Abstract

1. Development of Communication Technology (CT):Communication is the transfer of information and some means of ensuring that what is sent is also received. Technology increases the ways in which information can be communicated. One can preserve, store and process the information through storage and processing technology but the dissemination of information can be made only through CT. It consists of electromagnetic devices and systems for communicating over long distances [2]. For e.g. internet, e-mail, fax, phone, SINP Library webpage (Access set up through institute LAN is opened for the users - citation tools, journals archives, e-books and protocols, cyber zone has been set up for internal and external users) [3]. Abstract The digitisation era has encouraged the academic and research libraries in the information and communication technology (ICT) applications to ease in performing daily operations and services. It also marked an active role for the librarians and information scientists. The paper aims to discuss how the traditional academic and research libraries has moved towards the modern library through the introduction of ICT applications. Such approach is discussed with special reference to SINP Library as an example. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the libraries in regards to the ICT applications in the digital environment and how well the digital library plays an important role in the academic and research libraries in India. As a result due to the ICT applications, the libraries can now participate in various libraries networking, library consortium, etc. Keywords:Information Communication Technology, Academic Library, Research Library, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, SINP Library. 2nd Generation (1956-1963) e.g. Transistors. 1st Generation (1940-1956) e.g. Vacuum Tubes. IBM server Flatbed Scanner AtizBookDrive Pro 3rd Generation (1964-1971) e.g. Integrated Circuits. Online Public Access Catalogue Circulation Development of library software packages:Software is considered to be the most important component in automation process. Number of library software packages is presently available in the market for handling library resources and automation, but SINP library used LibSys4 (Rel 6.2) for automation. The areas of the ICT applications in library management functions are [4]: Acquisition- Manual acquisition system requires the maintenance of vast amount of data, innumerable files, records, etc., which involves tedious routine, repetitive tasks. The computers can perform these tasks faster and more accurately. Cataloguing- In an automated system, the data regarding the documents entered in computer in the acquisition section can very well be manipulated automatically for producing different types of catalogues. Serials Control- involves large number of publications and keeping track of receipts, reminders and non-receipt claims, periodicity change, merger of titles etc., is quite a task to be manually managed. Automation makes most of these tasks efficient and enhanced the Users in retrieving their required data. Circulation- charging, discharging, reissue, reservations, over-due reminders and statistics, etc., are time consuming, highly labour intensive and error prone. Introduction with barcode facilities extremely improves the speed, efficiency and accuracy of the transactions. OPAC- Online Public Access Catalogue can be search through computer terminals. In addition Web-OPAC is useful for off campus access. They provide access to the library’s holdings through various access points such as author, title, subject, class number, keyword, combination search, etc. The other areas of ICT applications are: Bar-coding of books and bound volumes journals; design and developed bound journal database and retro-conversion of book database and developed current journal database. 5th Generation (Present-) e.g. Artificial Intelligence. Prof. MeghnadSaha Collections 4th Generation (1971-Present) e.g. Microprocessors. SINP Theses Acquisition Cataloguing Serials Control LS Web OPAC INTRODUCTION Academic and research institution are the pillar of success in a country through higher education and aimed at advancement of knowledge and learning through teaching and research. These higher educations require constant support from the library, information centres and from information scientists, government, teachers and students. Besides, ICT applications are deployed for ensuring quality higher education for all and promote excellence in the changing information scenario. This technology is used by the people and supposed to help especially in the areas of education, research, consultation and knowledge management [1]. ICT applications facilitate speedy library operations, services, access and to dissemination of information. Definition of ICT: There is no universally accepted definition of ICT, because the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving in almost in our daily basis. It is the catch-all phrase used to describe a range of technologies for gathering, storing, retrieving, processing, analyzing and transmitting information [2] e.g. Personal Computers, E-mail, Internet, etc. • Development of technology for analysis and process of data:The task of analyzing data includes both calculating and comparing. The first computing device can be dated back to around 3000 BC when the Orient Civilization used the Abacus for calculating simple arithmetic problems. Modern electronic digital computer systems have five generations of evolution [2]: • 1st Generation - (1940-1956) e.g. Vacuum Tubes. • 2nd Generation - (1956-1963) e.g. Transistors. • 3rd Generation - (1964-1971) e.g. Integrated Circuits. • 4th Generation - (1971-Present) e.g. Microprocessors. • 5th Generation - (Present-) e.g. Artificial Intelligence. • The computer was first used in India in 1972 and at SINP Library in 1995 to provide a union catalogue of scientific periodicals, but automation in libraries did not really begin until the 1997. The library has two IBM servers where LibSys 4 (Rel 6.2) database is running. 