JLIS abstracts

GIRJA KUMAR, CHAYA DEVI (A) & JAYASWAL (PK)

CHAYA DEVI (A). Development of National Document Supply Centre-A Model: Suggestions . 21,1;1996;102-11

Introduces 'information' and its importance as the fourth resource and the sixth basic need of human society. Discusses the status of document supply services at the national level in India. Observes that no single library or information centre has been able to satisfy the pertinent information requirement of the Indian clientele. Emphasises on the coordinated efforts for providing to all the entire world of primary literature through a national information centre. Proposes a model for the same.

CHAYA DEVI (A). Organisation of Scientific Information Network in France. 2,2;1977; 220-39

Describes the documentation resources and information services of some of the major scientific institutions in France-the Centre National del la Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Institute Textile de France (ITF)-giving an account of the origin and development of their computerized information services and the formation and working of scientific information network in various specialized fields including energy, chemistry, textiles, etc. Reviews the achievements of the Bureau National de la Information Scientifique et Technique (BNIST) towards national co-ordination of scientific information networks in that country.

GIRJA KUMAR. Computer Technology, the Book and Human Freedom. 1,2;1976;243-61

Draws attention to increasing acceptance of international information networks. Considers library on the verge of unprecedented revolution. Discusses the role of UNISIST. Describes the organisation and development of NISSAT. Considers the place of university libraries in it. Discusses the need for Machine-readable data bases for India . Describes the future of the book. Considers implications of technological revolution for libraries. Stresses the danger of the machine overtaking man. Describes ultimate relation of information with freedom and power. Discusses the social responsibility of librarians and ethical standards for them. Suggests Gandhian solution for India .

GIRJA KUMAR, CHAYA DEVI (A) & JAYASWAL (PK). College Libraries in India : A Survey Report. 4,1;1979;1-23

Data was collected with the help of four different questionnaires circulated among college principals, teachers, students and college librarians. Two hundred and thirty-five persons responded. Analyses the data regarding (a) use of the library, (b) purpose for which the library is used, (c) adequacy of reading arrangement and collections, (d) efficiency of open-shelf system, (e) speed of retrieval of documents, (f) satisfaction with library services, (g) composition of the library committee, (h) book selection procedure, (i) adequacy of funds and (j) physical facilities. Describes the concept of an ideal college library based on the views of the respondents. Provides suggestions for the improvement of a college library.

GIRJA KUMAR. Theory of Contradiction, Conflict Resolution and Academic Libraries. 3,2; 1978; 97-117

Describes the relevance of the theory of dialectics of Mao Tse-Tung to the functioning of academic libraries. Discusses the basic contradiction between the librarians and the world of academics. Considers conflict situations as concrete manifestation of objective conditions embodied in contradictions. Suggests consensus as an appropriate way of conflict resolution, which need to be clothed in a proper theoretical framework.

GIRJA KUMAR. Crisis of Decision-Making in University Libraries. 1,1; 1976; 1-20 Views with concern the existing university library situation in India . Stresses the importance of providing institutional framework for university library system in the country. Puts forward a national plan for institution framework.

GIRJA KUMAR. India in 2010: Knowledge, Society and Libraries in India . 25,1;2000;1-25

Gives a count to various types of libraries in India . New librarianship in the days to come will be an altogether different profession. 'Digitizing' the information will be major task before library professionals. Books online are being talked about. Very soon it will the order of the day to procure books online. Already quite a few websites exist and there are many more to come up in near future. All these developments have a great bearing on Library education, which needs to be looked into afresh, and courses revised so as to be meaningful to knowledge society of tomorrow. The author gives a set of 17 recommendations and urges the government to provide adequate funds to libraries so as to equip them to meet the challenges of future .

GIRJA KUMAR. Missing the Bus by Indian Librarians? 21,1;1996;1-5

Observes that the Information Managers are not being produced by LIS Schools. Views librarians as knowledge workers. Designates the users as the Ishtdevas of librarians and keeps their satisfaction at the top of library services. Suggests for replacement of the term library with 'work stations' and information centres. Earmarks the changes in the expectations from libraries. Points out that the traditional book has undergone changes to become 'digital book' and hence Library need to change to 'digital library'. Foresees future Information Managers equipped with the art and science of information management. Observes that the advances in information technology are showing the way to traditional library to become a 'virtual library'.

GIRJA KUMAR. Indian Roots of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan's Thought. 17,1;1992;1-16

Argues that the mainsprings of Ranganathan's thought are derived from his oriental origin. Points out that some people are of the view that many of his ideas had emerged from his spiritual background. Mentions that he had a great moral sense due to his brahmanic background and considered librarianship as a social institution linking cosmic and personal dharma. Discusses the role of his spiritual mentors. Describes the place of intuition, creativity, imagination and mysticism in the development of his thought. Concludes that the great virtue of Ranganathan lay in liberating library science from its uncertainties, enriching the world bank of knowledge at intuitional and intellectual places.