Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61.

(ISSN: 2231-5233)

The Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Library Services in Select Theological Libraries in Bangalore: A Study
By Yesan Sellan and Dr. S. Ally Sornam 1. Introduction: Joint Library Committee (JLC), Bangalore, was formed in 1984 under the initiative of Fr. M. K. Kuriakose (the then librarian of United Theological College, Bangalore) with the single mission of bringing libraries together for mutual benefit. This was the first cooperative effort among theological colleges in India. Subsequently JLC paved the way for the formation of the Indian Theological Library Association (ITLA), a professional association of theological colleges and seminaries in India. Currently JLC has 18 theological colleges as its members. The members of JLC have a history of finding new ways to share resources among their patrons. The cooperative efforts of JLC include Inter-Library Loan of books and articles, sharing journals lists and others. JLC has been considered a successful model for cooperative and collaborative sharing among theological colleges in India. 1.1 Information Communication Technology (ICT): Definition: Information Communication Technology (ICT) includes the use of communication devices and information technology for the purpose of storing and retrieving information. UNESCO defines ICT as below: ... generally relates to those technologies that are used for accessing, gathering, manipulating and presenting or communicating information. The technologies could include hardware (e.g. computers and other devices); software applications; and

Yesan Sellan, is the Chief Librarian of South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bangalore. He is also the Executive Secretary of Indian Theological Library Association (ITLA) and Secretary of Forum of Asian Theological Librarians (ForATL). Email id: yesans@gmail.com Dr. S. Ally Sornam serves as Associate Professor and Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Bishop Heber College, Puthur, Trichirapalli 620017, Tamilnadu. Email id: allysornam@gmail.com

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

connectivity (e.g. access to the Internet, local networking infrastructure, and videoconferencing).2 ICT has changed the way we live and has ushered us into the IT revolution age. The application of ICT is everywhere and especially in libraries. It has had a significant impact in the way libraries procure, process and disseminate information to users. Introduction of computers in the library offers means to access resources and avail innovative services through the World Wide Web. The computerization of libraries, also called as library automation, was once considered as too expensive and a luxury for libraries, but today it has become a basic necessity. McMahon and Weaver call the current scenario as a complex learning environment.3 They further mention that teaching and learning are becoming interpersonal, interdisciplinary and media-rich and that there is need for a support system to cater to this situation. 1.2 Library Automation: Library automation means the application of computers in the library for its services which include the process of acquiring, processing and dissemination of information to the user in a timely manner. Today the majority of libraries of universities and colleges in India are computerized. On the other hand, there are many theological colleges in India which have not fully utilized the benefits of the application of ICT in their libraries. 1.3 Library Automation in Theological Libraries: Philipp R. Heer examined the state of library automation among American theological libraries and while he identified the needs and problems of these libraries faced during automation, he also proposed a third evaluative factor called intellectual feasibility which deals with the intellectual content of library processes such as indexing, classification and cataloging of library content by librarians.4. Weinberg's study reveals the history of automation of the America
2

UNESCO and Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Building Capacity of Teachers/facilitators in Technology-pedagogy Integration for Improved Teaching and Learning: Final Report (UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, 2003), p.4, http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ict/ebooks/ICTBuidling_Capacity/BuildingCapacity.pdf. 3 Melody Layton McMahon and John B. Weaver, The Theological Library in the Age of Technology, In Trust, 2013, p.14. 4 Philipp R. Heer, Library Automation for ATLA Libraries, American Theological Library Association Summary of Proceedings 28 (January 1, 1974): 8285, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0000750555&site=ehost-live&scope=site (accessed October 7, 2013).

