Transformation of Indian Libraries: Review Based on Selected Library Websites

Abstract

Indian libraries have witnessed a transformation during the past two decades. The paradigm shift has been driven by Information Technology enabled services and machine learning. New services have been introduced in the area of remote access, 24x7 access, use of Web 2.0 for interaction and feedback and all these make the library use more convenient and enriching. Many new products like digitized documents, pictures and audio-visual documents have been made available during the past few years. One of the most important changes has been in the area of library marketing for which the Web 2.0 serves as a vital tool. Services such as SDI have been made more efficient now with tools like RSS, Atom and through email alerts. This paper presents a study of 71 library web sites which showcase the varieties of services the libraries are rendering now. The libraries represented in the study are public, academic, special, circulating and children’s libraries. The paper includes recommendations for further improvement of library services.