Automation of Libraries in Manipur: A Survey

Library automation is a phenomenon through which computer based information processing is used to do day today operations of library system and services. Automation of any library can be judged by the hardware and software available therein and also the ICT (Information Communication Technology) trained personnel in the library who can actively participate in the automation activity. This paper is based on a survey of automation of the libraries in Manipur and aims to examine the progress of automation and its present status. The paper describes the availability of ICT infrastructure and creation of databases in the libraries of Manipur. The paper also highlights the traditional barriers faced by many libraries in automation. It is found that the rate of percentage of automation is very low. Out of 73 libraries only 11 libraries have been partially automated. The author opined that it is due to the lack of funds, lack of initiation by the concern authorities and lack of ICT trained staffs.