Adequacy and Usage of e-Resources in Libraries of Selected Engineering Institutions Affiliated to RTU

Abstract

Resources are essential library resources in today's digital era; these resources break many barriers like remote access facilities, storage problems, easy access, etc. In this study, 20 engineering institutes affiliated with Rajasthan Technical University, Kota, which are located in Jaipur and ranked in the quality index value of the university. A questionnaire prepared to assess the actual status regarding the status and usage of e-Resources available in the libraries, for which data collected through Google forms and face to face interviews by librarians and other staff of various selected institutions. In this study, it has been also specially taken care of what IT infrastructure is available in the libraries for various e-Resources in the respective libraries and how much the library staff is skilled in IT ground. According to the findings of the study, all libraries are using software for automation, and there is a need to increase the use of institutional repository software in these libraries. e-Resources of publishers like IEEE, Elsevier, Springer, EBSCO, Pearson, PHI, New age international, Kopykitab, and Laxmi Publications are available in various libraries. All 20 libraries have membership of the DELNET database. 14 Libraries stressed the need to increase the allocated budget. Almost all libraries use the allocated budget, and the librarian plays a vital role in selecting e-Resources. Almost everywhere, emphasis has been laid on improving IT skills in library staff. All libraries share information and links to available e-Resources to users through websites, OPAC or notice boards.