INTRODUCTION:

Automation is a complex process whereby system engages fast acting devices/machinery/gadgets to replace human operators. The present trends in development emphasize on continuously increasing use of digital computers to automate the crucial activities and functions in modern libraries. These functions are generally user specific. The rapid digitalization in India in every sphere of life has made our people aware of the advantages/capabilities of online connectivity in collection as well as exchange of information.

Whereas the library or information centre needs to acquire, organize and gather information on one hand; it is equally important that the information sought by user is delivered to him/her as effectively as possible on the other hand. Thus, the library automation is the process for conversion of a conventional library’s procedures from manual mode to computerized mode. In other words, the main purpose of library automation is to free the librarians and library staff from maintaining registers, ledgers, documented records, etc; and making manual entries thereon of major activities and/or concerned stock position so that there is timely reporting to the management. However, such time-consuming processes (such as stock entries, books accession, issue of books and periodicals, etc) have been gradually simplified with the use of computer applications in library management. Now, the libraries are geared up with several computers (nodes) interconnected in networks (LAN/WAN) and the floor of libraries have CCTV to monitor with the images of each and every activity being stored on computers.

The latter aspect enables the manpower deployed in library to perform fast with accuracy to the process of providing knowledge and information to the users whether online and/or offline.

In recent years, the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) has prioritized two key areas:

1. Automation.

2. Information Technology (IT).

While the role of automation is to essentially minimize human intervention in order to increase efficiency at reduced operational cost, the IT provides a practical technology-based design and development platform with the support of the hardware and software applications to introduce necessary computing which makes information processing easier, simple and user friendly.

E-Resources include online database, electronic journals, full text articles, WWW, and websites. E-Resources are those electronic sources of information that are accessed by users via computing network from inside the library or outside of library. Electronic Resources Management is the practices and techniques used by librarians and library staff to track the selection, acquisition, licensing, access, maintenance, usage, evaluation, retention, and de-selection of a library’s electronic resources of information.

Automation:

Kumar¹ in his book has presented technological advancements with reference to automation giving emphasis on automation, reliability, maintainability, cost and optimum performance. According to him, with the gradual advancement of technology and process automation over the years three things have been emphasized with respect to successful operation of a library automation system: (i) enhancement of level of automation (that is lesser and lesser involvement of human beings (or operators); (ii) increasing trend in operational flexibility with great compromise for investment cost; (iii) continuous improvement of overall system performance quality and reliability (on account of enhanced adequacy and security measures). Usually the process of automation relies on success of data acquisition; monitoring and supervision, control and reliability all working together in a coordinated manner. The commands are automatically generated by the process control computer centre, and then transmitted in the same fashion as operator initiated commands for system's success. A study on the process control automation perspective in respect of modern library automation system focuses on the following sequence of development (generally referred to as levels of automation):

1. Manual

2. Local automation

3. Centralized automation

4. Data acquisition, process monitoring and control

5. Digital control computer

6. Computer optimal control (COC)

7. COC with reliability² and security

However, the prime consideration in selection of a level of automation until level 3 is operational convenience. From experience vide Figure 1 it is learnt that with respect to increase in output or productivity the curve for investment cost is rising gradually until level 3 but thereafter rising exponentially to get saturated beyond a certain point. The optimum level of automation is achieved when the difference (D) between the output and investment cost curves is maximized (provided raw materials flow, availability of spare parts, and marketing trend for the outlet products, etc remain normal). The output and investment cost functions are shown on the Y-axis whereas the level of automation taken along X-axis. Interestingly, the difference D is maximized with the level 3 type automation. Beyond level 3 automation, the rising investment cost is justified because of assurance for service quality and reliability². The reliability is considered as an acceptable level of measure of performance of a device or system; and it assures quality service as well. As the reliability costs money, the level automation shows the highest investment cost owing to prioritization towards adequacy and security measures.

Figure 1: Levels of automation versus curves for output and investment cost

[NOTE: Figure 1 refers to: 1. manual, 2. local automation, 3. centralized automation, 4. data acquisition, process monitoring and control, 5. digital control computer, 6. computer optimal control (COC), 7. COC with reliability and security]

The concept of process automation (Levels 2 and 3) since inception depended on several practical considerations and advantages as follows:

· Increase in library performance with better efficiency.

· Ensure quality services at competitive cost.

· Improved safety to men and machines.

· Provide manpower deployment more effectively.

· Allow centralized control to avoid repetition of work.

