University Libraries in Kerala: an analytical study

Transcription

1 Chapter 4 University Libraries in Kerala: an analytical study 4.1 Introduction The primary aim of university education is to cater to the needs of those who are interested to higher learning and research. No university can function effectively without a well equipped and well organized library at its centre. In Kerala, there are nine universities that manage higher education and each university has its own university library. Four major university libraries in Kerala under study with respect to the administrative and organizational setup, collection, finance and information products and services and the changes and improvements in these areas for the last 5 years as per the first objective of the study is presented in this chapter. The data collected for this study are mainly from the head of the respective university libraries and interviews with the section heads through a well-structured interview schedule. 4.2 Kerala University Library (KUL) The University of Travancore was established on 1 st November 1937 and the university library as Travancore university library in Its seed collection consisted of 20,000 books transferred from Govt. Arts College, personal collection of Diwan Bahadur Dr. S. Krishna Swami Aiyangar and Sri. P.P Sastri. It was renamed as Kerala University Library in It was shifted to the present building having a total plinth area of 53,000 sq. feet on 8 th Sept Till the establishment of the University of Calicut in 1968, Kerala University Library catered to the information needs of the academic community of the entire State. At present the Kerala University Library system consists of the university central library, Palayam, campus library at Kariavattom, 41 department libraries and 3 study centres (Kollam, Pandalam and Alappuzha).The present study is confined to the Kerala university library, Palayam. Kerala University Library is an institution effectively catering to the academic needs of faculty members, students and research scholars of 41 teaching departments, 167 affiliated colleges out of which 99

2 46 Arts and Science colleges, 26 professional colleges and 127 self financing colleges, 9 university institute of technology, 10 Kerala university college of teacher education centres 2 and graduate public members. On an average, 1400 to 1500 members daily visit the library for reading, reference, information search, getting books issued on loan and for other information products and services. Library membership is open to teachers, students, research scholars, research guides, non-teaching staff of university, graduate public, very important officials and institutions. Out of these categories, graduate public members have to pay Rs.100/- as annual fee and Rs.1000/- for institutions and for all other categories almost all the services are absolutely free. The library has a very rich collection of documents consisting of books, back volumes of periodicals, theses, CD-ROMs, maps etc. The library has an exclusive collection in the areas of Kerala studies, and UN and World Bank. Also, the library has a special collections on women studies, Gandhiana and Government publications and general biographies. The collection of theses and dissertations, back volumes of periodicals, bound volumes of newspapers, closed reference are considered to be one of the best in South India and have a great potential for marketing Organization of the library For the effective functioning of the library it is structured as 12 sections, viz. acquisition, technical, maintenance, circulation, periodical, reference, documentation, research, Kerala reference, United Nations and World Bank, information technology and the library administration section. 3 Housekeeping operations are done with the help of Libsys software Acquisition Section Collection building is the main function of acquisition section and is based on the request from the users and the availability of funds. Suggestions and recommendation for the purchase of new books can be submitted to this section by members. All books received are physically processed and accessioned in this section. Two accession registers are maintained, one for new books and bound 100

3 volumes of periodicals and the other for books received as gifts and Ph.D. theses received from the University of Kerala Technical Section The entire library collection is classified according to Colon Classification, 6 th edition and catalogued using Classified Catalogue Code, 5 th edition. For Malayalam books author and title cards are prepared in Malayalam and maintained as separate catalogue in the catalogue room. Two main entries are prepared for each document- one for the classified part of the main catalogue and other for shelf list. One more author card and title card are prepared for the collection of Kerala reference and reference section since these sections maintain a separate catalogue in addition to the main catalogue. Curriculum demands, coverage of subjects and timeliness are the main criteria on which books are chosen for weekly release. Proper emphasis is given to the accurate filing of catalogue cards to maintain high quality service to readers. The CD ROM which are received along the books are also classified and arranged in the information technology section. Document database prepared and maintained in the information technology section using Libsys software. Users can access the catalogue through OPAC Maintenance Section Maintenance section housed in four tiers, has an important role in the day to day functions of the library. Information requirements of the readers are handled to the maximum extent possible with the help of OPAC and manual catalogue. An active collection of all subjects are placed in the ground floor for the speedy access of users in an open access environment. The special collection- Gandhiana, women studies, Govt. publications, general biography, closed reference rare collection, back volumes of Science periodicals and reference bibliography serve the users demand to a greater extent. Bound volumes of newspapers, both Malayalam and English from 1952 onwards are an exclusive collection of Kerala University Library used extensively by various people from Kerala and other States. Bound volumes of newspapers, reference bibliographies and bound volumes of periodicals are shifted to the extension block as part of maintenance section. 101

4 University library is planning to digitize the rare items in the closed reference collection and has a greater potential for marketing. The services offered are issue of books, OPAC, user advise in the preparation of bibliographies and projects, literature search, replacement of returned and misplaced books, binding work of books, preparation and maintenance of stack room guides, answering queries from the users on various topics, and stock verification Circulation section The circulation section located near the entrance of the library is divided into 4 divisions viz. property counter, membership desk, circulation counter and security desk Property counter Library has a property counter on the right side of the entrance. Members have the facility to keep their personal belongings including handbags, printed materials, umbrellas etc. in the property counter and will be given a token for personal belongings which can be taken back on production of the token. Two non-professionals work in this section from 8 am to 8 pm in 2 shifts. The main function of the property counter is to keep the personal belongings of the library members Membership Desk Enrollment and withdrawal of membership can be done at the membership desk from 8 am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7.30pm. Temporary membership is also issued on payment or permission issued by the University librarian/deputy librarian. The main duties performed are enrollment of members, renewal of membership, issue of clearance/non-liability certificate, computerized bar-coded membership card and borrowers ticket, duplicate membership card and borrowers ticket, attendance certificate to visiting research scholars, temporary membership, membership database creation and updating, maintenance of membership register and membership form and accounts of money collected as membership fee and overdue charges. 102

5 Circulation Counter Books are issued on loan and received back in this counter. On an average of 300 books issued and as much of books returned per day. The services and functions carried out by this section are issue of books, return of books, reservation of new books and books which are issued, renewal of books, maintenance and updating of overdue register,sending reminder for overdue books, intimating the users about the availability of reserved books, collecting overdue charges per 50Ps per day for first 5 days and Re1/-per day for the remaining number of days, filing of borrowers ticket according to the ascending order of membership number and due date, maintaining issue statistics, issuing of token for issued books and public relations Security Desk More than 1000 users consisting of members and non-members visiting the library daily. Members have to show their membership card at the security desk and nonmembers sign in the gate register at the time of entering the library. At the time of leaving the library all the users have to show their holdings to the security staff for inspection and hand over the token for issued books. Ten security staff work in the section round the clock. The main duties of security staff are looking after the library materials and other resources, inspection of issued books and received back the token for issued books Reference Section Reference section is a major subsystem of the Kerala University Library, which caters to the needs of all categories of members with regard to their immediate reference requirements as well as deep academic pursuits. The holdings of this section include reference books such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, information guides, year books, maps, atlas., text books, study materials for civil service examination and other competitive examinations such as UGC, syllabus and previous years question papers of various examinations of university of Kerala and UGC examinations. A collection of textbooks, placed in closed access forms part of this section, which is widely used by the students. These books are issued for reference as well as for overnight reading to students. Around 300 to 103

