This paper aims to analyse the solutions of the problems of university libraries of Lucknow which have been adopted by them. Using a questionnaire as a research tool for data collection, this study explores the several aspects of solutions to the problems faced by the targeted group. The study reveals that appointment of trained LIS professionals, updated technical infrastructure, clear policies for book selection, acquisition & technical section and circulation section are enhancing the quality of the services provided by them to the users. As a result, the university libraries of Lucknow are able to support the academic programs by providing their users quick & efficient service. It has also helped them in the fulfilment of the library mission and to achieve academic excellence

Aslam, Sana

Gupta, Swati

Kumari, Babli

Sonker, Dr. Sharad Kumar

English

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - LincolnDigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - LincolnLibrary Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-LincolnSummer 7-9-2019Strategies to cope up the problems of universitylibraries in Lucknow: A StudySwati GuptaBabasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Lucknow, swatigupta4693@gmail.comBabli KumariLal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management and Technology, Bareilly, bablikumari2390@gmail.comSana AslamBabasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Lucknow, sanaaslam13895@gmail.comDr. Sharad Kumar SonkerBabasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Lucknow, sksonker@yohoo.co.inFollow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilpracPart of the Library and Information Science CommonsGupta, Swati; Kumari, Babli; Aslam, Sana; and Sonker, Dr. Sharad Kumar, "Strategies to cope up the problems of university libraries inLucknow: A Study" (2019). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 2820.https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/2820Strategies to cope up the problems of university libraries in Lucknow: A Study Swati Gupta Research Scholar Department of Library and Information Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Lucknow Email: swatigupta4693@gmail.com  Babli Kumari Assistant Librarian  Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management and Technology, Bareilly  Email: Bablikumari2390@gmail.com  Sana Aslam Research Scholar Department of Library and Information Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Lucknow Email: sanaaslam13895@gmail.com  Dr. Sharad Kumar Sonker Assistant Professor Department of Library and Information Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Lucknow Email: sksonker@yohoo.co.in    ABSTRACT This paper aims to analyse the solutions of the problems of university libraries of Lucknow which have been adopted by them. Using a questionnaire as a research tool for data collection, this study explores the several aspects of solutions to the problems faced by the targeted group. The study reveals that appointment of trained LIS professionals, updated technical infrastructure, clear policies for book selection, acquisition & technical section and circulation section are enhancing the quality of the services provided by them to the users. As a result, the university libraries of Lucknow are able to support the academic programs by providing their users quick & efficient service. It has also helped them in the fulfilment of the library mission and to achieve academic excellence.  Keywords: Outcomes, Problems, Libraries, University, Lucknow.   1. Introduction  University libraries may be regarded as the heart of modern institutions as they are the integral part of educational institutions. The quality of university libraries is judged by the services it offers to its users not by an idle collection. The libraries has become meaningless if the supplier of the information commodity is inactive and not updated with the time. In the present digital era, it is the responsibility of the LIS professionals to promote the academic programs of the institutions and encourage the optimal use of library resources.  2. Problems and challenges faced by the University Libraries in different Sections: In university libraries, there are different types of working sections which are divided into several areas like book selection, acquisition section, periodical section, technical section, circulation section, etc. For this purpose, researcher identify the most of the university librarians have to face many problems in different sections of the libraries such as they don’t have clear written policy, insufficient trained professional library staff, infrastructure, also insufficient funds and so on. It is very challenging to quickly adopt new technologies for the librarians because in past decades they were not aware with the computers, internet facilities, but now in this modern era, time has been changed because of new technologies are introducing day by day for housekeeping activities and in the library to interchanged manual work into  computerized form. It is very helpful to save the time of the library users and also library staffs to be providing library services smoothly and effectively.  