Report of

 

National Seminar on Collection Development in Academic, Public and Special Library and Information Centres in Digital Era with Special Reference to North East India (NSCD-2011)

held during February 10-11, 2011 at

Department of Library and Information Science,

Assam University, Silchar

 

Inaugural Programme : 10.0 A.M. to 11.30 A.M.

 

The Two Day National Seminar on Collection Development in Academic, Public and Special Libraries and Information Centres in Digital Era with special reference to North East India jointly Organised by  the Department of Library and Information Science,  Assam University (A Central University) , Silchar-788 011 and Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Kolkata-700 027 (Sponsored by Ministry of Culture, Government  of India ) held during February 10-11, 2011 at Bipin Chandra Paul Seminar Hall.

The National Seminar on Collection Development (NSCD-2011) was inaugurated by Prof. Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Assam University, Silchar at 10.30 A.M. He has also presided over the Inaugural Programme and grace the function as the Chief Guest of the programme.

The Inaugural Programme was started with inviting the dignitaries on the dais and Lighting of the Candle by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor , Prof-Vice Chancellor (STM) and Pro-Vice Chancellor (HAD) , Prof. Narendra Lahkar , Sri Iqbal Ahmad from the Central Reference Library and Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha  which was followed by the Inaugural Song by the students of Department of Bengali and Library and Information Science.

The Souvenir –Cum--Abstract was released by the Chief Guest Prof. Tapodhir Bhattacharjee and handed over one copy to each of the dignitaries on the dais. He congratulated Dr. Sinha and other members of the Editorial Committees to bring out the publication nicely.

While welcoming the Chief Guest Prof. Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, AUS and other dignitaries off and on the dais, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Organising Secretary , National Seminar on Collection Development  (NSCD-2011) informed about the genesis of the seminar and highlighted the background and theme of the seminar. He has briefly described the need of developing the policies and guidelines for collection development of printed as well as electronic resources in digital era with special reference to North East India. Dr. Sinha told that this is a historic moment for the students and faculty members of the Department of Library  and Information Science to organise such a National Seminar  in the new department which is one and half year old.

Prof. G.D. Sharma, Hon’ble Pro-Vice Chancellor (STM) has highlighted about the various aspects of printed and electronic resources and requested all the participants to evolve the strategies for developing the printed as well as electronic resources in the academic, public and special libraries of North East India. He pointed out to consider the requirement of the students and faculty members while procuring the resources on the basis of urgent need. He congratulated Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha and other members of the Organising Committee to organise such a event successfully.

Prof. Goutam Biswas , Prof-Vice-Chancellor (HAD) has congratulated Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha , Organising Secretary  and his team for organising the National Seminar beautifully  and in befitting manner in very short possible time. He recited few lines from the Gurdev Rabindra Nath Tagore literature which he wrote on the importance of Library in the society.

Sri Iqbal Ahnad , Asst Editor, Central Reference Library, Kolkata has highlighted the brief account of the activities and functioning of the Central Reference Library . He informed about the contributions made by the CRL for holding Seminar, Workshops and Training Programme in North Eastern Region of India which is mainly sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. He highlighted about one of the most important publications of CRL, Indian National Bibliography (INB) which is now publishing titles of all Indian Languages in transliteration form in Roman Script.  He has handed over the first issues of INB in its new format to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, AUS. 

The Key Note Address on Collection Development: Issues and Challenges were given by Prof. Narendra Lahkar, Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University, Guwahati. In his key note address he has broadly covered all important aspect of Collection Development of Printed and Electronic Resources with special reference to North Eastern Region. He also emphasised upon the need of preservation of manuscripts and other rare documents which are available in private collection.