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Judaica Library during 1965-1990.5 Lewkowicz reports on the implementation of automation through the Boston Theological Institute Library Development Program6 and Beckers7 presentation on available technology for libraries are good examples to know the history of automation in theological libraries. Trevor Zweck, then president of the Australia and New Zealand Theological Library Association, calls ICT a new means to access information.8 The summary of Kate Ganskis study on the evaluation of websites of theological libraries concluded that libraries will need to find various means to provide access to growing e-resources.9 Spomer states that there is plenty of room to experiment with other Facebook applications that may not be on any library pages, such as My Stuff, which allows users to grab any code (for slideshows, media players, etc.) and put it into a page, or an application like FreeDrive, which provides a way to share files.10 In regards to theological colleges in Bangalore, there are many that have started using computerized systems for library services since 199311. During this time United Theological College (UTC), Kristu Jyothi College (KJC), Southern Asia Bible College (SABC), South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS) and others have introduced computers in their libraries. The union catalogue of JLC (http://jlc-koha.osslabs.biz) was launched in its silver jubilee celebration which was held on 18 November 2010. Currently this catalogue has over 2.8
5

Bella Hass Weinberg, Automation and the American Judaica Library during the First Quarter Century of the Association of Jewish Libraries, 1965-1990, Judaica Librarianshipp Vol 5, no. No 2 (Spring Winter 1991 1990): p167. 6 Linda B. Lewkowicz, Computers and Consortia: an Overview of the Automation Efforts of the Boston Theological Institute Library Development Program, American Theological Library Association Summary of Proceedings 29 (January 1, 1975): 7683, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0000754226&site=ehost-live&scope=site (accessed October 7, 2013). 7 Joseph Becker, Library Technology and Information Networks, American Theological Library Association Summary of Proceedings 26 (January 1, 1972): 103108, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0000723490&site=ehost-live&scope=site (accessed October 9, 2013). 8 Trevor Zweck, Automation in Theological Libraries, Colloquium 24, no. 1 (1992): p.44. 9 Kate L. Ganski, An Evaluation of the Accessibility of E-resources from Theological Library Websites, Theological Librarianship: An Online Journal of the American Theological Library Association 1, no. 1 (2008): p.43, https://journal.atla.com/ojs/index.php/theolib/article/viewArticle/14 (accessed September 23, 2013). 10 Michelle Y. Spomer, The Fine Art of Throwing Sheep: How Facebook Can Contribute to Librarianship and Community in Theological Institutions, Theological Librarianship: An Online Journal of the American Theological Library Association 1, no. 1 (June 3, 2008): p19., https://journal.atla.com/ojs/index.php/theolib/article/view/37 (accessed October 11, 2013). 11 Gordon Harris, Cooperation bsetween Bangalore Theological College Libraries, and the Potential of Electronic Networking, Ministerial Formation 76 (January 1997): p50.

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

lakhs bibliographic records from SAIACS, UTC, SABC, St.Peters Pontifical Seminary and Dharmaram Vidya Ksethram (DVK). Over the last decade, theological colleges in other parts of India have slowly realized the need for computerizing their libraries and have adopted the use of computers in their libraries. The implementation of ICT has changed traditional libraries into electronic and digital libraries. In the current scenario the use of CD-ROM databases and subscriptions to online databases and collaborative efforts among JLC libraries in Bangalore has set a model for other theological libraries in India.

1.4 Theological Libraries: A theological library can be defined as a library with a special collection of resources related to theological, religious, and spiritual traditions. A theological library is considered as a special and academic library. 1.5 Purpose of This Study: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of ICT on library services in select theological libraries in Bangalore city. The following are the main objectives of this study. a. To study the implementation of ICT in theological libraries. b. To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of library services using ICT. c. To assess the skills and knowledge of staff in managing library services. d. To identify the use of various ICT tools for theological libraries. 2. Literature review: There are several studies carried out to examine the impact of implementation of ICT in academic libraries. According to a study by Dorcas Ejemeh Krubu and Kingsley Efe Osawaru among Nigerian University Libraries, there is remarkable rise in the use of ICT, many of the libraries activities are now ICT driven. This has increased the speed of acquisition, processing, storage, retrieval and dissemination operations12. A study by Voolapalli and Bardol on the impact of technology in theological libraries in coastal Karnataka and Goa found that 36 out of 55 libraries in the state do not have any software in the
12

Dorcas Krubu and Kingsley Osawaru, The Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigerian University Libraries (2010), http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/515/ (accessed October 7, 2013).