6 400 members visit this section for consultation of reference books and for the preparation of various competitive examinations. A separate manual catalogue and OPAC facility are provided in this section. Reference books are placed on open access and rare ones in closed access. The services rendered are ready reference and long range reference service, readers advisory service, referral service, and overnight issue of text books to students Periodical Section Periodical collections are very important for university libraries. Collection development through serials is a major function of the university library. Meeting user needs with regard to serial publications are performed by this section by subscribing and organizing of newspapers, significant abstracting periodicals like Chemical abstract, Physics abstract, Medicinal and Aromatic plant abstracts, Dissertations abstract international, Govt. publications including Kerala gazette, Public Service Commission bulletin, employment news etc. Another function of this section is to help the readers to get the information for career opportunities and to prepare for various competitive examinations. The newspapers and popular magazines are supplied by local vendors, Indian periodicals are subscribed by inviting invoices and payment made directly and some of the foreign periodicals subscribed through vendors. Certain newspapers and popular magazines are received through gift. Binding section forms part of periodical section. At the end of the year or as and when the selected periodical is found to have completed the volume, the loose issues are gathered from the display rack and arranged in a proper sequence to make up the volume and sent (both newspapers and periodicals) for binding after inviting quotations Research Section Kerala University Library is a major research institution in the University of Kerala. The category wise list of research scholars is given in Table

7 Table 4.1 Category wise list of Research scholars from Category/Year Full-Time Part-Time Total Table 4.3 shows an increasing trend in the number of research scholars during the period Library is planning to remodel this section and providing adequate physical facilities such as separate table, chair, and locker facility and computer connectivity. The major services and functions of Research section are providing facilities to research scholars including attendance certificate, facility certificate etc, providing bibliographic instructions, maintenance of theses collection and maintenance of back volumes of Social Science, Arts and Humanities journals Kerala Reference Section This section was established in 1973 with the objective to acquire and procure materials on all aspects of Kerala such as history, language, literature, culture, politics, education, health etc. It was started with a collection of 2000 books transferred from different sections of the University library. The collection includes some very old publications such as almanacs, directories, reports, serial publications, proceedings, manuals, gazettes etc. bound volumes of very old periodicals are also available in this section. The section also houses publication of the Government of Kerala, its allied bodies and the publication of some autonomous institutions. The section houses many rare and old books. It is developed as a centre of specialized and comprehensive collection comprising books and other materials dealing with subject of Kerala studies. This unique 105

8 collection is built up basically to meet the requirements of the research scholars in the field of Kerala studies. Research scholars of Kerala University Library and temporary members from various universities in Kerala, India and even from abroad extensively utilize the rare sources available in this section. These rare materials are in high demand for several State and Central Govt. departments, educational institutions, politicians etc. Special collections contributed by Dr.K.M George and Dr.Sooranadu Kunjan Pillai, two literary legendary in Malayalam, form part of this section. A separate manual catalogue and OPAC facility are provided. Owing to the market potential of this collection, university library is already started to digitize selected items as part of the modernization project. This includes Hortus Indicus Malabaricus published in 1684, Hindu Sasthra Samaharam published in 1877, Lectures on corruption published in 1868 and Land of Charity published in 1870 etc. The functions and services rendered are maintenance of books on Kerala studies, reference service pertaining to Kerala and arrangement of exhibitions on topics related to Kerala UN and World Bank Section Kerala University Library has the unique and envious distinction of being the only depository of United Nations and World Bank publications in Kerala under UN depository library programme. Around 900 to 1000 titles are added to the collection every year including printed and electronic formats. An online fully searchable portal of over 3900 World Bank titles include Agriculture, Education, Finance, Environment, Globalization, Industry, Labor problem, Women, Poverty etc. known as World Bank e-library service is accessible from this section. The services offered are World Bank e- library service, extension services like exhibition of UN and World Bank publications in connection with UN day celebrations of every year and conducting inter collegiate quiz competition related to UN and related bodies. Even though, UN section has a number of information sources and has a great marketing potential, they are underutilized due to the lack of proper index and lack of awareness of the collection. 106

9 Documentation Section Documentation section of the Kerala university library started its functioning in The services provided by this section are compilation and publication of bibliographies, compilation and publication of Kerala Index, conducting exhibitions as part of extension services, reprographic service and user orientation. This section has so far published 18 bibliographies. It is extensively utilized by research scholars of this library, other department libraries, and other universities in India and abroad. The bibliographies published so far are listed in Table 4.2. Table 4.2 List of Bibliographies published Sl. No Name of the bibliography Year 1. Asan Granthasoochi Kerala Bibliography Vallathol Bibliography Selected Bibliography on Lexicography Feminism and Literature: A select Bibliography Ulloor Bibliography Kerala Assembly Election, 1987: a select Bibliography Information sources in English literature: a select Bibliography Research and research Methodology: A select Bibliography C.V Raman Pillai Gaveshana Dharsakam Ayyappa Paniker: A select Bibliography Thakazhy Bibliography Sahitya Samanwya Silpi: Dr. K.M George Bibliography Garjikkunna Kathikan: Ponkunnam Varkey Bibliography Ayyappa Paniker: Kaviyum Niroopakanum: Bibliography (Rev.Ed) Basheer Granthasoochi Dr. V.S Sarmayude Rachanankal: A Bibliography Sooranad Kunjan Pillai Bibliography

10 This section also published a quarterly publication- Kerala Index. It started in 1987, contains only a retrospective index of articles related to Kerala that have appeared in select journal received in the library during 1984 and was brought out as an annual. Now it is a quarterly publication with wider coverage of newspapers and periodicals received in the library. The volumes up to 2008 published so far. It is a valuable information product for the researchers in the field of Kerala studies. Two professionals are working in this section for indexing Information Technology Section Libraries are experiencing a massive change in the dissemination of information with the advancement of ICT applications. The changes are due to the development of digital collection, e-journals, e-books, other e-resources and the global network. IT section was established in 1995 with the objective of the automating the house keeping operations of the Kerala University Library and computerized Information services with ICT applications. To keep pace with the advancement in the field of education an internet-browsing centre started in 1997 and expanded with 10 terminals supported by a main proxy server in August 2002 named as KULNIC. It started receiving e-journals from the mid of 2003 through 1mbps leased line connectivity of Asianet cable and modem under UGC-Infonet consortium. KULNIC is now turned to the status of one of the best information gatekeepers in the State. The e-journal and internet facility are used to its maximum by the members and temporary members. Under the UGC-Infonet consortium 8500 full text scholarly e-journals from more than 20 publishers across the globe and 3 databases viz. Biological Abstracts, Royal Society of Chemistry, Chemical Abstracts and 2 web portals viz. Ingenta gateway and j-gate Gateway can be accessed by the members. Library is planning to expand the facilities by adding 20 nodes exclusively for searching the e-journals and attracting the users by reducing the internet browsing charge. This section has a great potential for marketing through 108

