Digital Library Initiatives in Malabar Region of Kerala: A Study of Science and Technology Libraries.

Mohamed Musthafa . K

Dept. of Library and Information Science,

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP- 202002

musthafa.lis@gmail.com

Dr. Abdul Majeed. KC

Dept. of Library and Information Science,

Farook College, Calicut, Kerala - 673632

kcmajeed@farookcollege.ac.in 

 Abstract

This study is conducted to assess the digital library initiatives, digital collection development, infrastructural facilities, qualification of library staff and training programmes conducted in the science and technology libraries in Kerala. A well-structured questionnaire is administered to the librarians of science and technology libraries to collect the data for the study. In addition to this direct and telephone interview also conducted. The study reveals that most of the libraries have started to set up their own digital libraries in some way or other within their limitations. Insufficient finance and lack of expertise are the main constraints to start digital libraries in these institutions. Based on the study some suggestions to improve the present situation are put forward. This present study is concentrated among the science and technology libraries in the geographical area of Malabar in Kerala only. The study can be extended to other areas and other types of libraries also.

This paper is presented in the International Conference on Digital Libraries and Knowledge Organisation (ICDK 2011)Held at MDI, Gurgaon.