Then the Presidential Address was delivered by Prof. Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Assam University, Silchar. In his inaugural address he emphasised on the role of academic library and librarian in collection development. He congratulated Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha , Organising Secretary, NSCD-2011 and his team for beautifully organising National Seminar in within one and half year of the inception of the department. He also said that it is historic event for the Department of Library and Information Science and it is matter of pride that many stalwarts in Library and Information Science profession are attending the seminar to make it a grand success. He expressed his satisfaction over the preparations of the seminar. As a Chairman of the Organising Committee he also welcomed all the participants, dignitaries’ and invitees for attending the seminar and making this event a grand success.

At the enc of the Inaugural Programme, customary Vote of Thanks was offered by Dr. Mukut Sarmah, Assistant Professor, DLIS & Assistant Organising Secretary. The Vote of Thanks was followed by High Tea.

  

Technical Session -  (11.45 A.M. to 1.30 P.M. )

            

Sub –Theme :            Collection Development Methods :  Academic, Public, Special  and

                                    Technical    Libraries

 

Chairman                                                         :              Dr. P.K. Jayaswal

Sub-Theme Paper                                            :              Dr. Madan Singh Rana

Rapporteur                                                      :              Dr. Ranghvendra Mishra

                                                                        :              Sri Apurba Jyoti Mazumdar

 

Theme paper             :           Collection Development Methods:  Academic, Public, Special  and

                                    Technical    Libraries by Dr. Madan Singh Rana , Librarian

 

The 1^st Technical Session of the seminar NSCD-2011  has successfully explored different areas of collection development in academic, public and special libraries in Library and Information centres in digital era with special reference to North Eastern Region of India. In this session besides theme paper 12 contributed papers were scheduled and out of which , 6 papers (50.0 %) of papers were presented by the respective authors.

 

The Theme Paper entitled “ A Vision for Future Academic Libraries ” of the session was presented by Dr. Madan Singh Rana, Librarian , Assam University Library (Rabindra Library), Silchar. While delivering the theme paper , he pointed out the need of ICT application in library and information system and stressed upon the need of the hybrid library concept to meet the demand of the users of new generation and at the same time the old generation also. He emphasised that ICT has been playing an important role for extending computerised Library and Information Services to the need users and told that ICT has changed the reach and access pattern of the libraries and their users  became able to utilise the various sources of electronic / web information from their locations/ departments/ home. Libraries  serve different generations carrying different socio-cultural and cognitive characteristics. He suggested that in academic library system, a cordial relation between faculties and library management is required. But technology can not do much alone and human resources of library management has crucial role in utilising the library and information resources. Thus the attention should be focussed on the human environment of an academic library management system. Training in soft skills along with technology and techniques is essential to establish, maintain and build a effective library and information system in academic libraries.

  

 Contributed Papers

 

Following five contributed papers have been presented in the 1^st Technical Session :

 

Sri Sankar Kumar Chakraborty in his paper on “Collection Development of Nabinchandra College Library in the Digital Era” has explained the features and limitations of collection development in a college library. He has suggested that the philosophy of collection needs to be changed and technological support with adequate funding for colleges are pre-requisites to change the college library system accordingly.

 

Sri Nitumony Phukan in his paper “Policy and Process of Collection Development of Primary Literature in Academic Libraries With Special Emphasis to College Libraries” suggested that there should be a comprehensive policy to use both traditional and digital / electronic resources and on-line system should be used also for collection development in the college libraries

 

Ms. Sonali Chakrborty , in her paper “Role of Information Needs in Developing Collection of College Libraries with Special Reference to Barak Valley (South Assam): A Case Study”  pointed out that in college libraries of Barak Valley which are affiliated to Assam University, Silchar but mainly funded by the State Government/ UGC generally used to develop collection which are required only for class –room teaching comprising of mainly Text-Books. She has suggested that the college administration should provide technical, financial and professional support for developing good college libraries and obviously a good collection of printed as well as electronic resources.