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

library, while 70% of computerized libraries are attached to Christian institutions13. They concluded that if theological seminaries want to prove their existence in this modern age, they will have to adapt to the developments of technology14. As this study was conducted among coastal Karnataka and Goa libraries, it does not necessarily imply that Bangalore libraries have not adapted IT applications for their library services. Sampath Kumar and Biradar found that the majority of the library staff in Karnataka college libraries opined that library automation has enabled enormous savings in time, effort and the ability to perform tasks which cannot be done by manual systems15. Robison in his research found that better management of library records through automation has increased the circulation of library resources and provided opportunities to evaluate library services.16 Nancy K. Flaciani-White recommends that seminary libraries must adopt technologies to provide off campus access to research databases and online journals in a fast-paced, interactive, and dynamic world.17 Siong Ngor Ng's study shows that technology and social networking sites change the library users patterns in locating information.18 Lawson concludes that librarians must become nimble responders to the changing environments of their users, prepared to go to places unanticipated and unforeseeable.19 Meredith Farkas has written: A big difference exists between being where our patrons are and being useful to our patrons where they are.20

13

Anuradha Voolapalli and A. K. Baradol, Technology Impact in Theological Libraries: A Myth or Reality?, DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology 31, no. 6 (November 2011): 485489, http://publications.drdo.gov.in/ojs/index.php/djlit/article/download/1324/572 (accessed October 7, 2013). 14 Ibid., p488. 15 B. T. Sampath Kumar and B. S. Biradar, Use of ICT in College Libraries in Karnataka, India: a Survey, Program: electronic library and information systems 44, no. 3 (July 27, 2010): pp. 271282, http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1871197 (accessed October 7, 2013). 16 Charles Brad Robison, Effects of Automation on Academic Libraries (Doctoral dissertation, Oklahoma: Oklahoma State University,, 1991), p49., ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database (UMI No 9220578). (accessed October 7, 2013). 17 Nancy K. Falciani-White, Running with Perseverance: The Theological Librarys Challenge of Keeping Pace With Changing Students, Theological Librarianship: An Online Journal of the American Theological Library Association 1, no. 2 (November 18, 2008): 1627, https://journal.atla.com/ojs/index.php/theolib/article/view/61 (accessed October 7, 2013). 18 Siong Ngor Ng, Finding My Way Around: The Information Process of Distance Students When Searching for Free Online Resources, 2013, p.2, http://library.ifla.org/212/ (accessed October 9, 2013). 19 Dawn Lawson, Taking the Library to Users: Experimenting with Facebook as an Outreach Tool, in Library 2.0 Initiatives in Academic Libraries Edited by Laura B. Cohen (Chicago: ACRL, 2007), p154. 20 Meredith G. Farkas, Social Software in Libraries: Building Collaboration, Communication, and Community Online (Information Today, Inc., 2007), p122.

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

3. Scope and Coverage The main aim of this study is to evaluate the use of ICT in Bangalore theological libraries. There are 18 theological colleges which are part of JLC. This study does not reveal the results of individual library performance with regard to application of ICT for their library services. However, for this study the authors have selected six seminaries based on the following criteria: a. A post graduate theological institution. b. A computerized library catalogue. c. Provides Internet facilities for students and or subscribes to any online databases such as ATLA Religion Database with Serials, JSTOR, etc. Based on the above criteria, the following six institutions were selected for this study. a. Asian Christian Academy of India (ACAI) b. Dharmaram Vidya Ksethram (DVK) c. South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS) d. Southern Asia Bible College (SABC) e. St. Peters Pontifical Seminary f. United Theological College (UTC)

4. Methodology and Findings A structured questionnaire method was used to collect data from the library users of the selected institutions. There were 300 questionnaires circulated only 295 questionnaires were returned. The Table.1 shows the demography of participants and Table 2 shows names of the colleges and number of respondents who participated in this study.
Categories of Students Doctoral students MDiv/MA/BD students MTh students Total No. of Participants 22 142 % 7.5 48.1

131 44.4 295 100.0

Table 1. Different Categories of Students

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Names of the Colleges ACAI DVK SABC SAIACS St.Peter's Pontifical Seminary UTC Total

No. of Respondents 71 46 30 74 11 63 295

% 24.1 15.6 10.2 25.1 3.7 21.4 100.0

Table 2. Names of the Colleges in Bangalore

Quality Average Excellent Good Poor Total

No. of Respondents 65 53 168 9 295

% 22.0 18.0 56.9 3.1 100.0

Table 3. Application of ICT in JLC Libraries

This study reveals (see Table 3) that 57% respondents rated the library as good in terms of use of ICT in the library services, while 22% of respondents say that use of ICT facility in the library is average and 18% students opined it is excellent.

