Discuss the role of INFLIBNET in promoting automation of library and information activities and services in India.

INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network) is an autonomous inter-university center of the University Grants Commission (UGC) that has been instrumental in promoting automation of library and information activities and services in India. Since its establishment in 1988, INFLIBNET has played a crucial role in facilitating the access and sharing of information resources and services among academic and research institutions in India.

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INFLIBNET has taken various initiatives to promote automation of library and information activities and services in India. One of the significant initiatives is the creation of the Indian National Digital Library in Education (INDEST), which is a consortium of more than 600 academic and research institutions across India. This initiative provides access to a vast range of e-resources, including electronic journals, databases, e-books, and other digital content, to its members. The availability of these resources has greatly facilitated the process of information retrieval and dissemination, enabling users to access and share information resources and services more efficiently.

Furthermore, INFLIBNET has been instrumental in promoting the use of modern library management software and technologies in academic and research libraries in India. It has developed and implemented various software applications, such as the Library Automation Software (LAMS) and the Integrated Library Management System (ILMS), which provide automated solutions for library management activities such as acquisition, cataloging, circulation, and OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) services. The use of these software applications has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of library operations, enabling librarians to provide better services to their users.

Apart from promoting the use of modern library management software, INFLIBNET has also been involved in the development of digital library standards and protocols, such as the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set and the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting. These standards and protocols provide a framework for the organization, description, and interoperability of digital resources, making it easier for users to locate and access information across different digital libraries.

Another important initiative of INFLIBNET is the creation of the Shodhganga repository, which is a digital platform for hosting and sharing electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) from Indian universities. The Shodhganga platform has greatly facilitated the process of thesis submission and archiving, enabling researchers to share their work more easily and making it more accessible to other researchers and scholars.

In addition, INFLIBNET has been involved in the promotion of open access publishing and dissemination of scholarly research. It has launched several initiatives, such as the National Digital Library of India and the e-PG Pathshala platform, which provide access to a wide range of open access resources, including e-books, e-journals, and online courses. These initiatives have facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and research findings, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Lastly, INFLIBNET has been instrumental in promoting capacity building and training programs for librarians and information professionals in India. It has conducted various workshops, training programs, and conferences on different topics related to library and information management, including digital library management, metadata standards, and open access publishing. These programs have helped to enhance the skills and knowledge of librarians and information professionals, enabling them to provide better services to their users.

In conclusion, INFLIBNET has played a significant role in promoting automation of library and information activities and services in India. Its initiatives have greatly facilitated the process of information retrieval and dissemination, enabling users to access and share information resources and services more efficiently. The use of modern library management software, development of digital library standards and protocols, creation of digital repositories, promotion of open access publishing and dissemination, and capacity building and training programs for librarians and information professionals are some of the key initiatives of INFLIBNET that have contributed to the automation of library and information activities and services in India.

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