 

In a  jointly written paper by Sri R. K.  Sanatomba Singh and Dr. Ch. Ibohal Singh on “Scenario of Collection Development in the College Libraries of Manipur” Sri Singh pointed out the status of library management in college libraries of Manipur. He said that the College Libraries located in the State of Manipur need to cover a long distance to harness  the facilities of e-resources and for e-readiness. The paper suggested the requirements of digitization of cultural heritage  for that technological up gradation  is necessary for proper implementation of the collection development of e-resources and effective performance of the library system.

 

In another paper written jointly by  by  Jyotika Borthakur, Dr. P.K.Barooah , Rumi Das and Juli Thakuria  on“ Collection Development of Library Resources and their Sharing in NEIST, Jorhat ”which was presented by Ms. Rumi Das. While presenting her paper she suggested that ICT application and digitisation can reduce the financial and other constraints of the library system for making documents available to its users through effective resource sharing amongst the libraries in North Eastern Region of India. 

                

At the end , the floor was opened for discussion and may participants interacted with  the paper presenter for clarifications. It was a interactive and lively session. The session was concluded with the remarks from the Chairman of the Session Dr. P.K. Jayaswal, Former Librarian, Assam University, Silchar for developing adequate printed and electronic collection as per the availability of fund and he also suggested to draft a policy for developing e-resources for the academic libraries of North Eastern States in particular and entire India in general. The 1^st Technical Session was followed by lunch  from 1.30 P.M. to 2.30 P.M..

 

 

Report of Technical Session –II (2.30 P.M. to 4.30 P.M.)

 

Chairman                                                         :             Professor N. Laxman Rao

Sub-Theme Paper                                            :             Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh

Rapporteaur                                                    :             Dr. R. K. Joteen Singh  

  Ms. Sonali Choudhury Biswas

                       

Sub –Theme:             Application of ICT  in  LICs of N E India for Managing Library

                                    Resources

 

The second Technical Session was started at 3.0 P.M. after the Lunch Break. The Second Technical Session was Chaired by Prof. N. Laxman Rao, Emeritus Professor, UGC, Department of Library and Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

 

Altogether four paper including one sub-theme paper and three contributed papers were presented in this session.

 

The Sub-Theme Paper on “Application of ICT  in  LICs of N E India for Managing Library Resources ” was presented by Dr. S.N. Singh, Associate Professor, Mizoram University, Aizwal . In his sub-theme paper .he emphasised on the development of ICT  as a power in the region as compared to the other region of India. He pointed out that most of the libraries in this region are not fully automated . So there is a need of awareness of ICT application for library activities and services and also development of professional trained manpower for handling the ICT based library and information services.

           

Out of 12 contributed paper kept in this session , only three papers were presented  and two papers were shifted to next day third technical session due to time constraints. These contributed papers were presented by Dr. R.K. Jotten Singh , Ms. Sehnara Begam and Sri Sumit Dutta.

 

Dr. R.K. Joteen Singh , Information Scientist, Manipur University in his jointly written paper with Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Reader & Head of the Department, DLIsc, Assam University, Silchar on the topic “ An Analysis of UGC-INFONET Services in Manipur University” pointed out the extensive usage of e-resources available under UGC-INFONET Digital Library Consortium which has been reflected in the research output of the Manipur University since 2007. He emphasised on the need of organising regular user awareness programme on Access to E-Resources and other  Reading Materials by the faculty member, research scholars and students of the university.

 

The next contributed paper which was jointly written by  Sehnara Begum Choudhury, Sankar Kumar Chakraborty and Dr. Mukut Sarmah on “Collection Development and ICT Application in some Selected College Libraries in Three Districts of Barak Valley “  was presented by Ms. Sehnara Begam . In her paper she highlighted the status of collection development of books, periodicals and usage of E-resources available under N-LIST Programme in the selected colleges of Barak Valley.