4.1 Learning ICT skills According to Table 4 JLC library users have learnt using ICT facilities available in the library through library staff, self-study and from a colleague.

Source of Learning No. of Respondents Library Staff 120 Self-study 94 From a friend 75 Others 6 Total 295 Table 4. Sources of Learning ICT
7

% 40.7 31.9 25.4 2.0 100.0

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Table 5 shows that in meeting the research needs of JLC users, the online resources such as ATLA Religion Database, JSTOR and others are preferred compared to print resources. Participating libraries provide access to ATLA Religion Database, one of the premier databases subscribed to by most of seminary libraries in the USA and other parts of the world. It was also noted that UTC subscribes to JSTOR database.
Rated Average Excellent Good No. of respondents 74 49 150 % 25.1 16.6 50.8

Poor 22 7.5 Total 295 100.0 Table 5. Usefulness of Online Resources

This study discovered that 36.3% respondents use library computers primarily for searching the library catalogue (OPAC), 26.2% students use them for searching Internet resources, while 23% of students primarily use the computers for searching online databases such as JSTOR and ATLA Religion Database.

4.2 Email alerts: The role of the librarian is to keep library users informed of new arrivals of print and other resources through email. It can be noted as per Figure 6, that 55% (162 students) of the respondents never received email alerts from the librarian about new arrivals of books, journals and table of contents of journal issues. On the other hand 25.4% (75 students) are of the opinion that sometimes they receive alerts. It is obvious that JLC librarians need to take note of this finding seriously and work towards reaching out to all users through emails, which is the fastest mode of communication.

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Figure 1. Email Alerts from the Library

4.3 Inter-Library Loan (ILL): In order to help library users in their information needs JLC decided in its meeting held on 26 November 2009 at ACAI to send articles in pdf via email as and when they are requested through their respective librarians.21 Below Figure 2 shows that the 56.7% of library users of select theological colleges in Bangalore city have never requested an article from another library through their librarian. Only 32% of users sometimes request articles from JLC libraries. This indicates that more than 50% of students either are not aware of the available ILL facilities for journal articles or don't see the need. JLC has always attempted innovative ways by which libraries could share resources among its members. The result of this study directs the need for creating awareness among library users on some of these services offered by JLC.

21

Minutes of the Joint Library Committee Meeting (JLC2009.3) Held on 26 Nov 2009 at Asian Christian Academy of India (ACAI) (Joint Library Committee (JLC), Bangalore, November 26, 2009), n. 2009.3.2 InterLibrary Loan.

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Figure 2. Request for Articles through ILL

4.4 Use of JLC Union Catalogue: It was noted in this study (see Figure. 3) that 137 out of 295 students sometimes used the Union Catalogue of JLC, while 37% of students who participated in this survey have never used this union catalogue. It is a clear indication that either students are satisfied with the available resources in their respective colleges or are not aware of the possibilities of using the JLC catalogue to locate bibliographic information of resources that could be procured through InterLibrary Loan. In any case, the JLC librarians ought to make an effort to provide enough orientation to library users on the use of the JLC catalogue, otherwise the objective of resource sharing by JLC will be defeated.

10

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Figure 3. Frequency of JLC Union Catalogue Used by Students

4.5 Searching the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Libraries provide computerized catalogue to access bibliographic information of books, journals and other resources available. Figure 4 clearly indicates that 25% of students always use the OPAC and 67% of the respondents usually or sometimes use the OPAC for locating bibliographic information.

