K. C. Ramakrishnegowda ¹, R. H. Walmiki ¹

Affiliations
1 Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta 577451, Shimoga District, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Information Technology (IT) has brought rich dividends to the modern society. In the context of providing library and information services to users in higher education, the use of digital resources has become inevitable. This article reports the results of a questionnaire survey conducted to know the computer literacy existing among Postgraduate (PG) students at the time of their entry to various PG courses in Kuvempu University. The study has found that the socio-economic background of students such as domicile, caste category, gender, income group, religion and also the subject background have enormous impact on their take up and use of digital resources. The students belonging to the higher stratum of the society, economically rich, living in urban areas and those studying Science subjects are surpassingly ahead of their counterparts belonging to socially marginalised classes, economically poor, living in rural areas and also those studying in Social Sciences and Humanities. Suggestions have been put-forth to conduct training programmes and provide free access to IT-based services in the university libraries to the disadvantaged students.

Keywords

Computer Literacy, Post-Graduate Students, Socio-Economic Background, Library Services, Kuvempu University.

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K. C. Ramakrishnegowda ¹, R. H. Walmiki ²

Affiliations
1 Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta 577451, Shimoga District, Karnataka, IN
2 Department of Library and Information Science, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta 577451, Shimoga District, Karnataka State, IN

Abstract

A study was conducted in Kuvempu University to know the entry-level computer literacy and information literacy of the post-graduate students. Questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. The study found that the majority of the respondents lack awareness regarding directories, encyclopedias, subject journals, yearbooks, etc. As many as 66% of the students do not possess the ability to identify the key concepts in the given information environment. More than 44% of the respondents are not able to use the computers and many of them do not possess the knowledge of software, hardware, storage devices, etc. Nearly two-thirds of the total respondents are not able to use the Internet. The majority (75.03%) of the students opine that the computer literacy and information literacy programmes are "very important" for them. The authors suggest the University to take steps to impart computer literacy and information literacy programmes to the students studying in the Constituent Colleges for the bachelor’s degrees. And, such training should be continued at the post-graduate level also to attain the advanced level skills and expertise. Stresses the role of Librarians working in Colleges and Universities to impart such education to students.

Keywords

Kuvempu University Library, Post-Graduate Students, Information Literacy, Computer Literacy, Assessment, Case Study.

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R. H. Walmiki ¹, K. C. Ramakrishnegowda ², K. R. Prithviraj ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Library and Information Science, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta 577451, Shimoga District, Karnataka State, IN
2 Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta 577 541, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

The paper reports the results of a survey conducted to know the response of the Karnataka State university libraries to the newly evolved electronic environment. Attempts have been made to know the change in the nature of library resources, tools and techniques, information services, user education, staff development, and library budget allocation. The study found that though the university libraries under the study have responded positively to adopt themselves to changes brought in by the developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), but have failed to equip and place themselves in the place where they could face the challenges and sustain the changes effectively and efficiently. The study suggests the university libraries under the study to give serious thought to evolve a sustainable information system in the changing digital environment.

Keywords

University Libraries-Karnataka, Change Management, Electronic Information Resources and Services.

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K. C. Ramakrishnegowda ¹, K. K. Suresh Kumar ², K. R. Prithviraj ³

Affiliations
1 Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta (Po), Shimoga District, Karnataka - 577451, IN
2 Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (University), Kasavanahalli, Carmelaram (Po), Bangalore, Karnataka - 560 035, IN
3 Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta (Po), Shimoga District, Karnataka - 577 451, IN

Abstract

This paper presents the finding of a pilot study of the status of libraries in selected secondary schools of Bangalore urban district, Karnataka. The libraries at school level play an important role in developing and improving students mental ability as well as reading habit, but it is noted that secondary school libraries in Bangalore donot have basic facilities. Highlights the problems faced by school libraries in serving the needs of the students. Also indicates the lack of infrastructure facilities provided in the school libraries in government, aided and private schools.

Keywords

Schools, School Library, School Librarian.

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Ishappa Bandi ¹, K. C. Ramakrishnegowda ²

Affiliations
1 Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan, IN
2 Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

This article is based on analysis of data gathered from Social Science faculty in ten State Universities in Maharashtra that are conducting user education programs. 291 (82.97%) Social Science faculty responded to the questionnaire. Data analysis reveals that only 35.05% of the respondents attended user education programs. Most professors were 'Not aware' of the programs while more than half of 'Associate Professors' (54.29%) attended these programs. Majority (58.42%) of the Social Science faculty have 'not attended any program' - 'No time to attend' (43.20%), 'Lack of information' (36.80%) are the primary reasons for not attending these programmes. But majority of the faculty have indicated that these programs are useful to them (68.73%) and 97.50 percent of these respondents indicated that their 'accessing the Online Sources' will improve immensely.

Keywords

Awareness, Impact of User Education, Social Science Faculty, User Education.

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