NACLIN 2012 Report

Dr. Sangeeta Kaul

The 15th National Convention on Knowledge, Library and Information Networking – NACLIN
2012 organised by DELNET in collaboration with the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Vadodara, Gujarat from November 20-22, 2012, was inaugurated at the Prof. CC Mehta Auditorium,
MSUB, Vadodara by the Chief Guest Shri V.N. Maira, IAS, Former Additional Chief Secretary
(Planning), Government of Gujarat on November 20, 2012. NACLIN 2012 was supported by
organisations including Cengage Learning India Pvt. Ltd., iGroup/Balani Infotech Pvt Ltd, RRRLF,
DRDO and BRG Group.

Dr. Mayank J. Trivedi, Organising Secretary, NACLIN 2012 and University Librarian, The Maharaja
Sayajirao University of Baroda welcomed the delegates. He thanked DELNET for collaborating with
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroada, Vadodara to organise the event on the occasion of the
150th birth anniversary of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad III.

It was followed by the Introductory address by Dr. H.K. Kaul, Founding Director, DELNET. He
started the address by paying a tribute to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad III and applauded the
commendable work being done by the Maharaja for bringing the libraries to the citizens of Baroda and
for initiating the library movement a hundred years ago. According to Dr. Kaul, the means of access to
knowledge has changed. Also it is quite essential to evaluate the quality of the information resource.
He also appraised the delegates about the National Mission on Libraries conceived by the Government
of India in March 2012 and the subgroup on the National Virtual Library for India. He added that there
is no census of libraries and under the mission the government is keen to initiate the work on the
census of libraries in order to gauge the number of libraries that exist existing in the country.

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It was followed by the address of the Guest of Honour, Hon’ble Dr. (Smt) Mrunalini Devi Puar,
Chancellor, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. She said that the library is the soul and
knowledge bowl of an institution. It is a place to learn, relearn and unlearn the emerging and prevalent
trends of our civilisation and existence Dr. (Mrs.) Puar observed that E-libraries and
networking of libraries are some of the latest advancements to be introduced in the libraries across the
State and the country as it would reduce the gap between the user and the resource centres. She said
that libraries have gone through unimaginable changes in the past few years and new challenges have
to be met to keep pace with the present needs. Furthermore, according to her, LIS professionals need
to design, frame new methods and devices to equip themselves with pertinent awareness to meet the
new challenges of the present times. Shri V.N. Maira, IAS, Former Additional Chief Secretary
(Planning), Government of Gujarat, Chief Guest and currently Chairman, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company
Ltd. delivered the inaugural address. He said that Baroda city is known as Sanskar Nagri, i.e. the
cultural city and that the services and the effects of the libraries on its users should be quantifiable. He
applauded the efforts of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in promoting the opening of the libraries in
villages wherein after school hours the libraries were used by the general public. Mr. Maira affirmed
that Wikipedia has become the gospel truth and Internet has become a divine truth. He also reiterated
the need to turn information into knowledge and cautioned that if the Library and Information Science
professionals want to become knowledge providers they should first become knowledge seekers and
one should not get too distracted on the net.

It was followed by the release of NACLIN 2012 publications by the Chief Guest Mr. V. N. Maira
including the pre-conference proceedings and the Souvenir.

The Presidential address was delivered by Hon’ble Prof. Yogesh Singh, Hon’ble VC, MSUB. He
noted that the 21st century is a knowledge century and said that the LIS professionals must upgrade
their skills and knowledge to accept the challenges arising out of the new demands and needs of the
users. He added that the National Mission on Libraries should make the National Virtual Library free
of charge to the citizens of the country. He felt the need for initiating more avenues for innovations in
the country which according to him relies more on the natural resources.

Dr. Sangeeta Kaul, Network Manager, DELNET gave the vote of thanks.

It was followed by the inauguration of the NACLIN 2012 exhibition pavilion by the Hon’ble Dr.
Mrunali Devi Puar, Chancellor, MSUB and Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, MSUB. The
companies including Cengage Learning, iGroup/Balani Infotech, Beegees Computers, Economic and
Political Weekly, Prashant Books Agency, Proquest, Rapid Radio Solutions, Sage Publications,
Taxmann and Total IT Solutions exhibited their products.

Under the technology updates session, the companies including Cengage Learning India Pvt Ltd,
EBSCO Information Services India, Proquest, Beeges Computers, Sage Publications and Taxmann
Publications Pvt. Ltd. gave product demonstrations.