Figure 4. Use of OPAC for Locating Bibliographic Information

11

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

4.6 Social Media: There is a growing use of social media by academic libraries for the delivery of information services. The application of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Linkedin and other social media for library services are commonly found in libraries. Yesan Sellan is the creator of the Facebook group, Internet Theological Resources. He invited people across the globe to join this group with the main objective of bringing awareness among pastors, theologians and Christian ministers on freely available internet resources which includes ebooks, journals, commentaries and Bible software, etc for their ministry of teaching, counseling and self- learning.22 Currently this group has over 2400 members. Jacobson concludes in an article that Facebook would be a better tool for active libraries.23 A study by Collins and Quan-Hasse finds that over half of academic libraries in Ontario have adopted a social media application since April 2010.24 Nancy
Kim Phillips' study reveals that librarians are using Facebook to present themselves as

approachable, in order to develop a rapport with students, which could ultimately facilitate the delivery of service.25

22

Internet Theological Resources, n.d., https://www.facebook.com/groups/111017909003299/ (accessed October 11, 2013). 23 Terra B. Jacobson, Facebook as a Library Tool: Perceived Vs. Actual Use, College & Research Libraries 72, no. 1 (January 1, 2011): p.88, http://crl.acrl.org/content/72/1/79 (accessed October 14, 2013). 24 Gary Collins and Anabel Quan-Hasse, Social Media and Academic Libraries: Current Trends and Future Challenges, in Information, Interaction, Innovation: Celebrating the Past, Constructing the Present and Creating the Future (presented at the ASIST 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, 2012), https://www.asis.org/asist2012/proceedings/Submissions/272.pdf (accessed October 14, 2013). 25 Nancy Kim Phillips, Academic Library Use of Facebook: Building Relationships with Students, The Journal of Academic Librarianship 37, no. 6 (December 2011): p520, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0099133311001625 (accessed October 14, 2013).

12

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Figure 5. Use of Social Media for Library Services

As per Figure 5 approximately 50% of libraries use social media for their online services while others have not utilized this tool for library services. Facebook applications offer ample room for making information available to users that are not available in library pages.26

4.7 ICT Skills for Students The use of ICT in libraries offers an avenue for students to acquire skills for locating information in this digital era. Based on this study 69% of students (see Figure 6) who participated in this survey confirmed that the selected theological libraries provide the opportunity to library users to learn skills in ICT. The result of this study recognizes the need to provide opportunities for students to learn ICT skills in order to take advantage of the benefit of digital world.

26

Spomer, The Fine Art of Throwing Sheep, p.19.

13

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Figure 6. Does Your Library Offer the Opportunity to Learn ICT Tools?

4.8 Computers for Students' Use Figure 7 displays the students satisfaction of the number of computers and their configuration provided for their use, such as browsing the Internet, searching bibliographic records and access to other electronic resources (bible software, commentaries, etc.) by the library. It can be further inferred that there is a need for providing adequate configuration of computers for students' use. Providing better facilities for students will enhance their learning and research activities.

Figure 7.Students Opinion on Computers and Their Configuration Provided by the Library

14

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Figure 8. Frequency of the Use of ICT Facility The above Figure 8 shows how frequently students use the ICT facility in the selected theological libraries. This study indicates that only 18% of the respondents have never used their library ICT facilities for their research purpose. 4.9 eBooks Vs Physical Books The impact of the IT revolution on the younger generation of users has led them to be more oriented to digital resources and to be able to access information through their electronic gadgets such as iPads and others. There was an interesting article published in Times of India about the 75-year-old Desaposhini Public Library in Kerala which made history by becoming the first library in India to lend Kindle readers to its users.27 Mr. Krishna Kumar, the president of this public library says, We think that by embracing the digital revolution we can make the library more attractive to the tech-oriented younger generation.28 This public library has over 2.4 lakhs eBooks in its collection.

27

K R Rajeev, Thats One for the Books: Kerala Library Members Can Borrow Kindle for 20 Days, The Times of India (Bangalore, June 11, 2012), sec. Times Nation, http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=pastissues2 &BaseHref=TOIBG/2012/06/11&PageLabel=7&EntityId=Ar00704&ViewMode=HTML. 28 Ibid.

15

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

The current study noted that (see Figure 8) approximately 50% of users prefer an eBook over a physical copy of a book. This indicates there is a growing interest and awareness among users in preferring a digital book than the conventional print copy of a book. There could be various factors contributing to this trend. Due to the increase in the digital trend, students of the current generation are exposed to new technologies available in the market.

Figure 8. Choice of Format of Book

Figure 9 shows that students have made constructive recommendations with regard to the future improvement of ICT facilities in the library.

