Automation and networking of public libraries in India using the e‐Granthalaya software from the National Informatics Centre

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the development of the library management system, e‐Granthalaya, for public libraries in India. This is an initiative of the Indian government's National Informatics Centre (NIC). The paper outlines the challenges and the potential of a full‐scale deployment of this software at a national level.

Design/methodology/approach

The project is being implemented in various phases depending on the funds, infrastructure and willingness of the various state governments and library authorities. This case study provides an understanding of the challenges confronted by the NIC in the scale and scope of the deployment of e‐Granthalaya. The national effort towards a “single window access” is constructively undertaken with an infrastructure deployment phase followed by a services integration phase: both of these are undertaken in tandem with local conditions and technological developments.

Findings

The proposed end‐product is a web‐based online library service connecting public libraries in India and integrating library services in a “single window access”. The authors conclude that there is a need for greater orchestration of funding provision, acquisitions of systems, data entry of catalogues, hosting and so on.

Research limitations/implications

The project will be useful as a model for the automation, networking and federating of resources for other groups of libraries in India.

Originality/value

The paper is a case study of design, development and implementation of the e‐Granthalaya software in India's public libraries.

Citation

Matoria, R.K., Upadhyay, P.K. and Moni, M. (2007), "Automation and networking of public libraries in India using the e‐Granthalaya software from the National Informatics Centre", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 47-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330710724881