11 both hard copy and digitalized information products and literature search services. Library is planning to have an independent web portal for hosting online circulation details, new additions, library notifications, OPAC and to market the resources. The functions and services are e-journal service, internet services, database and web portal service, CD-ROM search service, OPAC service, print out per page, file copying service, scanning service, CD-writing service, automated work of the entire library using Libsys, software management, network management, database management including book database, theses database, periodical database, member database etc Library Administration Section Library administration section provides administrative support to the librarian, procurement of non documentary materials, equipment and furniture, correspondence, overall maintenance of the library, finace and account management, personal administration etc Library and Information services In addition to the above-discussed services, Kerala University Library performed the following services Book lending service The borrowing facility is restricted to the members of the library. Period of loan is 15 days or 30 days depending on the category of membership. Books on loan can be renewed twice for the period of loan specified. An overdue charge of 50ps. per volume per day is levied for first five days and Re.1/-per day per volume for the remaining period from the due date. The borrower s tickets will not be returned and books will not be issued until the dues have been cleared. A member can reserve a book that is on loan and on display in recent additions. No-dues certificate is issued from the library after surrendering the library reader s ticket and ID card. Duplicate no dues certificate is issued on payment of Rs.20/- as 109

12 service charges. Duplicate readers ticket and ID card is issued on payment of Rs.10/- and Rs.20/- respectively. The library provide usual library services like reservation of books, and renewal of books. In addition to the above discussed information services like indexing service, bibliography services, and UGC-infonet e-journal consortia, the Kerala university library provides the following specialized services Reprographic services Photocopy facility is restricted to the library documents only with a charge of Re.1/ per copy and is provided through two reprographic units inside the library Internet service The library provides all sorts of internet services and is open to all members of the library and outsiders at the rate of Rs.15/-per hour for all members except students and research scholars and they have to pay Rs.10/- per hour through 10 computer terminals with a 1mbps leased line of Asianet Data Line CD-ROM based service The library possess a good collection of CD-ROM databases in all disciplines. Library has a CD server which can store more than 1000 CD s at a time and can be accessed by users through terminals. CD search is provided to all members free of charge Document Delivery Service Reprints and photocopies of journal articles, which are cited in the current contents and other journals are collected from the authors/institutions directly on request. Library is obtaining photocopies of articles form Document Delivery Centres of INFLIBNET, National Information Centres and other leading libraries and is provided to the users free of cost Inter Library Loan Inter-library loan facility is provided on a reciprocal basis with other libraries and institutions approved by the university. 110

13 In addition to the above, library is providing reference service, referral service, current awareness service etc. The library has brought out weekly list of new additions and is send to major libraries in and around Trivandrun and the same uploaded in the Kerala University website on a regular basis. 4.3 Mahatma Gandhi University Library(MGUL) The Mahatma Gandhi University library system consists of the central library, department libraries, four study centre libraries and the College of Engineering Library at Thodupuzha. The present study is restricted to the MG University Library. The university central library is situated in the main campus of the university at Athirampuzha, 14 kms away from Kottayam town, on the top of the Priyadarshini hills. The University library was started in 1989 with Prof. K.A Isaac as special officer, earned the reputation of being the first library in Kerala to set up the online information retrieval facility. University library is an institution effectively catering to the academic needs of faculty members, students and research scholars of 30 departments/schools of teaching and research and 217 affiliated colleges. As university library is unable to provide sufficient services to the users for its affiliated colleges located at distance places, there are four study centres under the control of the University Librarian functioning at different places. On an average, 500 to 700 members daily visit the library for reference, information search, getting books issued on loan and for other information products and services Organization of the library The present library building has a built up area of 1600 sq. meter in two floors. For the functional convenience, the library is divided into eight sections 4 such as acquisition, technical, maintenance, periodical, union catalogue, documentation, circulation and administrative section. The ground floor accommodates the reading hall, book stack, acquisition, technical, maintenance and circulation section, the librarian s room and library administrative office. The entire library collection is classified according to Dewey Decimal Classification,19 th edition 111

14 and catalogued using AACRII, 2 nd edition. For subject indexing, Library of Congress List of Subject Headings is adopted. For recent and newly emerged subjects, the 20 th and 21 st edition of DDC is followed. For the convenience of users, the documents available in the library are organized into separate collections. A reference collection consisting of well-selected reference works such as encyclopedia, dictionaries, handbooks, directories, yearbooks, and bibliographies. Separate collection for Malayalam books, Hindi books, Sanskrit books, closed reference and theses. OPAC facility is provided for bibliographic information to its users. The first floor accommodates the periodical section, reading areas for general magazines and journals, photocopying section, documentation section, and union catalogue section and internet service providing centre. The reference section is kept along with the general collection. The traditional functions of these sections are same as in Kerala University Library. However, documentation section and union catalogue section are unique Documentation Section Documentation section provides all documentation services and internet services. This section concentrates on those services, which are not available from the books and periodical collections of the library. It also concentrates on collection, organization, maintenance, and retrieval of non-book information. On line inter library loan, document delivery service, on line and CD-ROM searchers are the major services. Maintenance of library databases, selection, purchase and maintenance of IT and communication equipments are also part of its work. More than 25 computer systems connected to internet, printers, scanners, CD writers have been set up here for providing better user services. Higher bandwidth internet access, access to about 7000 online journals and databases under the e- journal consortium of the UGC-infonet programme, networked CD- ROM databases access, online access to STN databases are the major specialized services of this section. Micro document collection and its database, database of online searches through STN are also maintained here. 112

15 Reprints and photocopies of journal articles, which are cited in the current contents and journals, are collected from the authors or institutions directly and issued to research scholars at nominal rate. The current content of various subjects such as Social science and Humanities, Chemical and Material Science, and Life sciences are provided on request. The library also gets photocopies of articles from NISCAIR, the cost of which is collected from the clients. A copy of all such photocopies collected is maintained as a separate collection called Reprint collection. A monthly documentation list is also published under the name Mahatma Gandhi University Library Micro Document Index Cumulated. Due to lack of fund and the availability of e-prints university library forced to discontinue this service from Union Catalogue Section This section is engaged in the process of developing Union Catalogue of books of the four university library study centres and 30 teaching department libraries using SOUL software, developed by INFLIBNET centre. The library has automated almost all routine operations with the help of SOUL library software. Though the library uses computers for routine operations like circulation, it still resorts to the manual methods for selection, ordering, classification etc. The library is also a member of the DELNET (Developing Library Network). Being a member of these networks, the library is able to share the resources of a number of other libraries and has been able to make inter library loan of books. Library membership is open to teachers, students, research scholars, non-teaching staff of the university and teachers and postgraduate students of affiliated colleges. Membership of any other category of users can be given only with the approval of the Library Advisory Committee. A variety of information sources are available in the Mahatma Gandhi University Library. It includes books, theses, microfilms, maps, globes, atlases, CD-ROMs, Reports etc. At present the total collection exceeds 43,000. In order to meet the current information requirements, the library currently subscribes 123 foreign and 113

