“DELNET (Developing Library Network) is a network of libraries in India. DELNET provides access to major digital library resources in South Asia. It aims to improve resource-sharing among libraries and promote information access and communication between libraries, institutions, and individuals. It was established with the goal of fostering better services for libraries across the country, including academic, research, and public libraries.”
Establishment and Registration: DELNET was initiated at the India International Centre Library in January 1988 and officially became a registered society in 1992.
Initial Support: It received support from the National Information System for Science and Technology (NISSAT), under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India.
Further Support: Later, it was backed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and IT, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Purpose: The primary goal of DELNET is to facilitate resource sharing among libraries by creating a network for easy access to information.
Functions:
- Collects, stores, and shares information.
- Offers computerized services to users.
- Coordinates efforts for effective collection development.
- Reduces unnecessary duplication of resources.
Union Catalogues and Databases:
- Created various union catalogues, including books, periodicals, CD-ROMs, and video recordings.
- Developed databases for Indian specialists, periodical articles, Urdu manuscripts, theses, and dissertations.
- Sample databases for language publications using GIST technology.
Database Management:
- Data is regularly updated and expanding rapidly.
- All databases are hosted on DELSIS, an in-house software based on BASISPlus, an RDBMS from Information Dimensions Inc., USA, provided by NIC, New Delhi.
- 1 Here are multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on DELNET
- 1.1 1. When was DELNET initiated at the India International Centre Library?
- 1.2 2. In which year did DELNET officially become a registered society?
- 1.3 3. Which organization initially supported DELNET under the Government of India?
- 1.4 4. What is the primary objective of DELNET?
- 1.5 5. Which of the following databases is NOT maintained by DELNET?
- 1.6 6. What is DELNET’s in-house software for managing databases?
- 1.7 7. Which of the following services is NOT provided by DELNET?
- 1.8 8. How does DELNET help libraries reduce costs?
- 1.9 9. DELNET helps libraries with cataloging using which standardized format?
- 1.10 10. Which government department has provided support to DELNET apart from NISSAT?
Key Features and Objectives of DELNET:
- Resource Sharing:
- DELNET facilitates resource sharing among member libraries by providing access to a vast pool of resources, such as books, journals, digital resources, and more. This reduces the need for libraries to purchase the same resources individually, helping save costs.
- Digital Library and Database Access:
- DELNET provides access to digital databases, online journals, and e-books, which allows libraries to offer resources to their users that may not be available locally. This helps improve access to information on a national and international level.
- Networking and Collaboration:
- DELNET enables collaboration among libraries by providing them with the tools and infrastructure to network and share information efficiently. It fosters a collaborative environment, where libraries can share their holdings, catalogs, and services.
- Cataloging Services:
- DELNET assists libraries with cataloging and organizing their collections, using standardized formats like MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging). This ensures that library collections are properly indexed and searchable.
- Training and Workshops:
- The network organizes training programs, workshops, and seminars for library professionals to help them stay up-to-date with the latest trends in library science, technology, and information management. This contributes to the professional development of library staff.
- Online Access:
- DELNET also provides online services such as online catalogs, interlibrary loan services, and access to digital resources like e-books, articles, and databases. These services enhance the availability and accessibility of information to users across the country.
- Membership:
- Libraries, institutions, and organizations can become members of DELNET by joining the network. Membership provides libraries with access to shared resources and services, including a vast collection of digital resources and tools for library management.
Benefits of DELNET:
- Cost Efficiency: Libraries save money by sharing resources and accessing digital content without having to purchase them individually.
- Access to a Wider Range of Resources: By joining DELNET, libraries gain access to a broader range of materials, including rare and specialized resources, which might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
- Enhanced Library Services: Libraries can offer more comprehensive services to their patrons, from access to digital content to interlibrary loans.
- Collaboration and Networking: Libraries are able to collaborate and learn from each other, improving their own operations and offerings.
In summary, DELNET plays a significant role in enhancing the quality and efficiency of library services in India by promoting resource sharing, collaboration, and access to digital content.
Here are multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on DELNET
1. When was DELNET initiated at the India International Centre Library?
A) 1985
B) 1988
C) 1992
D) 1995
Answer: B) 1988
2. In which year did DELNET officially become a registered society?
A) 1985
B) 1990
C) 1992
D) 1994
Answer: C) 1992
3. Which organization initially supported DELNET under the Government of India?
A) National Informatics Centre (NIC)
B) Ministry of Culture
C) National Information System for Science and Technology (NISSAT)
D) University Grants Commission (UGC)
Answer: C) National Information System for Science and Technology (NISSAT)
4. What is the primary objective of DELNET?
A) To create a national library for India
B) To facilitate resource sharing among libraries
C) To replace traditional libraries with digital libraries
D) To develop educational programs for students
Answer: B) To facilitate resource sharing among libraries
5. Which of the following databases is NOT maintained by DELNET?
A) Union catalogues of books and periodicals
B) Database of Indian specialists
C) Database of medical research patents
D) Database of Urdu manuscripts
Answer: C) Database of medical research patents
6. What is DELNET’s in-house software for managing databases?
A) Koha
B) SOUL
C) DELSIS
D) CDS/ISIS
Answer: C) DELSIS
7. Which of the following services is NOT provided by DELNET?
A) Interlibrary loan services
B) Training and workshops for library professionals
C) Printing and publishing books
D) Digital library access
Answer: C) Printing and publishing books
8. How does DELNET help libraries reduce costs?
A) By funding the purchase of books for libraries
B) By eliminating the need for print resources
C) By allowing resource sharing among member libraries
D) By charging high membership fees
Answer: C) By allowing resource sharing among member libraries
9. DELNET helps libraries with cataloging using which standardized format?
A) ASCII
B) XML
C) MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging)
D) SQL
Answer: C) MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging)
10. Which government department has provided support to DELNET apart from NISSAT?
A) Department of Science and Technology (DST)
B) Ministry of Culture
C) Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
D) Ministry of External Affairs
Answer: B) Ministry of Culture
References:
DELNET. (n.d.). Developing Library Network (DELNET). Retrieved from https://www.delnet.in
India International Centre. (1988). Establishment of DELNET: A library resource-sharing initiative. New Delhi: India International Centre Library.
National Informatics Centre. (n.d.). Support for DELNET and digital library networks in India. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.
NISSAT. (1992). Report on the role of NISSAT in supporting library networks. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India.
Ministry of Culture. (n.d.). Library modernization and DELNET’s role in resource sharing. Government of India.
