THRISSUR: Anyone who log on to central library website of Kerala Agriculture University can now access the details of a book in any of the libraries under KAU with ease. The central library at the varsity has taken a significant step towards modernising the library management system by introducing e-Granth and Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) systems.
The library, housed in a sprawling 4,000 sq metre building at KAU headquaters in Thrissur, coordinates Kerala Agricultural University Library and Information System (KAULIS) consisting of central library and six college libraries and research stations spread all over Kerala. The library, which has all basic hardware and software systems essential for modern library and information services, provides wireless access facility through which library clientele can access e-resources.
The collection of information sources in print and electronic media covers all subjects in the thrust and general areas of the university. Besides, the central library is the repository of MSc / PhD theses submitted to various faculties of the university, said KAU authorities.The prestigious collection of more than 7,000 back volumes of Indian and foreign journals is popular among students, teachers and scientists all over India. DVDs related to climate change, water, tsunami, pollution and renewable energy are also available. Farmer’s division has books, pamphlets and video programmes on farming method and animal rearing. According to the university librarian K P Sathyan, the e-Granth project implemented under the aegis of ICAR provides an excellent platform for not only students and researchers but also for the common man who seeks knowledge. “A click on the website (www.egranth.ac.in) will give access to the e-library index. Those who are searching for a particular book will get all details like the availability of the book, its cover page and information on other books on same subjects from the same source,” he said.
The library system has evolved along with the growth of ICT, said KAU Vice-chancellor P Rajendran. “KAU has well equipped libraries in all colleges and the e-Granth and OPAC module coordinated by the central library which provides instant access to all books and journals in the system. Modern education system involves gathering information from all possible sources and updating of knowledge. Apart from printed books, knowledge available from e-sources is highly pertinent in this context.
That’s where KAU’s OPAC linkage becomes relevant, he said.The university library also facilitates training in library management softwares like KOHA, CeRA, Indiastat, Endnote and Delnet to library professionals and teachers. The training module is scheduled on August 22 and 23.