Networking Systems in Libraries
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The document discusses library networking, defined as the collaboration between two or more libraries for information exchange to enhance efficiency and resource sharing. It outlines the historical context, importance, and benefits of such networking, including increased resource accessibility, reduced costs, and promotion of cooperative activities. The aim of library networking is to optimize the use of available resources through effective collaboration among libraries.
Networking Systems in Libraries
- 1. Networking Systems in Libraries By David Ofili @ the 2018 LRCN National Workshop on Electronic Resource Management Systems in Libraries, held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State Wednesday, August 9
- 2. Introduction When you think of a network, what comes to your mind? Two things basically: ● Computer network ● Communication/Resource Sharing/Social Network
- 4. If those are your thoughts about networking, you’re very much in order. However, let us consider the keywords individually
- 5. Networking The linking of computers to allow them to operate interactively Oxford Dictionaries | Bing Translator A supportive system of sharing or exchanging information or services among individuals, groups or institutions having a common interest Dictionary.com | Merriam-Webster
- 6. System A group of devices or artificial objects or an organization forming a network especially for distributing something or serving a common purpose Merriam-Webster
- 7. Library ● A collection of sources of information and similar resources, made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing Merriam-Webster ● However, in the context of our training, we will look at a library as an institution responsible for the aboveSource: https://chroniclesofharriet.com/2014/10/02/reading-reduces-stress/
- 9. Definition When two or more libraries and/or other organizations engage in a common pattern of information exchange, through communications, for some functional purpose, a networking system is formed National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS), USA In other words, a network is formed when a group of libraries and information centers formally organize themselves following some common pattern or design for information exchange and communication with a view to improve efficiency Source: http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/17341 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Call_center_agent.jpg
- 10. Fundamentals of Library Networking Basically Library networking is established when a library makes a request to another and it is honoured Fundamentally ● Two libraries talk to each other ● A library provides service to another ● Exchange in any form occurs ● One library trains staff of another or are involved in a collaborative capacity building programme ● One library lends part of its building to another for an event Source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/14195226791
- 11. Retrospect Networking in libraries has been there from the onset of librarianship. Do we remember the terms, resource sharing, inter-library loan, library cooperation, collaboration, library consortium? They are different terms describing same concept -- Networking Systems among Libraries. They simply explain the activity of libraries coming together and entering into some form of formal understanding for the purpose of sharing resources (information, material and human resources), services and staff to their mutual benefit. QUICK FACTS • The term 'Resource Sharing' was introduced in the 1960s, but the practice is as old as the library and information profession • Before the 1960s, the practice was called 'Library Cooperation', but practised in the form of inter- library loan • There is evidence that inter- library loan was practised around 200 B.C. with a material borrowed by the library of Perganum from the great Alexandria Library
- 12. Need for Library Networking ● Tremendous growth of literature ● Increasing cost of documents ● Declining library budget ● Technological advancement Stephen Savage
- 13. Aim Basically, the aim of Library networking is optimum utilisation of available resources in libraries through sharing, i.e. to achieve sharing of resources for the provision of better services through exchange of data, information or other material/physical resources. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harrows_Bristle_Board_Bullseye.JPG
- 14. Importance of Library Networking 1. To satisfy information needs of users. 2. To increase the availability and accessibility of resources: clientele of each participating library can access the resources available in all the other libraries. Resources can be moved from one library to another manually or through modern means. This provides an easy access to and free flow of information. 3. To diminish cost: resource sharing helps in building specialized collection and all participating libraries need not duplicate the procurement of similar materials. 4. To exploit resources: resource sharing advocates that the reading material of one library should be made available to clients of other libraries, thus exposing reading materials to a wider group of users. Similarly, the services of a library can be exploited by the users of other libraries or a wider community. 5. To promote co-operative activities like acquisition, exchange, storage binding, training, reference and documentation services, library loans, etc. 6. To eliminate record duplication. 7. To promote the exchange of information with other co-operative networks.
- 15. Questions PracticalDiscussion ● NgREN – Nigerian Research and Education Network ● NULIB – Nigerian University Libraries Consortium ● EBSCOhost ● JSTOR.org (Journal Storage) ● TEEAL (The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library) ● LOAF (Library on a Flash) ● eGranary Digital Library What they are | Membership/Subscription | Limitations | Other Challenges ?
- 16. References ● Ashikuzzaman, M. (2016, August 14). Library Networking. Retrieved from LIS BD Network: http://www.lisbdnet.com/library-networking/ ● Jha, P. K. (2001). Chapter 2: Library Networks. In P. K. Jha, Library Networks and Network Based Information Services in India. New Delhi: India National Scientific Documentation Center. ● Tandel, K. D. (2013). Chapter 4: Library Networking. In K. D. Tandel, Development of cost effective network model for optimum utilisation of resources in science and engineering college libraries in Gujarat a plan (pp. 46-106). Gujarat: Sardar Patel University.