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A tutorial on Koha : An Open Source Integrated Library System was conducted by Dr. Sangeeta Kaul,
Network Manager, DELNET, New Delhi. A CD containing the open source software for installation
both on Windows and Linux was distributed to the delegates.

A cultural programme was organised on the occasion which raised the morale of the participants and
brightened the evening.

The second day of the Convention started with a Technical Session I on the “Library Movement of
India.” The session was chaired by Dr. H. K. Kaul, Director, DELNET.

The keynote paper entitled “Libraries in the Knowledge Society” was delivered by Dr. P.R. Goswami,
Director, NASSDOC, New Delhi and Former Director CSL & Libraries, Ministry of Culture. He
focused on the evolution of the libraries, the various dimensions of knowledge, the knowledge creation
and the growing role of libraries. Dr. Goswami said that KM practices need to be followed in libraries
and further added that in future libraries will be judged by their overall relevance to the people in their
domain and they must develop the domain knowledge.

A paper entitled “Library Movement in India : With Special Reference to the Contribution of the
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad III” was presented by Mr. Jaydeep D. Mehta, Librarian, CU Shah
Technical Institute of Diploma Studies, Surendranagar co-authored with Ms. Meghna J. Vyas,
Research Scholar (Library & Information Science), SCSVMV University, Enathur, Kanchipuram,
Tamil Nadu and Librarian, CU Shah College of Pharmacy and Research, and Dr. Mayank J. Trivedi,
University Librarian, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univeristy of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat.

Dr. Sudha A., Deputy Librarian, Kannur Univeristy, Kannur, Kerala presented her paper entitled “
Public Library Movement in Kerala : The Hundred Years of Introspection. It was followed by another
paper entitled “Ten Decades of Growth and Development of the Public Library System in India: A
Study of Public Libraries in Goa State” which was delivered by Mr. Sandesh B. Desai, Librarian, Goa
College of Engineering, Goa and co-authored with Mr. B.B. Satpute, Deputy Librarian, National
Institute of Technology, Goa.

The Technical Session II entitled “Libraries : Learning Spaces and Networking” was chaired by Prof.
I.V. Malhan, Dean, School of Mathematics, Computers and Information Science, Central University of
Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

The keynote paper entitled “Libraries as Learning Spaces : Metaphor Intact, Myths Exploding” was
delivered by Prof. Jagtar Singh, Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi
University, Patiala, Punjab. He maintained that ICTs and the Internet are supplementing the traditional
libraries and not supplanting them. He added that in a country like India where around one third of the
population lives below the poverty line and is illiterate as well, the total replacement of traditional

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libraries by digital libraries and virtual libraries is a myth rather than a real reality and reassured that
the future of libraries on learning spaces is intact and ICTs are only furthering the mission of the
libraries. Dr. H.K. Kaul, Director, DELNET presented the paper entitled “DELNET-Developing
Library Network-The Network that Evolved into a Major Network” wherein he gave a historical
background of the conceptualisation and growth of DELNET.

This session was followed by Visit to the Poster Presentation Area which was chaired by Dr. P. R.
Goswami. The posters covering the aspects of Mobile Applications for Library and Information
Centres, Library Automation, New Skills for the New Age, E-resources,Advancements in IR Methods,
Libraries in Knowledge Society, DELNET Consortium, --- were presented by Suvarna Walimbe, Dr.
Shaista Muqeem, Mr. Ramesh Bhimrao Patil, Ms. Anjali S. Kadappa, Ms. Chanchal Gyanchandani,
Ms. Dhaval Bhatt, Dr. Jayalakashmi and Dr. Kanakbal Arvind Kumar Jani.

The post lunch session, Technical Session III on “Digital Resources” was chaired by Dr. Jagtar
Singh, Professor, Dept of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University, Patiala. The keynote
paper entitled “Challenges and Problems of Enriching Digital Information Reserves and Improving
Their Access” was presented by Prof. Inder Vir Malhan, Dean, School of Mathematics, Computers
and Information Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, District Kangra,
Himachal Pradesh. He discussed in detail the latest trends of publication of digital documents and the
emergence of the new generation of information products and knowledge management tools to
improve accessibility of digital information resources. He spoke at length about the challenges and
problems for preservation and improving access of digital reserves.

The paper entitled “Knowledge Centre for Development of Sairang Village, Mizoram” was delivered
by Dr. (Ms.) Lalremsiami, Librarian-in-charge, Central Library, Mizoram University, Tanhril,
Aizawal, Mizoram. Another paper entitled “Use of Digital/Electronic Resources in Engineering
College Environment: A Case Study of K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research,
Nashik” was delivered by Mr. Prakash S. Bodke, Librarian, K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering
Education & Research, Nashik, Maharashtra written with Dr. Shrish S. Sane, Head, Dept. of
Computer Engineering, K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research, Nashik,
Maharashtra.