32 Personal Computers are available in the library out of which 22 PCs are for users. Two set of HP ScanJet 4890 Flatbed Scanner, AtizBookDrive Pro and two cameras has been installed for digitization; which developed and digitised the collected works of Prof. MeghnadSaha, SINP Annual Reports and Theses. These digitised documents are also available in the SINP Library webpage for worldwide access [3]. • NEEDS FOR ICT APPLICATIONS • The needs for ICT applications in academic and research libraries arise due to: • Capacity to handle large amount of data/ information; • Participate in networking program and resource sharing and provide a single window (efficient library • webpage); • Flexibility in information search and standardization; • Complexity and scattering of information; • Literature explosion and information overloads; • Speedy processing of information and its retrieval; • Better bibliographic control at local/ regional/ national/ international level [2]. • Above all it is necessary for library automation to save the time of the users as well as library personnel. SINP LIBRARY PROFILE The institute Library was set up in 1950 with a meagre budget of a few thousand rupees and a generous donation of books and periodicals. Since then the Library has grown steadily in size and resources. Its budget, only Rs.50,000 in 1960, went up to Rs.3.5 Crore excluding Plan project grant. Library has a huge collection of books (35435 [technical + non-technical]), e-books (1000+), journals (Online: 3000+, Bound volumes: 51463) and non-book materials (Reports: 26000+, Thesis: 200 and CD/DVD ROM: 1021). Microfilm Scanning Microfilm & Microfiche Ancient Paper Punched Card Reader Electromechanical Machine Clay Tablets SINP Library The library has been fully funded by Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. With the applications of ICT, SINP library has become one of the major information resource centres in the Eastern India in the field of Physical and Biophysical sciences [3]. The library not only acquires, organizes and disseminates knowledge; it has put its foot ahead towards policies, systems and services and created a suitable atmosphere. CD/DVD ROM Floppy Disk & Drive CD/DVD ROM Drive Punched Card Punched Card Machine External Portable Hard Disk USB Flash Drive Development Due to ICT The library digitisation of SINP has started since 1997. Looking at the historical background of Information Technology (IT), we need to treat basically in four different aspects: Development of technology for recording and storing data:In the past; clay tablets, paper, punched card, etc. are used for storing data, which occupies space and time. The stored data are read by electromechanical machines like microfilm, microfiche, and micro card [2]. To achieve these advantages, magnetic storage media were developed which are known as floppy disks, hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD and CD. Thus storage technology has developed from punched cards to magnetic storage to the USB Flash Drive technology in terms of increasing storage capacity, easier portability, long life span and reduction in size and cost [3]. This leads to moving towards digitisation of resources and modern library. • IMPACT OF ICT IN LIBRARIES • Modern libraries are smaller in size but bigger in respect of image or value of information storage and retrieval. These facets have significant impact on: • improves the quality and status of library services; • makes integration within the organization; • helpful to obtain the right information at the right time at the right place at the right cost; • eliminates the traditional way of handling information and services in the library; • effective resource sharing and networking [4]. CONCLUSION Fundamental changes are taking place in the outlook of libraries. The old traditions, concepts are undergoing tremendous changes owing to the electronic industrial revolution. Developments in computers, electronic equipments and telecommunications are bringing IT to all aspects of work and leisure. Focus our attention to the storage, retrieval and use of information, and the way we communicate with others, with ourselves and with the world. Application of communication techniques and electronic data processing of information have made a great impact on academic and research libraries. With the ICT applications, SINP Library users now accomplished more than hundred times of information within a very limited time in comparison to the year in 1997 and the library can participate in various libraries networking, library consortium, inter library loan, etc. When the automation was started there were 22 library personnel and it is possible by now that, less than half the numbers of personnel working at that time. Here lies the thrilling in the ICT applications in academic and research libraries. REFERENCES [1] R.K. BHATT, UNESCO - Development of libraries and documentation centres in developing countries, (New Delhi: K.K. Publications, 2004). [2] K. Prasad, ed., Information and communication technology: recasting development, (Delhi: BR Publication, 2004). [3] Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Central Library: a profile, (Kolkata: SINP Library Publication, 2012); http://www.saha.ac.in/lib/www/ [4] K.P. SINGH, Automation in libraries: An overview, Library Progress (International), 22 (2); 2002; p.91- 99. [5] Google Image, http://www.google.com/imghp SINP Library WebPage (http://www.saha.ac.in/lib/www/)