Information explosion is the common phenomenon in the modern era in which no library can stand alone in fulfilling the information needs and requirements of its users. Resource sharing provides the means to maximize the usage of library collection irrespective of its type. Networking of libraries facilitates resource sharing among the participating libraries in an effective manner and it indirectly facilitates marketing of library sources among a group of libraries. Technology alone is not sufficient to bring together the sources. The attitudes of the people involved in the information dissemination are also a decisive factor in determining the success of resource sharing through networking of libraries. This chapter presents the attitude of information professionals for effective resource sharing and networking of academic libraries in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The study revealed that library and information science professionals have a positive attitude towards resource sharing and networking of libraries.
TopIntroduction
Information explosion is the common phenomenon in the modern era in which no library can stand alone in fulfilling the information needs and requirements of its users. Influence of ICT in information processing and dissemination, nature and types of collections, namely print and electronic form, scope of individual libraries, disparity in funding, limited budget allocation by parent institution, space and lack of expertise force the libraries for a mechanism to share their resources. Resource sharing provides the means to maximise the usage of library collection irrespective of its type. Networking of libraries facilitate resource sharing among the participating the libraries in an effective manner and it indirectly facilitate marketing of library sources among a group of libraries. Networking of libraries in a region ensures the accessibility of information sources to its users beyond the physical boundaries. Technology alone is not sufficient to bring together the sources. The attitude of the people involved in the information dissemination is also a decisive factor in determining the success of resource sharing through network of libraries. This chapter presents the attitude of information professionals for effective resource sharing and networking of academic libraries in the southern districts of Tamilnadu.
Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge sharing is a platform for the students, faculty and researchers to share their expertise, unique deployments, best practices or any relevant topic of their interest. Knowledge sharing is the distribution of knowledge or what has been learned and it is this concept which is at the heart of the learning organization (Senge, 1990). Knowledge sharing requires a sharing mindset which entails: a sharing of vision, a sharing of values, a sharing of knowledge, a sharing of communication and information, openness and trust (Ipe, 2003).
In the changing scenario of information explosion, “no library can effectively satisfy its users within its walls” (Song, 2000). This statement clearly depicts that no academic library, however large, could be completely self-sufficient to fulfill the expectations of its users. Library co-operation, resource sharing and networking are used interchangeably as synonymous terms for collaborative efforts taken by the libraries for information exchange among libraries with the intention to satisfy the information needs of its users.
Objectives Of Resource Sharing And Networking
The main objectives of resource sharing and networking are:
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Increase the availability of resources
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Extend the accessibility of resources
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Diminishing cost, and
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Promote full utilization of resources (Kaula, 1986).
Allen, Kent, and Bhargava (1986) stated the objectives of resource sharing as “Library users should have access to more materials or services providing level service at less cost, increased service at level cost, or much more service at less cost.