Ethics of family relationships
174 Economic, professional, occupational ethics
175 Ethics of recreation and leisure
176 Ethics of sex and reproduction
177 Ethics of social relations
178 Ethics of consumption
179 Other ethical norms

Classification Number (DDC) Figure 2.5 Assigned Class Number

Source: NITI Aayog Library

Salient Features
DDC has following features:
(i) Relative location: According to Dewey‟s principle of relative location, subjects are
ordered in a sequence, by assigning a notation to them and marked book not shelves,
with this notation. By this, each book in a library secured a position relation to other
books in the same subject.

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Library Classification Theory

(ii) Subdivision of Classes: Each main class has ten divisions; each division has ten sections,
each of which may be further subdivided ten times and so on. Provision is thus made for
an unlimited number of subjects. Wherever practicable, heads have been so arranged
that each subject is preceded and followed by its most nearly allied subjects.
(iii) Notation: Dewey used Arabic numbers for the following reasons:

W They are written more quickly and

W With less danger of mistake

W They are easier to remember then letter combinations.

W It is difficult to catch the eye with such combination and they are more difficult
to keep in mind.

W Some combinations of letters are odd or ridicules.

The notation is thus a pure one, consisting of Arabic figures used decimally. A
“three-figure minimum” is used consistently. The notation is infinitely expansible.
If there is no blank number available, any new topic is combined with the nearest
allied head, or when important enough, a place can be made by the addition of
another decimal.

Hospitality is achieved to a great extent by the character of the notation itself.

Every one of main class number is divisible by 0/9 and this again by 0/9 and so
on to any extent
(iv) Mnemonics: The Decimal Classification is rich in systematic mnemonics. The systematic
mnemonics reflect a constant order i.e. provision is made to get the same number
wherever it may occur e.g. in literature class poetry is always 1, Drama 2; throughout
the scheme India is always 54. These methods are called Form divisions and Geographic
divisions.
(v) Relative index: The most important feature of the scheme is its index which is relative
one. Arranged in alphabetical order, it aims to include all topics expressed or implied
in the main tables together with every likely synonym. It is very elaborate also and
is constructed with fair economy of the chain procedure. Dewey‟s scheme was truly
modern in many respects. He anticipated many of today‟s developments including
the principle of synthesis and facet structure, even though he did not recognize them
explicitly.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

In addition to the above-mentioned features, DDC also contains other features. These
are synthetic devices, add to device, special topics for general applicability, optional
provisions and above all, efforts towards universality. These features are important
because they have made DDC more synthetic, mnemonic, versatile and universal.

2.1.4.2 Colon Classification (CC)

Figure 2.6 Dr. Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan (1892-1972)

Source: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/ranganathanbiography-090808110100- phpapp01/95/

ranganathan-biography-8-728.jpg?cb=1249729275 Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:30 Hrs IST

The Colon Classification was developed by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan. The Colon Classification was first
published in 1933 with 127 pages of rules, 135 pages of schedules and an index of 106 pages. The
6th edition was published in 1960.

Figure 2.7 Colon Classification

Source:https://rukminim1.flixcart.com/image/416/416/kb89ea80/book/2/3/3/colon -
classificiation-original-imafsmgzm2renzc7.jpeg?q=70

Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:35 Hrs IST

71
Library Classification Theory

The 7th edition of the Colon Classification released in 1987. It brings many more changes than
ever contained in any previous revision of this world-famous classification system. The many
fold increase in the number of basic subjects; recognition of the three varieties of the category
matter; use of new notational symbols, and introduction of many new basic concepts, have all
ushered in many complexities in the system.

It is the first scheme entirely based on analytico-synthetic principle. This aims at analysing first
the subject field into constituent elements or facets and then constructing the class number by
synthesis. Ranganathan said that in the Colon Classification, ready-made class numbers are not
assigned to topics. The schedules in the Colon Classification may be said to consist of certain
standard unit schedules. These standard unit schedules correspond to the standard pieces of
meccano apparatus. Even a child knows that by combining these standard pieces in different
objects/ways many different objects can be constructed. So also, by combining the classes in
the different unit schedules in assigned permutation and combinations, the class numbers for all
possible topics can be constructed. In this scheme, the function of the colon (:) is like that of the
bolts and nut in a Meccano set.

The rules of classification given at the beginning of the Colon Classification appear complex, until
the construction of the scheme is understood, when they are seen to be concerned with explaining
the difficulties likely to be encountered in each main class.

Ranganathan provides a set of independent tables for subjects, for relations, form and other
classification factors. These tables like the parts of a Meccano set can be used for many
constructions. The colon (:) acts as the nuts and bolts.

The purpose of adopting the synthetic method is to secure co-extensiveness of subject and class-
mark, minuteness of classification in most of the subjects, individualization of every book in a
library by assigning to each a specific class mark, infinite hospitality to new subjects and maximum
autonomy for the classifier.

2.1.4.2.1 Fundamental Categories

According to Ranganathan, in any given subject, there may be a maximum of five fundamental
categories. There can be less, but in no case more than five. To classify any subject, it is required
that the fundamental categories in a given subject may be identified. These are Personality (P),
Matter (M), Energy (E), Space (S) and Time (T). In short it is PMEST. The detail of PMEST is given
below:
(i) Time (T): This is primarily used for devoting period as it has been used in other schemes
e.g. Economic Condition of India in 19th century. Here, the 19th Century represents
Time. The Connecting symbol in a single inverted comma („).

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 Library and Information Science-XI

(ii) Space (S): This is also primarily used for devoting geographical characteristics e.g.
Economic Condition of India in 19th century. Here, India represents Space. The
Connecting symbol in a dot (.).
(iii) Energy (E): Ranganathan calls it a problem facet. It presents itself as a problem or a
mode of work or approach. It is through the problems or approaches; one is to recognize
the division of the Energy concept. e.g. Teaching of classification in the University of
Delhi. Here, teaching represents Energy. The Connecting symbol is a colon (:).
(iv) Matter (M): This reflects the forms it takes in various subjects. If we were classifying
books on the manufacture of paper, we should require some divisions based on raw
materials, these would relate to the concept matter. e.g. use of esparto in paper
making. Here, esparto represents Matter. The Connecting symbol is a semicolon (;).
(v) Personality (P): Ranganathan found a way out to recognize personality by the method
of residue, i.e. when it cannot be any other fundamental category it is assigned to
personality. This is used for the wholeness of any subject. e.g. Human body in Medicine
is the Personality.

Main Outline

The list of main classes recognized in CC 6th edition is given below:

Z Generalia Δ Spiritual experience and mysticism

1. Universe of knowledge

2. Library Science MZ Humanities and social science

3. Book Science

4. Journalism MZA Humanities

A Natural Science N Fine Arts

AZ Mathematical Science NZ Literature and language

B Mathematics O Literature

BZ Physical Sciences P Linguistics

C Physics Q Religion

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Library Classification Theory

D Engineering R Philosophy

E Chemistry S Psychology

F Technology ∑ Social Science

G Biology T Education

H Geology U Geography

HX Mining V History

I Botany W Political Science

J Agriculture X Economics

K Zoology Y Sociology

KX Animal husbandry YX Social Work

L Medicine Z Law

LX Pharmocognosy Illustrative

M Useful Arts (:g) Criticism technique

(p) Conference technique

(r) Administration report technique

(P) Communication theory

(X) Management

Ranganathan divides knowledge into 26 branches.

Salient features
The Colon Classification has following features:
1. Notation: Colon classification uses a mixed notation. It consists of

W Arabic numerical (0 and 1to 9)

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 Library and Information Science-XI

W Roman Alphabets (26 capital)

W Roman Alphabets (24 small) except i & o

W Various symbol such as (∆), (:), (-)

The notation of CC is distinguished by the following features:

W The notation is faceted. That means it takes cognizance of change of characteristics

and separates the various facets of subjects.

W It uses fraction principle for both numbers and letters.

W It is Expressive. That means it reflects order of the subjects in their subordination

and coordination i.e. expresses the hierarchy by making numbers for coordinate
topics.

W It is synthetic in representing a subject by analyzing it into its fundamental

constituent elements synthesizing a class symbol for the subject out of the
elements linked.
2. Hospitality: The most distinctive feature of CC is its hospitality. It is the only scheme to
achieve this, because Ranganathan could use successfully the decimal fraction principle
and faceted notation. CC has achieved hospitality both in array and chain.

Hospitality in array: It permits extrapolation and interpolation in an array. Ranganathan

uses several devices to increase hospitality in array. These are as follows:

W Octave Device: According to this, when the classes of any array are numbered
with Arabic numerals, only numbers 1 to 8 are to be used. 9 is not used ordinarily
to individualize any class. The number next in order after 8 is 9 1 and not 9.

W Subject Device: it is used to form or sharpen a facet by adding to it (facet)

another class number from elsewhere in the scheme. This device has been used in
several main classes. The part of the number derived by the subject device should
be enclosed in parenthesis (circular bracelets) ex: Medical College Library is 2, J3
(L).

W Alphabetical Device: It is used taking the first or the first two or three letters of
the names of persons, or objects or products. The device can be used wherever
warranted.

Ex: J,381 B – Basmati Rice. (J,381 is rice and B is for Basmati).

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Library Classification Theory

W Chronological Device: The purpose of this device is to sharpen a facet number.

It can sharpen an isolate or form a new isolate. This is done by employing a
chronological number from the schedule of time isolate. This device can be used
wherever warranted. Ex. 2:51 M76 represents Dewey Decimal classification.

W Geographical Device: The purpose of all these devices is to form or to sharpen

an isolate number in a schedule. Geographical number may be taken from the
schedule of space isolate. Ex. Z 44, 2 Indian Law of property.

Hospitality in Chain: This may be defined as the quality of a notation which

permits arrangement of classes in successive subordination, each one being
subordinated to the preceding one. It permits simultaneous specification of all
the facets of a subject if necessary and the ability to specify new facets in their
correct sequence. The hospitality in chain is achieved by the following:

W Decimal Fraction Notation: Decimal fraction notation gives infinite extrapolation

and interpolation. Similarly, letters are also used as fraction. Any class can be
divided indefinitely.

W Faceted Notation: Faceted notation provides for the complete exhaustion of each
characteristics in turn and the marking off in the notation of each successive
facet.
3. Mnemonics: Mnemonics are produced by using the following:

W Common Isolates: Anteriorising and Posteriorizing isolates are indicated by using

lower case letters. eg.

a bibliography

m periodical

v history. And etc.

W Geographical Divisions or space isolates are denoted by number eg.

44 India

441 Madras. etc.

W Language divisions or language isolates are for use mainly in the linguistics and
literature class eg.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

111 English

15 Sanskrit

157 Bengali

W Chronological division or Time isolates are specified as follows:

N 20th century (1900 to 1999AD)

N3 1930

N54 1954. Etc.

4. Index: The index of CC is the shortest index found in any classification consisting of only
45 pages. It is relative though the relative aspects of a subject are given in the form of
class numbers. Some indexes of the schedules are shown under the schedule instead of
enlisting them in index e.g. Botanical names after Botany class, Geographical schedules
after Geography class and so on. The index has been desired entirely for the classifier
and not for the readers.

2.1.5. Comparison between DDC and CC:

1. Main Outline

DDC: It has 10 main classes with 9 sub-classes and 9 sections of each subclass. That is
to say beginning with most general subjects produced to more specific.

CC: Main classes are comprised of Generalia (1to 9) and twenty-six main classes on
both science and humanities. The first thirteen classes comprise the sciences and their
applications, while the last thirteen comprise humanities.
2. Notation

DDC:

W It uses Arabic numerals

W Three figure minimum notation has been used.

W Notation is expensive, but not in array.

CC

W Notation is extremely mixed consisting of Arabic numerals, roman alphabet (both

capital & small) and symbol & sign including colon.

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Library Classification Theory

W Notation is faceted.

W It is synthetic.

W It uses fraction principle for both numbers and letters.

W It achieves hospitality both in array and chin.

3. Form Divisions:

DDC:

W Used series of nine common form divisions.

W These with minor alternatives are used with the same meaning throughout the
scheme.

CC:

W For common sub-divisions, used lower case letters.

4. Mnemonics:

DDC:

It makes full use of the mnemonic principle. The principal mnemonic features are:

W Form divisions

W Geographical divisions

W Language divisions.
CC:

The scheme is a faceted one and enjoys a considerable mnemonic quality by the use of
the same facets and common facets.
5. Index:

DDC:

W DDC has Relative index. CC:

W Shortest index found in any classification scheme. The index to the scheme is
entirely a tool for the classifier and not for the readers. Index of some subjects
have been given under schedules instead of enlisting them in the index.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

2.1.6 Summary
The main aim of librarianship is to bring the user in contact with the document or information.
Various techniques are adopted by a librarian to achieve the aim. Library classification is one such
technique, which helps in the organization of documents and information so that the user can
use sources of information efficiently. Therefore, library classification is a necessity in a service
library. A classification scheme is designed for the arrangement of books or other material by
subject or form or both or by any recognizable logical order. The Dewey decimal classification
fulfills the criteria of a good classification scheme. Its inclusiveness and receptiveness to new
subjects are well illustrated by the increased number of pages of tables and relative index. The
notation is exceptionally simple, clear and expensive with excellent mnemonic feature. In the
Colon Classification, the basic classification is logical in most of its divisions, scientific in its
details and scholarly in its elaboration. The facet formula helped in securing helpful order in
library classification, in individualizing every subject.

2.1.7 Exercise:
(i) Define classification by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan?
(ii) Differentiate between classification and Division.
(iii) Differentiate between Natural and Artificial Classification?
(iv) Differentiate between knowledge and book classification?
(v) Explain the need of library classification?
(vi) Write the purpose of Library Classification?
(vii) Write the salient features of DDC?
(viii) Write the salient features of CC?
(ix) Compare the DDC & CC scheme of Library classification?

2.1.8. References
(i) Krishan Kumar (2013), Library Manual. 4th Revised ed. New Delhi: Vikash Publishing
House, 2013, 386 P.
(ii) Dutta, D. N. (1962) – Library Classification: theory & practice. Nagpur: The western
Book Depot, 1962. 320 p.
(iii) Phillips, W. Howard (1955). A Primer of Book Classification. London: Association of
Assistant Librarians, 1955. 235P.

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Library Classification Theory

(iv) Sayers, W. C. Berwiek (1955). A manual of Classification for librarians and bibliographers.
London: Crafton, 1955. 346 p.
(v) Raju, AAN (1984). Decimal. Universal Decimal & Colon Classification. Madras: Ajanta
Publication, 1984. 270 P.

2.1.9. Glossary
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): The Dewey decimal classification fulfills the criteria of a
good classification scheme. Its inclusiveness and receptiveness to new subjects are well illustrated
by the increased number of pages of tables and relative index.

Colon Classification (CC): the basic classification is logical in most of its divisions, scientific in
its details and scholarly in its elaboration. The facet formula helped in securing helpful order in
library classification, in individualizing every subject.

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 Library Cataloguing
Unit 2 (Theory)

2.2.0 Introduction
The term “Catalogue” has been formed from the Greek phrase, Katalogos. Kata means “according
to” and “logos” means “order” or reason.

