Library Automation and Networking

By Prof. Gireesh Kumar T. K. | Banaras Hindu University

Learners enrolled: 100

ABOUT THE COURSE:

The basic objective of this course is to apprise the learners with basics of Automation and Networking in Libraries. The course will help to acquaint with the history and generations of library automation, procedures of planning and implementation of automation software under different categories such as open source, commercial and in-house developed in libraries. Also the course will help the learners to gain in depth knowledge on areas of library automation and the process and challenges associated with it. It will also create awareness on the different types of integrated library systems (ILS) used at national and international levels and will have a step by step instructions on installation, configuration, modules, and the major features of open source ILS such as ABCD, Koha and NewGenLib. Learners will also have a comprehensive idea about the tools, strategies and techniques of retrospective conversion, which is considered as one of the major components of library automation process along with some case studies. Learners will also gain knowledge on various computerized information services such as alerting services, bibliographic services, reference and information services, responsive services and EM, Barcode and RFID Technologies. Learners will also have a clear understanding about the computer networks, topologies, and different types of national and international library networks. Learners will gain basic understanding of information search and retrieval, web based IRS, searching tools, strategies and techniques, modern IR applications such as AI, MMI, NLP, concept maps, ontology, data mining, semantic web, linked data and big data. After completion of the course the learners will be confident enough to perform automation and networking process at any library in a planned and cost-effective manner.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Library and Information Science, Computer Science or anyone who is having a Bachelor Degree in any of the Discipline

PREREQUISITES: Any Degree (BA/BSc./BCom./BLISc.)

INDUSTRY SUPPORT: All the companies/industries who have requirement of Library Professional with specialization in automation and networking recognize the course

Summary

Course Status :	Upcoming
Course Type :	Core
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	8 weeks
Category :	Library and Information Sciences
Credit Points :	2
Level :	Postgraduate
Start Date :	18 Aug 2025
End Date :	10 Oct 2025
Enrollment Ends :	18 Aug 2025
Exam Registration Ends :	29 Aug 2025
Exam Date :	25 Oct 2025 IST
NCrF Level	4.5, 7.0

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

Week 1-Library Automation

Introduction
Basics of Automation
Overview of Library Automation
Objective, Need and Requirements
History and Generations
Steps and Advantages
Barriers, Present Scenario, Recent Developments and Future Orientation
Conclusion

Week 2-Automation of Housekeeping Operations

Introduction
Planning, Implementation and Requirements
Areas of Library Automation

a) Acquisition Section

b) Technical Section

c) Circulation Section

d) Serials Control

e) Maintenance Section

f) Reports and Statistics

Conclusion

Week 3-Integrated Library System (ILS)

Introduction
Basics, Features, Developments and Selection Criteria
Implementation
Evaluation of Integrated Library System
Commercial and Open Source ILS
Features of Major OSILS

o ABCD

o Koha

o NewGenLib

Conclusion

Week 4- Retrospective Conversion

Introduction
Definition, Objectives and Scope
History, Preconversion Issues and Need
Types, Challenges and Benefits
Planning, Standards and Tools
Methods, Prospects and Case Studies
Conclusion

Week 5- Computerised Information Services

Introduction
Alerting Services-CAS, SDI and ECS
Bibliographic Services
Reference and Information Services
Responsive Services
EM, Barcode and RFID Technologies
Conclusion

Week 6- Library Networking

Introduction
Computer Networks
Computer Network Topology
Library Networks
Types of Library Networks
Hardware and Software for Library Networks
National and International Library Networks
Conclusion

Week 7- Library Consortia

Introduction
Definition, Objectives, Need and Features
Advantages and Disadvantages
Issues and Functions
Growth and Models
Factors to be Considered
International Library Consortia
Library Consortia - Indian Scenario
Conclusion

Week 8- Information Searching and Retrieval

Introduction
Information Search and Retrieval
Information Retrieval (IR) Models and Performance Evaluation
Web Based Information Retrieval Systems
Searching Tools, Strategies and Techniques
Modern IR Applications: Artificial Intelligence, Man-Machine Interface and Natural Language Processing
Modern IR Applications: Concept Maps, Ontology, Data Mining, Semantic Web, Linked Data, Big Data
Conclusion

