Problems Of Large Library Database Creation

Abstract

It need not be overemphasized that for successful computerisation of libraries, it is necessary to have a sound database. Standardization of records in required not only for efficient retrieval within the library, but also to facilitate communication among the libraries far and wide. However creating such a database is a formidable task both in terms of workload involved as well as in terms of the expertise that is needed. fn the days when instant results is what is expected out of a project like library computerisation, the fact that database creation requires time and money - is a proposition very difficult to be digested by all the concerned people. The efforts to show the quick results further complicate already difficult problems. The first and major casualty is the quality of the database. It remains incomplete in contents as well as in standards. Several other complications are seen. This paper proposes to highlight the problems relating to database creation in a library which is unusually big. It attempts to suggest some alternative solutions.