The library catalogue is a list of books and other reading materials in the holdings of a library or
a group of libraries. The list contains details about the book and other reading material. Which
are useful for the users of catalogue. The details are author, title, the person or body assisting in
bringing out the book, edition, place of Publication, Publisher, Year of Publication, information
regarding physical details like pages, size, illustrative materials etc. Besides this information, the
catalogue also bears some location mark, usually in numerical form, by which documents can be
located on the shelves. According to J. H. Shera (1956), “the library catalogue does not or should
not exist as an end in itself. It is one part of the total bibliographic system and must be responsive
to changes that take place in other parts of the system”.

Cataloguing denotes the various processes adopted in preparing the entries of the reading
material in a catalogue and its maintenance. Library catalogues are different from the publishers‟
catalogues, booksellers‟ lists, bibliographies etc. Each of these reference tools is useful to build
up the collections for a library book selection, but they do not do what a library catalogue does.

2.2.1 Library Catalogue: Need, Purpose and Importance

Definitions

The new English Dictionary defines a Catalogue as follows: „A Catalogue is usually distinguished
from a mere list or enumeration by systematic or methodical arrangement, alphabetical or other
order and often by the addition of brief particulars, descriptive or aiding identification, indicative
of locality, position, data, price or the like‟.

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

According to C A. Cutter, a catalogue is “a list of books which is arranged on some definite plan.
As distinguished from a bibliography, it is a list of books in some library or collections”.

According to Margaret S. Taylor, “Bibliography is a list of books or manuscripts on a particular

subject or subjects. A catalogue is also a list but its scope is limited to a particular collection”.

James Duff Brown in his Manual of Library Economy has defined a catalogue as “an explanatory,
logically arranged inventory and key to the books and their contents and it is confined to the books
in a particular library”.

According to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, “a library catalogue is methodically arranged record of

information about its bibliographical resources”.

Therefore, a library catalogue:

(i) is a list of books and other reading materials available in a particular library?
(ii) contains entries prepared for all the documents according to rules prescribed in a
catalogue code and organized in a systematic order;
(iii) gives bibliographical information of the documents such as author, title, edition, place
of publication, publisher, date of publication in each entry in order to describe and
identify the document; and
(iv) gives location number of the document, such as call number of the document in order
to locate the document on the shelves of the library.

2.2.1.2 Need
A library acquires books, periodicals, serials, pamphlets, dissertations, manuscripts, maps, and
other printed and non-printed materials to serve them to their users. If these documents are not
organized properly then it is very difficult or impossible to locate the document. Even if they are
organized on shelves properly, no persons either user or staff, will be able to know and remember
what books are available in a library. It will also be difficult to ascertain, if a particular document
as asked for by the user, is available in the library. Thus, the very purpose for which the library
has been established will get defeated.

It is, therefore, essential that each document is enlisted in the catalogue in a manner that users‟
approach is met with. The catalogue thus created serves as a key to the holdings of a library.

2.2.1.3 Objectives
Charles Ami Cutter described the objectives of a library Catalogue in 1876 in his book titled “Rules
for a Dictionary catalogue”.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

According to him a catalogue should:

1. To enable a person to find a book of which either
a. the author,
b. the title, or is known
c. the subject
2. To show what the library has
a. by a given author
b. on a given subject, or
c. in a given kind of literature
3. To assist in the choice of a book
a. as to its edition (bibliographically)
b. as to its character (literary or topical)

Figure 2.8 Charles Ami Cutter

Source:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/CharlesAmmiCutter_
BostonAthena eum.png/220px-CharlesAmmiCutter_BostonAthenaeum.png

Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:37 Hrs IST

The first objective of a library catalogue is to inform the availability of a particular document in
the library. The readers may access the catalogue by the name of author or title or subject.

The second objective is to show what a library has. The catalogue helps in bringing together books
by the same author and on the same subject or in a given kind of literature.

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

The third objective is known as descriptive cataloguing. The catalogue helps to identify a document
from several similar documents.

Therefore, a library catalogue is an instrument equipped to deal with the several ways of enquiry,
and of identification and retrieval of the books and other materials.

2.2.1.4 Purpose
The purpose of cataloguing is to put order into a collection of books so that the volumes may be
located and used for reference and circulation. The classifier makes it possible for the books to
be arranged in an orderly manner on the shelves. The cataloguer must supplement that work by
listing books in the catalogue under their author, title, or subjects to provide additional lines of
approach for readers and staff members alike.

The main purpose of a library catalogue is to serve as a guide to the collection of the materials
acquired for the library. Primarily the library catalogue reveals to users of a library, the document
in a library and helps the person in finding out whether documents of the person‟s interest are
available in the library or not. It also serves users as a retrieval tool.

2.2.1.5 Functions
The main function of a library is to provide the required documents to the readers, and it is the
catalogue that performs this function by bringing the needs of the reader into the relation with
the resources of the library.

According to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, the function of a library catalogue is “to help the exploitation
of resources of the library in conformity with laws of library science”.

According to Shera and Egan, two important functions of a library catalogue are:

W Accurate and speedy determination of whether or not an item known by author or title
is in the collection, and if no, where it may be found.

W What materials the library contains upon a given subject and where they may be found.
In addition to the above, the catalogue should provide the following functions:

W It guides the user in selection of a document of his interest.

W It can be used as a reference tool for answering many questions of users of documents.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

W It saves the time of the reader.

W It provides other valuable information on documents besides bibliographical data for

accessing and locating documents.

W It displays the library record before the reader;

W It gives the total account of the collection of a library, of an author, title and the
subject; and etc.

2.2.1.6 Difference between Catalogue and the Bibliography:

A library catalogue and a bibliography are distinct from each other as they serve different purposes.
The differences between them are given as below:

Catalogue Bibliography
• It covers the reading material of particular • It is not limited to any one collection of
library. books.
• It‟s scope is limited to the collection of a • It‟s scope is unlimited. It may be limited to
library or a group of libraries. a library but also covers the whole universe
• There is a location symbol. on a particular collection of a country or
• It is found on card. the locality.

• There is sequence which is applied in uni- • Location symbol need not be given.
formity. • It is found in book from.
• There is sequence, but it may differ.

There is a definite distinction between bibliographies and catalogues but there is an equally
definite link between them. Bibliographers need library catalogues to help them in their research,
and cataloguers use bibliographies for identification of publications and fact finding.

2.2.2 Items of Information required for cataloguing a document (Book and

Non-Book material)

Items of Information required for cataloguing a document (i.e. Book Material)

The items of information required for cataloguing of a book are the data elements. A group of data
elements arranged in a prescribed order constitutes an area of description. The items required
are as follows:
(i) Title and subtitle of the Book
(ii) Author / Corporate Author of the Book

85
Library Cataloguing (Theory)

(iii) Editor /translator of the Book if any

(iv) Edition, if any
(v) Name of Publisher
(vi) Place of Publication
(vii) Year of Publication
(viii) Physical Description (includes pagination, size and illustration if available)
(ix) Series statement with number and series editor (if available)
(x) Call no. given by the Classifier (I.e., Library Staff)
(xi) Accession No.
(xii) Volume information (if available)
(xiii) ISBN and etc.

The maximum information may be found at Title page and back of the title page. One example is
given below:

Figure 2.9 Title Page of a Book

Source NITI Aayog Library

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 Library and Information Science-XI

Figure 2.9 b Back of Title Page Source NITI Aayog Library

Non-Book Materials: Non Book Materials are those materials which don‟t falls under the
printed book but supports in the learning process. The different types of Non-Book Materials are
as follows:

W Cartographic Materials (i.e. Atlas; Map; Globes, etc.)

W Motion pictures and Video Recordings (i.e. Cassette; CD; VCD, etc.)

W Graphic Materials (i.e. Art print; Photograph; Slide, etc.)

W Manuscript

W Music

W Sound Recordings (i.e. Sound cassette; Sound Disc; etc)

W Microform (i.e. Microfiche; Microfilms; etc.)

Items of Information required for cataloguing a document (i.e. Non Book Material)
(i) Title information
(ii) Author/Creator/ Cartographer/ Director/Composer (i.e. responsible for the work)
(iii) Edition (if any)
(iv) General Material Designation
(v) Place of publication

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

(vi) Name of Publisher

(vii) Date of Publication
(viii) Physical details; Dimensions
(ix) Series information
(x) ISSN no. (if any) and etc.

Chief source of information may vary for different types of NBM

Figure 2.10 a Non-Book Material Source NITI Aayog Library

Figure 2.10 b Non-Book Material Source NITI Aayog Library

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 Library and Information Science-XI

2.2.3 Salient features of Catalogue Codes

The catalogue must be constructed on a scientific basis. It must be founded on rules and regulations
that ensure uniformity and accuracy so that it will be a dependable tool. Therefore, a Library
catalogue code is a set of rules for guidance of cataloguers in the preparation of entries in
catalogues for documents so as to maintain uniformity.

2.2.3.1 Anglo – American Cataloguing Rules – 2nd Ed.

The Anglo-American Cataloguing rules was first appeared in 1967. The rules were given in two
parts. Part 1 covered entry and heading consists of four chapters and part 2 covered description
presented in 10 chapters.

Anglo – American Cataloguing Rules, second edition, i.e. AACR-II, has been jointly prepared by the
American library Association, the British Library Association and the Canadian Library Association
and the Library of Congress. It was published in 1978. There are two main parts and four appendices
in the code. Part one deals with Description and Contains 13 Chapters. Part two is concerned with
Headings; uniform Titles, and References and it Consists of 6 Chapters numbering 21-26. The Four
appendices given at the end of the code deal with Capitalization,

Abbreviations, Numerals, and glossary. A Comprehensive index has also been provided at the end.

Figure 2.11 Anglo American Cataloguing Rules

Source:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31PzXgp1D0L._SX333_BO1,204,203,200_.
jpg

Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 21:05 Hrs IST

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

Features of AACR-II

W Structure of the Rules

The rules for description is given is part one. The rules for the choice and rendering of
various access points is given in part two. In both parts the arrangement of rules is from
general to specific.

W Contents of Part -1

The rules of part 1 contain instructions on the formulation of description of documents.

The following types of documents have been included for the rules of their description
in part 1:

i. General Rules for Chapter 1 Description

ii. Books, Pamphlets and Chapter 2 printed sheets

iii. Chapter 3: Cartographic materials

iv. Chapter 4: Manuscripts

v. Chapter 5: Music

vi. Chapter 6: Sound Recording

vii. Chapter 7: Motion pictures and video Recordings

viii. Chapter 8: Graphic Materials

ix. Chapter 9: Machine Readable data files

x. Chapter 10: Three Dimensional Artefacts and Radio

xi. Chapter 11: Microforms

xii. Chapter 12: Serials

xiii. Chapter 13: Analysis

Chapter 14-20 of part 1 are left blank for future development.

Chapter 1 contains those rules that apply to all documents as it provides brief guidance.
The Cataloguer will find specific treatment of certain elements in the appropriate
specific chapter numbered in between chapter 2 to 13.

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 Library and Information Science-XI

W Contents of Part -2
Part 2 provides necessary rules for headings, uniform titles, and references. It consists
of 6 chapters, as mentioned below:

i. Chapter 21: Choice of Access points

ii. Chapter 22: Headings for persons.

iii. Chapter 23: Geographic names

iv. Chapter 24: Headings for corporate Bodies

v. Chapter 25: Uniform Titles

vi. Chapter 26: References

The arrangements of the rules in part 2 is also from general to specific. If no specific provision
exists in a particular case, the more general rules should be adhered to. The rules in this part are
to be applied for all types of documents, irrespective of their physical feature.

Appendices:

Abbreviations, Capitalization, and numerals are given in the appendices in the code. The code
provides the instructions in the appendices as the rules contained in part 1 and 2.

Glossary:

A glossary of most of the technical, bibliographic, and cataloguing terms, including those relating
to the field of non-book materials has been given at the end of the code preceding the index. The
terms contained in the Glossary have been defined in the context of the rules.

Examples:

It has been mentioned clearly that the examples used throughout the code are illustrative and
not prescriptive. Therefore, neither the examples nor the form in which they are presented in the
code should be taken as instructions unless the accompanying text specifically states that they
should.

Index:

A comprehended index has been provided at the code. The index covers the rules and appendices,
but examples have been excluded.

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

Organisation of AACR-II
AACR 2 divides the description into the following areas:

W Title and Statement of responsibility area (Area1)

W Edition Area (Area 2)

W Material specific details area (Area 3)

W Publication, distribution etc. area (Area 4)

W Physical description area (Area 5)

W Series Area (Area6)

W Standard number and terms of availability area (Area7)

Precede each area, other than the first area or each occurrence of a note or standard number, etc.
area by a full stop, space, dash, space (.-) unless the area begins a new paragraph.

2.2.3.2 Classified Catalogue Code (CCC)

The Classified Catalogue Code (CCC) was developed by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan and first published
in 1934. The 5th edition of the Catalogue code with additional rules for Dictionary Catalogue
appeared in 1964. It is a code which can be used for the preparation of classified catalogue as
well as dictionary catalogue.

Figure 2.12 Dr. Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan (1892-1972)

Classified Catalogue Code: With Additional Rules for Dictionary Catalogue Code

92
 Library and Information Science-XI

Figure 2.13 Classified Catalogue Code

(Source:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31LjA63yIbL._SX339_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 21:10 Hrs IST)

Features

W The classified catalogue code is free from the restriction of language unlike the other
codes despite their non-local nature. The CCC has achieved this by taking into account
basic concepts: (a) Language of the Library, (b) Scale of languages, in which the
language of the library comes first, and the others come in the descending sequence of
forcedness.

W CCC is altogether a distinct Cataloguing code based on Canons and principles evolved
by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan.

W There is special provision of rules for compilation of unions catalogues, periodical

publications, National bibliographies, Indexing and abstracting periodicals.

W The chain procedure is the unique device in CCC which is a most important contribution
of Dr. Ranganthan to the art of Cataloguing. This is a mechanical device to device the
subject headings from class number either for class index or for subject headings to be
used for a dictionary catalogue.

W CCC attaches much importance to the title page and its overflow pages in order to get
details to be incorporated in catalogue entries.

W Another feature of CCC is its economy. CCC does not allow the use of imprint and
collation in the Catalogue entry which are considered to be part and facet of an entry
for identification of the documents.

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

W The book number constructed in accordance with colon classification of Dr. Ranganathan
indicates the years of publication of the document. An additional information to the
title statement of the entry in CCC is the edition of the books.

Limitations

W It lacks in providing complete bibliographical information which sometimes causes

confusion and difficulties.

W No rules for cataloguing of non-book materials have been provided that are essential
for cataloguing purposes of such materials.

CCC recognizes the following kinds of entries in a classified catalogue: Main entry

Book index entry Class index entry Cross reference entry

Cross reference index entry

The main entry and cross reference entry are number entries. Therefore, these form part of
the classified part.

Book index entry, class index entry and cross reference index entry are word entries.
Therefore, these are included in the alphabetical part.

A main entry in CCC consists of the following sections:

W Leading section.

W Heading section.

W Title section.