16 209 Indian subject journals. In addition to the e-journal consortia the library is subscribing 4 e-journals Library and Information services The library provides basic library services like reservation of books, renewal of books, reference service and inter library loan, the MG University Library provides the following specialized services Book lending service The borrowing facility is restricted to the members of the library. Research scholars and Teachers of the University teaching Departments can borrow three books at a time. The students of the University teaching departments, medical students, and special category of members can take two books at a time. Non- Teaching staff of the University can borrow one book at a time. Period of loan for all categories of members is 15 days, which can be renewed twice for the period of loan specified. An overdue charge of 50 paise per day per book is levied from the defaulters. A member can reserve a book that is on loan and on display for recent additions. No-dues certificate issued from the library after surrendering the library reader s ticket and ID card. Duplicate no dues certificate will be issued on payment of Rs.10/- as service charges. Duplicate readers ticket and ID card will be issued on payment of Rs.25/- and Rs.50/- respectively Reprographic services Photocopy facility is restricted to the library documents only with a charge of 70ps. per copy. In addition to the usual reprographic services, library provides other specialized reprographic services like printing, scanning, CD writing etc. at a lower cost with high quality Internet service The library obtained internet connectivity in August The internet facility is open to all members of the library. More than 30 computer terminals are arranged in the library for this purpose. At present the library is using a 4mbps leased line internet connectivity got under UGC-Infonet programme. In order to share the internet bandwidth to all Departments/Offices of the university, a campus wide 114

17 network is under consideration. The library provides all sorts of internet services and is open to all members of the library free of charge for a maximum of one hour in a day CD-ROM based service The library possesses a good collection of CD-ROM databases in all disciplines. Library has a CD-ROM networking facility to search databases in CD-ROM with a CD-ROM Content Server. Services of INFLIBNET Centre and National Centre for Science Information (NCSI) are also used. Library has also access to 70 databases through Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC) Document Delivery service Reprints and photocopies of journal articles, which are cited in the current contents and other journals, are collected from the authors/institutions directly on request. Library is obtaining photocopies of articles form DELNET, Document Delivery Centres of INFLIBNET, National Information Centres and other leading libraries. The actual cost of the photocopies shall be collected from the concerned user. Another method of obtain in full text of recent articles (reprints) is by writing to authors directly Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) The library subscribes to five editions of Current Contents with abstracts on CD- ROM. These are regularly loaded in computers and its index constitutes the document profile. The research scholars and teachers of the university can register to this service by providing their areas of interest as user profile and the same are permanently maintained in the system. As and when any user of this service asks for his related literature, matching of the document profile and the respective user profile is effectively made by the computer system and the print out is provided. The full text of the required article would also be provided to the users on demand On-line services The library is a member of DELNET so that online union databases of books and theses are accessible. The library is also getting the online inter library loan 115

18 services through DELNET. The university library has access to STN international, a major on-line database vendor of USA. It provides access to about 250 on-line major databases in the field of Science and Technology. The databases include CA, INSPEC, MEDLINE, GEORGEF and CAB abstracts etc. Library has subscription and access to the on-line journals of portal J-Gate UGC-Infonet and e-journal consortium Under this consortia library has 4mbps leased line internet connectivity exclusively for the access to e-journals and databases. Through this consortium now library is getting 7500 e-journals, full text databases, and bibliographic databases. The online journals and databases available can be viewed through the library website Access to these journals have been enabled to university departments such as School of Pure and Applied Physics and School of Management and Business Studies through optical fibre and UTP line respectively and to School of Chemical Sciences, School of Computer Sciences and University College of Engineering, Thodupuzha through VPN Server. The access to other departments is under active consideration of the university library Digital Repository The work of creation of an Institutional Repository of research papers of the teachers was initiated during 2006 was continued. Up to December 2009, 450 papers were added to the collection by voluntary work contribution from various sources. The university library has digitized 700 Ph.D. theses approved by MG University and the same available in open access. In addition to the above library is providing reference service and bibliographic service on a demand basis. The library system built up the required Information and Communication Technology infrastructure to facilitate access to relevant internal and external sources of information to academic community of the university. The university library brings out list of new additions regularly. This is the only information product of the library. 116

19 4.4 Cochin University of Science and Technology Library (CUSATL) Cochin University Library was established in 1975 as a central agency for meeting the information requirements of the academic community of the Cochin University of Science and Technology. It is located in a separate four storied building opposite to the administrative block of the Cochin University on its northeast side. Library LAN has become a part of the campus wide network, which has made it possible for the academic community of 28 departments to access information from their location itself. It is also possible to access the details of the library resources from any part of the globe. The library has realigned its services to offer information support to the academic community not only based on the printed sources but also e- sources. Being the central agency for meeting the information requirements of the academic community of the Cochin University of Science and Technology, it effectively caters to the academic needs of faculty members, students and research scholars of 26 departments/schools of teaching and research. On an average of 100 to 200 members daily visit the library for reference, information search, getting books issued on loan. Library membership is open to regular teachers, students, research scholars and non-teaching staff of the university. Graduates of recognized universities of three years standing who are residents in greater Cochin Development area can also take graduate membership. Industrial and Research institutions, Government or Public Limited institutions are admitted to institutional membership on the responsibility of the head of the concerned institution. Being the information centre of the technological university in the State, the Cochin University Library has built up a balanced and rich collection on all branches of Science and Technology. At the same time books of general interest having high intellectual standard in various subject fields are not neglected. At present the collection exceeds 95,000 inclusive of several valuable reference books, doctoral theses and back volumes of periodicals, patents, CD-ROM etc. 117

20 The bibliographic records of books, journals and theses in the library and some department libraries can be accessed globally through WEBOPAC. Its URL is University Library has started a special collection on the top floor of the building. It includes collection of theses, patents, art books, WHO and other UN documents, Census reports, Vikasana Rekha (Kerala Development Report) and books on Library and Information Science Organization of the library Central Library building is functional and modular in construction. It has an area of sq.ft in four floors with two main halls of 1800 sq.ft. One reference hall is partially converted to Internet hall. Stack room (three in number) has a total carpet area of 6300 sq.ft. Documents are classified according to Universal Decimal Classification and indexed according to Anglo American Cataloguing Rules with local modifications. Dictionary catalogue in card form with ample cross-reference entries is employed. For the functional convenience, the library is divided into seven sections 5 such as acquisition, technical, maintenance, periodical, reference, circulation, and administrative section. The ground floor accommodates acquisition, technical, and periodical section, circulation section, reference and stack room are housed in the first floor. Second floor stack room accommodates bound volumes of periodicals, patents and standards. Third floor stack room is earmarked for closed reference collection Acquisition Section The main function of this section is the selection, ordering and procurement of books and other documents other than serials. An amount of approximately Rs. 50 lakhs is spending every year on procurement of books. 118

