Central Library to launch electronic services

The next time you borrow a book from the State Central Library, you need not worry about returning it on time.
State Central Library at Palayam
State Central Library at Palayam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The next time you borrow a book from the State Central Library, you need not worry about returning it on time. A timely reminder will be duly sent to you. You also will not have to keep looking for a specific title. Instead just reserve the same, and it will be made available to you.

In an effort to ensure the smooth running of the library and clear the huge backlog of pending books, the State Central Library is launching electronic services for the first time. In addition to SMS and e-mail facilities, an Electronic Display Screen is also being set up. Education Minister C Raveendranath will officially launch the service on Wednesday.

Every time a book is issued in his or her name, members will get an SMS alert. Also, reservation details will be intimated through SMS. If you looking for a specific book, you can reserve the same. Next time it’s available, the library will alert you.

“Currently there are close to one lakh members. And every day there are around 2,000 transactions. Normally the library sends reminders to return books by the due date and still it’s very difficult to get it returned on time. Sometimes it takes more than ten years to get certain books back.  Also, members have to pay huge arrears. Sending reminders through the post is time-consuming and may serve the purpose. That’s why the electronic service is being launched. Book check-in, over due charge information and reservation, will be informed through SMS,” said P K Sobhana, State Librarian.

The new service has become possible with the Central Library shifting to an Open Source platform - Koha. “We developed this particular SMS service with the help of the IT Department. It can be used by any library. They can install the service free of cost,” said Sobhana adding that the trial run started early this year.

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