In fact, the development process gradually introduced sensors and regulators for smooth control of process resource mobilization and capacity utilization along with increased safety and reliability to make effective use of computer process control. Later on, more and more search for ease and convenience to depend on computer process control could help setting a new trend for realization of total automation of both the existing and new plants. Thus, the expansion in terms of higher levels of automation became inevitable. The process equipped with higher versions of computer could prove to be more powerful in terms of computational speed, storage capability, and decision making ability. Also, the advanced features and flexible characteristics of computer process control started serving a definite need what the centralized automatic control could not fulfill. Perhaps the most important realization of the computer process control is the extra-ordinary capability towards speedy decisions. Gradually three major functions were identified to be implemented by the computer process control system as:

· Data acquisition, process monitoring and control. Level-4.

· Direct digital control (programmable automation and control). Level-5.

· Computer optimal control. Level-6.

To perform any one or all of the functions of a sophisticated process as stated above, the application of computer though is essentially required but the justification searched in terms of quantum of return against the total investment made. A comparative assessment of the desired performance in Levels 4-6 reveals that Level 4 calls for automatic data collection by the computer (allowing operator to fully concentrate on operating the process along with automatic controllers); Level-5 depends on computer rather than automatic controllers to regulate individual process variables (preferably with a single computer the function of a number of individual computers is performed on time sharing basis); and Level-6 allows computer to optimize the process control (optimal control of a process means maximum profit, minimum cost, quality services, etc).

Further trends in development in 1990's saw more and more emphasis on automation of library management processes (like acquisition, cataloguing, accession, information processing, etc) with the deployment of multiple nodes and capital intensive automation devices for increased performance and service. Since higher level of client or customer satisfaction depends on acceptable level of quality and reliability, this led to introduction of Level-7 (by establishing computer optimal control with the interface of reliability and security measures). Henceforth, reliability and security (RAS) features got clubbed to control and automation features in selection of library management system and the need for strategic maintenance planning came to limelight for two main reasons:

a. To enhance performance from existing system without any significant major additional investment by increasing equipment availability (i.e., operational reliability); and by reducing system repair and/or maintenance downtime (planned and unplanned downtime) of the chosen equipment system.

b. To increase equipment system life and productive capacity using Control-Reliability (C-R) interface.

Beginning 1960’s, with the development of the machine-readable catalog record (MARC), the process of automation has been gradually expanded to include the core library functions and management of data acquisitions, cataloging, serials control, circulation, inventory, inter-library loan and document delivery besides Librarian’s exercising full authority control for addressing to the needs of libraries without human interference. The library automation process with its flexibility is quite advantageous for satisfying the needs of the users as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows how in the closed loop the user’s request is sent to the process computer which decides with the help of hardware and software to result in display of YES or NO. After display of either a YES or a NO, the desired information details appear on the screen of the computer, and then, the user related information is sent to the user for his/her appreciation. The entire online processing time of user is of the order of a few seconds, as opposed to the manual process involving a few minutes to a few hours.

However, the companies that provide software³ to power the libraries are: Auto-Graphics, IBM, Ex Libris, Follett, Innovative Interfaces, Polaris Library Systems, SirsiDynix, Jotform, TLC, and VTLS.

Figure 2: Automation in user friendly mode of operation

Recent trends in library automation include the growing importance of "add-on" mostly related to the delivery of digital content (link resolvers, portal and meta search interfaces, and e-resource management modules often provided by third-party vendors), better integration with the Web environment (rewriting fat PC clients as browser applications, using XML and style sheets for display, and developing XML import and export capabilities) and for academic libraries, closer integration of library systems with learning management systems.³

Information Technology (IT):

Since long computing is in practice in offices and libraries as a very powerful IT tool to efficiently support all kinds of information storage and processing. An example is shown in Figure 2 wherein the library automation process is depicted with the help of computing facility to take online order from the user. This results in user’s interaction, report printing or despatch of information back to the user.

Figure 3: Showing How computing supports library automation process.

Demand Driven Computing:

Demand driven computing means computing on demand is a common terminology in today’s competitive world. The terminology has stemmed from the increased applications of computer and IT infrastructure to support computing to meet the needs of users/consumers who are fascinated towards a service providing quick end results with accuracy, reliability, safety and security. Some of the salient features of demand driven computing are as follows:

1. Use of centralized facility and reduction in number of physical infrastructures.

2. Central computing facility to have multiple servers.

3. Job may be transferred from one server to another on priority.

4. Uninterrupted processing by service provider.

5. Need based IIoT / IoT / mobile computing support.

6. Centralised computing costs lesser maintenance charge when compared with human operated library system.

7. To meet urgency virtual computing facility can be activated. In virtual computing mode one physical computer can act like many computers. Also, it enables users to remotely access a computer from their local device.