 

The last paper of this session was presented by Sri Sonit Dutta, Research Scholar, Department of Business Administration on “Information Searching Behaviour at Knowledge Centre: A Short Ethnographical Study ” and highlighted the need of using e-resources and reasons for increasing the usage of e-resources. He suggested the need for organising regularly the user awareness programme for its optimum utilisation of –printed as well as e-resources.

At the end of the session the floor was opened for the participants to shoot their queries and there was good interaction between the presenters and the participants. The session was concluded with the concluding remarks of the Chairman, Prof. N. Laxman Rao of Osmania University for developing adequate ICT infrastructure for the North East Library and Information Centres to handle the computerised/ digital library services effectively.

  

Report of Day 2 of Seminar: 11-02-2011 (Friday)

 

Venue: Seminar Hall, Dept. of Library &Information Science, AUS

 

Technical Session –III           (9.30 A.M. to 11.30 A.M.)

           

 

Chairman                                                         :               Professor Narendra Lahkar 

Theme Paper                                                   :               Sri Kishor Chandra Satpathy

Rapporteur                                                      :               Sri Saroj Kumar Mandal

                                                                                        Ms. Nitumoni Bora

                                               

Sub –Theme   :           Impact of Library Networks on Collection Development and

                                    Resource Sharing

 

The Third Technical Session on day 02 started at 10.30. A. M.  in the Seminar Hall of Department of Library and Information Science which was chaired by Prof. Narendra Lahkar , Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University, Guwahati. The Sub-Theme of the session was “ Impact of Library Network on Collection Development and Resource Sharing”.

 

The Sub-Theme paper was presented by Sri Kishor Chandra Satpathy, Librarian, NIT, Silchar on the topic “North-Eastern Library and Information Network: Dream to Reality” which attracted lot of discussion and debate.

 

In his sub-theme paper Sri Kishor Chandra Satpathy, Librarian, NIT, Silchar emphasised on the importance of establishment of Library Network in North Eastern Region connecting all the technical and academic institutions of the region for collaborative collection development , resource sharing and access .He highlighted about the various library network which are already developed in India. He told that the educational institutions of North East India including IIT, IIM, NITs, Universities , Engineering Colleges etc. should work together for establishment of a active network for effective sharing of library resources. He also informed about the preliminary initiatives taken by him on behalf of the Library of NIT Silchar in this regard.

 

The Next Sub-Theme paper was presented by Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Reader & Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Assam University , Silchar which was jointly written with Sri Jayanta Bhattacahrjee, (Former Information Scientist) Deputy Registrar (Exam) entitled “ Role of INFLIBNET in  Modernisation of University Libraries of North Eastern  Region of India”.

 

In his paper Dr. Sinha discussed about the various steps taken by the UGC through INFLIBNET Centre for developing  adequate ICT Infrastructure for providing automated / computerised library and information services in India universities including University Libraries of North Eastern Region of India. He also emphasised on the need for taking special care for North Easter Region as these states are remotely located for using the e-resources available free of cost to the universities and colleges of N E Regions under UGC-INFONET Digital Library Consortium and N-LIST Programme. He suggested the need of imparting regular user awareness programme for using r-resources by the students, research scholars and faculty members effectively so that cost invested on the procurement of e-resources can be returned in the form of research and academic output that should be reflected from our publications.  

 

Out of eight contributed papers , four papers were presented. Sri S.K. Mandal and Ms. Nitumoni Bora in their jointly written paper on “Collection Development in Electronic Era”  explained the collection development of electronic resources , its advantages and disadvantages and suggested the need for drafting the appropriate policy for collection development of E-Resources along with printed resources in academic libraries of North Eastern States.

Ms. Juli Thakuria in her paper entitled “ An approach to Acquiring and Accessing E-Resources in College Libraries” and highlighted the status of e-resources available in theses colleges and suggested to develop more collection of printed as well as e-resources for college libraries in N E Region.

