Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
6-2012
Document Type
Article
Citation
Library Philosophy and Practice 2012
Abstract
Introduction
The college library plays an important role in the overall development of students. Undergraduate students often visit the library to consult previous question papers and syllabi, to borrow books and other material, and to use other services. With the application of information technology and the advent of Web-based services, contents are now available to students on their desktop. Various consortia provide access to digital contents any time and in any place. Students want to see traditional services transformed into digital information services. College libraries provide information that can help lead students to graduate, post graduate, and research studies (Jefferson and Smith-Burnet, 1978). De Jager (2002) found that use of the library improved student exam results. The main objective of the college library is to provide conceptual information and provide information to students for preparing assignments. Teaching relies more on lectures than on textbooks.
The basic function of the college library is to provide the study material to its users in short possible time to serve the information requirements of the students and teachers. In this digital age, most of the college libraries have started computerization of in-house activities. Many Integrated Library Management software (ILMS) LIBSYS, SLIM ++, LIBERTY, Trodoon, LIBMAN, and open source software such as NewGenlib, Koha, Weblis, ABCD, Evergreen are also available in public domain to automate the library operations. INFLIBNET (Information Library Network) playing tremendous role in the development of libraries in India, INFLIBNET developed SOUL library automation software to university and college libraries at affordable price. Unquestionably the reputation and status of any college library depends on the quality information services provided to clients but it is rather difficult to ignore the advances in the field of ICT and libraries must adapt the new mode of information services.
About St. Stephen’s College
In India about 42 central universities, 272 state universities, 130 deemed universities and 85 private universities with 6014 colleges under section 2(f) , 12(B) of UGC Act 1956 are catering the educational needs of the people of India (http://www.ugc.ac.in). St. Stephen’s College is one of the premier institutions in India established by Cambridge mission to Delhi, Cambridge Brotherhood arrived in Delhi in 1877 to reinforce the teaching strength of school run by S.P.G mission. The College was housed in Shish Mahal in Katra Khushal Rai in Kinari Bazar from 1881 to 1890. In 1891 into own beautiful building designed by Col (later Sir) Swinton Jacob, Chief engineer of Jaipur State and in 1941 shifted to its present site in the University Enclave. College has 13 departments and presently 88 faculty members who are teaching 1400 students in the college.
St. Stephen’s College Library
St. Stephen’s College has well established library housed in separate wing having approximately 98000 books, 3000 online journals and a separate archival section which holds records pertaining to the history of the college. Having built over many years and in more spacious time when books were cheaper and grants went further the college library is a resource unmatched by any other under graduate institution in Delhi. It has also moved with the time, and is fully automated. Separate video library section with various documentaries makes it unique from other undergraduate libraries. In the digital section, students can access to information through an online library.