Shabahat Husain

Use of different information and communication technologies in Indian academic libraries

Purpose – This paper aims to present an exploration of the potential utilisation of different information and communication technologies (ICT) in Indian academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach – A survey method was used for the collection of data. A structured questionnaire, containing close-ended questions, was sent by postal mail to 30 librarians of the Central University Libraries in India, of which 15 questionnaires were returned. Findings – Academic libraries in India have mostly been involved in applying traditional ICT-based solutions for the management of various library functions and services, particularly for organising and retrieving information. Use of modern ICT-based tools of knowledge creation and sharing such as web discovery tools, blogs, wikis, Real Simple Syndication feeds, social networking and social bookmarking seems uncommon in academic libraries. Lack of trained staff in ICT, low level of ICT skills among library users, unawareness of potential benefits of ICT and inadequat...

Academic Ranking of Indian Central Universities in Science and Technology as Represented in Science Citation Index – Expanded: Scientometric Study (2005–2009)

Abstract There are a number of parameters to evaluate an academic institution and one of them being the publication output of the institutions. Keeping this parameter under eye, the present paper was compiled which focuses on the various publication output patterns of Indian Central Universities, depicting their picture with the different Scientometric constructs. The Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) via Web of Science was used as a data source for the study. The Universities were searched individually and the data was recorded using the distinct limiting options of the database in separate sheets and in separate searches. The data so obtained were worked out and interpreted in accordance with the Scientometric methods and thus deduced the results. It was revealed from the study that the University of Delhi occupies the first rank in the country; there was a normal linear growth trend of output with least publications in 2005 and highest in 2009; the article form was the most widely used document type; English language as a frequent medium of communication; The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology followed by Materials Science, Multidisciplinary were with highest publications; and the Current Science evolved as the first ranked journal title in the country.

Exploring the need of knowledge management education within library and information science educational courses

Purpose – The study aims to explore the relevance of knowledge management (KM) education within library and information science (LIS) educational courses in India. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a quantitative research approach. A Web-based questionnaire survey was designed and distributed through FreeOnlineSurveys.com for the collection of data. A link for attending the survey was sent via electronic mail to the teachers (95 in numbers) of 65 LIS schools. A total of 43 responses (approximately 45 per cent) were received. Findings – The findings show that there is a strong interest among LIS community towards the inclusion of KM education within LIS educational courses to impart the knowledge and skills related to KM among LIS students, and to facilitate their entry into the KM job market. Most of the respondents believe that a curriculum which embodies core elements of LIS, management and information systems and technology would best meet the needs of LIS students for their involvement in K...