Books and references

Rowley, J.E. 1980. Computer for Libraries. London: Clive Bingley.
R. Raman Nair.2016. Computer Application to Library and Information Services. New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications (ISBN-13: 978-8170001485)
R. Raman Nair.2000. Academic Library Automation. New Delhi: Ess Ess Publications. (ISBN-13‏: ‎ 978-8170001836)
Satyanarayana, N. R. 1995. A Manual of Computerization of Libraries. New Delhi: Viswa Prakashan.
Thomas R. K. Ochtanek and Joseph R. Matthews. Library Information Systems: From Library Automation to Distributed Information Access Solutions, London: Libraries Unlimited, 2002
H. K. Kaul. Library Networks: An Indian Experience, New Delhi: Virgo Publications, 1992
Satyanarayana, N. R. 2003. A Manual of Library Automation and Networking. Lucknow: New Royal Book Company
R. S. Aswal. 2008. Library Automation for 21st Century, New Delhi, Ess Ess Publication
Desiree Webber and Andrew Peters. Integrated Library Systems: Planning, Selecting and Implementing, London: Libraries Unlimited, 2010
John M. Cohn, Ann L. Kelsey and Keith Michael Fiels. Planning for Library Automation: A Practical Handbook, London: Library Association, 1998
Haravu, L J. (2004). Library Automation: Design, Principles and Practice. New Delhi: Allied Publishers
Kaul, H.K. (1992). Library Networks: An Indian Experience. New Delhi: DELNET.

Instructor bio

Prof. Gireesh Kumar T. K.

Banaras Hindu University

Prof. Gireesh Kumar is currently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Prior to joining in BHU he worked as Assistant Librarian, Central University of Kerala for five years and is having a total working experience of 15 years at various capacities in University, Research and Special Library Systems. He is the first candidate to be awarded with PhD Degree in Library and Information Science from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala on Open Source Integrated Library Systems in 2017. He has completed his PGDLAN course from University of Hyderabad. Cleared UGC’s National Eligibility Test (NET) and also awarded Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in his first attempt.

He is a recipient of Prof. Manorama Srinath ‘Best Teacher Award 2021 and Best Young Librarian Award-2018 by the Madras Library Association (MALA). He is also the recipient of ‘ILA A.G. Motiwale Award for Young LIS Professionals – 2015’ by the Indian Library Association (ILA). He was the first recipient of” LIS Links Scholar Award-2010” and second recipient of” India’s Best Blogger in LIS award 2009” by the Library and Information Science Links.

He has Published more than 50 research papers/book chapters in national and international journals/conferences etc. and acted as Resource Person and Invited Speaker for various webinars, LIS training programs, life skills programs, capacity building programs. He has also organized few orientation programs, workshops, exhibitions and training programs. He is also a research guide at BHU and running two research projects. He has involved in many academic and administrative activities of BHU and is currently the faculty in-charge of the department for University Placement Coordination Cell. He is a life member of various national professional associations such as ILA, KLA, SALIS, MALA, ALA etc. He was also involved in many administrative activities of Central University of Kerala including Nodal Officer for setting up of IRINS, Consortium Administrator for eShodhSindhu, IQAC Member etc., are few among them.

Presently he is the Editor representing India of ELIS (http://eprints.rclis.org/ ), an international open access archive for scientific or technical documents, on Librarianship, Information Science and Technology, and related areas. He is also acting as Editor in Chief for the International Journal ‘Informatics Studies’ under that he has brought 5 special issues of the journal on Heritage Informatics (https://www.informaticsstudies.org/index.php/informatics/issue/archive). His areas of interests include Heritage Informatics, ICT application in Libraries, Life Skills and Technical Writing.

Developed 2 Modules for MOOC (SWAYAM) course on Developing Life Skills

Module 21- Decision Making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XNNPFULNSs

Module 24 - Life skills work in combination: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPqLfPYTsuw

Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. But if you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted by us in person at any of the designated exam centres.

The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only).

Date and Time of Exams: 25 October 2025 Morning session 9am to 12 noon; Afternoon Session 2pm to 5pm.

Registration url: Announcements will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.

The online registration form has to be filled and the certification exam fee needs to be paid. More details will be made available when the exam registration form is published. If there are any changes, it will be mentioned then.

Please check the form for more details on the cities where the exams will be held, the conditions you agree to when you fill the form etc.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 25% of average of best 6 assignments out of the total 8 assignments given in the course.
Exam score = 75% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

Please note that assignments encompass all types (including quizzes, programming tasks, and essay submissions) available in the specific week.

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=10/25 AND EXAM SCORE >= 30/75. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Certificate will have your name, photograph and the score in the final exam with the breakup. It will have the logos of INI and BHU.

Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy learning.

- INI team

SWAYAM Helpline / Support