LIBRARY NETWORKS AND CONSORTIA IN INDIA

The modern communication technologies have become essential for libraries and information centers for resource sharing in recent time. It is all due to that libraries are transforming them selve to information centers as well as to knowledge centre. The ICT is used by libraries to automation, to use for access and dissemination of information to users. Networks of libraries promotes to resources sharing, usage of library collection, problem solving of and delivery of information. The joint efforts of libraries can minimize the problem of duplications of collections. The best example is set by the Research Library Group (RLG) was founded in 1974 jointly by Columbia University, Harvard University, Yale University and New York Public Library. It is a libraries corporation in which some universities and research institutions participate in its information resource management programmes. The group adopted Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations using a Time Sharing System (BALLOTS) of Stanford University. The RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) system was base on RLG"s four principal programmes – Collection Management and Development; Shared Resources; Preservation and 2 Technical Service and Bibliographic Control. The primary goal of the institutions in RLG was to inform RLG"s programmes and services to its members, to build a shared on-line database of their library collections, and cooperation in the acquisition, delivery, and preservation of information. In June 2006, RLG merged with OCLC. Its catalog became part of OCLC"s WorldCat. Eureka databases were migrated to OCLC"s FirstSearch service. By networking of libraries and information centers, modern communication technologies play a dominant role in the operation of resource sharing systems and consortia. It can be through Use of computer and communication network for resource sharing, Use of National, International databases through communication networks and Introduction of full-text CD based Systems through Article Delivery over Networked Information System (ADONIS).