The paper entitled “Use of E-resources by the Students of the Babaria Institute of Pharmacy,
Vadodara” was presented by Ms. Raxa Raysinh Solanki, Librarian, Aryakanya Shuddha Ayurved
Mahavidyalaya, Vadodara, Gujarat written with Ms. Rekha Raysinh Solanki, Library Clerk, The
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat. The last paper entitled “An Overview of
Electronic Resources (E-resources) of the National Library, India and its Implications” was delivered
by Ms. Deepshikha Pathak, Library and Information Assistant, National Library, Kolkata, West
Bengal co-authored with Mr. Partha Sarathi Das, Assistant Library and Information Officer, National
Library, Kolkata, West Bengal.
.

The last technical session of the day, i.e. Technical Session IV entitled “Library and Information
Science Education and Skills” was chaired by Prof. M.B. Konnur, Retd. Professor and Head, Dept of

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Library and Information Science, University of Pune, Pune and Co-Chaired by Dr. Shyama Rajaram,
Head, DLISc, The MS University of Baroda, Vadodara. Prof. C.R. Karisiddappa, Visiting Professor,
former UGC Emeritus Professor (2008-2010), Department of Library & Information Science,
Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka delivered the keynote paper entitled “Revamping the
Library and Information Science Education in India.” Prof. Karisiddappa shared the global thinking
on revamping the LIS Education and also the challenges being faced in India. The choice of the
curriculum pattern and the training of LIS teachers, accreditation of LIS programmes, distance
education pros and cons were also discussed in detail. The last paper of the day entitled “The Skills for
LIS Professionals in the Digital Age” was delivered by Dr. H.K. Kaul, Director, DELNET. He spoke
at length about librarianship in the 21st century. Also, he discussed in detail the skills needed for
selecting the quality content; managing online content; database creation skills, social media skills,
etc.

It was followed by the presentations by the Host Institutions. Miss Jyoti Bhatt, Asstt Librarian on the
Smt Hansa Mehta Library, MSUB Baroda and my presentation on DELNET.

The spectacular cultural evening was a great success and all the participants from across the country
enjoyed doing the garba dance.

The third and last day of the convention started with Technical Session V entitled “Technologies
Transforming Libraries” and was chaired by Dr. A.R.D. Prasad, Professor and Head, DRTC,
Bangalore. The keynote paper entitled “Data Repositories and Linked Data” was presented by Dr.
Prasad. Another keynote paper entitled “Use of Social Networking for Library and Information
Centres” was delivered by Dr. T.S. Kumbar, Librarian, Indian Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad.
The paper entitled “Design and Development of Institutional Repository of Electronic Theses and
Dissertations at Smt. Hansa Mehta Library, M.S. University of Baroda: A Case Study” was delivered
by Ms. Binal H. Joshi, Librarian, Institute of Technology, Varnama, District Vadodara, Gujarat written
with Dr. Mayank J. Trivedi, University Librarian, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Vadodara, Gujarat.

The paper entitled “Institutional Repository (IR) of Babaria Institute of Pharmacy (BIP) Library Using
Dspace Software” was delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Ranjita N. Dash, Librarian, Babaria Institute of
Pharmacy, Varnama, Vadodara, Gujarat. The paper entitled “Perception and Use of Mobile
Technology for Qualitative Research by the Scholars in Mahatma Gandhi University: A Case Study”
was presented by Mr. Maghesh Rajan M, Assistant Librarian, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam,
Kerala.

The Technical Session VI entitled “Library Services” was chaired by Prof. C.R. Karisiddappa and the
paper entitled “Library and Information Services: The Growing Global Trends” was presented by Dr.
Sangeeta Kaul, Network Manager, DELNET. The paper entitled “Mapping a Knowledge Resource
Centre’s Services Beyond its Direct Deliverables” was delivered by Mr. Ashutosh Gopalrao Joshi,
Manager-Knowledge Resource Centre & Services, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Nashik, Maharashtra.
The last paper entitled “Need for a National Information Centre for Indian Languages at CIIL,
Mysore: A Proposal” was delivered by Dr. R. Suman Kumari, Librarian, Central Institute of Indian
Languages, Mysore, Karnataka.

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 It was followed by technology update presentations by IGroup, the presentation of
Turnitin. The plagiarism detection software was made followed by another presentation
by Total IT Solutions wherein a presentation of 3M RFID products was made.

