Library databases : Development and management

Prem Singh     psingh@hau.nic.in     (CCS Haryana Agricultural University)

Annals of Library and Information Studies ( web site) 2004 51 (2)72-81
(ReLIS:igi:annals:v:51:y:2004:i:2:72-81)

Abstract:

Definition, importance, advantages and disadvantages of the database approach have been discussed. There are four main sources - Shelf List, Books and other Reading material, Data Sheets and international utilities such as OCLC - for retroconversion of library's card catalogue and union catalogue of journals. The librarian can use any one or a combination of them for data entry. Librarian has to decide the priority as to which part of library collection should be computerized first. Data entry can be done in-house or it can be outsourced. After weighing the economics and other pros and cons, the librarian can decide the mode of entry. The author of this paper found in-house data entry fastest, reliable and cheapest. Having created the database, its management is also essential. There is, therefore, a need for Database Administrator in each library.

Pages: 72-81
Volume: 51
Month: June
Year: 2004
Issue: 2

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