21 Technical Section This section is responsible for the technical process of the documents like classification, cataloguing, assigning of subject headings and key words Maintenance Section This section arranges and maintains the documents in the classified sequence and provides facilities for referring the documents within the section. The whole collection of the library for issue is displayed in this section. Open access system is followed. Reading facility is also available in this section. On line Public Access Catalogue, facility is available in front of the Maintenance section Circulation Section The circulation section is divided into four divisions ie, property counter, security desk, circulation counter, and membership desk. This section performs the job of check out, check in of documents, renewal of loan period, fine collection for delayed return of books and membership management functions Reference Section Good collection of reference sources such as encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries, reports, theses, dissertations, maps etc. are maintained in this section The reference books useful for various competitive examinations and civil service examinations are also available here. Three systems, including a multimedia system are provided for CD ROM search service. Library has a good collection of multimedia encyclopedias and dictionaries and more than one hundred and fifty CD s of books on different subject fields Periodicals Section Periodical section subscribes to 188 journals of various subjects. This includes 138 foreign publications, 45 Indian publications and 80 publications received complimentary. The major foreign periodicals include American Scientist, Fortune, IFLA journal, Information Development, Information Technology and Libraries, Nature, National Geographic, News week, Science, Scientific American 119

22 etc. The library subscribes 10 newspapers and is displayed for use on the left side of the entrance of the library Administrative Section This section provides administrative support to the University Librarian, procurement of equipment and furniture, correspondence, overall maintenance of the library, finance and account management, personal administration etc. The library provide basic library services like reservation of books, renewal of books, reference service and inter library loan. The Cochin University Library provides the following specialized services Library and Information services Book Lending service Members can borrow books from the library. All documents of the university library are bar- coded. This helps the circulation desk in the check in check out process. New members are given bar coded identity card and books are issued on production of the identity card. Research scholars can borrow 4 books and teachers of the university teaching departments can borrow six books at a time. The students and non-teaching staff can borrow three books and final B Tech and LLB students can borrow one book. Institutional members can take 10 books for a loan period of 2 months. Period of loan for all other categories of members is 15 days, which can be renewed twice for the period of loan specified. An overdue charge of 50 paise per day per book levied from all categories of members Inter-Library Loan Members of the library can borrow books from other libraries through this service. This service is also available through DELNET Literature Search Literature search on various topics is done on the databases on demand. The databases includes : 120

23 Current Contents in Agriculture, Biology, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemical and Earth Sciences, Engineering computing and Technology and Social and Behavioral Sciences; Chemical Abstracts from 2000 onwards; INPAT-Indian patents on CD-ROM, it is an index to about 75,000 records on patents granted in India from ; Indian Science Abstracts- index to Science journals published in India brought out by NISCAIR etc Proficiency Corner It is one of the main attractions of the central library, which is a special collection set up for users who are preparing for competitive examinations, like TOFEL, GRE, NET, SLET, GATE, civil service examination etc Compilation of Bibliographies Compilation of bibliographies on various subjects are done on request Reprographic service Reprographic service is being offered to faculty members and students at nominal rate Document Delivery Service Copies of articles is made available on request. The library has developed a procedure for obtaining photocopies or e-prints from DELNET, Document Delivery Centres of INFLIBNET and other leading libraries Conference Alert Service Forthcoming conferences, workshops and seminars are displayed in the library notice board. It is also made available in university library website. 121

24 New Addition Alert Service New additions in the central library are alerted to all CUSATL users by . The library has its own web server and allotted mailboxes to all users Patent Information Central Library is a depository of Indian Patents. Twenty eight thousand old patents form an important part of the special collection and it has a wide potential for marketing Consultancy Service Technical expertise is provided for setting up of Library / documentation / technical information centers to industries and institutions Internet Service Twelve systems are dedicated for internet service in University library on the first come first served basis and spot booking for a maximum of 1 hour. This service is provided to its members free of charge CD- ROM Search Three systems, including a multimedia system, are provided for CD-ROM search service. Library has a good collection of multimedia encyclopedias and dictionaries and more than one hundred and fifty CD s of books on different subject fields Information Desk This automated service provides ready references to the information needs of all users. 122

25 Digital Repository Repositories are important tools for preserving an organization's legacy; they facilitate digital preservation and scholarly communication. The digital repository of Cochin University of Science and Technology is known as Dyuthi and is a digital service that collects, preserves, and distributes digital material. This repository is funded by Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Under Technology Information Facilitation Programme (TIFP), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. Dyuthi archives the intellectual output of the scientific community of the CUSAT faculty, research scholars and scientists. This service enables the CUSAT community to archive the preprints, post prints, theses, conference proceedings, teaching and learning materials and other scholarly publications. In addition to the above services library provides various electronic information services. This includes Chemical Abstracts service, Current contents, patent CD- ROM database. The library currently subscribes to about 22 online journals. Also library has electronic access to many electronic resources through INDEST consortium and the UGC- Infonet consortium. 4.5 CH Mohammed Koya Library (CHMKL) The Calicut University Library started functioning from 1971 in a small building near the administrative block. The first permanent building constructed in the Calicut University campus was that of the university library building. The present library building, a two storied structure, has a total plinth areas of Sq.meter. It started functioning in May In 1993 the name of the University library was renamed after C.H.Mohammed Koya, (the former Minister for Education, Government of Kerala) as CH Mohammed Koya Library. It plays an important role in the provision of information to the academic community in the Malabar region. The library is situated at the main campus at Thenhippalam on the side of the NH17 and is 23 Kilometers away from the historic Calicut City. Apart from the university library a Study Center library is functioning in the Calicut city to serve the academic community in the Calicut city and around. 123

26 Library membership is free to the university teachers, students, research scholars, non-teaching staff of the university and some of the categories included under others. An amount of Rs. 500/- is to be remitted at the library counter as caution deposit (refunded at the time of cancellation of membership) by the teachers, students and research scholars of affiliated colleges, graduate members, members of the Senate, Syndicate, Academic Council, faculties and Boards of Studies. In addition to the caution deposit, graduate members are required to pay Rs. 50/- every year as annual subscription. The university teachers are entitled to get six books at a time and all other categories can get issued three books at a time. The library has a rich collection of books, journals, maps, microfiche, CDs, theses, dissertations etc. The collection includes 99,446 books, 4,700 non-book materials and about 2500 bound volumes of journals. In addition to the UGC- Infonet e-journal consortia library has subscribed 6 electronic journals and 7000 e- books Organization of the Library For the functional convenience, the library is divided into eight sections 6 such as acquisition section, technical section, circulation section, reference section and text book section, maintenance section, IT services section(ugc- Infonet Lab) and the library office Acquisition Section This section deals with the procurement of books and other documents other than serials. An amount of approximately Rs. 20,00,000 is spent every year on procurement of documents. Books and CDs are procured on the basis of recommendations received from Heads of the departments Technical Section This section is responsible for the technical process of the documents like classification, cataloguing, assigning of subject headings and key words. Anglo American cataloguing Rules II (with slight modifications) is used for cataloguing, 124

