Use the Net to revitalize library networks<\/p>\n
By Muhartoyo<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The idea of library networking in Indonesia has
\nbeen around since the 1970s. The idea was born of four main
\nreasons which are still valid.<\/p>\n
First, librarians realize that not a single library can
\nfulfill information needs of its users. Second, existing library
\ncollections should be intensively and properly utilized. Third,
\ngood information networking would enable librarians to discover
\nthe strength of each library collection and reduce the
\nduplication of library collections during acquisitions. Fourth,
\nlibrary networking improves dissemination of information among
\npotential users and end-users.<\/p>\n
Traditionally to facilitate library networking, librarians
\nproduced the Union Catalogs, or the Union Lists of
\nBibliographies, i.e. a printed catalog or bibliographies of all
\nmember libraries indicating the title of collections, usually in
\nalphabetical order.<\/p>\n
To create such union catalogs and union lists requires
\nconcerted and laborious effort among librarians involved in the
\nnetwork. Besides, regular updates have to be done otherwise the
\nunion catalog will not reflect the real collections of member
\nlibraries.<\/p>\n
This networking system was centralized in nature as the hub of
\nthe network assumed responsibility in coordinating and compiling
\ndata from member libraries.<\/p>\n
This type of library networking was practiced in the late
\n1970s and involved major libraries such as the libraries of the
\nCenter for Scientific Documentation and Information-Indonesian
\nInstitute of Sciences, the Bandung Institute of Technology,
\nGadjah Mada University, Bogor Institute of Agriculture, Surabaya
\n10 November Institute of Technology, Airlangga University,
\nHasanudin University and North Sumatra University.<\/p>\n
The publication of union catalogs and bibliographies has
\nenabled users in local libraries to trace the availability of
\nspecific information in other libraries.<\/p>\n
However, union catalogs and bibliographies have not been
\nupdated on a regular basis, resulting in outdated information.<\/p>\n
Consequently, the rate of failure of document order from one
\nlibrary to another is high because the union catalogs do not
\nreally reflect the current collections of the libraries.<\/p>\n
Ipteknet<\/p>\n
In view of improving information networking and accessibility
\nin the late 1980s, the Ipteknet project was proposed. Ipteknet
\nwas envisaged to develop computer networking among information
\ncenters to support the decision-making process and research and
\ndevelopment in the country. This project was administered under
\nthe National Research Council.<\/p>\n
Although in its inception it was intended for library-based
\ninformation networks, in later development it was enlarged to
\ncater to a wide range of information such as research projects,
\nstatistical information, bibliographies, geographical
\ninformation, indexes to periodical articles and market\/trade
\ninformation.<\/p>\n
During the development process there was a long debate and
\ndiscussion on how to organize and present the wide range of
\ninformation under the Ipteknet project.<\/p>\n
The discussion also covered the networking system, whether
\nIpteknet would adopt a centralized or a distributed system as
\nwell as what kind of software would be used for the networking.
\nIn the early 1990s, Internet technology started to emerge in
\nIndonesia. Ipteknet then adopted Internet technology for its
\nnetworking projects by setting up a website,
\nhttp:\/\/www.iptek.ne.go.id<\/p>\n
Internet<\/p>\n
Although Internet technology has been developed since the late
\n1960s, it was not until the 1990s that it was widely used after
\nthe introduction of World Wide Web.<\/p>\n
In line with the development of computer software and
\nhardware, the Internet offers more interesting features and
\nfacilities. A website now can contain a variety of information
\nfrom plain text, colorful animated images to audiovisual
\nmaterials.<\/p>\n
By using a search engine or a database interface, a website
\ncan even provide information retrieval facilities. For librarians
\nthis is the right momentum to revitalize library networking in
\nthe country in order to provide better services to their users.<\/p>\n
In this Internet era it is no longer relevant to have
\ncentralized library networks like the one in the past which
\nrequired too much effort and funding. Each library now has a lot
\nmore flexibility in developing its own bibliographic database.<\/p>\n
Libraries do not have to worry too much about which software
\nthey use -- whether it is non-relational database software like
\nCDS\/ISIS or relational database software such as Dbase and
\nMicrosoft Access; the database structure they develop; or whether
\nthe structure is in compliance with another library's or not.<\/p>\n
Of course they still need to follow library standards or
\nconventions in developing their bibliographic databases. What
\nthey need to worry about is how to upload their catalogs and
\nbibliographies into the databases speedily so that they are
\naccessible to their users.<\/p>\n
I strongly believe that every big library can afford to have
\nits own website and upload its bibliographic database on it.<\/p>\n
If all major libraries uploaded their bibliographic databases
\non their websites, the wealth of Indonesian library collections
\nwould be quite transparent.<\/p>\n
Every user would be able to locate the documents they are
\ninterested in. In using the Internet, a distributed library
\nnetwork would be the most appropriate system.<\/p>\n
Libraries should cooperate to form a distributed network and
\nmake agreements on reciprocal borrowing in which registered
\nmembers from one library could borrow from other libraries within
\nthe network.<\/p>\n
It is also quite possible to develop well-organized
\ninterlibrary loans. In this case cooperation with post office
\nmanagement would be necessary because library document transfer
\nand delivery should be carried out safely and at affordable
\nrates.<\/p>\n
The post office could introduce a flat rate for document
\ndelivery. Librarians also would have to use special envelopes
\nthat would guarantee library documents would not be damaged
\nduring transportation.<\/p>\n
The Internet has provided both challenges and opportunities
\nfor contemporary librarians to realize the ideals of older
\nlibrarians in providing better services through library
\nnetworking.<\/p>\n
The challenge is in how to develop librarians' skills and
\nabilities in order to be able to utilize modern information
\ntechnology like the Internet. The opportunity is that information
\ncontained within libraries could be disseminated to a wide range
\nof users. Librarians could play an important role in developing
\nan information-conscious society.<\/p>\n
The writer is an Asian and Pacific Coconut Community
\ndocumentalist.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/use-the-net-to-revitalize-library-networks-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}