Background

Libraries are the storehouse of knowledge as they maintain the book and other knowledge resource available - mostly in printed form. However, with the advent of digital technology and Internet connectivity, the library scenario is changing fast. Digital technology, Internet connectivity and physical content can be dovetailed resulting in Digital Library. Data available in physical form has been preserved digitally in Digital Library. Digital Libraries have the ability to enhance access to information and knowledge. They also Bridge barriers of time and space.

In the past initiatives have been taken by different Ministries / Departments / organizations for digitizing and preserving data available in physical form. However, this activity has been restricted mostly in the area of the work / interest of the organization. Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) too has in the past, supported projects in the area of Digital Library Initiatives. The initiatives have been essentially of two types:

• Setting up of Mega Centers and Scanning Centers in coordination with Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and in collaboration with Carnegie Melon University, USA. Under the collaborative management, scanners for these centers were provided by Carnegie Melon University, USA, under its Million Book Universal Digital Library Programme. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore is coordinating this Programme under the guidance of Professor N. Balakrishnan, Associate Director. DeitY provided financial support for computers, training, manpower, tariff etc.

• Digitization with the full financial support from Department of Electronics and Information Technology

The digital data for 5.5 lakh of books have been generated by these scanning centers under this activity. The data has been transferred to National Digital Library, IIT Kharagpur and web enabled under the umbrella of MHRD with URL as https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/

 

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