27 DDC for classification and Library of Congress subject heading list for subject headings Maintenance Section This section arranges and maintains the documents in the classified sequence and provides facilities for referring the documents within the section. The whole collection of the library for issue is displayed in this section. Open access system is followed. Reading facility is also available in this section. The catalogue of the entire holding of the library is arranged in front of the maintenance section in card form as well as in computerized form (OPAC) Circulation Section The circulation section is divided into four divisions ie, property counter, security desk, circulation counter and membership desk. This section performs the job of issue and return of documents, renewal of loan period, fine collection for delayed return of books and membership management functions. All these functions are computerized Reference Section This section maintains a good collection of reference sources that includes encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries, reports, theses, dissertations, maps etc. The text book section is also housed in the reference section. The members have the facility to get text books issued on loan for overnight use that will be issued after 7pm and these are to be returned at the time of opening the library on the next day. The reference books useful for various competitive examinations and civil service examinations are also available here. Previous years question papers of the university examination are also available for reference and photocopying. Theses and dissertation collection form part of this section. The university has recognized Calicut University Library as a centre for research in Library and Information science and Sociology. Part-time and full time scholars including full time FIP teacher scholars select the library as the centre of research. 125

28 The reference and text book section also handles matters relating to such research scholars Periodicals Section The periodicals collection forms a major reading and reference source for the main campus and the affiliated colleges. It subscribes to 224 journals in different disciplines. This includes 34 foreign publications, 140 Indian publications and 50 publications received Gratis. The library subscribes to 43 Science journals (15 of them foreign publications) and in Social Sciences and Humanities 131 journals are subscribed (19 of them foreign publications). The important subscriptions include Nature, New Scientist, National Geographic, American Scientist, Scientific American, Annual Review of Biochemistry, Genetics, Plant Biology and Psychology, American Fern Journal, Taxon, American Journal of Physics, Physics Today, Review of Modern Physics, The Physics Teacher, Entomology Abstracts, British Journal of Clinical Psychology, Statistical Theory and Methods Abstracts (in CD-ROM), Journal of Applied Probability, Advances in Applied Probability and so on. The newspapers are displayed for use on the right side of the entrance of the library Computer & Internet Section Computer based library services are provided from this section. All sections of the library have been connected through LAN. All the processes and services are carried out using computers. Libsys is the software used in the library for its housekeeping activities. Internet services restricted to e-journals, e-books and CD based services are provided as a part of this section. This section also provides many information services like new additions alert service, compilation of bibliographies etc. The section also takes initiatives to reach the services rendered by the INFLIBNET Programme of UGC to the academic community of the University. The UGC-Infonet connectivity has been established in the University library though 1mbps leased line provided by Asianet. This connection provided very fast access to e-resources and downloading. An exclusive centre is being set up for the facility with one server, 36 nodes and other necessary gadgets like CD writers, Laser printers etc are to be provided. This service is provided to the university academic community without charging any fee and this has enabled 126

29 them to acquire valuable study and research materials in the form of full-text from major publishers. The microfilm, microfiche and their readers are also provided within this section Library and Information Services Book Lending Services Book lending service is provided to all the members of the library. A member is entitled to get three books at a time. A book is issued for a period of thirty days and it can be renewed for further two terms, if the book is not being reserved by any one. Thus a member can keep a book for a maximum of three months. If he/she wishes to keep the book further he/she has to present it in the library and get it reissued. The Library maintains a separate collection of text books and these books are issued for overnight reading only. Reference Books are not issued on loan Reference Services The library maintains a good reference collection. It includes valuable reference sources like encyclopedias, handbooks, multilingual dictionaries, theses, dissertations etc. The question papers of the examinations conducted by the university in previous years and syllabi of courses conducted by the university are also made available in this section Bibliographic services The library compiles bibliographies of different types. The library brings out bibliography of doctoral theses submitted to the university every year. It prepares bibliographies on special occasions as well New Additions List A list of new books added to the library collection is brought out regularly and sent to all the teaching departments of the university Reprographic Services The Library provides photocopying facilities allowed within the copyright rules. Question papers of earlier year s university examination and syllabi of various 127

30 courses offered by the University can also be photocopied. An amount of one rupee per page on normal course and 75 paise per page on production of intend is charged for the faculty. 4.6 Comparative analysis of organization and services in university libraries Management of Libraries Almost all foreign university libraries have stated their vision and mission statements and the same has been published through their websites and they are continuously revised to achieve new heights of service. But the university libraries in Kerala have no written statement of vision and mission but have some general objectives like giving qualitative information services to the user community which were formulated decades back shows that the libraries are yet to gear up to the changes taking place in the library and information domain. The management of university libraries in Kerala is done by the Senate or Syndicate of the respective universities and the University Librarian is only responsible for the day to day management of the library. The university libraries under study lacking a permanent University Librarian except in Mahatma Gandhi University. All the university libraries have Library Committees for framing guidelines for the purchase of books, periodicals and non-book materials. All the Library committees are advisory in nature with Vice-Chancellor as Chairman and University Librarian as Convener.It is observed that the Committees meet at least once in a year taking decision about the method of purchase of documents and terms and conditions associated with it. For the effective functioning, university libraries are organized into separate sections each concerned with specific functions. Thus, all the libraries have acquisition, technical, periodical, maintenance, circulation, reference, information technology, and administrative sections. But Kerala University Library has a separate wing for Kerala reference, documentation, research, UN and World Bank and MG University library has separate documentation and Union catalogue wing. 128

31 User orientation is a service which is found to be given less priority by all the university libraries. All the university libraries hand over a brochure/guide book to the member at the time of taking membership. There is no formal programme followed by any library except the routine assistance given to users in time of need Year of Establishment of the Libraries Kerala University Library is the oldest library established in 1942 as Travancore University Library. It was renamed as Kerala University Library in It was shifted to the present building on 8 th Sept having a total plinth area of 53,000 sq. feet. Till the establishment of the University of Calicut in 1968, Kerala University Library catered to the information needs of the academic community of the entire State. Table 4.3 Year of Establishment of the University Libraries Name of the Library Year of Establishment Kerala University Library (KUL) 1942 CHMK Library (CHMKL) 1969 CUSAT Central Library (CUSATL) 1977 MG University Library (MGUL) 1989 Table 4.3 shows a wide gap in between the establishment of Kerala University Library and CHMK Library. MG University Library is latest university library Average number of working days in a year and working hours in a day The Library Committee of the University Grants Commission is of the view that a university library should be open on all days of the year