W Note section; if any

W Accession number; and

W Accession number; and

W Tracing section.
The Leading section consists of call number of the document and is always written in pencil. The
Heading section consists of authorship.

The Title section consists of title, edition and collaborators. Other information is provided in the
note section, if required.

The tracing section is given on the book of the main entry. It indicates which entries is addition

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 Library and Information Science-XI

to the main entry have been prepared for the given book. The purpose is to enable the removal
of catalogue cards related to a main entry at the time of the weeding of a book from a library.

2.2.4 Forms of Library Catalogue

The first thing to consider in beginning a catalogue is what form it is to take.

Physical forms of catalogue

The different physical forms of catalogue are:

(i) Bound Register Form

The catalogue of a document prepared / written by hand in a bound Register. The

information of each document is provided, and separate register is formed for Author,
Title and subjects.

Figure 2.14 Bound Register Form

(Source:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ve1d0pGVK_iK3_LnypZSeeeaHe2jwDdWteghY5cdR9Z
D7KA2y2mXfTwRsiKTwvkwUCLkbQ=s128 Accessed on 14.8.2021 at 18:10 hrs)
(ii) Printed Book form

Here entries/catalogues are printed on pages and then bound and make available in
volumes to the reader.
(iii) Sheaf form (Loose-leaf Form)

In this form, slips of paper are put into a loose-leaf binder and bound by some mechanical
device into a volume.
(iv) Card Catalogue

A catalog in card form is one in which each entry appears on a separate card; in other
words, each entry is a unit which can be shifted, sorted and arranged in any way

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

desired. The card catalogue is the most widely used form throughout the world. It has
got the qualities of flexibility, ease of use and economy in production and maintenance.
Another advantage with this form is that it is suited to unit entry cataloguing. The
standard catalogue card measuring 12.5 cm X7.5 cm (roughly 5”x3”) is used in this
form. The entries are prepared on these cards in desired quantity, and they are then
arranged in catalogue cabinet.

Figure 2.15a Card Catalogue Filed

(Source:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LTrejmCChGavpzMVbeCq3xwhsA9C8Iyx3lR_FyId
rj1HrCLdEmDiG0MAdkKxXq8IVT3QMg=s128 Accessed on 14.8.2021 at 18:20 Hrs IST)

Figure 2.15b Card Catalogue

(Source: https://www.libraryhistorybuff.org/catalog-cards.htm Accessed on 14.8.2021 at 18:40

hrs)

Cards arranged in alphabetical or classified order are field in a catalogue card tray, designed to
hold at least 1400 cards in upright position which are housed in card cabinets. At the bottom of the
cards there are punched holes through which passes a locking rod holding them secured together
and in order they can be shifted to and fro along the rod for consultation. The card cabinets are
made of steel or wood containing any number of trays in accordance with the design. Generally,
cabinets are based at a height of 3‟ or 3‟ 6” above the floor.

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Figure 2.15c Card Catalogue Cabinet

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_catalog#/media/File:2010_Manchester_UK_4467 481691.
jpg Accessed on 14.8.2021 at 18:30 Hrs IST

Merits:

W The greatest advantage of the card catalogue lies in the fact that it is far from growing
obsolete or congestion except by carelessness or inadvertence.

W The arrangement allows flexibility and maximum ease of insertion of new entries and
withdrawal of such entries of books as are lost or weeded out.

W The card is a single and self-contained unit, capable of infinite expansion and
manipulation without any hindrance. Cards can easily be produced by a mechanical
reproduction process or cards produced by a centralized service may be used.

W The card can be easily changed at any time by replacing new ones and the same cards
can be arranged in any order.

W The card catalogue maintained in the card cabinets is easier to consult and handle, and
many readers can use it at a time.

W It can be easily guided.

Limitations

W The card cabinet occupies much space and as such it creates the problem of space.
Thus the biggest disadvantage of the card catalogue is its bulk which can cause a
serious accommodation problem as the catalogue grows.

W It is not portable and so it cannot be consulted like the book form, at every place.

W In a busy library when a single reader monopolizes the whole tray or section of the
cabinet, he kills the time of other readers.

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

W The cards can be easily removed or distracted by errant readers who can create
problems.

W Only one title can be located by the reader at a time and for others he has to see all
entries. Thus, it is not economical in saving time and labour of the users.

W These days cards are too expensive.

W For a single book, many cards are needed to be prepared. Therefore, it is not economical
in time, labour and money to the library staff.

The two most generally accepted are the card and the OPAC form.

2.2.4.2. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

An online Public Access catalogue is an online database of holdings of a library or group of
libraries. Readers search OPAC to find the documents available in the Library. OPAC is accessible
through Intranet and over Internet. The readers may search the bibliographic database and find
specific information online. The search facility provides information about the status of each item
available in the library.

OPAC provides search results from the following search points:

W Title search point

W Author search point

W Subject search point

W Class number search point

W Publisher search point

W Place search point

W Keyword search point

OPAC also provides the Boolean search facility in the combinational search. The Boolean search
uses following logical connectors:

„OR‟, „AND‟ and „NOT‟

The following screen shows the OPAC dialog box through LS Premia software of Libsys in the
Planning Commission Library, New Delhi.

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Figure 2.16a OPAC Source: NITI Aayog Library

From the above, if we open the Author indexes and put the word „Kumar‟ in search area and after
selecting the author „Kumar Sanjay‟ and click on the details we will get the following screen:

Figure 2.16b OPAC

Source: NITI Aayog Library

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

Figure 2.16c OPAC

Source: NITI Aayog Library

If we search the OPAC of Planning Commission Library on the Internet the following screen appears:

Figure 2.16d OPAC

Source: Planning Commission Library

The Web OPAC screen of Jawahar Lal Nehru University System appears as follows

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Figure 2.16e OPAC

Source: Jawaharlal Nehru University

2.2.5 Summary
In this chapter, we have studied definition, objective/purpose, the different functions of a library
catalogue. The difference between catalogue and bibliography is also explained. The salient
features of two different cataloguing codes i.e. AACR2 (Anglo American Cataloguing Rules-2) and
CCC (Classified Catalogue Codes) are also explained. Two different forms of catalogue i.e. Card
catalogue and OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) are also dealt with photographs.

2.2.6 Exercise:
1. Define a Library catalogue?
2. Enumerate the objective of a library catalogue as described by C A Cutter?
3. Discuss the need and purpose of a Library catalogue?
4. What are the different functions of a Library catalogue?
5. Differentiate between Catalogue and Bibliography?
6. Write the salient features of AACR2?
7. Write the salient features of CCC?
8. Write the limitations of CCC?
9. What are the different kinds of entries in CCC?

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Library Cataloguing (Theory)

10. What are the different sections in the main entry of CCC?
11. Explain the card form of catalogue?
12. Write the merits and demerits of Catalogue card?

2.2.7. References
1. Krishan Kumar (2013), Library Manual. 4th Revised ed. New Delhi: Vikash Publishing
House, 2013, 386 P.
2. Gorman, Michael and Winkler, Paul W. (Ed.) (1978). Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules.
2nd ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 1978. 620p.
3. Shera, Jesse H. and Egan, Margaret E (1956). The classified catalog: basic principles and
practices. Chicago: American Library Association, 1956. 130p.
4. Viswanathan, C G (1983). Cataloguing: theory and practice. 5th ed. New Delhi: Today&
Tomorrow‟s Printers and Publishers, 1983. 442p.
5. Tripathi, S M. (1978). Modern cataloguing: theory and practices. 2nd ed. Agra: Shiva Lal
Agarwala, 1978. 535p.
6. Ranganathan, S R and Neelameghan, A (1964). Classified Catalogue Code: With Additional
Rules for Dictionary Catalogue Code. 5th ed. New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications, 2006.

2.2.8. Glossary
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC): An online Public Access catalogue is an online database
of holdings of a library or group of libraries. Readers search OPAC to find the documents available
in the Library.

Card Catalogue: A catalogue in card form is one in which each entry appears on a separate card;
in other words, each entry is a unit which can be shifted, sorted and arranged in any way desired.
The card catalogue is the most widely used form throughout the world.

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Chapter-3

Reference and Information Sources

Location Learning Knowledge Performance Teaching and
Outcome Evaluation Evaluation Training Method
Unit-1 : Reference and Information Sources
Classroom Understanding Meaning of Ref- Chart out: Interactive Lecture:
or Library the concept of erence and Infor- Reference and In- Meaning of Refer-
Reference and mation Sources. formation sources ence and Informa-
Information under various tion Sources; Types
Sources categories of sources in various
categories.
Activity: Visit a li-
brary and prepare a
list of various sources
under Primary, Sec-
ondary and
Tertiary types.

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Reference and Information Sources

Location Learning Knowledge Performance Teaching and

Outcome Evaluation Evaluation Training Method
Unit-2 : Categories of References and Information Sources: Description and Scope
Classroom Understand- Meaning of Chart out: Need Interactive Lectures:
or Library ing Definition, Reference of Reference Meaning, Definition,
Need, Purpose- Collection, it Collection Need, Purposes,
and functions sneeds, purposes Development functions, and
of Reference- and functions and its Policy, planning of reference
Collection. purposes and collection.
functions. Activities: Visit
a library and ask
students to make
a list on different
types of Reference
Resources available
there.
Understanding Identification of Chart out: Scope,
of scope different types of features and
and features online available availability of on
of online resources and line reference
reference process of its sources.
sources. acquisition.

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 Reference and
Unit 1 Information Sources

3.1.0 Introduction

The source of information on any subject is the literature produced on it in any format. The
term „literature‟ was earlier defined as the published writings in a particular style on a particular
subject. But the importance and quantum of unpublished sources produced in the area of science,
technology and research has made the setting vaster. The literature is diverse, complex and
multilingual in nature and becoming more interdisciplinary nowadays. The technologies to access
information are also getting format and device independent.

Providing reference service to users is one of the prime objectives of any library. This is the most
personalized service offered by a library, carried out with a carefully selected set of reference
sources and trained reference library professionals. Dr. S. R. Ranganathan stated that „reference
service is the process of establishing contact between a reader and his documents in a personal
way‟.

Reference process, as stated by William A. Kats, is the process of answering questions. He listed
out three basic factors which affects the process as, (i) information (ii) the user and (iii) the
reference librarian.

The importance of the effective use of reference sources through a planned reference service
policy was dealt in detail in the guidelines brought out in 1990 by the Reference and Adult Services
Division of the American Library Association. As per the guidelines, the library “should provide
users with complete, accurate answers to their information queries regardless of the complexity
of those queries.” And the library “should provide access to the most current reference sources
available in order to assure the accuracy of information.”

In the last decade, the nature of reference services and resources has changed dramatically in
response to the technological advancements and innovations. Today‟s user can access quality
informational resources those are readily available outside the bounds of the library in numerous
formats and through a few devices. A reference librarian of today, as described by Meghan Harper,

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is often required to become an information mediator: evaluating information on the spot, selecting
the best medium for information retrieval, and choosing among a host of informational resources.

This chapter deals with the definition, need, types, characteristics and evaluation of reference
and information sources. It also presents some basic ideas about the development of a reference
collection.

3.1.1 Reference and Information Sources: Definition, Need

Reference Sources: Definition

Although, the materials in a reference collection vary in its format, to understand the concept
historically, here we consider the definition of the term firstly with the most common format, i.e.,
a reference book.

The ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science (1983) offered the following definitions of a
reference book.
(i) A book designed by the arrangement and treatment of its subject matter to be consulted
for definite items of information rather than to be read consecutively.
(ii) A book whose use is restricted to the library building.

An all-inclusive definition was later given in the Harrod’s Librarians’ Glossary and Reference Book
as “any material, published work, database, web site, etc. which is used to obtain authoritative
information.”

Harrod’s Librarians’ Glossary and Reference

Book is a directory of over 10,200 terms,
organizations, projects and acronyms in the
areas of Information Management, Library
Science, Publishing and Archive Management.
Thelatest edition (10th) was published in
2005 and edited by Ray Prytherch. Thebook
is considered as one of the most important
sources of reference for the Library profession.

Figure 3.1 Harrod‟s Librarians‟ Glossary and Reference Book

Source: https://www.routledge.com/ accessed on 12. 8.2021 at 12:50 hrs IST

The reference materials organized in a library shall be supplemented by additional resources

available in alternative or multiple formats and also available in free or open domains or on a

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virtual reference environment.

Information Sources : Definition

One of the earlier definitions for „Information Source‟ was given in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia,
3rd Edition (1970-1979) as, “any system producing information or containing information intended
for transmission; in information science, the conventional designation for scholarly documents or
publications, which serve not only as important sources but also as the means of transmission of
information in space and time.”

According to Wikipedia, “an information source is a source of information for somebody, i.e.
anything that might inform a person about something or provide knowledge about it. Different types
of questions require different sources of information. Information sources may be observations,
people, speeches, documents, pictures, organizations, websites, etc. They may be primary
sources, secondary sources, tertiary sources and so on.”

3.1.1.2 Need
We are living in an information society where the creation, distribution, uses, integration
and manipulation of information is a significant economic, political, and cultural activity. The
information becomes a resource as well as one of the most valuable commodities. Identification,
gathering, organization, and utilization of the right information require the knowledge about the
area of study and skills to process and retrieve it effectively. The users with varied information
need and those are not conversant with searching and retrieval techniques require proper guidance
to find the accurate information stored in different information sources. The need of reference
sources come in the picture at this point where the reference librarian or the user him/herself
turns to the organized and authentic sources of information.

When we discuss the need of reference sources from the user‟s perspective, some notable
requirements are,

W to obtain information quickly as possible for a specific reference query.

W due to the lack of knowledge about the newly generated information.

W the absence of skills to find, evaluate and use specific information from the vast pool
of unverified information.

W because of user‟s specialization in some restricted subject areas which are not related
to the reference query.

W to obtain copies of required material or the material itself in different formats; and

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W the lack of knowledge about the criteria for evaluation and selection of reference
materials.

Informationneed

A gap in a person‟s knowledge that, when experienced at the conscious level as aquestion, gives
rise to a search for an answer. If the need is urgent, the search may bepursued with diligence
until the desire is fulfilled. Persons with information needs of ten end up at the reference
desk of a library where it is the responsibility of the reference 3 librarian to determine the
precise nature of the need, usually by conducting an informal reference interview, as a basis for
recommending relevant sources.

-ODLIS (Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science) by Joan

M. Reitz

Source:http://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS

Accessed on12.8.2021 at 13 Hrs IST

3.1.2 Reference and Information Sources : Types

Information sources are broadly divided into (i) Documentary sources and (ii) Non-documentary
sources. Documentary sources include primary, secondary and tertiary sources which are basically
„documentary‟ in nature. Non-documentary sources include (i) formal and (ii) informal sources.
Formal sources include research organizations, societies, universities, government departments,
etc. Conversation with colleagues, visitors, attendance at professional meetings, etc. comes
under the category of informal sources.

Based on the originality of the materials, information sources can be categorized into three. They
are,
(i) Primary Sources
(ii) Secondary Sources and
(iii) Tertiary Sources

The definition of primary and secondary sources may vary depending upon the discipline or context.

