[LIS-Forum] Post Graduate Diploma in Application of Open Source Software in Library (PGDAOSSL)

[G.K.MANJUNATH]

If one considers 'Librarian as a Teacher', then learning as many software 
as possible is always welcome.  Libraries which are the test beds for such 
software can always pass on the knowledge to the needy.  The option of 
learing OSS, specialising in one or more, should be left to the 
individuals.

Therefore, I personally feel, the idea of starting such a programme seems 
to be good. However, its feasibility and long sustainability, considering 
the availability of experts/faculty members, infra-structure and the cost 
( course fee ) involved, need to be closely looked at.

Finally, when there can be post-graduate diplomas in networking, computer 
application, etc, for librarians, offered in distance mode with more 
emphasis on theory, why not a full-time course for OSS as suggested by 
Mr.Barman ?. I very appreciate the intent and its usefulness.

For the benefit of all the professionals in the country, it is ideal to 
have such a programme in at least 4-5 major cities.  Institutions like 
INFLIBNET, NCSI, DRTC, ISIM, INSDOC [NISCAIR], etc., can make significant 
contributions  to this venture.

thanks,

       Dr.G.K.Manjunath
       Chief Librarian
       Indira Gandhi Inst of Development Research
       Film City Road
       Santosh Nagar
       Goregaon(East )
       MUMBAI - 400 065

              	  Phone:	022-28416528






On Fri, 10 Jul 2009, Prof. N. Laxman Rao. wrote:

> helo
>
> i wnt to express my doubts abt this course. do u wnt to make librarians 
> or teachers? if it is teacher he may be interested to know many 
> software, so tht he can teach. but a librarian applies only one software 
> for automation or one software for digital library and so on. the use of 
> such software can be learnt in 2 weeks. then wht the librarians will do 
> by learning use of many softwares. these softwares do get updated, and 
> without using is it possible to keep track of updates?  newer and newer 
> sofwares are coming at fast rate? hw long u will update ur syllabus. 
> there are problems with OSS too. In India we donot hav usergroups to 
> sort out the problems,. we have seen till today professional frnds do 
> not know wht is CDS/ISIS, and they think it is Library management 
> software? many schools teach the same till now. we need to replace the 
> CDS/ISIS with one of the best OSS and make the student a master so tht 
> he can use it and also keep track of the developments.
>
> i think tht this program is not advisable, ad i am surprised with the 
> idea. there are many library professionals at every corner of this 
> country, who can teach KOHA, D Space, Green stone etc. butmake the 
> program much more useful and let the students do not get taken for a 
> ride. all the best for the [proposed program with best wishes
>
> Prof. N.LAXMAN RAO, 
> UGC- EMERITUS PROFESSOR,  Dept of Library & Information Science, Osmania University, HYDERABAD- 500 007 (INDIA)
> President, Association of British Scholars (Hyderabad Chapter)
> +91-9246547599 (Mobile)
> e:mail-- naglaxman at yahoo.com OR naglaxman at gmail.com
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