Figure 9. Suggestions Made by Students 16

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

According to Figure 9, it is inevitable that three major concerns have been voiced by students for the future, such as the need of good bandwidth Internet connection for the library, better wireless Internet connectivity for laptops and the development of a digital library.

Conclusion and Suggestions: Based on this study it was discovered that six theological libraries in Bangalore city have made significant progress in implementing ICT tools for their library services compared to other theological libraries in the city of Bangalore. The teaching of ICT skills for students, the use of FB, Twitter and blogs and other social media for library services and the launch of a union catalogue (http://jlc-koha.osslabs.biz), which is the first of its kind in Asia among theological libraries, are some of the significant achievements by JLC. It was noted that the awareness of the use of various IT applications and other media among the library users of the selected theological colleges in Bangalore is satisfactory. The students expressed their dissatisfaction over their librarians failure to send out e-alerts to their users on new acquisitions. One of the ways to achieve the fourth law of library science Save the time of the user, propounded by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the father of library science in India, is keeping library users informed of the arrival of new books, journals and others by sending out regular email alerts.

Suggestions: JLC libraries are challenged by the complex information needs of students and faculty members of theological institutions. With the new innovative tools offered by ICT developments, JLC libraries will need to plan systematically and invest ample funds for implementing ICT in order to avail the fullest benefits of ICT for its patrons. Many academic institutions neglect to provide adequate funding for library development. Often the libraries are the first ones to receive the brunt of budget cuts in institutions. Therefore, if theological libraries want to make their existence improved in the modern age, they must adapt to changes in ICT.

Though these selected theological colleges have adapted ICT facilities for their libraries, yet there are areas which need improvement. Based on this study the following suggestions are made for the betterment of the libraries:

17

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

1. The need for good wireless connectivity within the campus and library and better Internet connection in libraries were expressed by most of the students who participated in this study. 2. There is a need for offering access to the library catalogue outside of campus, which will facilitate users checking bibliographic information and others in their rooms and at their work places. 3. In addition to currently subscribed databases students have also made recommendations for subscription to more online resources/databases for their research purposes. 4. Computers provided for students use are inadequate or outdated, and therefore, it was recommended to upgrade the computers with a good configuration for students' use to save time for the users and further enhance their research. 5. Development of a digital library and federated search facility to search both the library catalogue and the digital library at the same time, was also recommended by students. 6. The JLC librarians should strive to use email in order to keep the users informed of the arrival of new books, journal issues and tables of contents from current journals, which will help users to know important information on time and save the users time. 7. JLC Libraries could adopt social software applications such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and others for the delivery of information services to its patrons which will help us reach where our patrons are.

Future study: A study on information literacy of theological students and faculty of JLC may yield stimulating results on their ability to locate, identify and use information available in the modern era. It would help JLC if there is a study done on the implementation of a digital library.

18

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

References: Becker, Joseph. Library Technology and Information Networks. American Theological Library Association Summary of Proceedings 26 (January 1, 1972): 103108. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0000723490&sit e=ehost-live&scope=site (accessed October 9, 2013). Collins, Gary, and Anabel Quan-Hasse. Social Media and Academic Libraries: Current Trends and Future Challenges. In Information, Interaction, Innovation: Celebrating the Past, Constructing the Present and Creating the Future. Baltimore, Maryland, 2012. https://www.asis.org/asist2012/proceedings/Submissions/272.pdf (accessed October 14, 2013). Falciani-White, Nancy K. Running with Perseverance: The Theological Librarys Challenge of Keeping Pace with Changing Students. Theological Librarianship: An Online Journal of the American Theological Library Association 1, no. 2 (November 18, 2008): 1627. https://journal.atla.com/ojs/index.php/theolib/article/view/61 (accessed October 7, 2013). Farkas, Meredith G. Social Software in Libraries: Building Collaboration, Communication, and Community Online. Information Today, Inc., 2007. Ganski, Kate L. An Evaluation of the Accessibility of E-resources from Theological Library Websites. Theological Librarianship: An Online Journal of the American Theological Library Association 1, no. 1 (2008): 3845. https://journal.atla.com/ojs/index.php/theolib/article/viewArticle/14 (accessed September 23, 2013). Harris, Gordon. Cooperation between Bangalore Theological College Libraries and the Potential of Electronic Networking. Ministerial Formation 76 (January 1997): pp.4953. Heer, Philipp R. Library Automation for ATLA Libraries. American Theological Library Association Summary of Proceedings 28 (January 1, 1974): 8285. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0000750555&sit e=ehost-live&scope=site (accessed October 7, 2013). Jacobson, Terra B. Facebook as a Library Tool: Perceived Vs. Actual Use. College & Research Libraries 72, no. 1 (January 1, 2011): 7990. http://crl.acrl.org/content/72/1/79 (accessed October 14, 2013). Krubu, Dorcas, and Kingsley Osawaru. The Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigerian University Libraries (2010). http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/515/ (accessed October 7, 2013). Kumar, B. T. Sampath, and B. S. Biradar. Use of ICT in College Libraries in Karnataka, India: a Survey. Program: electronic library and information systems 44, no. 3 (July 27, 2010): pp. 271282. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1871197 (accessed October 7, 2013). Lawson, Dawn. Taking the Library to Users: Experimenting with Facebook as an Outreach Tool. In Library 2.0 Initiatives in Academic Libraries Edited by Laura B. Cohen, 145155. Chicago: ACRL, 2007.
19