As an introduction, examine the below given image, (Figure 1), where three manifestations of the
same event are represented with the three types of sources of information, primary, secondary,
and tertiary.

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Figure 3.2: Flow from primary to secondary and tertiary resources: A time line
Source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/StkJJUP8YUafrL-LG99NsmEQqRDOTWzNKp-
6Lwkv8VwP3xrJDzauiJFQXcDyhI3yY4RAIEU=s170
Accessed 12.8.2021 at 13:10 hrs IST

The characteristics of all three types of information resources are discussed with examples in the
following sections.

3.1.2.1 Primary Sources

Primary Sources are original materials that were created first hand. This type of information is
from the time period involved and has not been filtered through interpretation. They are usually
the first formal appearance of results in physical, print or electronic format on which another
research is based. They present original thinking, report a discovery, or share new information.
Primary sources are unorganized sources, which are rather difficult to use by them.

Examples:
(a) Artefacts (e.g. coins, plant specimens, fossils, furniture, tools, clothing, all from the
time under study);
(b) Audio recordings (e.g. radio programs)
(c) Diaries.
(d) Internet communications on email, listservs;
(e) Interviews (e.g., oral histories, telephone, e-mail);
(f) Journal articles published in peer-reviewed publications.
(g) Letters.
(h) Newspaper articles written at the time.
(i) Oral history (i.e. records of interview, legal proceedings)

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Reference and Information Sources

(j) Original Documents (i.e. birth certificate, will, marriage license, trial transcript);
(k) Patents.
(l) Photographs.
(m) Proceedings of Meetings, conferences and symposia.
(n) Records of organizations, government agencies (e.g. annual report, treaty, constitution,
government document);
(o) Speeches.
(p) Survey Research (e.g., market surveys, public opinion polls);
(q) Video recordings (e.g. television programs);
(r) Works of art, architecture, literature, and music (e.g., paintings, sculptures, inscriptions
on tombstones, musical scores, buildings, novels, poems).
(s) Ephemera (e.g. brochures, pamphlets, postcards, programs, advertisements)
(t) Web site.

3.1.2.2 Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are interpretations and evaluations of primary sources. They are not evidence,
but rather commentary on and discussion of evidence. These types of information are either
compiled from or refer to primary sources of information. Generally, they are accounts written
after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. These are the original sources having been modified,
selected or reorganized (or repackaged) so as to serve a definite purpose or group of users.
Secondary sources are easily and widely available than primary sources. These also serve as
bibliographical keys to primary sources. The user may consult the secondary sources first which
will lead him/her to specific primary sources.

Examples:
(a) Periodicals.
(b) Bibliographies.
(c) Indexing and abstracting periodicals.
(d) Biographical works.
(e) Commentaries, criticisms;
(f) Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, handbooks, tables, formularies.
(g) Histories.
(h) Journal articles.
(i) Magazine and newspaper articles (this distinction varies by discipline).

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 Library and Information Science-XI

(j) Monographs, other than fiction and autobiography.

(k) Textbooks (also considered tertiary).

3.1.2.3.Tertiary Sources
Tertiary sources consist of information which is a distillation and collection of primary and
secondary sources. These will aid the user of information in the use of primary and secondary
sources of information. Most of the tertiary sources do not contain subject knowledge. Out of
various kinds of sources, tertiary sources are the last to appear.

Examples:
(a) Almanacs.
(b) Bibliography of Bibliographies.
(c) Chronologies.
(d) Directories.
(e) Fact books.
(f) Guidebooks.
(g) Indexes, abstracts, bibliographies used to locate primary and secondary sources.
(h) Manuals.

This following vector diagram shows the relationships between different sources of information
and their association to a subject.

Figure 3.3: Relationships between different sources of information and their association to a
subject

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Reference and Information Sources

Source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/A9LznvT5kqwpOCV35Nv413JF6_hO- Jok1ljqRya_

ipnPCNA6U1gTgsej-jE-03o4_igz0w=s85
Accessed 12.08.2021 at 13:15 Hrs IST

Comparison across Disciplines

As mentioned earlier, the definition of primary and secondary sources may vary depending upon
the discipline or context. The example is given in the following table .

SUBJECT PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY

Article critiquing art
Art and Architecture Painting by Picasso Art Stor Data base
pieces
Chemistry/Life Monograph on Dictionary on
Einstein‟s diary
Sciences Einstein‟s life theory of relativity
Engineering/ Manual on using
Patent NTIS Database
Physical Sciences invention
Letters by Martin Encyclopedia on Civil
Humanities Website on Kings‟ writings
Luther King Rights Movement

Notes taken by Magazine article about the

Social Sciences Textbook on clinical
clinical psychologist psychological condition
psychology
Movie filmed in Biography of the
Performing Arts Gide to the movie
1942 Director

Table : Comparison of information sources across disciplines

3.1.3 Summary
To obtain information quickly as possible for a specific reference query, it is required to know
about the Reference and Information sources. Information sources may be Documentary or Non-
documentary. Documentary sources may be Primary Sources, Secondary Sources and Tertiary
Sources. Non-documentary sources may be Formal and Informal sources. In this chapter, a
comparison across disciplines on the basis of different types of documentary sources has shown.

3.1.4 Exercise
1. Define reference sources.
2. Why do users require reference sources?

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 Library and Information Science-XI

3. What are the types of information sources? Give examples.

4. Differentiate primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of information
5. Compare the types of information sources across disciplines
6. What are the basic evaluation criteria for information sources?

3.1.5 References
Books
1. Bopp, Richard E., (2005), Reference and information services, 3rd ed., Englewood:
Libraries Unlimited.
2. Harper, Meghan, (2011), Reference sources and services for youth, New York: Neal-
Schuman Publishers, Inc.
3. Information Services for Information Consumers: Guidelines for Providers, (1990),
Chicago: American Library Association.
4. Katz, William A., (1992), Introduction to reference work, 6th ed., Vol. 1, New York:
McGraw-Hill International.
5. Krishan Kumar, (2001), Reference service, 5th ed., New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House
Pvt Ltd.
6. Mikhailov, A. I., and R. S. (1970), Giliarevskii. Istochniki, poisk i ispol‟zovanie nauchnoi
informatsii. Moscow.
7. Ranganathan, S. R., (1961), Reference Services, 2nd ed., Bombay: Asia Publishing
House.
8. Young, Heartsill, ed., (1983), ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science, Chicago:
American Library Association.

Websites
1. http://www.lib.umd.edu/tl/guides/primary-sources, retrieved on 10/02/2014
2. http://guides.library.yale.edu/content.php?pid=128822&sid=1187254, retrieved on
10/02/2014.
3. http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/adminservices/manual/public/Information Services.
ht m, retrieved on 10/02/2014.
4. http://www.ala.org/rusa/resources/guidelines/guide lines information, retrieved on
10/02/2014.

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5. http://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about.aspx , retrieved on 10/02/2014.

6. http://www.tri-c.edu/library/Documents/Using%20Reference%20Sources.pdf,
retrieved on 10/02/2014.
7. http://www.ashgate.com/isbn/9780754640387, retrieved on 10/02/2014
8. http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/information + source, retrieved on
10/02/2014
9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_source , retrieved on 10/02/2014

Image Courtesy
Figure 1: Smith, Tim , Reference Librarian & Web Developer, Ohio University Libraries (http://
www.library.ohiou.edu/research/the-research-process/primary-secondary- sources/).

Figure 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Graphics_Lab/Illustration_workshop/
Archive/M ar_2013

Table 1: University Libraries, University of Maryland, http://www.lib.umd.edu/ues/guides/

primary-sources

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 Categories of References
Unit 2 and Information Sources:
Description and Scope

3.2.0 Introduction

The quality of reference collection of a library determines the quality of reference service it
provides. Selection and acquisition of reference materials depend upon the user needs and the
overall objectives of the reference section or the library. A reference collection development
policy has many elements. The ongoing process of maintaining the collection with proper
updating or strengthening of the weaker areas, keeps the collection live and dynamic. Purpose
and development of the reference collection is explained here which was followed by a brief
description of important reference sources, those are normally acquired by the library to build
the collection.

Reference Collection: Purpose

Michael Buckland writes that a reference collection fulfils two needs:

(i) Looking up or verifying factual data, often referred to as “ready reference”; and
(ii) Establishing an initial outline and context for any topic efficiently and effectively,
especially determining what, where, when and who aspects of whatever is of interest.

The purpose of the collection will vary depend on the type and mission of the library, the needs
of the clientele served, in addition to the philosophies and goals of the reference staff, library
administration and the parent organization.

Development of a Reference Collection

The escalating cost of reference materials, growth in types of formats, emergence of new access
technologies, and rigid licensing policies make the task of developing a collection of reference
materials more difficult. Reference resources are available in a variety of formats and nowadays
many are available in multi-formats (same content in print, online, e-book, audio book and video
forms). Primary components of a core reference collection include resources in print, microform,
electronic and the resources over a network (internet).
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Categories of References and Information Sources:
Description and Scope

Reference Collection Development Principles: The basic principles of reference collection

development, as mentioned by Meghan Harper are,
(i) Reflect the library‟s mission
(ii) Knowing the user
(iii) Develop a budget plan
(iv) Maintain a balance of electronic and print resources
(v) Develop policies
(vi) Develop staff expertise
(vii) Solicit inputs from the user
(viii) Preview/Review reference materials
(ix) Evaluating the collection on a continuing and systematic basis

Reference Collection Development Policy: A collection development policy helps to streamline

the process and to meet the specific objectives. Carol A. Singer states that, “a reference collection
development policy serves as the basis for decision making by those who build and maintain the
reference collection because it defines the purpose of the collection, and describes the content
of the reference collection, both what should be included and - just as important – what should
not be included”.

Singer outlines the components of a reference collection development policy which include:

W Purpose of the collection development policy

W Responsibility for collection development

W Purpose of the reference collection

W Target audience(s)

W Budgeting and funding

W Selection criteria

W Selection aids

W Preferred format

W Duplicates

W Preferred language(s)

W Circulation
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 Library and Information Science-XI

W Treatment of specific resource groups

W Resource sharing

W Collection maintenance

W Weeding and reviewing the collection

W Policy revision

Collection Analysis: This is the process of gathering an overall picture of the age, number of
items by topic, and often types of materials within a collection through the use of individual item
records. Collection analysis helps the library to make good selection decisions and prioritizing
collection development and evaluation.

Collection Planning: This is the identification, comparison and selection of quality reference
resources with the help of analysing user feedback and selection tools (publisher catalogues,
professional journal reviews, etc.). The process includes gathering information to assist in the
selection of new materials and the identification of weakness in the existing collection.

Evaluation of Reference Sources

Before including into the library‟s reference collection, the quality of the individual sources must
be evaluated. There are many criteria that should be considered when evaluating information
sources. The general criteria devised by Bopp and Smith are,
(i) Format: print/microform/ electronic, physical makeup, illustrations
(ii) Scope: purpose, coverage, currency
(iii) Authority: authorship, publisher/sponsor, source of information
(iv) Treatment: accuracy, objectivity, style/ audience.
(v) Relation to similar works: uniqueness, new editions
(vi) Arrangement: sequence, indexing
(vii) Special features
(viii) Cost: price, licensing conditions

Classification of Reference Sources

William A. Kats categorizes reference source into two types.

(i) Control Access Directional Type: It itself does not contain the required information
but directs the user to the documents which contain the information. Example:
Bibliographies, Catalogue, Indexes, Abstracts etc.

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Categories of References and Information Sources:
Description and Scope

(ii) Work of Sources Type: It itself contains the information. Example: Encyclopedia,
Dictionaries, Yearbooks, etc.

Categories of Reference Sources

Reference sources are designed to be consulted or referred to from time to time for a specific
piece of information. Important reference sources are detailed in the following sections with their
scope and main characteristics.

3.2.1. Encyclopaedia
An encyclopaedia is a compendium of knowledge. Knowledge is related to kinds of readership,
which an encyclopaedia intends to serve. An encyclopaedia is regarded as one of the most reliable
and used reference sources in a library. Creating a modern encyclopaedia is a he task involving
a large team of persons including editors, consultants, contributors, etc. The Oxford English
dictionary has defined an encyclopaedia as “a literary work containing extensive information
on all branches of knowledge usually arranged in alphabetical order”. ALA Glossary of Library
Terms defines encyclopaedia as “a work containing information articles on subject in every field
of knowledge usually arranged in alphabetical order or a similar work limited to a special field of
subject”.

Scope

The types of questions answered through the use of an encyclopaedia are

(i) ready reference information (e.g., Who invented radio?) (ii) general background information
(e.g., How does photosynthesis work?) and (iii) „pre-research‟ information, which helps to
launch a research. Encyclopaedias provide a well-organized overview of selected topics of major
importance written in an objective style.

Types and features

Basically, encyclopaedias can be divided into following types.

(i) Encyclopaedias for adults, containing informational articles/entries giving essential
general information on subjects in various branches of knowledge, arranged
alphabetically by subject and names. e.g., New Encyclopaedia Britannica, 32 vols.
(2010, Chicago) Encyclopaedia Americana, 30 vols. (1984, New York), Colliers‟
Encyclopaedia, 24 vols (1976-, New York)
(ii) Encyclopedias for children and young adults are written for young readers and tend to
place more emphasis on formats, illustrations and pedagogical tools. e.g., World Book
Encyclopaedia, 22 vols. (2010, Chicago), The Oxford American Children‟s Encyclopedia,

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9 vols. (1999, New York).

(iii) Subject Encyclopaedias have a broader scope and give in-depth coverage to a specific
field of knowledge. E.g., McGraw Hill Encyclopaedia of Science and Technology, 20
volumes, (1992, New York), Encyclopaedia Indica (1975, New Delhi)

3.2.2 Dictionaries
Dictionaries are used to define words; to verify spelling, syllabication, or pronunciation; to check on
usage; or to determine the etymological history of a word. Around 1225 A. D, English Grammarian
John of garland used the word „dictionarius‟ as the title of a collection of Latin words arranged
by subject for the use of learners.

Scope

A basic dictionary contains an alphabetical list of words with their definitions. This may be of a
language or the terms of a subject or vocation arranged according to some definite order, usually
alphabetical. Entries may also include inflected forms, run-on or derivative entries, etymologies or
word histories, synonyms and antonyms, usage or status labels, usage notes, illustrative quotations
and pictorial illustrations.

Types and features

Based on the approach of presentation, dictionaries can be of two types, (i) descriptive, recording
how the language is actually used and (ii) prescriptive, advocating how it ought to be used.

The major categorization of dictionaries based on the content is as follows.

(i) General (Unabridged) Dictionaries are one that derived or condensed from a larger
work, attempts to include all words in a language that are in use at the time the
dictionary is compiled.