32 Table 4.4 Average working days and working hours of the university libraries Annual Annual Working hours Name of the Average working Library Second working days Week days Sundays Saturdays hours Kerala University Library (KUL) 351 8am-8pm (12 hrs) 8am-8pm (12 hrs) 2pm-8pm (6hrs) 3900 MG University Library (MGUL) 348 8am- 7pm (11 hrs) 10am-2pm (4hrs) 10am-2pm (4hrs) 3402 CUSAT Central Library (CUSATL) 340 9am-8pm (11 hrs) 8am-4pm (8hrs) 8am-4pm (8hrs) 3548 CHMK Library (CHMKL) 345 8am-8pm (12 hrs) 8am-2pm (6hrs) 8am-2pm (6hrs) 3756 Table 4.4 shows that the university libraries in Kerala try to work for many more days than govt. institutions, as suggested by the UGC Committee. There is not much disparity in the number of working days and the working hours in each university libraries. Kerala University Library has maximum annual working hours since it has a uniform working time of 12 hours including second Saturdays. The average annual working hours of MG University Library is minimum. Kerala University Library is strategically located in the heart of the city and is accessible from all parts compared to all other libraries may be the reason for the maximum average number of working days and working hours. 130

33 4.6.4 Technical Organization Table 4.5 Comparative statement of technical organization of library collection in the university libraries Organization KUL MGUL CUSATL CHMKL Classification Scheme CC DDC UDC DDC Catalogue Code CCC AACRII AACRII AACRII Physical form of catalogue Software for Housekeeping operations OPAC and Card OPAC OPAC and Card OPAC and Card LIBSYS SOUL ADLIB LIBSYS The documents in all the university libraries are classified using standard classification schemes. It can be seen from the Table 4.5 that most of the university libraries except Kerala University Library follows enumerative schemes, because of their continuous revisions and simplicity and easiness. Table 4.5 also shows that all the university libraries except Kerala University Library follow AACRII for the cataloguing of books and other documents. Kerala University Library and CHMK library have been using Libsys software for their house keeping operations. As part of the Danish Assistance programme, technology support for the automation of the library was given by the Dutch Government and part of that ADLIB software is used in the Cochin University of Science and Technology library. MGUL is the only university library using SOUL, software developed by INFLIBNET, an organ of UGC for their house keeping operations. MGUL has only OPAC while all other university libraries are maintaining both OPAC and card catalogue Loan Privilege and conditions of loan All university libraries follow open access system. Table 4.6 shows most of the university libraries providing same loan privilege to the same category of members but KUL issues 2 books to their student and graduate/public members for 15 days or 30 days with respect to the location of their college or place of 131

34 residence within the city or outside the city. KUL issued the highest number of books at a time to research scholars and teachers. Also KUL is charging a fine at the rate of 50Ps per book per day for the first five days and Re.1-/ for the remaining days as overdue charges and is double compared to other university libraries in Kerala. Table 4.6 Comparative statement of loan privilege and conditions of loan in the University libraries Members Items KUL Students Research scholars MGU L CUSATL CHMKL Number of books Period of Loan (days) 15/ Overdue charges (per book) Re.1/- 50 Ps 50 Ps 50 Ps Number of books Period of Loan(days) Overdue charges(per day) Re.1/- 50 Ps 50 Ps 50 Ps Number of books Teachers/ Research Guides Non-Teaching Staff Public/ Graduate Members Period of Loan (days) Overdue charges(per day) Re.1/- 50 Ps 50Ps 50 Ps Number of books Period of Loan (days) Overdue charges(per day Re.1/- r 50 Ps 50 Ps 50 Ps Number of books day 2 NA 1 3 Period of Loan (days) 15/30 NA Overdue charges(per day) Re.1/- NA 50 Ps 50 Ps Collection, membership, and finance of university libraries Collection The university library s primary task is to select, maintain, and provide access to relevant and representative information resources. Due to technological 132

35 developments, university libraries are, in the main, moving from holdings ( just in case ) to access ( just in time ) strategies. A major responsibility of a university library is to build a collection of documents and other non-print materials, carefully selected to meet the academic needs of students, teachers, researchers and others involved in academic pursuits. Libraries with large collections were rated very high and were considered most prestigious organization. 8 The collection development of printed materials in the university libraries in Kerala from 2005 to 2009 is given in Table Documentary Resources Table 4.7 Documentary Resource development of University libraries from Nature of Year KUL MGUL CUSATL CHMKL Books Theses Bound Volumes of Periodicals Total collection ( ) 3,15,772 43,000 62,844 1,01,946 An increasing trend in the collection development of Kerala University Library from 2006 observed from the Table 4.7. Kerala University Library has a maximum acquisitioning in 2009 due to the additional fund obtained from the Department of Finance, Govt. of Kerala as part of the modernization project of the library. The number of books added in 2007 is very low compared to the previous year in MG University Library. In CUSAT library an average of 2000 books 133

36 Number of Documents added every year. The number of books added in each university is maximum in The theses collection of CHMK library includes both Ph.D. theses and M.Ed dissertations, but all other universities have only Ph.D. theses. The study covers only Ph.D. thesis added to the library and is submitted to the concerned universities by the research scholars for the award of Ph.D. degree. Normally, the number of theses added to the collection would reflect the research output of the university It can be revealed form the table that the number of thesis added in KUL is maximum followed by CHMK library and is minimum in MG University library from It revealed that the research output of Kerala University is better than all other universities in Kerala. Table 4.7 shows that the number of bound volumes of periodicals added is maximum in Kerala University Library followed by CUSAT library and is minimum in CHMK library. The growth of collection in the university libraries are shown in Figure 4.1. Figure 4.1 Documentary Resource development of University libraries from

37 Electronic Resources Table 4.8 E-Resource development in the University libraries from Nature of Year KUL MGUL CUSATL CHMKL CDs/DVDs e-journals e-books Online Databases Table 4.8 shows that the CDs/DVDs added to the library collection increased over the years in all the libraries. KUL has a sizable collection of CD s, especially the CD s attached to the books and periodicals and UN and World Bank publications. MGUL has subscribed 81 e-journals while CUSAT library has only 22 e-journals other than consortia. But unfortunately KUL has no e-journal to its credit. CHMK library is the only library having e-books. Even though e-resources are very important for any university library, no conscious efforts from the university libraries in Kerala to develop their e-resource collection may be due to the lack of funds. CUSAT library has 5 online databases but no other libraries have any online databases Newspapers and Periodicals In addition to the number of popular periodicals all the university libraries subscribed enough number of printed periodicals. In an academic library subject periodicals are heavily used than public libraries. In all the university libraries, the amount spent on periodicals is more than books. The trend in the subscription of periodicals and newspapers from 2005 to 2009 is given in Table

