Web Information Services at lIT, Kharagpur

Abstract

The Central Library at IIT Kharagpur is continuously exploring new IT tools and techniques for better information organization and services. The entire collection details (OPAC) are computerized and can be accessed from the Campus LANIERNET WANl Internet IWWW. The OPAC menu also keeps the Institute users informed about other details like campus academic activities, continuing education programmes and the staff directory. Now since these details are being accessed through the library website (cental library link of http://www.iitkgp.ernet.in) any person through a computer connected to the internet can access them. Besides OPAC, a CD-ROM network facilitating access to the earlier stand alone databases subscribed in the Electronic Library, is commissioned and this facility developed with distributed access in mind could also be accessed by any Internet machine, subject to high bandwidth connectivity and shared access arrangements/ copyright restrictions. The basic steps of designing web server for library applications and connectivity aspects of internet will be stressed upon. The paper will summarise the local developments and suggest an illustrative account for Indian libraries to migrate from computerised to Internet services and to emerge as workable digital libraries in the long run.