Examples: The Random House Webster‟s Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language
(1997, New York)., Webster‟s Third New International Dictionary (1961, Springfield).
Hindi Shabdasagar (1967-, Varanasi).
(ii) Etymological Dictionaries deals with origin and history of words and meanings in use.
Example: Oxford English Dictionary (1928-, Oxford), Oxford English Dictionary in CD
ROM appeared in 1992.
(iii) Desk Dictionaries are abridged, or desk-sized dictionary, a selective compilation, often
based on a larger dictionary and prepared for a certain level of student use. Example:
Marriam Webster‟s Collegiate Dictionary (2010, Mass.), The American Heritage Dictionary
of the English Language (2000, Boston), Comprehensive English-Hindi Dictionary (1962-

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Description and Scope

, Varanasi), Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1957- Poona), Bharatiya byabahar

kosha or Dictionary of sixteen Indian languages (1961, Bombay)
(iv) Subject Dictionaries are confined to specialized subject fields, professions or
occupations. Example: McGraw Hill Dictionary of scientific and technical terms, 3rd
ed. (1984, New York), ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science (1983, Chicago).
(v) Dictionaries of quotations are used to identify or verify a given quotation or to select
a quotation on a given topic or by a given author or for a special occasion. Examples:
Barlett‟s Familiar Quotations (1855-, Cambridge), The oxford Dictionary of Quotations
5th ed., (1999, Oxford).
(vi) Thesauri (Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms) are specialized dictionaries deals
with synonyms and antonyms. Example: Roget‟s International Thesaurus, 5th ed.,
(1992- New York), Webster‟s new Dictionary of Synonyms (1968, Springfield).
(vii) Dictionaries of usage contains definitions supplemented by discussions on how words
should be used. Example: The New Fowler‟s Modern English Usage, 3rd ed., (2000,
Oxford).
(viii) Abbreviations and Acronyms Dictionaries commonly used in every subject area.
Example: Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (1960- Farmington Hills).

3.2.3 Biographical Sources

Biographical sources contain data on people. Many biographical sources either focus on currently
living persons or are retrospective, focusing on past historical figures.

Scope

Biographical sources provide information about dates of birth and death, qualifications, the
positions held, the contributions made and the address of the biography. Some of these sources
also provide portraits or images and with an index. These are ready reference sources which
provide basic facts about the individual. The scope of a biographical source shall be broad or
narrow depending on the comprehensiveness of the coverage.

Features and categories

The quality of a biographical source is determined by the accuracy and currency of the entries.
There shall be a list of sources from which the information was obtained. The organization of the
entries shall be with adequate access points, i.e., indexes and cross references.

Biographical sources can be divided into two,

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(i) direct sources, which provide factual information itself rather than referring the user
(e.g. Who is who)
(ii) indirect sources, lists bibliographic citations referring the user to other works that may
contain the information sought (e.g.: biography Index)

Another categorization of biographical sources can be made based on time as,

(i) current, those about living persons
(ii) retrospective, those about persons from the past.

We may obtain biographical information from varied sources like, biographical dictionaries,
almanacs, dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, literary handbooks, manuals, obituaries in
newspapers, periodical and newspaper indexes, etc.

Important biographical sources with examples are given below.

(a) Current Biographical Dictionaries: e.g. Current biography (1940-, New York),
Contemporary newsmakers (1985-, New York), India Who‟s who (1969-, New Delhi)
(b) Retrospective Biographical Dictionaries: Webster‟s biographical dictionary (1972-,
Massachusetts), Dictionary of national biography (1972-, Kolkatta), National biographical
dictionary of India (1972-, Delhi), The International who‟s who (2000, London), Dictionary
of American biography (1996-, New York)
(c) Biographical Directories: Who‟s who (1849-, London), Who‟s who in America (1899-,
Chicago), American men and women of science (1906-, New Providence, NJ)
(d) Professional and Subject Biographical Sources: Directory of American Scholars ( 1974-
New York), Directory of Libraries and who‟s who in library profession in Delhi (1964,
Delhi), Who‟s who in Indian writers( 19610, New Delhi)

3.2.4 Atlases
An atlas is a volume consisting of a collection of maps. They can be divided in to three groups, (i)
current atlases are needed for p-to-date information on geographical and political changes in the
world, e.g., The Times Atlas of the World. 10th ed., (1999, New York). (ii) historical atlases depicts
boundary changes, military campaigns, early exploration and similar topics, e.g., The Times Atlas
of World History.4th ed 91999, London) and (iii) thematic or subject, atlases, emphasize a specific
subject or region. e.g., National Atlas of Canada. 5th ed (1997-, Ottawa).

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Description and Scope

3.2.5 Yearbooks
Yearbooks is known as ready reference sources which provide concise factual information about
current and historical events; organizations, people, places and things; and statistical trends.
These help the user to locate concise facts and summaries quickly.

Scope

The following kinds of information are normally found in yearbooks

(i) Chronological list of the important events of the year
(ii) Summaries of the political, social and cultural events of the year
(iii) Major developments and trends in various fields (science and technology, economics,
sports, etc.) during the year
(iv) Short biographies and obituaries
(v) Information about organizations, associations
(vi) Statistical information (population, prizes, awards, sports events, etc)

A yearbook/annual is an annual compendium of the data and statistics of a given year. The
basic purpose of a yearbook is to record the years‟ activities by country, subject or specialized
area. The essential difference between a yearbook and an almanac is that the almanac will also
include considerable retrospective material, material which may not be in the average yearbook.
Yearbooks regularly index personal names, while almanacs, in book format, index personal names
sparingly. Yearbooks contain longer descriptions of events and more analysis and evaluation, and
articles are almost always signed.

Yearbooks are of two types (i) general yearbooks, which covers the past year‟s activities and
(ii) newspaper indexes, which are most up to date with well-organized formats and the brief
annotated stories (e.g. New York Times Index, National Newspaper Index).

Examples: Europa World Yearbook (1959- , London), Statesman‟s Yearbook, 1864- New York),
India: A Reference Annual (1953-, New Delhi), Manorama Yearbook ( , Kottayam), World of
Learning ( ), Demographic Yearbook (1948- , New York), McGraw Hill Yearbook of Science and
Technology (1962-, New York).

3.2.6 Directories
Directories are used to locate organizations, institutions and people and to verify the details.
The ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science defines a directory as “a list of persons or
organizations, systematically arranged, usually in alphabetic or classed order, giving address,

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affiliations, etc., for individuals, and address, officers, functions, and similar data for organizations.”

Scope

Directories present information in an orderly, clear manner with a limited type of information.
The coverage is extended to organizations of different kinds, learned bodies, scientific societies,
professional bodies, trade associations, etc. with variety of factual information. Directories form
a rich source of biographical information.

William A. Kats divides directories into,

(i) Local Directories, issued for a particular locality (e.g., Telephone and city directories)
(ii) Governmental directories are guides to government institutions (e.g., Worldwide
Government Directory (2000, Washington D. C.)
(iii) Institutional directories are lists of schools, colleges, universities, foundations,
libraries, hospitals, museums and similar organizations. (e.g., World of Learning (1947,
London), the American Library Directory (1923-, New York), Indian Library Directory
(1938-, Delhi), Commonwealth universities Yearbook: A directory to the universities of
the Commonwealth and the handbook of their Association (1914-, London)
(iv) Investment services, gives detailed reports on public and private corporations and
companies.
(v) Professional directories are lists of professional organizations (e.g., Europa World
Yearbook (1959-, London), Yearbook of the United Nations (947/47-, New York),
Encyclopaedia of Associations: National Organizations of the U.S. (1964-, Farmington
Hills)
(vi) Trade and Business directories are lists of manufacture‟s information about companies,
industries and services. (e.g., World Chamber of Commerce directory (2000, Loveland),
Million Dollar Directory (1998-, New Jersey).

Directories of directories provide listings and descriptions of various directories (e.g., Directories
in Print).

3.2.7 Bibliographical tools

The term „bibliography‟ was first used by Louis Jacob de Saint Charles in his Bibliographia Parisiana
(1945-‟50), and derived from two Greek words, “biblion”, means “book” and “graphein”, means “to
write”. A bibliography is a list of materials (not only books) used to identify sources of information
on particular topics. Bibliographies may be current or be composed of past editions of published
materials (retrospective).

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Description and Scope

According to D. W. Krummel, “the term bibliography can have two definitions: there is bibliography
itself, an activity, and there is a bibliography, the product of this activity”.

Scope

The scope of the bibliography is related to the domain of items to be selected for inclusion.

Features and categories

Regardless of form a bibliography is used primarily for three basic purposes: (i) to identify and
verify, (ii) to locate, and (iii) to select.

Bibliographies can be broadly divided into three branches,

(i) systematic or enumerative bibliography, is the systematic listing of individual items
with minimum details for reference and study.
(ii) analytical or critical bibliography, deals with a physical description of the book like
authorship, edition, date, place of printing and perfection of the copy, and
(iii) historical bibliography, the study of books “as objects of art”, concerned with the art
of writing, printing, illustration, and binding.

We will discuss about systematic bibliography, the most common and easiest of all, to understand
the concept better. The objective of systematic bibliography is to collect and list information
about individual books and related material in a logical or useful order. Such bibliography is usually
enumerative in nature. Bibliographies are not necessarily limited to books. There may be list of
other forms of information like images, audio, video, software, database records, websites, etc.

Following are some common types of bibliographies.

(a) Universal bibliography: Universal bibliography, theoretically consists of, everything
published, issued, or created in the field of communications from the beginning through
the present to the future. It is not limited by time, country, language, subject, or form
and may be achieved by combining all online national bibliographies, which are the
exhaustive listing of information sources produced in one country.

Example: Bibliotheca universalis

(b) National bibliography: Limited to materials published within a country. The scope may
be enlarged to include works written about the country or in the language of the
country. A national bibliography is often a product of the government and will set itself
limits of time, form, and origin.

Examples: Indian national bibliography, British national bibliography

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(c) Trade bibliography: Produced by commercial publishers and serve to provide the
information necessary to select and acquire recently published materials.

Examples: Books in Print (BIP), Cumulative Book Index, Indian Books in Print, American
Book Publishing Record
(d) Subject bibliography: List of materials that relate to a particular topic, intended for
researchers and specialists.

Example: Guide to reference books, Information sources in science and technology,

Bibliography of Indology
(e) List of periodicals and Newspapers: Lists of current and retrospective periodicals
and newspapers. Example: Ulrich‟s international periodicals directory, American
Newspapers, Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media
(f) Author bibliography: List of materials limited to a particular author. Example:

Chaucer: A bibliographical manual

(g) Bibliography of Bibliographies: A listing of bibliographies.

Example: Bibliographic Index: A Cumulative Bibliography of Bibliographies

(h) Library Catalogues: Serve the users of particular library by listing the holdings and
location of materials in that library, often through the Online Public Access Catalogue
(OPAC).
(i) Union Catalogues: Identifies the material held in the collection of more than one library,
through a shared cataloguing network. Example: OCLC, RLIN

3.2.8 Summary
Each Library has to develop its reference collection. To develop the reference collection, the
library has to make a policy which fulfils the needs of its user. Library has also to evaluate the
reference collection/ sources on the basis of some criteria discussed in this unit.

3.2.9 Exercise
1. What do you mean by collection Analysis?
2. Discuss the reference collection development policy.
3. List five different types of Reference Sources.
4. Discuss the scope of Biographical sources.
5. Enlist the criteria devised by Bopp and Smith for evaluation of reference sources.

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Description and Scope

3.2.10 Reference
1. Benet‟s Reader‟s Encyclopedia, 4th ed. (1996), New York: HarperCollins
2. Bopp, Richard E., (2005), Reference and information services, 3rd ed., Englewood:
Libraries Unlimited.
3. Bonn, George S., (1971) “Literature of Science and Technology”, McGraw-Hill
Encyclopedia of science and technology, New York: McGraw-Hill
4. Buckland, Michael K., (2007), “The digital difference in reference collections”, Journal
of Library Administration 46(88).
5. Young, Heartsill, ed., (1983), The ALA Glossary of library and Information Science,
Chicago: American Library Association.
6. Nolan, Christopher W. (1999), Managing the reference collection, Chicago: American
Library Association.
7. Harper, Meghan., (2011), Reference sources and services for youth, New York: Neal-
Schuman Publishers, Inc.
8. Information Services for Information Consumers: Guidelines for Providers”, (1990),
Chicago: American library Association.
9. Katz, William A., (1992), Introduction to reference work, 6th ed., Vol. 1, New York:
McGraw-Hill International.
10. Krishan Kumar., (2001), Reference service, 5th ed., New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House
Pvt Ltd.
11. Krummel, D. W., (1984), Bibliographies: Their aims and methods, London: Mansell
Publishing.
12. Ranganathan, S. R., (1961), Reference Services, 2nd ed., Bombay: Asia Publishing
House.
13. Singer, Carol A., (2012), Fundamentals of Managing Reference Collections, Chicago:
American Library Association.

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Chapter-4

Computer Applications in Libraries: Basic

Location Learning Topic/Knowledge Performance Teaching and
Outcome Evaluation Evaluation Training Method
Unit-1 : Computer Hardware for a Library: Concepts
Classroom/ Understanding Meaning of ICT, Chart out differ- Innovative lecture:
Computer the importance its hardware ent types of hard- Meaning of ICT, hard-
Laboratory of ICT compo- components, and ware and their ware components
nents used in their utility. utility and their utility using
libraries. audio visual aids/
presentations or actu-
al display of compo-
nents in laboratory
Activity: Present PPT
on computer hard-
ware used in library:
functions and utility
Unit-2 : Library Automation: Concepts and Applications
Classroom/ Understanding Meaning and pur- Chart out: Innovative lecture:
Computer Library Automa- pose of Library • Meaning and Meaning and purpose
Laboratory/ tion: Concepts Automation purpose of of library automation,
Library and Application library automa- criteria for selecting
tion library automation
• Criteria for se- software and barriers
lecting library in library automation
automation using audio visual
software aids/ Presentations.
• Barriers in Activity: Visit an au-
library automa- tomated library, ob-
tion serve its
functioning, and pre-
pare a report.

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Location Learning Topic/Knowledge Performance Teaching and

Outcome Evaluation Evaluation Training Method
Unit-3 : Use of Web Based Communication Systems
Classroom/ Understanding Concept and Chart out the Innovative lecture:
Computer Internet, In- utility of functions and concept and real time
Laboratory/ tranet, Internet, utility of Internet, demonstration of
Library Searchengines, Intranet, Search Intranet, Search functions and utility
e-mail and engines, e-mail, engines, e-mail, of Internet, Intranet,
Database. and Database. and Database. Search engines,
e-mail and Database.
Activity: Practice on
functions and utility
of Internet, Intranet,
Search engines,
e-mail and Database.

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Unit 1 Library : Concepts

4.1.0 Introduction

With the advent of Information and Communication Technology, the scenario of library operations
has been changed in Indian librarianship. Now electronic and digital documents have replaced a
good count of traditional print documents. At the same time the library housekeeping activities
have also been changed from traditional manually operated system to computerized/automated
systems. Due to such major change, the internal seen of library collection and operations has
received a new look in the form of ICT enabled practices. In this chapter, we will discuss about
various computer hardware components and peripherals for acquainting students with the ICT
based environment of libraries.

4.1.1 Desktop computers, Server and their specifications

Desktop computers

A desktop computer is type of a personal computer which is commonly made for use over a single
location like desk or table. Desktop system includes a computer monitor, keyboard, mouse and
other internal components like power supply, motherboard, hard drive and optical drive etc. It is
also known as home computer and workstation.

