With digital mode being the most preferred one in all transactions in life, the two libraries of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, is developing itself to catch the pace. With a click of knob one can get information of the books in the library, its availability, without going through the age old method of searching in the catalogue.
Talking to The Live Nagpur, Dr Vijay Khandal, head of the university’s library, now called Knowledge Resource Centre, stated that digitisation of all the books is in progress. The library has about 4.50 lakh books in two libraries, one in Ramdaspeth and the other in the Post-Graduate Teaching Department Campus, on Amravati Road.
 By visiting the University’s official website, one can search for the book on Web-OPAC (Online Public Catalogue). Even if name of the author is entered, entire list of books of the author is displayed. The desired title can be clicked.
Its availability can also be checked on-line. The time and process for visiting the library, searching for the book and its availability is thus avoided.
Through Radio Frequency identification (RFID) the book is issued, without the help of issuing person. The entry into the University’s record is immediately made using the new equipment. The book cannot be taken out without completing the formality. Siren blows, if someone tries to skip the process to take out the book, Dr Khandal stated.
The process of upgrading the entire system is in process. Dr Khandal, who has been appointed Director of the Knowledge Resource Centre, a couple of months back, has several such plans for modernising the system.
Preservation of valuable manuscripts is another task he has undertaken. The manuscripts, about 16000 in number, need careful preservation. Unfortunately a few years back, the post of Manuscript Officer was abolished by the university. Dr Ayachit was the last person who worked tirelessly to preserve the manuscripts and also make two catalogues of the same.
If the manuscripts are made available to Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, further research could be promoted.
A dedicated unit for the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) or Divyang has also been created. Very soon it will be available for partially sighted persons. They can enlarge the image or type size to use the digitised books. Dr Khandal has plans to make available computer with Braille script keyboard and other gadgets for use of the PwD.
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