38 Table 4.9 shows that the number of foreign periodicals subscribed by MGUL is maximum followed by KUL. A decreasing trend in the subscription of foreign periodicals can be seen in KUL and MGUL for the last two years. But in the case of Indian periodicals KUL and CHMKL has maximum number over the years and followed by MGUL. The number of Indian periodicals subscribed by CUSATL is very low compared to other libraries. The number of newspapers available in KUL is much more than other libraries. Table 4.9 Subscription of newspapers and periodicals in the University libraries from Nature of Year KUL MGUL CUSATL CHMKL Foreign periodicals Indian Periodicals News papers This may be because most of the newspapers are published from Trivandrum and got complementary copies. In KUL, users have a high demand for Tamil newspapers. KUL has maintained an exclusive collection of bound volumes of major newspapers Finance and Budget The revenue of the university library is crucial one, since it is the basis for effective library operations. The university libraries are generally receiving 136

39 finance through a number of sources. Wilson and Tauber 9 stated that university libraries, in varying degrees receive their income from five principal sources such as fund allocated from university income, endowment income, gifts, fees, miscellaneous sources including fines, the sale of publication etc. But the major source of finance is from university allocation and grants from the UGC. The library fee collected by the university library directly, the overdue charges and the miscellaneous income are in very little proportion. Funds from endowments are meager and not certain. University library is an organ of the respective university. Hence the financial sources are playing an important role in acquiring the required materials for the academic community. Generally allocation of the university funds may be made directly to the library, But, when there is financial crisis it is the library, which is first to suffer. 10 The university library finance is closely connected with the financial position of its university. The main sources of revenue for the university are the grants from State and Central governments; UGC and other funding agencies, Devarajan 11 states: the finance from the state government constitutes mainly non-plan grants and it is being given to universities, as block grants. The grants from other national bodies like Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), NCERT etc; and International bodies like United Nations, Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) etc. as special estimated funds for specific projects The main sources of funding agencies are University Grants Commission (UGC), State Government and Non-Plan fund from the concerned university. The State plan and UGC fund utilized for the purchase of books, periodicals, e-resources, equipment etc. while the non-plan fund mainly for the establishment cost. The allocation of funds to different university libraries in Kerala from the respective university budgets is presented in Table

40 Table 4.10 Budget allocation in the university libraries from Item Year KUL MGUL CUSAT CHMK NIL 70,00,000 68,55,232 23,14, NIL 94,50,000 71,71,382 29,61,139 State Plan NIL 1,12,50,000 86,01,000 15,55,992 & UGC ,00,000 1,97,00,000 1,23,20,000 12,60, ,00,000 1,27,98,400 1,23,95,000 20,05, ,90,83,300 84,55,000 36,20,000 83,03, ,04,28,900 78,60,000 49,07,458 91,99,485 Non-Plan ,12,14,500 83,55,000 59,05,000 99,09, ,32,39,460 1,02,70,000 64,34,000 91,90, ,69,54,100 1,07,70,000 61,81,000 1,14,25, ,90,83,300 1,54,55,000 1,04,75,232 1,06,17, ,04,28,900 1,73,10,000 1,20,78,840 1,21,60,624 TOTAL ,12,14,500 1,96,05,000 1,45,06,000 1,14,65, ,46,39,460 2,99,70,000 1,87,54,000 1,04,50, ,83, ,35,68,400 1,85,76,000 1,34,70,992 The Table 4.10 is based on the data provided by the head of the concerned university libraries, which exhibits that, no uniformity in the allocation of fund over the years but an increasing trend in the case of KUL. KUL occupies the first position followed by MGUL and CHMKL is in the lowest position with respect to the budget allocation. Almost double the amount provided to KUL than CHMK library from to The total budget allocation of the university libraries in Kerala from 2005 to 2009 is diagrammatically represented in Figure

41 Amount Figure 4.2 Budget allocation in the university libraries from Year The budget provision for different items in the university libraries other than salary of staff is provided in Table It is revealed from the table the budget provision to books and periodicals is maximum for the CUSATL followed by MGUL. CUSATL has more allocation to e-resources but unfortunately no provision to the KUL and CHMK library. The budget provision to equipment is maximum for CUSATL followed by KUL but in the case of others, more fund provision to MGUL followed by KUL. Table 4.7 and Table 4.11 revealed KUL acquired more books than CUSATL even though a high budget provision to CUSATL than KUL. 139

42 Table 4.11 Item wise Budget allocation in the University libraries from Item Year KUL MGUL CUSAT CHMK Books & Periodicals e-resources Equipment Others ,00,000 40,00,000 77,00,000 5,17, ,00,000 40,00,000 89,00,000 9,13, ,00,000 40,00,000 92,00,000 9,13, ,00,000 72,00,000 1,10,00,000 16,33, ,00,000 72,98,400 1,15,00,000 28,19, NIL NIL 12,00,000 NIL NIL NIL 11,88,000 NIL NIL 19,64,550 12,71,500 NIL NIL 70,00,000 21,09,000 NIL NIL 60,00,000 21,93,000 NIL ,000 NIL 6,00,000 2, ,000 NIL 7,00,000 5, ,000 NIL 7,50,000 17, ,000 NIL 7,50,000 17, ,000 10,00,000 7,50,000 17, ,000 3,00,000 10,000 NIL ,90,000 3,55,000 10,000 NIL ,00,000 4,50,000 10,000 NIL ,40,000 6,00,000 10,000 NIL ,90,000 6,00,000 10,000 NIL Membership The number of new members enrolled in different categories in the university libraries is given in Table

43 Table 4.12 Trend in the number of new membership from Members Year KUL MGUL CUSAT CHMKL L Students Research scholars Teachers/Research Guides Non-Teaching Staff NIL Public/Graduate NIL Members &others NIL NIL NIL Total Total Active Members

44 Number of new members The membership of KUL is high compared to any other library and is lowest in MGUL. KUL is centrally located in the city very near to the Kerala University office building and the MLA quarters this may the reason for a good strength of all categories of members. The students, teachers of colleges and the public can easily accessible to the library while all other university libraries are located in the respective campuses, which are away from the city, and is very difficult to access outsiders. Even though Kerala University adopted the credit and semester system in colleges for the postgraduate courses the Table 4.12 shows a decreasing trend in the number of membership of students and teachers from in KUL. While in all other university libraries the number of student and research scholar members are increasing from MGUL has the lowest position in the number of membership and has is not giving membership to public/graduate. In all the university libraries a number of users taking temporary memberships and is a good revenue for the libraries. All the university libraries have institutional members and no university library in Kerala allows under-graduates to get membership. Figure 4.3 Trend in new membership in the university libraries from Year 142

45 Issue statistics Issue statistics is an important record useful in determining the volume and character of use of the library. The total number of books issued from 2005 to 2009 in each of the university library is provided in the Table Table 4.13 Number of books issued in the university libraries from Year KUL MGUL CUSAT CHMK ,05,321 15,800 25,816 22, ,11,434 15,312 21,318 26, ,176 15,908 26,387 25, ,384 13,910 27,415 27, ,435 13,116 36,120 30,420 The pictorial representation of the number of books issued in the university libraries from 2005 to 2009 is given in Figure 4.4 Figure 4.4 Number of books issued in the university libraries from Year 143