Characteristics

Main characteristics of a desktop system are:

1. Desktop computer occupies considerable space due to its big size.
2. Desktop system is a combination of monitor, keyboard, mouse, power supply and some
other internal devices etc. Therefore, it is not an easily portable device.
3. Desktop is heavy in weight.
4. It is easy in use.

5. It is good for office use.

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Computer Hardware:

Computer hardware is the tangible part of a computer. In the computer world, it refers to the
physical components that make up a computer system. It includes keyboard, monitor, mouse etc.
The modern computers are much better in processing speed and have an enough memory status.
Computer is made of different physical parts inside it and this is known as the hardware. Some
important computer hardware components are:

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Central Processing Unit is the main part of the computer. It represents the working power of
computer system and is also known as computer brain. All processing works of a computer system
are performed by its CPU. CPU is also accountable for performing and controlling the works of the
other parts of a computer system. It‟s able to transfer the data on to the motherboard.

Motherboard

A motherboard is the mother of all hardware components of a computer system. All other parts of
a computer system are attached to motherboard. Motherboard is a part of the computer hardware
that is hidden inside its CPU.

Hard Disc

Hard Drive is the store house of a computer system. It is the place where all programs of computer
including its basic data are stored. When you save any file, it goes to the hard disc; also, you
are able to retrieve a specific file through its unique path, which is allotted and stored for each
document.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The Random-Access Memory is the computer‟s volatile memory. It is used to store the information
in the computer that needs to be accessed often and quickly. RAM consists of some integrated
circuit (Chip) and is attached to the motherboard of the computer system. Due to sufficient RAM,
computer system works faster and processes the information and data quickly.

Visual Display Unit (VDU)

Visual Display Unit is popularly known as monitor. It is the most popular hardware device for
display and presents data in soft form as output. A Monitor is associated generally to a keyboard
and together they from a video display terminal which is also a hardware. Now a days, basically
two types of monitors are in use – Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

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Figure 4.1: Monitor

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 01:40hrs IST)

Keyboard

Keyboard is a most commonly used input device. Keyboard is a part of computer system which is
used to key in the letters and instructions to the computer system for initiating a task. Today the
most popular keyboard uses 101 keys and is known as QWERTY keyboard.

Figure 4.2: Keyboard

(Source: http://grardnr.wordpress.com/category/week-12/
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 11:40hrs IST)

Mouse

A computer mouse plays a vital role in the computer system. It is a most popular point and draw
device. A mouse is made up of two or more buttons on it and a wheel too. When the mouse is
moved, it moves the cursor on monitor‟s screen. The functions of a computer mouse are multi-
faceted, as it performs various functions like click, copy, paste, drag. drop etc.

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Figure 4.3: Mouse

(Source: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 01:40hrs IST)

Advantages of a Desktop computer

1. Desktops are more powerful in terms of hardware.
2. Generally, they have a larger screen and that makes it easier to read.
3. Desktop has a large storage capacity.
4. Desktops are cheaper than laptops.
5. Desktop computers are easy to upgrade.

Disadvantage
1. Desktop is not an easily portable device.
2. Desktops occupy a lot of space.
3. Desktop requires a separate monitor.

4.1.1.2 Server
A server is a system that refers to the combination of both hardware and software applications
and program, which manages access to centralized resources or services in a network. Depending
upon its functionalities, servers are of different types, some important of them are such as web
server, proxy server, application or database server, dedicated server and cloud server. All these
above servers are working on following two models of architectures namely Client-Server based
model and Peer-to-peer based system. The client server model is based on a computer network
architecture in which each computer on the network is either a client or a server. The server
computer system is managing all applications such as disk drives, printer, traffic, etc., to run the
various applications within any workstation (or client) computer over a network. Whereas peer to
peer model is decentralized in nature, which enables each computer works as client and server
both, mean all computers have equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. Today, both models
are in wide use depending upon their business requirements.

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4.1.2 Printers and their types

Printer is the most used output device in computer technology. It is used for producing text and
graphics on paper. Printers are attached by a printer cable or a USB cable to a computer system
which serves as a document source and instructor. On the other hand, in modern printer can
directly attached to electronic media like a memory card, scanner, digital camera etc.

Types of Printer

Printer can be categorized in various types on basis of their work and architecture. There are
mainly two types of printer as follows:
1. Impact Printer
2. Non- Impact Printer

Impact Printer:

Impact printer works by massive head or needle against an ink ribbon to make a mark on the
paper. In other words, this printer works when the ink ribbon is contacted with the paper.

Example- Dot-matrix printer, Chain printer, Drum printer etc.

Dot–Matrix Printer

Dot–matrix printer prints one character at a time. It follows two directional way of printing,
thus the print head run from left to right and again right to left. Dot-matrix printer is an impact
printer as it works by moving a pin head over the inked ribbon to give ink impressions on the paper
through the impact of the head. It can produce various sets (copies) of printouts by using carbon
paper. Dot–matrix printer is a noisy printer as when the head and ink-ribbon stroke together on
the paper, voice is produced.

Normally the printing speed of dot–matrix printers is less. Mostly these types of printers are used
by individuals and institutions for printing, where printing speed and quality are not important.

Drum Printer

Drum printer is a type of line printer; it prints the entire line at a time. The drum printers
have a set of hammers in front of the drum in a manner that an inked ribbon and paper can be
accommodate between hammers and drum. The total number of hammers is equal to the bands
on the drum. In the drum of the drum printer is made up of metal. This drum is expansive in
nature and cannot be changed easily. Drum printer has small flexibility in the size of character set
and their description. Although printing speed of drum printer is faster than a dot-matrix printer,
but it is not suitable for commercial or fast printing assignments.

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Computer Hardware for a Library : Concepts

Non-Impact Printer

Non–Impact printer does not work by striking a head against the ribbon. In other words, it produces
the print (text and picture) without contact with the paper.

Example- Inkjet printer, Laser printer, etc.

Inkjet Printer

Inkjet printers are also a character printer. Inkjet printers print head include up to 64 nozzles. It
can be warmed in a moment by an integrated circuit resistor. When the resistor warms up, the ink
flows and is ejected via the nozzles making an impression on the paper in front of the print head.

Figure 4.4: Printer

(Source: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/inkjet-printer.htm
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 11:40hrs IST)

An Inkjet printer produces better quality result in comparison of impact printers. Its print resolution
is also better. Its result is based on the tiny dots of pattern.

Laser Printer

Laser printers are non–impact printers, they do not create noise. A laser printer works through the
patterns generated by laser beam. The printing quality of these printers is very high at the same
time the printing speed is very fast. But this printer is more expansive comparison than other
types of printers.

Laser printer is a page printer, it prints one page at a time. A laser printer works through following
parts:
1. A laser beam source
2. A multi-sided mirror
3. A photoconductive Drum
4. Toner

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Figure 4.5: Laser printer

Source:http://www.dginter.net/cst/2011CST/Chapter07/old/UnitBPrinters/old/dev/
HowStuffWorks/How%2 0Laser%20Printers%20Work_files/laser-printer-laser.gif
Accessed on 12.8.2021 at 13:25 Hrs IST)

4.1.3 Scanners
Scanners are computer support devices/peripherals, used to capture information from print
sources and to convert that captured information in the computer readable digital form. With the
help of scanners, one can save his/her time in feed in / input data in the computer system.

Types of scanners

Presently there are various types of scanners. One can use any specific type of scanner according
to his/her specific requirement, based on the type of print source. Some of the common types of
printers are as follows:

Flatbed scanners

These are suitable for all types of photographs, transparencies, negatives and pages up to A3
size and that may be laid absolutely flat. They are not suitable for bound volumes, glass plates,
mounted slides, documents larger than A3. As these scanners uses very bright light, anything that
is in danger of fading is not suited for these scanners.

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Figure 4.6: Flatbed scanner

(Source: https://www.scantastik.com/hardware/widetek-scanners/images/WT25-650_angled-
open.gif Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 13:30 Hrs IST)

Drum Scanner

These are used by reprographic houses. Whilst they produce very high quality results they are
expensive and the originals have to be fastened around a drum, which means that the print
document need to be very flexible and unmounted.

Figure 4.7: Drum scanner

(Source: https://www.circuitstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Drum-Scanner.GIF
Accessed on 12:08.2021 at 11:40hrs IST)

Hand Scanners

A Hand scanner is a manual device that is dragged on the face of the image to be scanned. It
requires a steady hand, to avoid uneven scanning rate that would produce distorted images.

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Figure 4.8: Hand-held scanner

(Source: http://scanner6-1.blogspot.com/2010/
Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 11:50 hrs IST) mm scanners

These would seem to be ideal for collections made up of slides only. However, many of them are
aimed at the domestic market and will not be robust enough for any reasonable sized collection.
They often struggle to produce up to 18 Megabyte files of a good dpi.

Figure 4.9: mm scanners

(Source: http://www.aug-inc.com/file/33/f50_500.jpg Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 13:45 Hrs IST)

Digital cameras

Digital cameras come in a variety of standards. To be suitable for digitization work these must
be of a professional standard and capable of 18 Megabytes plus, with interchangeable lenses and
accessories.

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Figure 4.10: Digital cameras

Source:https://static3.nasim.news/thumbnail/MjE2MDg0oLdP/oVph2BhIYF0omkBZaVwWxrcCcv
bE-VFnNlCnJl7Q13eZgB5Jy5Zfn0AdgpTzUVUL2p6kBTxVX3c,/MjE2MDg0oLdP.jpg
Accessed on 12.08.2021 13:50 hrs IST

4.1.4 Bar Code Technology

Barcode technology plays an important role in automating various activities of a library. The
application of bar code technology increases the speed and accuracy in library operations. Barcode
Technology provides a simple and inexpensive method of encoding text information that is easily
read by inexpensive electronic devices. A bar code consists of a series of parallel, adjacent bars
and spaces. Predefined bar and space patterns are used to encode small strings of character data
into a printed symbol. A bar code reader/scanner decodes a bar code by scanning a light source
across the bar code and measuring the intensity of light reflected back by the white spaces. The
pattern of reflected light is detected with a photodiode which produces an electronic signal that
exactly matches the printed bar code pattern. This signal is then decoded back to the original
data by inexpensive electronic circuits.

Bar Code Reader

Bar code reader is a device which is used for reading bar coded data. It may be a handheld scanner
or embedded in stationary scanner. It scans a bar code image and converts it into an alphanumeric
value that is then fed to the computer. Its uses laser beam scanning technology.

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Figure 4.11: Bar Code Reader

(Source: http://barcode2u.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argox-as8120-ccd-barcode-
scanner- [email protected] Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:20 hrs IST)

Bar Code Writer

Bar code writer is a type of computer printer which prints bar codes on the slips or sticker
role. These bar codes are generated by bar coding software against specific record of the stored
database.

Figure 4.12: Bar Code Writer

(Source: http://b2binformation.blogspot.in/2013/05/barcode-printers-features-and.html
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:20hrs IST)

Basic Requirements for Bar Code Application

For implementing bar coding in library applications, following hardware and software are required:
1. Personal computers
2. Barcode Scanner
3. Decoder
4. Printer
5. Printing Software
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6. Database of Library Holdings

7. Library Automation Software and
8. Membership Database

4.1.5 RFID - Radio Frequency Identification Technology

Application of Radio Frequency Identification technology in libraries make library operations
easier for visitors and librarians both. RFID is the latest technology which is used in library for
implementing theft detection system. RFID based systems facilitate easier and faster charging
and discharging system.

RFID system is developed with support of two technologies- radio frequency-based technology
and microchip technology. Microchips in the form of tags are used for storing information and
are affixed on library materials, while this information is read with the help of radio frequency
technology. The devices used for circulation and inventorying are usually called “readers” while
the device used at the library gate are usually called “sensors”.

Components of an RFID System:

A comprehensive RFID system has four components:
1. RFID tags that are electronically programmed with unique information.
2. Readers or sensors to query the tag.
3. Antenna
4. Server on which the software that interfaces with the integrated library software along
with the appropriate database.

Figure 4.13: RFID system components

(Source: http://www.epc-rfid.info/rfid Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:30hrs IST)

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Advantages of RFID in Libraries

Main advantages of implementing RFID system in libraries are as follows:

1. RFID provides the self-charging and discharging support.
2. It facilitates high level of reliability.
3. The life of RFID Tag is quite long.
4. RFID has changed the Circulation system; it provides very fast circulation activity.
5. It simplifies the process of stock verification.
6. It is quite supportive in theft detection.
7. It facilitates high level of security.
8. Misplaced documents inside the stack may be easily identified.
9. RFID tags are very simple to install/inject inside the books.

4.1.6 Modem (Modulator and Demodulator)

Modem is an important device of a data communication system. Modem is used for communication
among various computers through telephone line. A modem converts digital signals received from
a computer into analog signals for transmitting them over a telephone line and on other end
receives analog signals and converts into digital signals for a computer system. Thus, modem is
the common parts of the communication process. A modem is used to carry out the modulation
and demodulation process. The word modem made of two words – Modulator and Demodulator.
Modulator words derive from word „Modulate‟ which means „convert‟. So, a modulator is a device
which used to converts the digital information into analog information for a telephone line. While
the other word demodulator changes the analog signals to digital signals for a computer system.
Thus, a modem allows two computers to communicate over a telephone line.

Types of Modem

On basis of their structure and design, there are mainly two types of modem:
1. Internal Modem
2. External Modem

Internal Modem:

Internal modem is in the forms of a detachable card and placed inside the system unit. It is an
optional add-on circuit board that may be attached in one of the computer expansions slots. It is
inbuilt with the computer system. It takes power from computer‟s expansion bus.

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Figure 4.14: Internal Modem

(Source: http://alioting.blogspot.in/2013/04/definition-of-internal-and-external.html
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:59hrs IST)

External Modem

External modem is attached outside the system unit. It is connected to the mother board through
a port. It has its own power supply, and its front panel displays the connection status. An external
modem relates to a computer through a port. These are more expansive.

Figure 4.15: External Modem

(Source: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/external_modem.html
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:59hrs IST)

Usage of Modem

In the early days, modems were used to communicate between data terminals and a host computer.
Later the use of modems was extended to communicate among end computers. Now-a-days modem
is used for performing various activities including transferring data to remote systems where it is
not possible to lay down network cable and telephone lines are easily available. And thus, provide
a cheap networking solution.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi allows to connect the network through a wireless router or access points. Wi-Fi stands
for Wireless Fidelity. Here, wireless network utilizes radio waves in the form of communication
channel between computers. Wireless computing systems communicate by modulating radio waves
or pulsing infrared light. Wireless communication is linked to the wired network infrastructure by

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stationary transceiver. The area covered by an individual transceiver‟s signal is known as a cell.
Cell sizes vary widely. For instance, an infrared transceiver can cover a small meeting room, a
cellular phone transceiver has a range of a few miles and a satellite beam can cover an area more
than 400 miles in diameter.

Wireless Technology

Some of the most popular wireless technology applications are as follows:

2G and 3G Technology

The second generation of wireless networking technology is known as 2G technology; that was
digital, circuit based and narrowband but comfortable for voice and limited data communications.
While the third-generation wireless networking technology is known as 3G technology that is
suitable for voice and advanced data applications, including online multimedia and mobile e-
commerce.