Sri Nirnimesh Pandiay in his paper discussed the need for digitisation of public libraries in North Eastern Region. The last paper  of this session was presented by Ms.Lakxmi Chetri on “ Organisation and Management of Audio-Visual Media Libraries of Guwahati and discussed about the preservation techniques followed by media libraries of Guwahati. She suggested to adopt various preservation techniques for media resources both printed and electronic for future generations to come.

After paper presentation , the floor was opened for discussion and interaction which was very fruitful for the participants and the session was concluded with the remarks from the chair.

Technical Session –IV          (11.45 A.M. to 1.30 P.M.)

 

Chairman                                                         :               Prof. Prabhakar Rath

Sub-Theme Paper                                            :               Prof. N. Laxman Rao

Rapporteur                                                      :               Dr. (Mrs.) Sumana C Sarmah

 

Sub –Theme :            Development of Digital Collection including Institutional Repositories

 

The fourth Technical Session was chaired by Prof. Prabhakar Rath, Head of the Department, Department of Library and Information Science, Mizoram University, Aizawl. The Sub-Theme  Paper  on “ Digital Resource Collection : Some Issues and Challenges “ was presented by  Prof. N Laxman Rao , Emeritus Professor , UGC, Department of Library and Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

 

In this session maximum numbers of papers (about 25 papers) were kept out of which only six papers were presented as most of the authors were not available for presentation.

 

The first paper of this session was presented by Ms. Babita Devi on “Collection Development in College Libraries: A Key to Improve Reading Habit in this Digital Era” highlighted the status of collection development in five college libraries of Manipur. The survey findings shows that the college libraries of Manipur are lagging behind in the process of automation of college libraries and e-resources collection which needs to be taken care of. 

 

The second paper of the session on “E-Books in Academic Libraries An Overview “was presented by Meenakshi Bawari and she suggested to acquire more number of E-Books for university community.

In a jointly written paper on “Web 2.0 and its implications to build Library 2.0” by Anurag Singh and Nirnimesh Pandiya discussed about various issues of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 and its application  in Library services.

 

Dr. Mukut Sharma in his paper on “ Exploring and Building Internet Video Collection in Academic Library ” highlighted about the Internet services being used in Asian countries and also talked about Web.20. along with Audi-Video Programme and RFID Technology which is being used in modern libraries for security.

 

Sri Utpal Das in his paper discussed about the importance and application of ICT in college libraries of Assam with some suggestions how to accelerate the process of automation and networking in college libraries of Assam.

 

Dr. Sumana C. Sarmah in her paper on “Objectives and Staff Engagement in Providing Internet Service in University Libraries in Assam” “discussed about the staff empowerment for providing Internet based library and information services in Assam University Central Library .

 

Sri Sanjay Paul in his paper on “Mass Communication and Journalism Literatures in Digital Era “ highlighted about the various sources of information pertaining to mass communication and journalism literature and suggested to acquire them for the greater interest of the university community.

 

In the last paper on “The paper Importance of Virtual Library in Modern Days with Special Reference to Distance Education” by Pranay Jyoti Goswami  has highlighted the importance of Virtual Libraries with special reference to distance education system and suggested to use latest ICTs for providing effective interactive library and information services to the distance learner.

At the end of the Fourth Technical Session , Prof. Prabhakar Rath, Chairman of the Session summarised the proceedings on the basis of his observations for the presented papers and he concluded the session with his comments and by extending vote of thanks to and from the paper presenter , Rapporteurs and participants.

 

Panel Discussion   (2.30 P.M. to 3.30 P.M.)

 

Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha                              :               Coordinator

 

Panellist

 

1.                   Prof. Narendra Lahkar                         

2.                   Prof. N.Laxman Rao

3.                   Dr. P.K. Jayaswal

4.                   Dr. Madan Singh Rana

5.                   Prof. Prabhakar Rath

 

Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Reader & Head, DLISc, Assam University, Silchar and Organising Secretary, NSCD-2011 initiated the Panel Discussion on the main theme of the seminar and requested all the panellist one by one to keep their view and expert opinions , suggestions and recommendations to be forwarded to the funding agency for further necessary action.