8. User friendly ambience.

Figure 3 describes how the centralized facility works for demand driven computing scenario to take care of services on demand by users.

Figure 4: Demand driven computing meant for users

Usability Aspects:

As opposed to the traditional libraries in which the users generally attempt to search the information with the help of library staff, the automated libraries are structured differently to provide eco-friendly computing ambience. Also, in recent years with the back up of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), computers are used for daily operations of Library which saves time and avoid duplication of work and makes library services smooth and effective. The American Library Association (1983) defines⁴ Information Technology (IT) as “the application of computers and other technologies to the acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information. The computers are used to process and store data, while telecommunications technology provides information communication tools, which make it possible for users to access databases and link them to other computer networks at different locations.” The impact of the ICT's on libraries and information centres is mostly felt owing to two important areas.

These are:

1. Management of information resources (library housekeeping operations).

2. Delivery of library and information services.

The execution of library housekeeping operations such as acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, serials control, etc. are now enabled by or based on a number of information and communication technologies. The most important one is the Integrated Library Management System (ILM's). Modern libraries now function in a completely networked and automated environment where every operation is done with the help of one or many of information or communication-based tools or technologies. In present scenario, the delivery of library and information services is nearly impossible to carry them out without the help of ICTs. Internet has become the most visible and dependable source for gathering information as well as disseminating information for a researcher and/or layman. A user can now access information at any given time from any corner of the globe with the help of a number of devices and technologies. More and more libraries are redesigning their traditional services and adopting new or innovative strategies to fulfill the exponentially rising demands of the users. Application of new ICT tools are tried in variety of ways by service providers in their efforts to help serve users. Examples of most significant application of ICTs in libraries are:

1. To facilitate effective control in libraries over the collection, in-house work flow and delivery of user services with the implementation of Integrated Library Management System (ILM's).

2. To provide speedy, round the clock, and easy access to information in digital formats to users.

3. To interconnect libraries for mutual assistance (book borrowing, resource sharing, etc).

4. To enable remote and flexible access to customized information to users as per their individual needs.

5. To facilitate access to unlimited sources of information through networking and forming consortia.

The information and communication technologies used in libraries may be categorized as below:

1. Computer Technology.

2. Communication Technology.

3. Reprographic, micrographic and printing technologies.

Figure 5 shows the schematic diagram of a computerized library. The library is equipped with a centralized computer system which has interface with the MEMORY device on one hand and I/O (input-output) device on the other. It is the memory of the computer where information is stored along with a number of software. The I/O device is primarily used to feed or store information (data/software) onto the computer, and also, to print (display) information as and when it is desired by the user. The users sit at the nodes (serial number 1, 2, 3, to N) to interact with the library online and gather information relevant to their requirements. The library is also interconnected with other libraries through networks to establish mutual assistance in terms of sharing information with each other. The entire operation is in automation mode as discussed above. The interaction between the centralized computer system of library and the respective nodes is through communication links and electronic devices. Also, the central computer housed in library shall have linkages with memory and I/O devices, and other library central computer through electronic circuitry (communication channels) and devices.

Library System Success¹: Since the success of the central computer system of a library depends on the success (performance adequacy and security) of each device, it is desirable that each device performs with higher reliability.

Reliability: Reliability² is defined as the probability that a device will perform its intended function adequately over a specified period of time under known environment conditions. In the definition there are four parameters which govern the reliability of a device or system. These are:

1. Probability of success (as high as possible; nearer to 1.0).

2. Performance adequacy (to meet desired performance).

3. Time duration (reliability as a function of time).

4. Environment conditions (temperature, humidity, etc).

Usability and Cloud Computing:^4-5

Usability is a quality attribute (say, an indicator) to judge how easy user interfaces are to use. This deals with two aspects of interface: (a) design; and (b) development. The design paves the way for development of better usable interface. In fact, both design and development lead to interactive interface such as webpage interface, graphical user interface, information retrieval system, etc to meet the demand of the users. IT based usability experience design and development is extremely useful from the viewpoint of improved information dissemination. While information collection, selection, organization, management and dissemination, etc are the design activities which help users perform their tasks, cloud computing extends benefit of:

· Networked information services.