Wireless LANs

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are like traditional LANs having a wireless interface to
enable wireless communication between the devices that are part of the LAN. The component of
a wireless LAN is the wireless interface card that has an antenna. Wireless LAN has limited area
and is made to be used only in Local Area such as a room or building.

WIMAX

WIMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. WIMAX provides the wireless
data communication over long distances in different ways, including point to point link and full
mobile cellular type access. WIMAX operates in the frequency band between 3.3 to 3.4 GHz.

Figure 4.16: Wimax

(Source: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/wirelessbroadbandpresentation-130320224114-
phpapp02/95/wireless-broadband-11-638.jpg?cb=1363819337 143
Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14:00 hrs IST)
Computer Hardware for a Library : Concepts

Radio Router Technology

Radio router technology uses a radio transmission framework for packet based, broadband, IP
wireless communications. It is an emerging wireless technology designed to make links in an IP
network.

Figure 4.17: Radio Router Technology

(Source: http://www.thelifenetwork.org/about.html
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:02 hrs IST)

4.1.7 Switches
A network switch is a computer networking device which is used to connect many computer
devices each other over a network. Switches in network are also known as switching hub, but a
network switch is more advanced than a network hub, as a switch sends only those messages to
the device which are demanded. A network switch is a multi-ported network bridge that processes
and forwards data at the data link layer of the OSI model. Some switches have additional features,
including the ability to direct the packets. These switches are commonly known as multilayer
switches. Switches exist for various types of networks including Fiber optic, Asynchronous Transfer
Mode, Ethernet etc.

Figure 4.18: Switches

(Source: http://www.indiamart.com/maa-trading-co/networking- products.html#router-cable
Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:40hrs IST)

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Types of Switches:

There are four main types of network switches which are available for connecting devices. These
are as follows:
1. Managed Switches
2. Unmanaged Switches
3. Smart Switches
4. Enterprise managed Switches

Managed Switches

A managed switch is a device whose software gives permission to the user for modifying and
updating the settings of the switch. This type of the device needs a sophisticated user to change
the setting of the switch according to the user need.

Unmanaged Switches

An unmanaged switch is another type of network switch; it is the cheapest option to connect
devices. Unmanaged switch performs the main functions of managing the data flow between a
connected device and multiple computers. This type of switch is basically used in the small office
and business organization.

Smart Switches

Smart switches carry both type of the network switch (Managed and Unmanaged) character. It
provides the user interface of web based and popular default settings.

Enterprise Managed Switches

An enterprise managed network switch provides a wide range of adjustable settings; to allow
customized use within the campus. These are usually managed by network specialists and are
constantly monitored, due to the size and complexity of the network.

4.1.8 Router
Router is a device that sends the data along networks. Routers are located at gateways, the places
where two or more networks connect, and are the critical device that keeps data flowing between
networks and keeps the networks connected to the Internet. This networking device filters the
data and manages the data flow between computer networks. A router is connected to two or
more data lines from different networks.

Data breaks in part; into header and trailer and it flow in packet among network. When packets

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come in one of the lines, the router reads the address information in the packet to determine its
ultimate destination. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the
packet to the next network on its journey. Routers work a like “traffic police” on the Internet.

Figure 4.19: Router

(Source: http://voipstuff.net.au/routers/ Accessed on 30.07.2021 at 12:45hrs IST)

The most popular type of routers are home and small office routers that simply pass data, such as
web pages, email, IM, and videos between the home computers and the Internet. An example of a
router would be the owner‟s cable or DSL modem, which connects to the Internet through an ISP.
More sophisticated routers, such as enterprise routers, connect large business or ISP networks up
to the powerful core routers that forward data at high speed along the optical fibre lines of the
Internet backbone.

Types

There are following types of router:

Brouter

Brouter is the short form of Bridge Router. It is a networking device that serves as a bridge and a
router in parallel manner.

Core router

A core router is a router in a computer network that routes data within a network, but not
between networks.

Edge router

An edge Router is a router in a computer network that routes data between one or more networks.

Virtual router

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A Virtual Router is a backup router used in a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) setup.
VRRP is defined as a protocol used with routers that helps prevent network downtime. In the event
of a router failing, the backup or virtual router would become the master router.

4.1.9 Summary
In this chapter we have discussed all possible ICT components which are essential for computerized
and automated library and information centre. We have discussed about their utility and functions
for improving the functionality of modern libraries.

4.1.10 Exercise
Short questions
1. What is the role of CPU in a computer system?
2. Discuss various advantages and disadvantages of a desktop system.
3. What is the difference between an Impact printer a Non-impact printer?
4. Which type of printer produces fast and quality output and why? Explain.
5. What is the use of a printer in a library?
6. What do you mean by a scanner?
7. Discuss various types of scanners.
8. What is the difference between a flatbed scanner and a digital camera in terms of
utility?
9. What do you mean by a Modem?
10. How does a Modem work?
11. Discuss the role of a Modem in information transfer over a network.
12. What do you understand by Wi-Fi?
13. Discuss various wireless technologies.
14. What is the difference between cabled and Wi-Fi connection of a network?
15. What do you mean by a Bar code?
16. How Bar code technology supports in library automation process?
17. Discuss various requirements of bar code applications in libraries.
18. What do you understand by RFID?
19. Discuss various components of RFID system.

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20. Point out various advantages of RFID application in libraries.

21. What is the role of a switch in a computer network?
22. Discuss various types of switch.
23. Differentiate between managed switch and unmanaged switch.
24. What are the basic functions of a Router?
25. Explain various types of Routers.

Long questions
1. Discuss various components of a desktop system.
2. Explain the utility and requirement of scanners in a modern library.
3. Point out various benefits of Wi-Fi network over cabled network.
4. What is the use of printers in a library? Discuss it with the context of its various types.
5. What is the role of bar coding and RFID in automating library operations? Explain.

4.1.11 Reference
1. Singh, Ajay P. (2014). Digital Preservation. Delhi: Ess Ess Publications.

4.1.12 Glossary
Bar code: Bar code consists of a series of parallel, adjacent bars and spaces. Predefined bar
and space patterns are used to encode small strings of character data into a printed
symbol.
IP: Internet Protocol
RFID: Radio Frequency Identification technology. It is the latest technology which is used
in library for implementing theft detection system.
Router: Router is a device that sends the data along networks. Routers are located at
gateways, the places where two or more networks connect, and are the critical
device that keeps data flowing between networks and keeps the networks connected
to the Internet.
Switch: A network switch is a computer networking device which is used to connect many
computer devices each other over a network.
WIMAX: WIMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. WIMAX provides
the wireless data communication over long distances in different ways, including
point to point link and full mobile cellular type access.

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Unit 2 Concepts and Applications

4.2.0 Introduction

According to the fifth law of library science of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, Library is a growing organism.
In the form of growth, a library holds a natural characteristic of change. This change may be
reflected in the form of improvements, modifications or advancements. As Information and
communication technology has revolutionised all fields of public or individual life, the library
systems could not keep themselves away from this technological advancement. In this regard
automation was first and foremost process which was invited by the library professionals in the
form of remedy against traditional problems of library practices. After implementing automaton,
libraries have not only improved the quality of existing library operations but also introduced new
and better library services for the ultimate satisfaction of its users.

The library automation means applications of computer and communication technology in library
operations and activities to eliminate/reduce the manual work to serve the library needs of
the users. It enhances the access to the library resources and also fosters the routine work.
Automation of library operations avoids repetitive jobs, duplication of work; enhance the speed
of library functions and increase the optimal use of library resources. It may apply to all library
functions such as acquisition, technical processing, serial control, circulation, and reference
service. Automation of the functions saves the precious time of both library staff as well as the
users.

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Figure 4:20
Source: https://www.tmmnursingcollege.in/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Computer-
Lab-p5zgjjtotl5tr8rd0x9mwvaxnksml0semylhehu080.jpg Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14:15 hrs IST

4.2.1. Definition
The term automation has derived from the Greek word „automose‟ which means, a system having
potentiality of spontaneous motion or self-movement. The term „automation‟ was first coined by

D. S. Harder in 1936, who was then associated with the General Motor Company in the USA. He
used the term for handling parts between progressive production processes. Since its inception,
the concept has been defined by different sources or scholars differently depending upon the field
of application. The definition of the term automation as defined in different reference sources
are as given below.

Swihart Stanley S and Hefley Beryl F have defined the term library automation as “the processing of
certain routine clerical function in the library with the assistance of computer or other mechanized
or semi-automatic equipment”.

The Webster‟s Third New International Dictionary of English Language defines „automation‟ as
“the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically; the state
of being operated automatically; automatically controlled operation of an apparatus, processor
system by mechanical or electronic devices that takes the place of human labor”.

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The Kent‟s Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science defines the term as “automation is the
technology concerned with the design and development of process and system that minimize the
necessity of human intervention in operation”.

Likewise, you can find several other definitions of the term in different sources. On the basis
of above definitions, we can say that “the automation is a process of making a system based on
mechanism and machinery to reduce human intervention in getting the work done”.

Now let‟s understand concept of library automation. The phrase library automation defined in
the Kent‟s Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science as “the library automation is the use
of automatic and semiautomatic data processing machines to perform acquisition, cataloguing,
circulation and other library operations.

Hence, the library automation is a process of developing a library system with the help of a
mechanism and machines to get its work done automatically or with less human efforts. The place
of mechanism and machines has been taken by information and communication technology.

Therefore, we can conclude that “library automation is the process where we try to perform all
library housekeeping operations with the help of library automation software in an integrated
environment and with least human interference.

4.2.2 Need and Purpose and Importance

The information is playing a vital role in all walks of human life today. All of us need faster and
accurate information to achieve academic, professional or recreational goals. The automated
library systems satisfy the expectations of the society better than the manual system hence,
automation of the library is the need of the hour.

4.2.2.1 Need for library automation

Some of the basic needs of library automation are:

W Accuracy and Reliability: It is evident that during the manual processing human can
do any sort of error, while the computer performs all set of data processing in error
free and reliable manner? Library automation removes the possibility of data error and
yields the user a reliable service. Hence improve the efficiency of library staff.

W Time saving: It saves the staff time in doing the manual work and speed up the process
of all in-house activities and saves the times of user in finding needed materials within
as well as outside the library.

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W Statistics generation: Automated in-house activities generate numerous data, which

assist to generate multiple statistics. Statistics help us to formulate policies to manage
the library and information services.

W Library service: It helps to give better access to resources within library and elsewhere
and improve the quality of library services. The automated library can provide
bibliographic search facility through OPAC to its users. If the catalogues are made
accessible through internet then, the user can search the resources anytime irrespective
of location.

W Resource sharing: It makes resource sharing possible as data of the library becomes
sharable among libraries.

W Dissemination of information: The wider dissemination of library information with the

help of communication technology like internet, telecommunication, etc., becomes
possible. The automation provides capability to disseminate information about the
resources and services of the library through web. Such dissemination mode saves the
time and efforts of the users as they are able to accesses required information remotely
with the help of computer, laptop, smart phone, etc.

W OPAC: The Online Public Access Catalogue provides the facility to search bibliographic
information of the Library resources which helps in locating her/his desired publication/
material.

W Enhancement of library management: It enhances the library management as reports

and statistics become available with the click of mouse. The automated system gives
the management input and feedback on various services and also monitors the human
resources of the library effectively and efficiently.

Although modernization of organizational practice is a natural process for all systems but being a
service institution, it becomes essential for libraries to provide quality support for the maximum
satisfaction of their users. In present scenario, there are following reasons which compel us for
automating the library system:

W Information explosion

W Increase in library collection

W Inability to explore unlimited literature

W Advancements in Telecommunication technology

W Wastage of user’s precious time in locating information

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W Inability to facilitate wider access of resources in libraries and elsewhere

W For improving the quality in library service

W For promoting Cooperative efforts for better library services

4.2.2.2 Areas of Automation in Libraries

In the process of automating any organization, ideally it becomes obvious to automate each and
every activity of the same. But for designating a library and information centre automated one,
it becomes essential to automate at least housekeeping activities of the library. Such library
housekeeping activities along with their major or minor works are:

1. Library administration

W Activities related to:

� Office work

� Letter writing

� Report writing

W Accounts

� Preparation of budget

� Receipt of services

W Other works

2. Library acquisition

W Selection of documents

W Placing orders

W Checking receipt

W Forwarding bills

3. Library cataloguing

W Generation of catalogue cards using any catalogue code

� CCC

� AACR II

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W Any list of subject heading

� Sear‟s list

� Library of congress list of subject heading

4. Library circulation

W Issue

W Return

W Reserve

W Record keeping

5. Library serials control

W Selection and acquisition

W Receipt and control

W Indexing of article

W Circulation and routing

W Renewal of subscription

W Binding

W Searching

6. Other library services

W Current awareness services

W Selective dissemination of information

W Document delivery service

W Bulletin board services

W CD-ROM search services

W On-line information retrieval services

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4.2.2.3 Problems in implementing automation

According to Dr Ranganathan „library is a living organism‟ which is surrounded by „Books‟,

„Staff‟ and „Users‟. Moreover, it is also abounding with all of other activities which are common
in other government institutions. Keening in view of all such characteristics, we can identify
following issues which creates hurdle

W Institutional finance: Being a social institution, a library cannot generate its own finance
in the form of profit making. Thus it is fully dependent on its parent organization or
funding body for satisfying its financial requirements. For the purpose of automating its
practices, library require a good amount of financial support for procuring hardware,
automation software and developing infrastructure.

W Technical know-how: For implementing a successful automated system, the automating

process not only requires an expert leadership but also it requires well acquainted
subordinate staff of the library system. In absence of such support, it is not possible to
implement a useful automation solution in a timely manner.

W Fear of new technology: Due to lack of training and awareness of new technology
i.e. ICT, it may be possible that the staff members of the library do not express their
willingness to adopt it. For avoiding it we should make them aware about the benefits
of library automation and thus motivate them about the forthcoming solution.

4.2.2.4. Criteria for choosing library automation software

After taking a decision for moving towards an automated library system, we must be very much
careful while finalizing the automation software for our library. Once we implement any specific
software, library staff and the users are bound to take support of it while providing and receiving
service from the library. A wrong decision on software selection may waste our efforts or finance.
Therefore, we should take care of following issues before taking the long-lasting final decision:

W General issues

� Acceptability of the software

� Cost

� Applicability in the library system

� Reputation of software designer

� Reputation and goodwill of software supplier

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Library Automation: Concepts and Applications

W Technical issues
� Language of the interfaces

� Operating system

� Requirement of hardware configuration

� Additionally, required software for implementing all supports

� Data storage capacity

� Easy to use

W Support provided by the software developers

� Availability of Documentation of the product/software

� Support for software installation by the supplier

� User training facility from the supplier/developer

� Obtainability of further future-based modifications

� Obtainability of new versions in future

� Club/group of existing software users for discussing issues

W Legal
� Registration/copyright of the product

� Acceptable provisions of Warranty statement

4.2.3 Summary
Being a service institution library bound us to update our library services for providing best, fastest
and most convenient information support while exploiting latest technological advancements.
After going through the above mentioned concepts, it is now obvious that we can facilitate better
library support in an automated library system. We can conveniently manage various problematic
issues like increasing workload, information explosion, limited staff and even limited recurring
financial support. We have also discussed about some of the quality library automation software
for developing better understanding.