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Lewkowicz, Linda B. Computers and Consortia: An Overview of the Automation Efforts of the Boston Theological Institute Library Development Program. American Theological Library Association Summary of Proceedings 29 (January 1, 1975): 7683. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0000754226&sit e=ehost-live&scope=site (accessed October 7, 2013). McMahon, Melody Layton, and John B. Weaver. The Theological Library in the Age of Technology. In Trust, 2013. Ng, Siong Ngor. Finding My Way Around: The Information Process of Distance Students When Searching for Free Online Resources, 2013. http://library.ifla.org/212/ (accessed October 9, 2013). Phillips, Nancy Kim. Academic Library Use of Facebook: Building Relationships with Students. The Journal of Academic Librarianship 37, no. 6 (December 2011): 512522. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0099133311001625 (accessed October 14, 2013). Rajeev, K R. Thats One for the Books: Kerala Library Members Can Borrow Kindle for 20 Days. The Times Of India. Bangalore, June 11, 2012, sec. Times Nation. http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Sourc e=Page&Skin=pastissues2&BaseHref=TOIBG/2012/06/11&PageLabel=7&EntityId=Ar007 04&ViewMode=HTML. Robison, Charles Brad. Effects of Automation on Academic Libraries. Doctoral dissertation, Oklahoma: Oklahoma State University,, 1991. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database (UMI No 9220578). (accessed October 7, 2013). Spomer, Michelle Y. The Fine Art of Throwing Sheep: How Facebook Can Contribute to Librarianship and Community in Theological Institutions. Theological Librarianship: An Online Journal of the American Theological Library Association 1, no. 1 (June 3, 2008): 1021. https://journal.atla.com/ojs/index.php/theolib/article/view/37 (accessed October 11, 2013). UNESCO, and Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education. Building Capacity of Teachers/facilitators in Technology-pedagogy Integration for Improved Teaching and Learning: Final Report. UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, 2003. http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ict/ebooks/ICTBuidling_Capacity/BuildingCapacity.pdf. Voolapalli, Anuradha, and A. K. Baradol. Technology Impact in Theological Libraries: A Myth or Reality? DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology 31, no. 6 (November 2011): 485489. http://publications.drdo.gov.in/ojs/index.php/djlit/article/download/1324/572 (accessed October 7, 2013). Weinberg, Bella Hass. Automation and the American Judaica Library during the First Quarter Century of the Association of Jewish Libraries, 1965-1990. Judaica Librarianshipp Vol 5, no. No 2 (Spring - Winter 1991 1990). Zweck, Trevor. Automation in Theological Libraries. Colloquium 24, no. 1 (1992): 4445. Internet Theological Resources, n.d. https://www.facebook.com/groups/111017909003299/ (accessed October 11, 2013).
20

Journal of Contemporary Christian 5.2 (Nov 2013): 44-61. (ISSN: 2231-5233)

Minutes of the Joint Library Committee Meeting (JLC2009.3) Held on 26 Nov 2009 at Asian Christian Academy of India (ACAI). Joint Library Committee (JLC), Bangalore, November 26, 2009.

21