A Study on Engineering College Libraries in Digital Environment in Acharya Nagarjuna University Area of Andhra Pradesh

Analysis of data collected from librarians belonging to seven selected engineering college libraries in Acharya Nagarjuna University area, Andhra Pradesh, using a questionnaire reveals many findings with regard to esources. Majority of the librarians (71.4%) replied that separate budget is allocated for procuring e-sources in their libraries. Most of them (85.7%) replied that there is a separate committee for selection of e-sources in their libraries. Most of them (45.7%) replied that their libraries have a digital library. Majority of them (51.7%) did not face any problem in acquiring e-sources. Majority of libraries (71.4%) maintain a separate accession register for e-sources. More CD-ROMs and DVDs are available in the engineering college libraries compared to other e-sources. Most of the libraries (71.4%) are classifying the e-sources. All the librarians replied that fax machines and barcode scanners are sufficient for their needs. Majority of the librarians (57.1%) replied that computers are sufficient for the needs of users. Majority of the librarians (57.1%) replied that they are preparing a catalogue for e-sources. Majority of them (57.1%) replied that their libraries have no provision for lending esources. Majority of the librarians (71.4%) are providing orientation programme in the use of e-sources. Most of the librarians (85.7%) replied that their library staff are providing assistance when the users require in the handling of electronic sources. Majority of the librarians (71.4%) are publicising e-sources. Majority of the librarians (71.4%) replied that the major hindrance for better utilizations of e-sources in their libraries is ‘no alternative power supply facility when electricity fails’. Majority of them (57.1%) replied that there is an increase in the use of e-sources. Majority of librarians (71.4%) are either higher satisfied or satisfied with the e-sources. Most of them (85.7%) replied that they are verifying the stock of e-sources. Finally, a number of suggestions have been made for the improvement of electronic sources and their utilization in engineering college libraries.