The status of information and communication technology in the libraries of medical universities : An Indian Picture

1. The status of information and communication technology in the libraries of medical universities : An Indian Picture By Mehnaz Siddiqui, Research Scholar/ Asst. Librarian, Integral University, Lucknow, U.P.,India mehnazsf@gmail.com

2. Introduction • There is an urgent need of training and trained staff to change the libraries of medical college in a virtual digitized library. • India is developing rapidly and should compete at par with the international medical libraries. • The medical professionals require pinpointed, accurate and speedy information for updating their knowledge • Due to the elasticity of budgets and increases in journal and book prices every year, keeping in view of user needs, libraries are forced to join a consortium.

3. Status of information technology in Indian health science libraries.. • The libraries in developing and under developing countries are yet to evolve to meet the maximum information needs of academic, research and health care. • Majority of the studies are reflecting concerns of the times and the impact on global information flow and management in the health sciences. • Libraries of Institutes like AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) and SGPGIMS (Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences) are having automated libraries, which set an example for other medical institutes to improve their libraries. • India is competing internationally in providing one of the best medical practitioners and this shows that very soon all medical institutes of India is going to have tech savvy libraries.

4. Status of information technology in Indian health science libraries.. • The studies predominantly report that formation of personal networks among colleagues; the development of national and regional networks of libraries; education and participation through exchange of ideas; the documentation of medical information activities among both developed and underdeveloped countries. • The development of MEDLARS centers by the National Library of Medicine stipulates that technical criteria involving personnel, equipment, related resources and a user community with the use of an extensive computerized service helps the development of national and regional network.

5. Status of information technology in Indian health science libraries…. • The studies in 2000’s also reflect that activities of medical and health information centers stress more on new technology and the majors concerns in managing information, cooperation, resources and information services, Medical Librarianship; Education and Training, material resources development, role of health science libraries and information transfer. • It also was pointed out that medical libraries in developing countries have lack of resources and use of new technology for online searching is yet to pick up and be affordable for widespread use among most developing countries.

6. Problems militating for the exhaustive usage of ICT in medical libraries • Outdated guidelines of Medical Council of India and Dental council of India, which were almost derived 24 years back. • Lack of separate funds and grants for automation process of libraries. • Lack of awareness. • Lack of skilled and trained staff. • Negligent attitude of authorities towards libraries.

7. Solution to the Problem • The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka in a workshop has prepared guidelines to bring uniform standards in health science libraries among all its affiliated institutions for achieving the objectives of their parent institutions. • The guideline includes all aspects such as organizing, maintaining, collection development including e-resources/web resources ICT’S, physical resources user services, manpower provisions, financial management and other essential provisions, including status of library as department and librarian as Head of the Department (HOD)on par with other department.

8. Solution to the Problem… • Authorities should pay more attention towards digitization and technological advancements of the medical college libraries. • There should be a provision of separated budget for automation process. • New technical and skilled staff should be appointed. • Existing staff should be provided special training of automation and digitization procedures.

9. Requirement for the Course The minimum requirements for a two years integrated course leading to MLISc degree in Medical and Health Science MLISc (M&HS) or a new degree Master in Health Science Library and Information Science (MHLIS) by a Medical university should be as follows: • Science subject at Intermediate level. • Biological Sciences at graduate level with at least IInd Division. • Fluent knowledge of English (may be assessed with scores at international level exam). • Or BAMS/ MBBS/ B. Pharma/ BSc Nursing/ BHMS/ or equivalent BVSc/ MVSc • 5. Post Graduate Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, M. Pharma etc. (Preferential)  

10. Conclusion • In India the development of health science librarianship and status of health science libraries, with regards to relationships among colleagues, medical library associations and consortium including formal and informal condition are unstable, uncertain continuity and a weak structure. In shaping the future of the profession and the future of health care libraries, it needs careful action with mechanisms for accomplishing the goals.

11. Thank You