3. Review of literature  Ameen (2005) carried out a study on Barriers in Collection Sharing among Libraries of Pakistan: University Library Managers’ Viewpoint. The purpose of the study is to describe what issues and problems comes in the collection sharing of university libraries. Nok (2006) worked on The Challenges of Computerizing a University Library in Nigeria. This study is mainly focused on replacement of manual work into computerization. Ilo (2016) studied on Managing Stress Among Librarians in Selected University Libraries in Ogun State Nigeria. Wawire & Messah (2010) has conduct a study on Challenges faced in establishing university libraries in Kenya. The study explores the major challenges faced in establishing University Libraries.  Sithe (2009) has studied on international students and the library: problems, preferences, and proposed solutions. In this study the author describes library problems faced by the international students. Thornton (2000) has carried out the study on impact of electronic resources on collection development, the roles of librarians, and library Consortia discovers the impact of e-resources and discuss the changing role of the librarians. 4. Objectives of the study  ➢ To know the outcomes of the problems of the university libraries of Lucknow. ➢ To explore the outcomes of the problems related to the different sections of university libraries of Lucknow. ➢ To identify the outcomes of the problems related to digitization process. ➢ To investigate the outcomes of the problems related to automation process.  ➢ To identify the effect related to the financial problems of the university libraries of Lucknow.  5. Scope and Limitation of the study This study focused on the possible solutions of the problems generally faced by the university librarians of Lucknow. It is limited to the libraries of the following universities.  ➢ Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University; ➢ Dr. Ram Mahonar Lohiya Law University;  ➢ Integral university; ➢ Lucknow University.   6. Methodology  In order to find out the solutions of the problems faced by the university librarians in their libraries, the descriptive survey method was adopted. For, this purpose, researcher chooses the online/offline, search method to collect more information to relate this study. Questionnaire was used as the research tool for data collection. It was distributed along four university libraries of Lucknow. The structured questionnaire covers several aspects of solutions of the problems faced by targeted group.  7. DATA ANALYSIS 7.1 Book Selection Table-1 : Outcomes related to Book Selection Outcomes of the problems  BBAU Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total Percentage Written Policy should be clear   - Yes - Yes 2 50% To manage Funds from the other sources   - - - Yes 1 25% Involvement of the faculty members in the book selection  - Yes - Yes 2 50% E-books may be purchased through the consortia subscription   - Yes Yes Yes 3 75%   Fig: 1 Table 1, shows that 75% of librarians suggested that the e-books can be purchase through the consortia subscription as a solution of the book selection problems. 50% of the librarians recommended that the written policy for book selection should be clear.  7.2 Acquisition Section Table 2 : Outcome related to Acquisition Section Outcome of the problems  BBAU  Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total  Percentage  Policy should be clear  - Yes Yes Yes 3 75% Selection of the suitable supplier  - Yes - Yes 2 50% 50%25%50%75%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%Written Policy should be clearTo manage Funds from the other sourcesInvolvement of the faculty members in the book selectionE-books may be purchased through the consortia subscriptionPenalty should fixed vendor/publisher for not delivery of book on time Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% Payment on time                                                                       Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% Adaptation of automated system  -  Yes -  Yes  2 50%   Fig: 2 Table 2, reveals that most of the librarians i.e. 75% suggested that clear policy of acquisition, fixed penalty fixed penalty for vendor/publisher for delay in delivering the books. Timely payments to them can help in reducing the problems of acquisition section. 50% of the libraries follow the selection of suitable suppliers.  6.3 Subscription of periodicals Table 3: Outcomes related to Subscription of periodicals Outcomes of the problem BBAU Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total Percentage Increased periodicals variety  Yes  Yes  - Yes  3 75% E-journals  may be subscribed  through consortia to manage the increased cost Yes  Yes Yes  Yes  4 100% Selection of the appropriate  suppliers Yes  Yes Yes  Yes  4 100% 75%50%75%75%50%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%Policy should be clearselection of the suitable supplierPenalty should fixed vendor/publisher for not delivery of…Payment on timeAdaptation of automated systemMeeting with staff, publisher and vendor to resolve the  such conflicts   - Yes -  Yes  2 50%   Fig 3 Table 3, shows that the 100% of libraries are choosing appropriate suppliers and subscribing E-journals through consortia to manage the increased cost and.  Almost 75% of libraries have increased their periodicals variety for good collection. 