The panel discussion on the theme of the Conference “Libraries for the Future” was held which
was chaired by Dr. H. K. Kaul. The panelists comprised Prof. C. R. Karisiddappa, Dr. A. R. D.
Prasad, Dr. Jagtar Singh and Prof. I. V. Malhan. Dr. Kaul  highlighted the issues which were going to
define the roles libraries could play in future including the selection of  new content, growth of open
access repositories,  processing of the existing content in libraries, access to select content, challenges
to libraries from commercial agencies, technology challenges, and the challenges from users
themselves.

Dr. Jagtar Singh felt that the information pollution was growing and finding proper
content was like finding a needle in a haystack. Dr. Prasad mentioned that domain
specific and discipline specific information resources needed to be identified. Prof.
Malhan added that there was the need for quality filtering of the content. The panelists
felt that the library professionals needed to be trained in processing of information and
devising of techniques for selecting the best content. Dr. Jagtar Singh said that the
information professionals should be trained in information consolidation. It was felt that
the principle of demand and supply would  apply  to the development of libraries for the
future. Dr. Prasad was of the opinion that librarians were not  trained to identify good or
bad content.  Prof. Malhan maintained that policies should be spelt out for identifying
good online content. The panelists were convinced that librarians would  have to provide
efficient services in order  to face competition from commercial agencies. More stress
was laid for providing appropriate training to working professionals and students in the
University Departments of Library and Information Science. Prof. Karisiddappa was of
the opinion that were reluctant professionals to face the technology challenges. The
panelists felt that the Library Science teachers were not  trained to teach new technology
courses. Dr. Jagtar Singh said that the State Universities were virtually starved of good
talent in  LIS Departments and it was necessary to  take a holistic approach in this regard.
While Prof. Karisiddappa was of the opinion that curricula could be designed but who
would teach new content, Prof. Malhan believed that for capacity building a massive
effort was needed. Dr. Prasad mentioned that the concept of virtual library would not
work. Instead, community information service was important.  Prof. Karsiddappa
observed that professionals were not providing better service to users.  Dr. Kaul  who
initiated the discussion on various issues of relevance to ‘Libraries for the Future’
summed up by saying that there was indeed the need for establishing a good public
library system in the country where both the Central and State Governments needed to
collaborate without wasting more time. He said that the National Mission on Libraries
was looking  at  various issues that would strengthen the roles libraries could play in
future. He added that the future of libraries was as much in the hands of  Central and
State Governments  as it was the responsibility of library professionals themselves.

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 Library professionals would have to work as  knowledge workers. The libraries managed
by  knowledge workers would definitely succeed in future.

The valedictory function started with a welcome address by Dr. Mayank J. Trivedi, Organising
Secretary, NACLIN 2012. Dr Jagdish Arora delivered the valedictory address. He said that the users
are drifting away from the libraries because of the E-revolution. He observed that the collections are
growing in libraries and in order to accommodate them the user spaces are being taken away. He
affirmed that the library building, library collections and library staff are all related. Dr. Trivedi added
that though in the digital environment there is no need to have physical spaces but the effective
methods for searching through federated search facilities are not available yet. Dr. Arora noted that in
the physical environment the interaction between the library staff and the resource collection remains
quite high though in the digital environment, the distance between the user and the resource is good
and the library staff does not have a close interaction with the resource. He urged the need to have the
physical spaces for the users, to develop conducive environments in the library for users in the
electronic environment. He also cited the various assumptions and said that the library as a subsidy
may not exist and felt that disruptive technologies are taking the users away from the libraries. He
mentioned that providing quality space and social space is an important aspect to be looked after by
the libraries. Also the need for virtual reference services, outreach programmes and information
literacy skills was stressed by him. Dr. Arora observed that selecting appropriate resources, managing
licenses, negotiating terms and references and also managing digital repositories are some of the major
tasks to be undertaken by libraries.

Mr. Pravin Vasant Kamat of Goa College of Engineering, Goa won the lucky draw for free registration
at the NACLIN 2013 Conference.

Dr. H. K. Kaul delivered the Presidential address. He emphasised the great challenges being
encountered by the libraries and felt the need for a higher pace of collaboration, connectivity between
the users and the libraries. The need for strong human networking was also urged by him. It was
followed by a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Mayank Trivedi and Dr. Sangeeta Kaul.

NACLIN 2013 will be held at MNIT Jaipur (www.mnit.ac.in) during September/October 2013. The
details will be available soon at www.naclin.org

Looking forward to your presence at NACLIN 2013 !