Conservation and Preservation of Resources in Special Libraries - A Study of the Union Territories (UTs) of India

LIBRARY HERALD

Year : 2025, Volume : 63, Issue :3

First page :(354) Last page :(373)

Print ISSN : 0024-2292. Online ISSN : 0976-2469.

Article DOI : 10.5958/0976-2469.2025.00025.X

Satveer Singh Nehra1, Kanchan Nagpal2

1 Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India

2 Assistant Librarian, India International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi, India

Abstract

This study is essentially intended to evaluate the prevalent status of digitisation in special libraries located within the Union Territories (UTs) of India, thus exploring both the progression achieved and the encounters faced by librarians in these regions. The results reveal a interspersed landscape, with some libraries having successfully completed their digitisation projects while others are still in the process of its implementation. During the course of this study, there were a large number of critical challenges that were identified, which included inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, unreliable power supply, and security concerns. These obstructions significantly impeded the progress of digitisation efforts in several libraries. There are numerous recommendations addressing significant issues, such as increasing the budget allocations, enhancing infrastructure, securing alternative power sources, and implementing advanced security measures that are based on the outcomes of this study. The researchers however offer several recommendations to address these issues. In addition, the study also highlights the significance of the continuous professional development through workshops and training sessions to equip librarians with the requisite and essential skills for making a thrust towards effective digitisation. By addressing these challenges, libraries in the Union Territories in India can more effectively navigate the digitisation process, thereby ensuring the preservation and accessibility of valuable resources in the digital age.

Keywords

Conservation, Preservation, digitisation, Special Libraries, Union Territories, Policy Framework, Resource Management