 

The discussion was started by Dr. P.K. Jayaswal, Former Librarian, Assam University, Silchar while Chairing the 1^st Technical Session on “Collection Development Methods :  Academic, Public, Special  and Technical    Libraries” noted that the collection in each library has been growing as per the demand from the library users and the requirements of the curriculum which causes many problems like up-keeping of library resources, space problems, lack of collection development policy for e-resources, write off and weeding out of old collection etc which needs immediate attention from the authority of colleges and universities , institutions for framing proper Collection Development Policies and guidelines  to address all such issues. He suggested that the Assam University Library should take the lead to organise workshop on framing the Collection Development Policies and guidelines for weeding of old collection He also suggested that while developing collection of the library , we should avoid duplication of reading materials to utilise the grants for the procurement of books and journals judiciously.  For using library resources both printed and well as electronic optimally , the library management should introduce User Education Programme/ User Awareness Programme extensively for students, research scholars and faculty members.

 

Prof. Narendra Lahkar of Guahati University, Guwahati pointed out that in North Eastern States , only two states such as Manipur and Mizoram have passed  Library Legislation Act and remaining states including Assam have not yet enacted the Library Legislation . He emphasised on the need for  taking  necessary steps by the respective State Govt. for passing Library Act in their States as per the latest development in the library and information centres in digital era. He said that the rural libraries are playing an important role in the society for empowering the masses and it will also help for implementation of the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system in these states. The Public Library System in the North Eastern States should be strengthened and adequate ICT infrastructure should be developed in rural as well as urban public library system of N E Region.

  

Prof. Prabhakar Rath , DLISc, Mizoram University , Aizwal has opined that for accessing to the digital resources, we need Internet Connectivity with higher bandwidth. All the digital libraries services are based on the Internet connectivity. BSNL has been sole reliable Internet services providers in this region at least for universities and institutions. He also pointed out the recommendations of National Knowledge Commission especially for libraries.

Dr.Madan Singh Rana, Librarian , Assam University, Silchar has mainly spoke  about the various problems for managing libraries , need of collection development policies for printed as well as e-resources, training of library staff and users, enactment of library legislation in the remaining North Eastern States and suggested to initiate digitisation of resources, folk culture in indigenous traditional knowledge system and computerisation of housekeeping operations of the Libraries and information centres of the region to keep pace with the libraries of other parts of the county and to cope up the demand of the library users in changing environment.

Sri Kishor Chandra Satpathy, Librarian, NIT , Silchar put more emphasis of development of rural libraries, integration of CICs with rural libraries, and introducing the concept of marketing of library and information services and suggested to work on Private -Public- Partnership Model to uplift the status of library and information centres of the region. He emphasised on the need of developing regional library network for N E Region.

Prof. N. Laxman Rao , DLISc, Osmania University has summed up the panel discussion and congratulated the members of the Organising Committee for organising the seminar successfully.

At the end Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Organising Secretary extended sincere thanks to all the panellists for sharing their valuable views with the participants and for giving suggestions for formulating recommendations of the seminar.

 

Valedictory Programme

(Venue: Department of Library and Information Science, AUS,

Date 11/02/2011 at 4.30 P.M.)

 

At the end of the programme Valedictory Function was held on 11/02/2011 which was chaired by Prof. N. Laxman Rao of Osmania University, Hyderabad who was the Chief Guest of the Programme and presided over the programme also. Dr. P. K. Jayaswal, Former Librarian , AUS ; Sri Debabrata Deb , Registrar, AUS; Prof. Sajal Nag Dean Swami Vivekananda School of Library Science , AUS and Sri Dibakar Kanunjna were Guests  of Honour . Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Organising Secretary of the Seminar welcomed all the members on the dais and all the dignitaries were felicitated by the students of the department of Library and Information Science with flower bouquets. While welcoming the guests, Dr. Sinha requested Dr. Madan Singh Rana, Librarian, Assam University, Silchar and Rapporteur General, NSCD-2011 to present Comprehensive Report of the Seminar and Recommendations formulated out of the deliberation of the seminar.

