Understanding the user - why, what and how?

Explains the need, importance, purposes and scope of user studies, discusses procedure for conducting sound user studies together with associated problems of research like selection of problem, formulation of hypothesis, design of study, sampling strategy, data collection methods, scaling techniques, pilot study, processing and analysis of data, testing of hypothesis, interpretation, drawing inferences, communication and dissemination of results and finally concludes by highlighting methodological flaws and gaps in user studies

Pattern of card catalogue consultation in a special library

A three day sample observation of card catalogue consultation by users at ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) Library has been made and results recorded. Users have been subsequently questioned about the purposes for which catalogue was consulted. The paper describes the card catalogue system of the library, the method followed and limitations of the study. The data in appropriate tables has revealed that classified catalogue is not used; Report Number Catalogue is least used and subject catalogue is consulted to the maximum. It is also found that more than half of the consultations of card catalogue are to locate documents, one-fourth is to interact with circulation system, one-tenth is to make a comprehensive search for references on a topic and rest for miscellaneous purposes. It is concluded, based on the results, that arrangement of charged out tray at circulation counter be changed to classified order and classified catalogue itself may have to be dispensed with

The task of digital information management

This paper tries to contrast digital decay with paper decay, explains how digitisation further accelerates accessing information through the trio factors accessibility, ease of use and perceived utility. Also discusses related issues including proliferation of gray content on the Web

Resource sharing and networking of engineering college libraries

This lecture on resource sharing and networking of engineering college libraries in Karnataka delivered at the second annual seminar of ASSIST (Asian Society for Social Service, Information Science and Technology) explains the need for resource sharing, enumerates the buzz words relating to "cooperation" and "e-revolution", points out the inherent limitations as well as certain facts and hurdles in the process of resource sharing. It examines cost considerations of resources versus their use considerations as well as strength of resources versus strength of user need considerations. The lecture enumerates various possibilities and areas for resource sharing. In conclusion, some suggestions and tips are offered to overcome the hurdles for effective resource sharing. Two case studies, namely subscription to e-journals and user-orientation at ISAC (ISRO Satellite Centre) library are also presented

Isospectrality in Chaotic Billiards

We consider a modification of isospectral cavities whereby the classical dynamics changes from pseudointegrable to chaotic. We construct an example where we can prove that isospectrality is retained. We then demonstrate this explicitly in microwave resonators.Comment: 5 pages, 7 figure

ಇಂಟರ್ನೆಟ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳ ಮಾಹಿತಿ

The Internet is the host for enormous information. Details of Kannada books as well as few full text books are also available on the net in bits and pieces, but they are not integrated. Among the vast websites available, few are temporary and only about 45% of them are freely accessible. Large majority of information is in English, followed by other languages like German and Japanese. All other languages including Kannada are negligibly represented on the net. Many search engines allow searching Kannada books only by using English script. Search engines like Google and A9 bring the details of books along with pictures. Though few online bookstores provide details of selected Kannada books, absence of reputed Kannada publishers and booksellers on the Web is conspicuous. Publishers, universities and their libraries and other organizations of Karnataka have not put efforts in this regard. However few libraries from outside the State have done exceptional work and provided details of Kannada books on the Internet. With all its limitations an attempt worth mentioning is ‘Granthasampada’ of Kannada Ganaka Parishath. Kannada book industry and other related institutions should make efforts to provide a single window access to details of Kannada books with arrangements to periodically update them

ನೆಟ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಯಂಚಾಲಿತ ಉತ್ತರ

Answers to queries like length of Cauvery river, height of KRS dam, who is Kuvempu, etc. are readily provided by websites like answers.com, askjeeves.com. These sites index various information sources and automatically match them with the words in the query to bring up instant answers. Limitations of the intelligent search engines some times result in wrong matching of words and retrieve faulty answers. These sites are continuously monitor the Web and update their information. Though artificial intelligent of search engines do not have the capability to correctly answer all questions, answers many basic queries are correct and they also list related websites for further reference. To start an auto answering service in Kannada, it is needed to post required exhaustive information on the net, and important copyright free books may be stored in open digital archives

Problems of collection development in special libraries

Discusses factors affecting collection development, scope, definition and process of collection development, highlights importance of collection development policy manual, presents peculiar circumstances and background of document acquisition transaction in libraries, points out many problems relating to document selection and document procurement processes. Discusses various types of vendor-controlled order plans with their merits and demerits. In conclusion other problems concerned with technical reports, microforms, vendor-controlled order plans and journal subscription are mentioned

So you want to buy micrographics equipment!

Based on the practical experience of the author at ISRO Satellite Centre Library the paper highlights the predominant features and specifications for microform readers and reader-printers, pitfalls in acquiring micrographics equipment. Provides a checklist for choosing appropriate user aid. Enumerates procedure to buy suitable equipment for small and medium size libraries. Finally suggests unified professional efforts in setting up of micrographics facilities to make microforms more popular among user community