ICT infrastructure in College Libraries of Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India: A Survey

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays an important role in library automation or computerization which facilitates speedy operation, services and access to and delivery of information. Attempt had been made to assess the use of information communication technology (ICT) in 20 college libraries in Darjeeling District, India by investigating the ICT infrastructure, current status of library automation, barriers to implementation of library automation. A survey method based on structured questionnaires was used for the study. The findings revealed that the status of the ICT infrastructures and services of the degree colleges of Darjeeling district were at different stages of development. Most of the libraries lacked sufficient hardware and software facilities and did not have sufficient internet nodes and bandwidth. In conclusion, the provision of hardware, standardized library software, adequate financial resources, and proper training facilities for librarians and library staffs will help to strengthen the ICT application in college libraries of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India.