After report presentation the dignitaries on the dais were requested to say few words on this occasion. The Guest of Honour Sri Debabrata Deb , Registrar, Assam University, Silchar;  Sri Dibakar Kanunjna , Finance Officer , AUS; Dr. P.K. Jayaswal , Former Librarian, Assam University, Silchar; Prof. Prabhakar Rath, Mizoram University, Aizwal ; Sri Kishor Chandra Satpathy, Librarian , NIT, Silchar; and the Chief Guest , Prof  N. Laxman Rao , Osmania University, Hyderabad kept their view one after another . They congratulated Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Organising Secretary, NSCD-2011 and his team for organising the seminar in befitting manner.

Dr. R.K. Jotten Singh , Information Scientist has given feedback on behalf of the participants. At the end of the programme, formal Vote of Thanks was offered by Dr. (Mrs.) Sumana C. Sarmah, Deputy Librarian, Assam University, Library.

From the responses received from the participants, their attendance and academic discourse, the National Seminar on Collection Development seems to be a grand success.

 

Recommendations of National Seminar on Collection Development

(NSCD-2011)

 

Dr. Madan Singh Rana , Librarian, AUS & Rapportuer General of the National Seminar on Collection Development (NSCD-2011) presented the brief report of the seminar and also highlighted important recommendations. He told that presently all the libraries and information centres are extending library and information services to different generations of users to fulfil the varied information needs of the library users.

Therefore to serve the library users in better ways, the followings important Suggestions and Recommendations are being made on the basis of the deliberations of the seminar in last two days for onward transmission to the Funding Agency, the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India through Central Reference Library, Kolkata for further necessary action for its implementations:

• Appropriate Policy for Collection Development of both printed and Electronic Resources (E-Resources) needs to be drafted in view of the changing formats of the learning objects and resources;
• A suitable Weeding Out Policy for old collections  should be drafted for the Libraries and Information Centres of North Eastern Region to cope up the space problems in the libraries ;
• While developing collection of printed reading materials  for new departments , the titles are duplicated which needs to be reduced and available grants may be diverted for the procurement of other new relevant publications;
• As a part of Collection Development, the Web Resources including Open Access and Free e-resources should be fully exploited for integrating the these resources to the University/ Institutional Web Sites / Web Portal of Library;
• An extensive survey for the Status of Rural as well as Urban Public Libraries has to be initiated by the Department of Library and Information Science to obtain baseline data for suggesting appropriate methods for uplifting the deplorable condition of public libraries in the N E States;
• Implementation of Library Legislation in the remaining  states of N E Region and other parts of the country should be taken into consideration in view of the changing ICT/Digital Environment;
• The Library should use ICT extensively to build the appropriate collection including different modes for providing efficient and effective information services to the end users;
• Resource Sharing should be made priority to enable to satisfy the Second and Third Law of Library Science. The universities / institutions are required to provide necessary permission and infrastructure  to be a partner for resource sharing in the North Eastern Region;
• A policy  Document has to be developed to enlist the local indigenous information resources  and Action Plan has to be made to identify and made available for access the ethnically local information resources ;
• A network of Library and Information centres for North Eastern Region (NELIBNET) or Regional Knowledge Network for N E Region (RKNNER) needs to be designed and developed to make this  network workable and adequate funding may be sought from the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India for this project to connect all academic, public and special libraries and information centres of this region;
• Immediate attention may be given for computerisation of academic, public and special libraries and information centres of this region. Although comprehensive  efforts have been taken by INFLIBNET Centre to initiate computerisation , automation and networking of college and university libraries of this region which needs further assistance for strengthening  the computer based library and information services provided in school. Public, special libraries in the changing scenario of digital era;
• To bridge the gap of digital divide from academic to public , rural to urban population for extending equal opportunity to all for having desired information to various communities of the society at large, the Digitisation process needs to be initiated to capture all indigenous knowledge available in the different communities of North Eastern Region ;
• For accessing to E-Resources/ Web Resources Bandwidth should be increased and appropriate ICT infrastructure should be developed in the school, college, university, technical institutions, polytechnic institutions, public libraries should be developed to meet the changing needs of users demand for making citizenry conscious towards education for all and making them  100 % literate to take India as Knowledge Superpower by 2020.
• Databases of Resources in local languages should be developed to meet the information needs of the indigenous population of different traditions and culture available in North Eastern States;
• Manpower Training is essential to handle the modern computer based library and information services, therefore the regular User Awareness Programme/ Training for access to e-resources should be organised by CRL/ National Library/ INFLIBNET Centre and other professional bodies like IASLIC, ILA etc in collaboration with the university and institutional libraries.