4.2.4 Exercise

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Short questions:
1. Define the concept of Library Automation.
2. Why automation is required in any organization?
3. Discuss the need of Library Automation.
4. What are the barriers in automating a library?
5. Point out various areas of automation in a library.
6. Point out some essential technical issues to be considered while selecting automation
software for library.

Long questions:
1. While defining library automation, discuss the need of automating a library for providing
quality information support.
2. Discuss various issues to be considered while selecting suitable automation software for
library in detail.
3. How a library can provide better information services in an automated environment?
Discuss it in detail.

4.2.5. References
1. HARAVU (L J). Library automation design, principles and practice. 2004. Allied Publishers,
New Delhi.
2. INFLIBNET. Software for university libraries user manual. 2003. INFLIBNET, Ahmedabad.
3. RAJARAMAN (V). Introduction to information technology. 2007. Prentice-Hall of India,
New Delhi.

4.2.6. Glossary
KARDEX: It is one of the library furniture which support as a tool for maintaining serials control
in the library. It was developed by Remington Rand.

RFID: Radio Frequency Identification technology. It is the latest technology which is used in
library for implementing theft detection system.

CCC: Classified Catalogue Code: With additional rules to Dictionary Catalogue Code

AACR II: Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Second edition

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CAS: Full form is Current Awareness Service. This is a generalized service for keeping all
users aware about the advancements, updating and events in their respective library.

SDI: Full form is Selective Dissemination of Information. This is a specialized service for
keeping a specific user aware about the addition of information of his/her interest in
his/her respective library.

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Unit 3 Communication System

4.3.0 Introduction

In this digital era specially now, during the COVID 19 Pandemic we have experienced that we are
dependent on web-based communication, be it for learning, information retrieval, communication,
or entertainment. Web based Communication is defined as the sharing of information or ideas over
the Internet. E-mail, webinars, social media tools are the examples of web-based communication
system. These can be used for individual communication within a group and for a range of group
activities. It is extremely prevalent in the present environment. Now, it becomes essential tool.
Almost everyone participates in some form of web communication. It allows us to communicate
with a person halfway around the world or a person in the room next to us, send a message that
can be answered later or one that needs an immediate response. These forms of communication
have benefits as well as have limitations. We have to choose the tools wisely. The advantages of
the web-based communication are:
(i) Makes communication easier
(ii) Enhance collaboration
(iii) Cost effective
(iv) Improve work relationship
(v) Increases productivity
(vi) Increases accountability

4.3.1 Internet
Internet is a global network defined as the network of networks. It is spread globally over countries
and continents and is the largest communication network throughout the world. It allows all
types of networks from all over the world to get connected and share or exchange data with any
other system or network faster than any other communication system. Internet follows TCP/

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IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol which provides end-to-end connectivity. The

salient feature of Internet is that due to its global coverage, it is not in control of a single body
or organization. Hence, anyone can get connected or disconnected on their own or as and when
required.

Figure 4.21: www.internet.org

Source:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lKZl4gPuu_
q1nW94lBKGE8oB49vGXmrzQ6ngUZCYSclu2fq- 7U3fhFjVYaBlusNaOPxX=s165
Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14: 24 Hrs IST

4.3.1.1 History of Internet

In 1960s a project was undertaken by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA). It was in fact looking for some technology that could enable it to maintain its strategic
military-based communication worldwide in case of a nuclear attack. This can be said as the main
conception of the Internet.

Later, these developments led to the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency
Net (ARPA Net). The main interest of this was looking for a technology that could link computers
in various locations by using a new technology called Packet Switching Technology. This new
technology enabled several users to simultaneously share a single communication line. This
technology was then used by U. S. National Science Foundation (NFS) to create its own network
and called it NSFNET. The project met with a large success in achieving its objectives. Since, the
users were mostly scientists and researchers, the demand went on increasing endlessly. The NSF
found it unable to cope with the demand. In 1990, a non-profit organization Advance Networks and

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Service (ANS) created by MERIT, MCI and IBM took over the NSFNET, upgraded it to the speed of 45
MBPS and formed ANSNET. Now the network become commercial and opened to the public. The
ANSNET worked for five years and later sold to America Online. By the time, several companies
started to offer IP services. Today in fact, anybody with several devices as computer, tablet, smart
phone, etc, can access Internet with the help of some service provider

4.3.1.2 Salient features of internet

W It is a network of networks, can be called as Internetworks.

W It is the largest communication network in the world.

W It uses TCP/IP protocols to communicate with other systems.

W It is a collection of LANs connected by a WAN.

W It can transmit data from one part of world to another part in real time.

W Anyone with individual device or any network can get connected or disconnected at
any time.

4.3.2 Intranet
Internet should not be confused with Intranet. Intranet is a private network within a company
or an organization using internet technology within the network. It can be understood as private
network using all the protocols used on internet for the operation of organization. It uses the
same kinds of software that you may find on the Internet. Internet essentially used to exchange
confidential information between the officials at certain levels, information that is not meant to
share with others in the rest of that organization‟s overall network. Such network is created for
security reasons. For example, within the organization Microsoft Outlook can be used for E-mail
and Messaging among the staff.

4.3.3 Search Engine

Search Engine is a computing-based application software or program, which enable users to
search information on the web. It is basically having program, called crawler or spider. It helps in
locating information, index that information and produce result for the users for the submitted
search query. There are several search engines available on internet. Some of the search engines,
popular among user communities are Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.

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Figure 4.22 Search Engine

Source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8dSUyJ6gzsj-Wj8jJ5HWnPahnp_B- dVwxjn_
RGDZNy9b3YkJcsbNf8JaNzQGOKuYkcKmQJQ=s151 Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14:30 Hrs IST

4.3.4 Email
The electronic mail is an internet protocol which allows computer users to exchange messages
and data with another e-user via internet. All the email system having common application of
e- messaging system such as inbox, sent folder, compose mail editor, attach documents, which
allow users to send, receive, forward and store messages. It is faster, reliable; provide privacy
setting and more convenient than other mode of information communication. Despite of these
above features, still it is having issues like spam mail, hacking of security and privacy, if user
unknowingly replay back to spam mails which are sent by undisclosed sender. For this, the user
must know the basic functions of email tools and their use to protect their mail from such spam.
Creating an email account is a very easy twostep process. First step is to sign up and fill necessary
personal information like username, password, personal details, etc. After completion of this
process, a specified email account is being created. Then, a confirmation email is being sent to
the secondary email account of the user. With the help of the confirmation email, one can control
the privacy setting like, changing of user password further, etc. In case of opening first email
account, the confirmation code may be sent to the mobile phone of the user. Secondly, the owner
of the email account has to sign in (log in) to the account with user ID and password during the
first step. The email account looks at<username>@<server name>. For example, [email protected].
Here “xyz” is the username and gmail.com is the server name, the “@”

character is used as a separator, it separates the user name from server name. Now a day, so many
email providers are available on the internet with more advances feature and tools. For Example,
Gmail, Yahoo mail, Rediffmail, Hotmail etc. All most all above example are having feature like
chat box, video chat, e-messaging groups, share photo, video and so on.

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Figure 4.23 Source:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EYgSFlkYkC793gmDTKQONB_

MEUEv6Z0r5l 3KsQds9FhQGCY-_Uq3GjDffrXDFhSwu489vQ=s151
Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14: 35 Hrs IST

4.3.5. E-Database
An e-database is an organized collection of information, on a specific subject or multidisciplinary
subject area. The information of an e-database can be searched and retrieved electronically with
the help of personal computers, tablets, mobile phone, etc. The type of database on the basis of
its content may be:

W Bibliographic Database

W Full-text Database

W Numerical and Statistical Databases

W Images Database

W Audio Database

W Video Database

W Multimedia Database

4.3.5.1 Bibliographic Database

Bibliographic database is a database of bibliographic records, an organized digital collection
of references to published literature, including journal and newspaper articles, conference
proceedings, reports, government and legal publications, patents, books, etc. In contrast to

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library catalogue entries, a large proportion of the bibliographic records in bibliographic databases
describe analytics (articles, conference papers, etc.) rather than complete monographs, and they
generally contain very rich subject descriptions in the form of keywords, subject classification
terms, or abstracts.

The Indexing and Abstracting Databases is one of the categories under the bibliographic databases.
The database provides bibliographic information along with the abstract of the articles, published
in different journals. Such databases are usually subject specific. There are a number of such
databases in different subject area. For example, LISA i.e. Library and Information Science
Abstract is an international database in the field of Library and Information Science, which index
journals, conference proceedings, book reviews, and research reports of the subject from more
than 68 countries and in 20 languages. In the field of biomedical science, the National Library of
Medicine, United States of America maintains such database known as Medline. It is available on
internet as PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed). You can search the database and
see the references. It is free of cost.

Examples:

W INDMED: Index to Indian Biomedical Journals (http://indmed.nic.in/) the ICMR-NIC

Centre for Biomedical Information (Indian MEDLARS Centre) has designed and developed
a bibliographic database from Indian biomedical literature. To start with 75 prominent
Indian journals, have been selected to build up the database entitled IndMED. The
coverage of database is from 1985.

W ISID Index to Indian Social Sciences Journals (http://isid.org.in/) indexes around 125+
Indian Social Science journals enabling users to search for references based on string
(series of characters) either for author‟s name, or words in titles for selected journals.
Most of the journals are indexed from the first volume. Also, indexes press clippings
taken out from 14 India‟s English dailies. Access is free with simple registration. [Click
on Databases to go to login page]

W AgEcon (http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/) search collects, indexes, and electronically

distributes full text copies of scholarly research in the broadly defined field of agricultural
economics including sub disciplines such as

W Agribusiness, food supply, natural resource economics, environmental economics,

policy issues, agricultural trade, and economic development.

W Agricultural Online Access (Agricola) (http://agricola.nal.usda.gov/) is an index to all

aspects of agricultural sciences.

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Figure 4.24 Bibliographic database

Source: https://agricola.nal.usda.gov/#mainContent Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14:40 Hrs IST

4.3.5.2 Full-text databases

The Full-text databases are databases that provide full text of articles published in the journals
that they index. The availability of full-text articles depends on whether they are open access
(free) or on the Library‟s subscription agreements with each publisher or aggregator.

Examples:

W Economic History Encyclopedia Index (http://eh.net/encyclopedia/) here search can

be made for high quality full articles related the area of Economic and Business History.

W Scientific Electronic Library Online [SCIELO] (http://www.scielo.org/) is a model for

cooperative electronic publishing of scientific journals on the Internet. Especially
conceived to meet the scientific communication needs of developing countries,
particularly Latin America and the Caribbean countries, it provides an efficient way to
assure universal visibility and accessibility to their scientific literature, contributing to
overcome the phenomena known as “lost science”.

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Figure: 4.25 Full Text Database Source:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/

EnYcmuNXwCwGfyOv3yKl4ft4ptntc P2InzlOEwa0wUsaFv8XERpC4iwuXMLTwY8xH8Aj=s151
Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14:40 Hrs IST

4.3.5.3 Numerical and Statistical Databases

The numeric and statistic database contains the numeric data based on some characteristics. For
example, database census of a nation, database of accounts of an organization, database of the
results of an experiment, etc. such databases are needed for reference, planning and decision
making, analyses, etc.

Example:
Census of India (http://censusindia.gov.in/): The database is created and maintained by the Office
of the Registrar General and Commissioner, India.

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Figure 4.26 Numerical and Statistical Databases Source:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/

AZr4whjIn2q7O2kwSP9cMH4HhliF7g7jcEArp w8eRujkfnHJNjMv2OpPDO8WrkXiqO7bOA=s151
Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 14:50 Hrs IST

4.3.5.4 Images Database

The image database is a collection of images in digital form along with the description about
the images. Such databases are being created on the basis of some characteristics and purposes.
For example, the database of the images of slides, writers, leaders, sports persons, famous
personalities, etc. Some of the libraries also maintain such databases for the members or official
use.

Example:

W Kamat Research Database-Old Photographsof India (http://www.kamat.com/

database/content/old_photo/)

W Families in British Indian Society, Image Gallery (http://www.gallery.fibis.org/)

W Oriental Bird Images-a database of the Oriental Bird Club(http://orientalbirdimages.

org/)

Figure 4.27 Images Database

Source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/THusHgSDXDquG8aqGo-0VQCupohSG1DQ-
f43Aw7V8I-cDTGl3aBAeUhPeK1ANWcgSt3ZAA=s151 Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:00 Hrs IST

4.3.5.5. Audio Database

The audio database is the collection of audio materials as songs, sound of instruments, speeches
of leaders, thinkers, scientists, etc, audio books and so on. Each and every record is being created

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with full details so it can be searched and retrieved from the database. You would often be
downloading songs from the internet. The organizations providing downloading facilities, maintains
the songs in the form of database with complete descriptions as in case of songs from movies then,
lyricist, composers, singer, title of the movie, the song filmed on the characters, etc.

Examples:

W Indian Music Library-Twaang- a database of Indian Music maintained by the Google play
and is freely available for listening. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/)

Figure 4.28 Audio Database

4.3.5.6 Video Database

The video database is the collection of videos with descriptions and search ability. You might have
seen and uploaded as well downloaded video from internet. There are a number of organizations
to create, maintain and provide access to video databases. For example, a database of Hindi
films, documentaries on different subjects or themes, education ware, etc.

Example:

W YouTube (www.youtube.com)

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Figure 4.29 Video Database

Source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/34cL6wro3XS9CQfkGZYrjOZ1vb6iV2DQrto-
3Kbnp9VYlz_eNcNp68gYYsCqcZcjXO3i=s167 Accessed on 12.08.2021 at 15:15 Hrs IST

4.3.5.7. Multimedia Database

The multimedia is such a content or document which uses media as audio, video, animation,
text, images, graphics, drawings, etc. Some of these or all of them may be fussed for the purpose
of creating content on a topic or subject. The database of such contents known as Multimedia
database. Especially in education sector, such databases are created and provided for engaging
students in better way. For example, the Indira Gandhi National Open University and National
Council of Education Research and Training, create and maintains maintain such database in the
field of education. You can also get such content on www.youtube.com.

4.3.6 Summary
Due to knowledge explosion, the World Wide Web is an important source of retrieving relevant
information quickly. Although the web-based communication has definitely made our lives better.
Its impact on a society is most felt by the choices we make while using it. Wisely using this, we
can be able to reap the benefits and avoid its disadvantages. Database collects, stores, processes,
and gives easy access to the data or information. It holds both the actual data and the metadata.
It helps decrease data redundancy and increase consistency. It follows the 4th Law of Library
Science i.e. “Save the time of the user”

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4.3.7 Exercise
1. What do you mean by Web Communication System?
2. List five different Web Communication tools used in the library.
3. What is Intranet?
4. Differentiate between Internet and Intranet?
5. What is Database?
6. What do you mean by E-database?
7. What do you mean by bibliographical databases?
8. What do you mean by full text database?

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