Networks As Time Saving Devices in Libraries

Abstract

In the present information society vast amount of information can be instantaneously accessed even from any part of the world. Until a few years researchers used to start their work by requesting bibliographic searches. Information was obtained from libraries, by attending conferences, etc. But the advent of computer networking accessing information has become easy and quick and this has bridged the gap between the library and the user. The libraries of the future will become less paper libraries as more and more information is available on the networks. The problems which most libraries face are large budget cuts and shortage of staff. Even though the resources that is money, material and manpower decrease; libraries find that there is a substantial increase in the demand for services and the demand for more information. Since the PRL Library has been facing these problems, we have tried to devise ways and means whereby more services can be given with less resources by using new technology. Of course, most of the work described here is possible owing to the library automation, programme which was started in the early sixties and due to the availability of computers, local area network and the e-meil technology.