· Document delivery system.

· Indexing digital repositories.

Figure 5: Schematic diagram of a computerized library

Besides, the cloud computing ensures on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Large clouds often have functions distributed over multiple locations, each of which is a data centre (applicable to interconnected libraries having multiple locations). In short, cloud computing (CC) is viewed as virtualization of various types of IT infrastructure such as software, hardware, application, utilities, driver and so on. Thus, CC is analogous to a grid in which network and communication technologies play an important role for complete virtualization.

Integrated Library Management System (ILMS):

An Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) is referred to as an Integrated Library System (ILS). An ILMS is an automated system to facilitate technical functions of a modern library. These functions generally include circulation, acquisitions, serials control, cataloguing, etc. An ILMS usually consists of a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two types of graphical user interfaces, one for staff and another for users. In most of ILMSs, multiple software functions are housed into separate modules, and each of them integrated with a unified interface. An ILMS improves the efficiency of internal library operations, facilitates interconnected operation of information systems, and provides users with easy access to library resources and services. Some of the ILMs from India and abroad are LibSys, KOHA, Evergreen, VTLS, SOUL, e-Granthalaya, Sanjay, NewGenLib, etc.

E-resources and services:

E-resources are the sources which are available in the electronic form it may be in any form whether it is a full text article, journal, book, database, image, music and other multimedia. E-Resources may be accessed at any time, at any place by anyone. E-Resources include online database, electronic journals, full text articles, WWW, and websites. E-Resources are those electronic sources of information that are accessed by users via computing network from inside the library or outside of library. Electronic Resources Management is the practices and techniques used by librarians and library staff to track the selection, acquisition, licensing, access, maintenance, usage, evaluation, retention, and de-selection of a library’s electronic resources of information.

E-Information Services: Some of such E-Information services are here:

· Current Awareness Services (CAS): Current Awareness service is directed towards all users of the services regarding recent developments in the field of general interest. It does not deal with the exact or specific requirement or interest of the user.

· Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI): SDI is a quick service which provides the pinpointed and exhaustive information to the users. The main objective is to keep the user well-informed and up-to-date in his area of interest.

· E-Document Delivery Services (EDDS): Electronic Document Delivery Service as “The transfer of information traditionally recorded in a physical medium (print, videotape, sound recording, etc.) to the user electronically via e-mail or World Wide Web. Librarian placed documents and files on reserve and requested via inter-library loan. The request may be received by telephone, e-mail, Fax or online recording.

· Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC): An OPAC which is used to accessing an entire library resource by author, title, keywords, publisher and year of publication among users of the parent library or group of libraries. Through OPAC Search the users know about availability of documents in the library.

· Mobile Libraries (M-libraries): Libraries may provide the alerts on latest, events and notices via SMS and MMS to users wherever they might be go. Libraries to deliver audiobooks, e-books, audio language courses, streaming music, films, images and other multimedia through Mobile Libraries.

· Types of e-Resources: Electronic resources consist of following:- shodhsindhu,E-journal, Consortium,E-Theses and dissertation (ETD),CD ROM,Indexing and Abstracting Databases,Full text database,Graphics,Reference, database,Statistical, database,Image, collection, e-Newspaper, e-Magazine, e-Thesis, e-Clippings, e-Patents, e-Standards, and e-multimedia products ,shodhganga,N-List,e-PG Pathshala,NDL,swayam etc.

CONCLUSION:

· The paper attempts to explain the philosophy behind the automation with reference to libraries which witness a trend to grow in size and complexity with the priority of replacing human operators and staff by machines. The technology driven libraries appear to more efficient and effective as far as users’ satisfaction level is concerned. The role of computerized libraries with the support of ICT is briefly discussed with pros and cons for readers to understand the technology and its relevance.

· The Library is an organization and playing an important role to provide e-resources and services to its users. This library has good collection of printed and e-resources. Users should be aware these resources and use all library services provide by the library. Users should be listening properly and follow all instructions using awareness programmers also, and they should be spent most of the time in library for uses e-resources. This study reveals that the library provide an opportunity to review its collection and services, so that we can utilized and enhanced of used it. Strengthening of CeRA services by adding more resources and facilities will provide strong information support for the education, research, and extension programmes.

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Received on 05.04.2025 Revised on 25.04.2025

Accepted on 12.05.2025 Published on 02.06.2025

Available online from June 05, 2025

Res. J. of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(2):112-118.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00019

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