GUWAHATI, Dec 23 - In a first-of-its-kind development in the Northeast, Diphu Government College is implementing a �Digital Library� project based on KOHA software and RFID (radio frequency identification) technology.
�Such a digital library will be the first of its kind at college level in the entire northeastern region. Such libraries can be seen only in three universities of the Northeast,� Principal Dr NK Sarma told The Assam Tribune.
Dr Sarma said that the college had been able to convert the old fashioned classical manual library into a digital central library � fully automated and mechanised on all aspects, including issuance, return and search of the books.
Dr Sarma said that the library URL can be accessed through the college website which is under process and will be ready soon. �This can be done from anywhere of this global location. In a sense, the information about books in the Diphu Government College Library can be accessible from anywhere in the world to any person,� he said.
�This is how a fully mechanised library system has been established at the college replacing and converting the conventional library system,� he added.
The various facilities incorporated in the digital library include issuance of digital card to a student or teacher or staff member for issuing books; helping the entry of the person by a digital card through a server-operated gate, presence of an information kiosk (which helps in searching out the availability of a particular book in the shelf) near the server-operated entry gate before entry to the book shelves, etc.
�Accordingly, the available book has to be issued in a self check-in and check-out counter by the help of own digital card. The return can also be done by placing the book on the table of the counter which does not require the digital card,� Dr Sarma said. �If anyone does not know the self check-in and check-out process, then it can be done through the computerised issue section operated by the library assistant,� he added.
Again, if any book is taken out from the library without being issued, then it will be detected in the detector counter through siren and the entry gate will be locked for 20 seconds. The duration of locking can be adjusted as per choice.
A valid database of all the library books replacing the old conventional catalogue and card keeping system is another highlight.
Funded by the Director of Higher Education, Assam, the digital library was inaugurated on December 18.
