AUTOMATION & NETWORKING OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES PROJECT (PILOT PHASE)

As a significant step towards modernizing and improving public library services in Jammu & Kashmir, the Department of Libraries & Research has started implementation on the Automation & Networking of Public Libraries Project (Pilot Phase) costing Rs. 116.72 lakhs. The project was launched by Minister for Tourism & Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora, on October 28th 2011. Under the Pilot Phase, four main public libraries viz. SRS Central Library, Jammu, SPS Central Library, Srinagar, Oriental Research Library, Hazratbal and City Central Library, Karan Nagar have been taken up for automation and networking. In the subsequent phase, district, tehsil and block libraries would be added to the network.


On completion, the Project would result in the public library facilities in J & K switching over from manual to automated mode and allowing online access to library information. Other public libraries located throughout the State would be taken up for automation and networking in the subsequent phase.


The project is being implemented with the assistance of National Informatics Centre, (NIC), Government of India. It is for the first time that a modern Public Library system will finally take shape in Jammu and Kashmir. For the purpose, state of the art hardware and communication infrastructure have been installed and made operational at these sites with the technical support from National Informatics Centre ( J&K).The library staff as well as the hired technical personnel is being trained for the purpose. In coming months, the state of Jammu and Kashmir would have its own Internet based Public Library Network for library users, researchers and students. The NIC designated e-Granthalaya library management software and digital library software is being used for automation and networking of the libraries.

The Internet platform through Public Library Portal will enable access to information on public library collections in the State. The modernization Programme will also strengthen the library staff of 140 public libraries in the state to provide services and management of their activities in an efficient manner. As part of the Project, two Workshops are being organized at Jammu and Srinagar to train the public libraries staff in the use of latest Information and Communication tools.


" The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuries.
                                            - Descartes
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