Post-Graduate Diploma in
Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN)

 

Libraries have evolved from being collections of chained books to networked multimedia learning centres.  Library Science education has tried to be in tune  with the changing time.  But the pace is not matching with that  of technology.  

 

Post-Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking ( PGDLAN ) is a proactive effort of  Joshi-Bedekar College of Arts and Commerce to bridge the gap.  It is an attempt to develop a group of technology savvy librarians to take on new challenges.

 

Therefore, this initiative is aimed at working librarians in and around the city of Mumbai and  Thane.

 

Candidates desirous of joining the course may apply in the prescribed form to the Principal.  Details relating to the course are as under:

 

           

Duration One Year
Date of Examination Mid June
Number of Admissions 30
Medium of Instruction English

            

 

Fees

 

Tuition + Computer Laboratory + Project guidance + Online Course Material + Examination Fees  Rs 12,000/-

 

 

Eligibility:      

Any person who has passed BLISc or MLISc can join the course.  Working librarians may join the course.  Individuals working in a library with more than five years experience, but not having professional degrees also may join the course. Similarly, any graduate intended to have career in Library and Information Science also may apply.

 

 

Course Timings

 

Classes and laboratory sessions will be held only on Sundays from 9 am to  5 pm with half an hour lunch break.   Assignments have to be completed during the week days.

 

Objectives of the Course

 

At the end of the course, a participants should be able to

 

a.       approach computer related routines with greater level of confidence.

b.      access global electronic information with high precision in a cost-effective manner.

c.       initiate, improve and coordinate automation activities of a library

d.      troubleshoot minor problems before arrival of experts

(This is like giving first aid in an emergency before a doctor arrives.)

e.       organize the global content as required by local needs with suitable value addition.

f.        talk sensibly with computer personnel and state the users' need and assess their work.

g.       groom himself/herself  to think globally and act locally with a new mindset.

 

 

Course Content

 

The candidates will be assessed  based on their performance in five subjects and a project work.  The course content of the five subjects will be as shown below.

 

 

1.      Operating Systems and Networking:  Operating Systems:  Windows.  Application Packages: MS-Office suit.  Data Communication and Networking; Types of Networks, Network technologies: Cables, Modems and other devices such as Hubs, Switches, Network cards, Connectors etc. Setting up connectivity, installation of network interface card, TCP/IP, OSI, Setting up dial up connectivity, Protocols. Web Browsers (Explorer and Netscape) and Web Servers (Apache and Internet information server.).  Internet, Intranet and Extranet.  Data Security, Firewall etc. Concept of information society.

 

2.      Library Automation: Database Design, DBMS. Concept of Relational, Object Oriented and other new models of Databases. Designing in MS-SQL Server or MS-Access. Query Language and Query Processing. Library Automation; Planning, System Analysis, General Systems Theory, Information System Development. Output-Input Analysis, Flow Charting, Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) Developing algorithms, Planning of Acquisition, Cataloguing, Circulation and Serial Control activities. Information Audit. Overview of some integrated library application software available in Market and as open sources. Development of Information Products like Union Catalogues and development of Web based information services such as Document Delivery services, Alerting Service, SDI and Virtual Reference Service.

 

3.      Electronic Resources: Internet search skills, tools such as Search Engines, Meta Search Engines and their evaluation. Evaluation of Web Resources. Organizing of Web resources and their content; use of Bookmarks, databases, Subject Gateway, Specialized electronic resources in science, technology, social sciences and humanities. Portals and Digital Libraries; D-Space and/or Greenstone. E-Journals, E-Books consortia, Patent databases, other database vendors. Portals and Digital Libraries; D-Space and/or Greenstone. RSS Feeds and their use.

 

4.      Content Development and Management: Content Analysis and Content Development: Reader friendly web documents, holding the attention of an information seeker, Guidelines for Content Development and value addition. Content Organization: Information Mapping and Mining, Knowledge Management. HTML, Metadata, XML, Dublin Core, MARC-21. Z39.50. Ontology, Folksonomy. Push and Pull Technologies. Dynamic Web sites. online tutorials and courses- their identification and development. Method of conducting online survey. [Designing, sending questionnaires plus gathering and analysis of data.] IPR and other ethical issues.

 

5.      Elements of Programming:  Java Programming and Java script, ASP, C++ and VB.NET or Visual Basic 6.0

 

 

Project: A socially relevant information product has to be developed using the skills learned in the five subjects. The entire planning process of such a product has to be documented.

 

 

Assessment

 

For Each Subject:  Theory  50 Marks  
  Practical and Assignments 100 Marks      750 Marks
Project: Preparation of an  Information Product 100 Marks;  
  Related  Documentation 100 Marks  
  Viva 50 Marks
 250 Marks
   
Total
      1000 Marks

 

                                    

                                                                                           

 

 

Standards of Passing

 

As it is a practical oriented course total aggregate marks for passing is 50% in five subjects and project work  and must get a minimum of 40% in individual subjects.  A candidate getting 50% aggregate marks shall be placed in SECOND CLASS.  Thus, every successful candidate gets at least second class, and there is no pass class. 

 

A candidate obtaining more than 60%, but less than 70% will be declared as passed in FIRST CLASS.  A person scoring more than 70% is considered passed in FIRST CLASS WITH DISTINCTION.

 

Candidates who have failed can reappear for the examination by paying Rs 500/- being Examination Fees.