Librarian's Computer Awareness and Use of it Application in College Libraries of Yavatmal District (Maharashtra)

Abstract

Information technology is a boon of present century. It is a combination of several technologies and systems, such as computer technology, telecommunication technology, micro-graphic technology and information retrieval technology. Application of IT is imperative for sustainable development in all spheres of human activities. IT, as a tool for harnessing information, should be introduced specially in libraries of higher learning institutes with long term vision and prospective planning at a time when the country has entered the new millennium. The challenges of 21 st century such as globalization, privatization and liberalization should not be neglected by higher education system. Hence the application of IT in higher education should consider these aspects.

This paper discusses the librarian's computer awareness and application of IT in college libraries of Yavatmal district (Maharashtra). The author conducted a questionnaire survey of college libraries to find out the proportion of librarian's computer awareness and use of IT application in college libraries of Yavatmal district. The finding of this study was that out of 34 respondents 18 librarians were computer literate and aware of Information Technology. Only 8 colleges have computers in the libraries and 6 college libraries are automated. The results of this study suggest that UGC should provide financial help for the automation of college libraries of higher education and the librarians must get ready by keeping abreast of latest Information Technology in order to face the new challenge in information field.