{"id":175,"date":"2018-07-11T08:50:46","date_gmt":"2018-07-11T08:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lisp13.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/?post_type=chapter&p=175"},"modified":"2018-08-02T06:29:00","modified_gmt":"2018-08-02T06:29:00","slug":"resource-sharing-and-networking","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp13\/chapter\/resource-sharing-and-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Resource Sharing and Networking"},"content":{"raw":"
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  1. \u00a0<\/strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    The concept of a modern library itself means \u2017sharing of information resources\u2018. Using a library means accommodating others (fellow members) on one hand and \u2017requesting\u2018 others to get him\/her accommodated on the other. Thus \u2017sharing\u2018 with others and \u2017caring\u2018 for others are the inherent properties of a library. Public libraries try to satisfy the hunger for information of their patrons either on its own or through some other libraries. This is more true and relevant in today\u2018s scenario where we can see exponential growth in number of publications, their ever increasing cost, growing demands and expectations from libraries and decreasing budgets of libraries.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Growth in ICT has also forced and compelled the libraries to think in terms of formation of a library network and share its resources with others. Considering the necessity of building and maintaining library networks IFLA, in its Publications -147 i.e. IFLA Public Library Service Guidelines, suggested that \u2015The library manager must ensure that networks are developed and maintained at the national, regional and local level to ensure optimum access to ICT and cooperative services. This enables a wide range of resources to be brought to the customer at a local level. The library manager should also develop effective working partnerships with other organisations in the community, benefiting both the library and its customers and also the partner\u2016.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

    The goals of library resource sharing networks are often stated in terms of more services for the same cost or same services for the less cost.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Resource Sharing: What and Why<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

    Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science defines resource as a person, thing, or action to which one resorts to, when needed. In other words, we can say that resource sharing is a way of library cooperation whereby library resources (manpower, material, functions, methods, expertise, services and infrastructure, etc.) are shared amongst participating libraries. Resource sharing is done in a way so that the availability of sources is maximized and cost is minimized. This leads to the optimum utilization of library resources. Resource sharing is mainly aimed at providing suitable access to information to library users irrespective of the locations of the resources. That would mean, libraries go beyond their own resources to satisfy the user requirements.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Resource sharing encompasses sharing of information, all types of databases, cooperative acquisition, shared cataloguing, sharing of manpower, equipment, expertise and services. Resource sharing via network implies automation, data communication and effective cooperation. Allan Kent provides a description of some of the concepts associated with the resource sharing activity as \u2015Resource sharing in libraries is defined as a mode of operation where the functions are shared in common by a number of libraries in its most positive effects. Resource sharing entails reciprocity, employing partnership in which each member has something useful to contribute to others and in which every member is willing and able to make available when needed\u2016.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Library resource sharing does not mean that participating libraries need to compromise on their individual autonomy and identity. In fact the gains of resource sharing are to be obtained without in any way adversely affecting the objectives or interest of the participating libraries. However, some minor adjustments may have to be made in exceptional situations, with regards to the operational methods.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nThus in the light of above discussion, we can conclude that the objectives of library resource sharing\r\n\r\nare:\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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