Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library, Kerala: A Case Study

The Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library, University of Kerala, houses the treasures of ancient knowledge in India. It has come in to existence out of royal interest. The kings of Travancore, as a rule, were valorous as well as lovers of art and literature. Srimulam Thirunal was mainly responsible for the spread of Oriental literature throughout the world. It was he who instituted the department for the publication of manuscripts which in due course grew into the present institution. It is located at Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Its origin goes back to the illustrious Maharaja of Travancore, Swati Tirunal (1829-1846). The institute carries out researches on Indian language manuscripts, major part of which are in Sanskrit. Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library has over 65,000 works mostly of palm leaf manuscripts. Currently the Oriental Institute and Manuscript Library is headed by Dr. R. B. Sreekala, Professor and Head of the Department, Oriental Research Institute and Manuscripts Library, University of Kerala. The paper highlights the techniques used for the conservation and preservation of the rare manuscript collection in Oriental Research & Manuscript Library, Thiruvananthapuram. It further investigates the hardware and software available for digitizing the invaluable collection of manuscripts for the future generation

A Study of the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools by Librarians

The world is undergoing a transition from a paper to a digital economy. It is essential for libraries in countries in the developing world to take part in this changing scene. Developing countries are being encouraged to invest in their national information infrastructure so that they can participate in knowledge-based development. Advances have brought many changes in libraries. Information and communication technology (ICT) has provided libraries with new opportunities to improve their resources and services. This study looks at the use of ICT tools by a population of library professionals in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, exploring the use of various tools, cross-tabulated by gender and age, and compiling a list of uses for these tools in professional settings. 175 questionnaires were distributed among the library professionals in Tamil Nadu. 170 responses (97%) were received. All respondents are using some kind of ICT tool

Repositioning Academic Libraries as a Hub of technology enhanced learning space: Innovations and Challenges

As the third millennium dawns, technology has profoundly changed at such a rapid pace that what is trending once may not continue the next hour and one need to keep up to date on any changes that reflect on their respective profession or within the scope of their duties. Skills change as technology advances which is necessary for job pre- paredness, productivity, research and digital reformation. Library staff needs to be tech savvy in order to answer the broadened technology questions including computers, databases, and new media for rendering best user service. Rather than seeing technology as a threat, it must be adopted as a supporting system for information services, social networking, RSS, weblogs etc. The concept of libraries as physical space is rapidly changing to web based servers in the digital era. Library innovations evolved from the needs and motivations from the past, present and the digital future. The new generation is born into technology surrounded by an infinite number of digital devices keeping high expectations on technology driven library services. This study explores how to make the defining technology of this century more accessible, appealing, and inviting a variety of users and learners to meet the technological demands