Use the Net to revitalize library networks

Use the Net to revitalize library networks

By Muhartoyo

JAKARTA (JP): The idea of library networking in Indonesia has
been around since the 1970s. The idea was born of four main
reasons which are still valid.

First, librarians realize that not a single library can
fulfill information needs of its users. Second, existing library
collections should be intensively and properly utilized. Third,
good information networking would enable librarians to discover
the strength of each library collection and reduce the
duplication of library collections during acquisitions. Fourth,
library networking improves dissemination of information among
potential users and end-users.

Traditionally to facilitate library networking, librarians
produced the Union Catalogs, or the Union Lists of
Bibliographies, i.e. a printed catalog or bibliographies of all
member libraries indicating the title of collections, usually in
alphabetical order.

To create such union catalogs and union lists requires
concerted and laborious effort among librarians involved in the
network. Besides, regular updates have to be done otherwise the
union catalog will not reflect the real collections of member
libraries.

This networking system was centralized in nature as the hub of
the network assumed responsibility in coordinating and compiling
data from member libraries.

This type of library networking was practiced in the late
1970s and involved major libraries such as the libraries of the
Center for Scientific Documentation and Information-Indonesian
Institute of Sciences, the Bandung Institute of Technology,
Gadjah Mada University, Bogor Institute of Agriculture, Surabaya
10 November Institute of Technology, Airlangga University,
Hasanudin University and North Sumatra University.

The publication of union catalogs and bibliographies has
enabled users in local libraries to trace the availability of
specific information in other libraries.

However, union catalogs and bibliographies have not been
updated on a regular basis, resulting in outdated information.

Consequently, the rate of failure of document order from one
library to another is high because the union catalogs do not
really reflect the current collections of the libraries.

Ipteknet

In view of improving information networking and accessibility
in the late 1980s, the Ipteknet project was proposed. Ipteknet
was envisaged to develop computer networking among information
centers to support the decision-making process and research and
development in the country. This project was administered under
the National Research Council.

Although in its inception it was intended for library-based
information networks, in later development it was enlarged to
cater to a wide range of information such as research projects,
statistical information, bibliographies, geographical
information, indexes to periodical articles and market/trade
information.

During the development process there was a long debate and
discussion on how to organize and present the wide range of
information under the Ipteknet project.

The discussion also covered the networking system, whether
Ipteknet would adopt a centralized or a distributed system as
well as what kind of software would be used for the networking.
In the early 1990s, Internet technology started to emerge in
Indonesia. Ipteknet then adopted Internet technology for its
networking projects by setting up a website,
http://www.iptek.ne.go.id

Internet

Although Internet technology has been developed since the late
1960s, it was not until the 1990s that it was widely used after
the introduction of World Wide Web.

In line with the development of computer software and
hardware, the Internet offers more interesting features and
facilities. A website now can contain a variety of information
from plain text, colorful animated images to audiovisual
materials.

By using a search engine or a database interface, a website
can even provide information retrieval facilities. For librarians
this is the right momentum to revitalize library networking in
the country in order to provide better services to their users.

In this Internet era it is no longer relevant to have
centralized library networks like the one in the past which
required too much effort and funding. Each library now has a lot
more flexibility in developing its own bibliographic database.

Libraries do not have to worry too much about which software
they use -- whether it is non-relational database software like
CDS/ISIS or relational database software such as Dbase and
Microsoft Access; the database structure they develop; or whether
the structure is in compliance with another library's or not.

Of course they still need to follow library standards or
conventions in developing their bibliographic databases. What
they need to worry about is how to upload their catalogs and
bibliographies into the databases speedily so that they are
accessible to their users.

I strongly believe that every big library can afford to have
its own website and upload its bibliographic database on it.

If all major libraries uploaded their bibliographic databases
on their websites, the wealth of Indonesian library collections
would be quite transparent.

Every user would be able to locate the documents they are
interested in. In using the Internet, a distributed library
network would be the most appropriate system.

Libraries should cooperate to form a distributed network and
make agreements on reciprocal borrowing in which registered
members from one library could borrow from other libraries within
the network.

It is also quite possible to develop well-organized
interlibrary loans. In this case cooperation with post office
management would be necessary because library document transfer
and delivery should be carried out safely and at affordable
rates.

The post office could introduce a flat rate for document
delivery. Librarians also would have to use special envelopes
that would guarantee library documents would not be damaged
during transportation.

The Internet has provided both challenges and opportunities
for contemporary librarians to realize the ideals of older
librarians in providing better services through library
networking.

The challenge is in how to develop librarians' skills and
abilities in order to be able to utilize modern information
technology like the Internet. The opportunity is that information
contained within libraries could be disseminated to a wide range
of users. Librarians could play an important role in developing
an information-conscious society.

The writer is an Asian and Pacific Coconut Community
documentalist.