6.4 Technical Section  Table 4: Outcomes related to Technical Section Outcomes of the problem BBAU Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total Percentage Utilization of online or offline DDC scheme for classifying books to subject wise.  - Yes  - Yes  2 50% Adaptation of manual system for Cataloguing   - Yes  - -  1 25% Deployment of  LIS professionals    - Yes -  Yes  2 50% Introduce LMS   Yes  Yes - Yes  3 75%  75%100%100%50%0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%Increased periodicals varietyE-journals  may be subscribed  through consortia tomanage the increased costselection of the appropriate  suppliersMeeting with staff, publisher and vendor to resolve thesuch conflicts Fig 4  According to the results of Table 4, most of the libraries i.e. 75%, have introduced Library Management system (LMS to overcome the problem of technical section as it has reduces the chances of manual work error. 50% of libraries have deployed the LIS professionals. In addition to this, libraries have started the utilization of online or offline DDC scheme for classifying books to subject wise.  6.5 Circulation Work Table 5: Outcomes related to Circulation Work Outcomes of the problem BBAU Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total Percentage Policy should be clear   - Yes - Yes 2 50% Increased property counter space  - - - Yes 1 25% Arrangement of LIS professionals Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% Utilization of Library Management Software for circulation Service  Yes Yes - Yes 3 75%  0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%Utilization of online or offline DDC scheme for classifyingbooks to subject wise.Adaptation of manual system for CataloguingDeployment of  LIS professionalsIntroduce LMS Fig 5 As per table 5, utilization of Library Management Software for circulation service by skilled  LIS professionals is benefitting the performance of libraries. 50% of the libraries have clear their policies such as late fine, book damage/lost penalty, etc to eradicate issues of circulation section.  6.6 Digitization  Table 6: Outcomes related to Digitization Outcomes of the problem BBAU  Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total  Percentage  Deployment of   technical staff                                                                            Yes Yes  - Yes 3 75% To increase technical infrastructure                                                                    Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% To manage available funds                                                                                 Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% To arrange adequate hardware                                                                           Yes Yes  - Yes 3 75% Decision on Digital Library Software on the basis of feedback                         Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% To provide training to the library staff                                                               Yes Yes Yes  Yes  4 100% Incentive for usage of digital technology                                                             Yes Yes  Yes  3 75%  0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%Policy should beclearIncreased propertycounter spaceArrangement of LISprofessionalsUtilization of LibraryManagementSoftware forcirculation Service50%25%75% 75% Fig 6 Results of table 6 reveal that all of the libraries are providing training to the library staff and 75% of them have also increased the technical infrastructure. To manage the available funds for the library infrastructure and good collection as well as arrange adequate hardware, take decision on Digital Library Software on the basis of feedback to improve the library work.  6.7 Automation process Table 7: Outcomes related to Automation process Outcomes of the problem BBAU  Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total  Percentage  Manage the financial resources                                                                     Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% Adapt  proper guidelines and planning                                                        Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% Arrange adequate  computers                   Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% Increase well qualified and trained personnel  Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% Adequate networking infrastructure   Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% Use  appropriate Library Management software   Yes Yes  - Yes  3 75% Understand the Management interest  - Yes  - Yes  2 50%  0%20%40%60%80%100%75% 75% 75% 75% 75%100%75% Fig 7 Table7, declared that most of the libraries (i.e. 75%) have managed the financial resources, adapted proper guidelines and planning, increased well qualified and trained personnel, updated their libraries with adequate networking infrastructure to solve the issues related to automation of libraries.50% of libraries have done the implementation of Library Management Software. 6.8 Stack Area Table 8: Outcomes related to Stack Area Outcomes of the problem BBAU  Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total  Percentage  Increase library space Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% Arrange adequate infrastructure such as book shelves etc. Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% General guide in the form of a map to give a view of the layout of the stacks - Yes - Yes 2 50% Arrange proper cleaning and dusting of the documents Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% Rearrangement of the books as per their subjects - Yes - Yes 2 50% Arrange pest control for the documents and furniture - Yes - Yes 2 50% Identify books for repair or binding - Yes - Yes 2 50% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75%50%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%Manage thefinancialresourcesAdapt  properguidelines andplanningArrangeadequatecomputersIncrease wellqualified andtrainedpersonnelAdequatenetworkinginfrastructureUse  appropriateLibraryManagementsoftwareUnderstand theManagementinterestdate other records of the library Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% Keep the library catalogue and other stock control records up-to-date - Yes - Yes 2 50% Write off outdated or unserviceable Upbooks/documents  Yes Yes - Yes 3 75% Stock verification as per GFR - Yes -  1 25%   Fig 8 Table8, shows that the problems related to stack area were solved up to a certain limit byincreasing library space, arranging adequate infrastructure such as book shelves for the good collection, proper cleanliness, record updation & writing off outdated or unserviceable books/documents. Stock verification according to GFR is done by only 25% of the libraries. 6.9 Financial Area Table 9 : Outcomes related to Financial Area Outcome BBAU  Dr. RMLNU IU LU Total  Percentage  The authority should allocate budget for library Yes  Yes   - Yes  3 75% Flexibility in utilization of the budget  Yes  Yes   - Yes  3 75% The budget should be allocated for reading material and infrastructure  Separately  - Yes  Yes  Yes  3 75% Utilized allocated funds on particular purpose  Yes  Yes   - Yes  3 75% 75% 75%50%75%50% 50% 50%75%50%75%25%0%20%40%60%80%Fund may be Allocating  as an when needed   - Yes   - Yes  2 50%   Fig 9 Table9, shows that 75% of the librarian have suggested that the allocation of budget for library and flexibility in utilization of the budget has reduced the financial issues. The budget should be allocated for reading material and infrastructure separately. According to them, funds may be available or allocated as and when needed for unexpected demand of library with time.  Conclusion: With the emerging digital paradigm, libraries of Lucknow are trying to maintain the pace by implementation of digitization and automation facility along with appointment of trained LIS professionals. University libraries efforts to get the possible solutions of the problems related to the budget, acquisition & technical section, etc., have actually given the positive results and also upgraded their performance level. These libraries are still exploring, planning and implementing all the possible facilities and services they can provide to the users to fulfil the library mission & achieve the academic excellence.      0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%The authority should allocate budget for libraryFlexibility in utilization of the budgetThe budget should be allocated for reading material and…Utilized allocated funds on particular purpose Fund may be Allocating  as an when needed75%75%75%75%50%References: • Ilo, P. (2016). Managing Stress among Librarians in Selected University Libraries in Ogun State Nigeria Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 1343. Retrieved from 11 April, 2019 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1343. • Wawire, O.F. & Messah, O. (2010). Challenges faced in establishing university libraries in Kenya International Journal of Library and Information Science Vol. 2(8), pp. 148-154, November 2010 Available online http://www.academicjournals.org/ijlis ISSN 2141 – 2537 ©2010 Academic Journals • Sithe, S. (2009). International Students and the Library: Problems, Preferences, and Proposed Solutions. DF Revy nr. 6, September 2009 Retrieved from 11 April, 2019 https://rauli.cbs.dk/index.php/revy/article/viewFile/2663/2706. • Bansode, S.Y., & Periera, S. (2008). A Survey of Library Automation in College Libraries in Goa State, India. Library Philosophy and Practice • Nok, G. (2006). The Challenges of Computerizing a University Library in Nigeria: The Case of Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Library Philosophy and Practice Vol. 8, No. 2 . • Ameen, K. (2005). Barriers in Collection Sharing among Libraries of Pakistan: University Library Managers’ Viewpoint. LIBRES Library and Information Science Research Electronic Journal Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2008. • Thornton, G. A. (2000). Impact of electronic resources on collection development, the roles of librarians, and library consortia. Library trends, 48(4), 842-856. • Tiwari, B. K. & Tiwari, P. (n.d.). Problems and Solutions of Library Automation in College Libraries of MP.  • IGNOU, M.L.I,Sc Study Material retrieved from 11 April, 2019 https://www.ignou4u.in/ignou-mlis-study-material/ • IGNOU, B.L.I.Sc Study Material retrieved from 11 April, 2019 www.ignouhelp.in/ignou-blis-study-material/  

Strategies to cope up the problems of university libraries in Lucknow: A Study

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Strategies to cope up the problems of university libraries in Lucknow: A Study

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