Automated book acquisition system: A case study of central libraries of IIT delhi, IIT kanpur and Kashmir University

The present study is carried out with the intent to highlight and compare the status of automation of book acquisition system in the Central Library, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi; P. K. Kelkar Library, IIT Kanpur and Allama Iqbal Library, Kashmir University. The study examines the general and selected features of acquisition module of LibSys and Virtua software packages. The study revealed that there is no major difference in using the general features of acquisition module among the select libraries. However, it was observed that Central Library, IIT Delhi and Allama Iqbal Library, Kashmir University run parallel in utilizing equal number of selected features of their acquisition module, while as P. K. Kelkar Library, IIT Kanpur lags behind in this direction. Furthermore, it is also observed that even if the acquisition module of select software packages offer many features, it however, remains to be seen that when the select libraries will use all the features provided by the acquisition module of their respective software packages.

The general and selected features of acquisition module of LibSys and Virtua library management systems used by the select libraries are thoroughly studied by sorting into respective systems. Being descriptive in nature, the investigators adopted survey method by disseminating questionnaires and conducted interview for gathering necessary data.

The results of this study reveal that the select IIT libraries are using LSPremia version of LibSys while Allama Iqbal Library is using Virtua software. Notably, Virtua encompasses all the features that fulfil international standards. In comparison, LibSys has tried to cover the basic features of acquisition system, but the fulfilment of standards as that of Virtua is limited. The results also reveal that the Central Library, IIT Delhi and Allama Iqbal Library are utilizing equal number of selected features of automated book acquisition system while P. K. Kelkar Library, IIT Kanpur lags behind. However, disappointingly none of the surveyed libraries use all the select features of their acquisition module.

The findings of the present study will hopefully encourage the select libraries; particularly IIT Kanpur for maximum utilization of acquisition module of their software. Besides this, the study will also help other libraries in selecting the features that demand the first attention to be automated in acquisition system.

The results of this study will expectantly stimulate the select libraries for the improvement of their present automated book acquisition system. The study will also help the select software developers to overcome the shortfalls revealed herewith. Moreover, the present study will also help the large academic as well as special libraries in selecting the package that will enhance their acquisition system.