With some suggestions all the recommendations were approved and accepted by the house for onward submission to the Funding Agency (Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India).

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the Organising Committee, I thankfully acknowledge the help, continuous encouragement and support from Prof. Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Assam University, Silchar , both P V C (STM) Prof. G.D. Sharma and PVC (HAD) Prof. Goutam Biswas , and other advisors  like Prof. G.P. Pandey and Prof. Gopalji Mishra for their valuable suggestions and guidance time to time for making this event a grand success.

The financial assistance provided by the Central Reference Library , Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and Assam University , Silchar is thankfully acknowledged. The Contributions made by Dr. K. K. Koshukoshy, Librarian , CRL , Kolkata, Sri K K Deka and Sri Iqbal Ahmad from CRL, Kolkata, Dr. Mukut Sarmah from DLISc, Assam University, Silchar , all the rapporteurs and Dr. Madan Singh Rana , Rapporteur General , all the Chairman of the Technical Sessions, panellist , Chief Guests and Guests of Honour and all the media persons are thankfully acknowledged.

All the Advisors and members of the Organising Committee, Local Organising Sub-Committees deserve special thanks for their valuable contribution for making this event a grand success.

We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Narendra Lahkar, Key Note Speaker, Sub-Theme paper presenters, contributed paper presenters , paper contributors, and other delegates for their timely support and their valuable presence in the seminar to make this event successful.

The help received from the Central Library, Administration, Finance, and Academic Section and other departments are thankfully acknowledged.

We are also thankful to our students, research scholars , faculty members, library And information professionals from Central Library and other College libraries for supporting us for making this event a grand success.

We also extend our thanks to by Dr. Raghvendra Mishra , Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication and his team. Sri Pranab Bhattacharjee, Sri Arindam Sarkar , Sri Kutub Uddin , Ms Charu Joshi, Ms Payal Das and students of Mass Communication and Department of Library and Information Science for their untiring efforts for the successful organisation of the seminar.

Ms Charu Joshi Research Scholar, Department of Mass Communication, AUS. For anchoring the Inaugural Programme deserve special thanks for anchoring the Inaugural  Function of the seminar.

Last but not the least on behalf of the Organising Committee, I acknowledge the help received form M/s Abhishek Printers, M/s S-Cube and M/s Chaitanya Press, all from Silchar is thankfully acknowledged for time publication of Souvenir-Cum-Abstract, Banners , Brochure, Certificates and other printing works in record time.

 

Compiled and Reported by

Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Reader & Head of the Department , Department of Library and Information Science, Assam University, Silchar      &

Organising Secretary, National Seminar on Collection Development (NSCD-2011), Assam University, Silchar-788 011

E-mail : mksinha1965@gmail.com, nscd2011@gmail.com , dr_mk_sinha@yahoo.com