Generally this question comes in mind when I finish one task and I believe
this question must be taking place in every professional's mind. Really, it
is very tough task to decide what next I can do which will be beneficial
for everyone.
Actually, in my opinion, we must sense the need of our library users and
accordingly we should provide the services from library. I thought of
sharing some of my experiences with young library professionals who have
just started their career...hope it will be very useful for everyone.
*1. **Library Automation:*
This mechanism has reduced the work load of every professional in this
digital era but now-a-days, the biggest problem is to choose the right
library automation software. Actually, there are many good library
automation software available in the market (Commercial and Open Source
both). In my opinion, those libraries which are in primitive stage, they
must go ahead with Open Source Technology such as *Koha, NewGenLib, and
Evergreen etc*. which supports International Standards and later, if you
are not satisfied with the current software's functionality, very easily
you can switch over to the Commercial Software or any other with all your
bibliographical data in same condition.
*Open Source Tools for Library Automation:*
Koha, NewGenLib, Evergreen etc.
*2. **Digitization:*
A library can start this service for maintaining the Institutional
Repository or managing the electronic documents with the help of open
source technology such as *DSpace, E-Print, and Greenstone* etc. But In my
opinion, *DSpace* will be suitable for all as it has some unique features
which will be very effective for academic community as well as for working
staff for both operation and dissemination of Information.
*Tools for Digitization: *
DSpace, Greenstone, e-Print and Fedora Project etc.
*3. **Library Website*
This is the best service & application for any library to dissemination
information quickly. As web application can be accessed anytime from
anywhere, every library must maintain library web page. Now the question is
how to maintain and develop the website? Now-a-days, there are many open
source content management system available using which anyone can develop a
very good and attractive website for library. I have also developed many
websites using Joomla. (http://library.nitrkl.ac.in), wordpress (
www.librarianguide.net) etc.
Please download the PDF file which contains the information on Joomla and
Its use:
http://www.joomlashine.com/
For video just visit the link given below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
*4. **e-Newsletter*
This service can also be started in library which will be very effective
for library to bring to the notice of all the library users about one month
activity of library. This e-newsletter can be designed and published using
many methods. But, I find easy to publish e-newsletter with *Microsoft
Publisher* which is available in *MS Office Package* in every system now a
days. This tool is very easy to use and publish the newsletter.
http://library.nitrkl.ac.in/
*Tool to publish e-newsletter: *
a. Microsoft Publisher
b. Adobe Photoshop etc.
*5. **Information KIOSK*
The users find very easy to get the information about library & its
resources with this equipment. Generally, it costs approximately Rs.
140000/- It is available with different configuration such as Thin Client,
Stand Alone etc. Develop the software your own for this and keep in front
of main gate of library which will be very effective for dissemination of
information.
*Tools to develop program for Information KIOSK: *
We can use HTML and Flash for developing the program for Information KIOSK.
*6 **Develop Android Application for Library*
A library can develop an Android Application for its services which will
also be very effective as keeping smartphone has become very easy for
everyone so the users can be made aware about library services through
smart phone.
*Tools to develop android application: *
*Intel XDK*, this can be downloaded from the link given below:
http://xdk-software.intel.com/
*7. **New Arrival*
This service is very essential as it keeps every library users updated with
the latest editions available in the library. Generating the list of new
arrivals is very easy as ready option is available in almost every software
now-a-days. If not, this can be generated manually based on the processed
documents in technical section. Later, the same list can be sent to all
members through mail. User likes this service very much as they get
information about latest books.
http://library.nitrkl.ac.in/
*8. **Photocopier with Smart Card: *
This service can also be provided to the user with Smart Card facility. In
this, users are given one smart card (just like an ATM Card) with an option
to have balance in it. When users come to take photocopy, they first swap
the card and deduct the amount equal to the calculation of pages for which
photocopy is to be done. Then, system allows user to photocopy the document
up to the limit already deducted from user's account. In-case, user does
not have sufficient balance then user can recharge it.
*9. **User Education Program: *
Every month, a user education program can be organized on library services
and its resources. This service is very useful for making the students
aware about library resources, how to use these and also about other
services. This program generally must be provided according to the user's
requirement.
*10. **Demonstration:*
Most of the library users don't understand the nature of resources
available in the library especially e-resources. A demo can be very helpful
for all the users who access e-resources.
Apart from all these, there are many services which can be provided to our
users.
Thanks for spending time to read my post, if you also have any new service,
kindly share with all of us.
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