- LIS-Forum - ncsi.iisc.ernet.in

RE: [LIS-Forum] Librarians' proficiency in English
by Aman Jha 24 Feb '05

24 Feb '05

Dear Dr Vyasamoorthy I too feel that English Language proficiency is a problem for many library professionals. This is basically for those who belong to BIMARU states. I myself belong to one of such states where English language is taught from 6th standards onwards and in 10th standard, it is not mandatory to pass in English. This is the case of many state boards. I somehow managed to fill this gap after 10th, may be due to my primary education took place in Delhi. Even in Delhi during 1980s, English was taught not before 6th standard in Govt schools. PROBLEMS: Education systems: State Boards: There is a general practice in many states where passing in English is not mandatory in the State Board examinations. Universities: Many universities allow Hindi speaking students, whose medium of instruction till Bachelor have been in Hindi, to get admission in BLIS course where BLIS is taught in Hindi. There are many other LIS departments where medium of instruction is mentioned English in Prospectus but Hinglish is practised. Attitude: In my case, since I was very weak in English till 10th, I took it very seriously for higher education and started studying basic English books even primary levels, grammar and translation with lot of self-practice at home which boosted my confidence of English language. WHAT TO BE DONE? I think British Council has taken a good lead in developing English language skills in the country. Professionals who feel are weak in English may join a short term course. As an interface between books and users, librarian must have good communication skills in English and should be primary requisite for the recruitment of the post. Employers should also enhance their employees' communication skills by organising an internal training/workshop program. Library associations should come forward, if not, library network centres in India can join hands with the primary employers to organise such programs. There are many other avenues where professionals may try for upgrading their English language skills. I had compiled a comprehensive list of English Language Training Schools/Centres in India last year. I will be happy to share that list. Best regards, Aman Jha Librarian Confederation of Indian Industry Plot No 249-F, Udyog Vihar, Phase IV Sector 18, Gurgaon 122015 (Haryana) Tel: 0124-5014060-67 * Fax: 0124-5014080 -----Original Message----- From: Vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com [mailto:Vyasamoorthy@icicikp.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 7:07 AM To: lis-forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Subject: [LIS-Forum] Librarians' proficiency in English Dear Friends, I am sure that some of you were expecting this. I am really appalled at the lack of any semblance of proficiency in the use of English language among many librarians. I wonder how one could pass through some 17 years of schooling and even after that manage not to learn basics of English Language. It is regrettable that our present system of Education does not emphasize the importance of Language abilities. Because of selfish politicians promoting their own agendas at the cost of the nation and because of a tendency to promote or put up with mediocrity everywhere -- the necessity for striving for excellence is once in a way heard from our president, though -- students do not look at Language skills with any concern. Recently we had to recruit an Information Officer for our VIC. Out of about fifteen persons we considered, hardly two or three could measure up as far as basic English Language skills are concerned. On one hand we find the Indian librarians community in India to be prolific writers - even an entry level resume mentions two or three 'papers' published and on the other hand we find that their presentation and communication skills at horribly very low levels. What are reasons? How can this be changed? Who should take action? Is it OK to be where & how we are? What do LIS teachers have to say? In this lamentation I am not bothered about typing errors (may be you are just lazy - not that you do not know), spelling mistakes (heavy dependence on spell checkers), occasional slippages (it happens to everyone), unheard of abbreviations being thrust on everyone by cell phone (or email?) culture and the like. I am concerned with basic English Language skills expected of a tenth class student. Kindly do not take recourse to "It is the same everywhere - in all other preofessions too" type of argument. Dr.P.Vyasamoorthy, Advisor, Virtual Information Centre, ICICI Knowledge Park, Genome Valley, Turkapally, Shameerpet Mandal, RR District, Hyderabad 500078 INDIA Email: vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com Phone - Office: +91(40)23480053 Fax: +91(40)23480007 Phone Residence: +91(40)27846631 _______________________________________________ LIS-Forum mailing list LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in http://ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/mailman/listinfo/lis-forum

2 1

Article Request
by amit thapar 24 Feb '05

24 Feb '05

Good Morning to all friends, i urgently require this article for my assignment. If it is possible for anyone then pls send a soft copy of this article to me. Processes and problems in information consolidation Information Processing & Management Volume 22, Issue 1 , 1986, Pages 45-60 with best regards, Amit Thapar Library & Information Centre National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research Sector-67, Phase-X S.A.S.Nagar (Mohali)-160062, Punjab, INDIA www.niper.ac.in amit.thapar(a)gmail.com Cell no. 09417419457 Good Morning to all friends, i urgently require this article for my assignment. If it is possible for anyone then pls send a soft copy of this article to me. Processes and problems in information consolidation Information Processing & Management Volume 22, Issue 1 , 1986, Pages 45-60 with best regards, Amit Thapar Library & Information Centre National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research Sector-67, Phase-X S.A.S.Nagar (Mohali)-160062, Punjab, INDIA www.niper.ac.in amit.thapar(a)gmail.com Cell no. 09417419457 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.0.0 - Release Date: 8/11/04

1 0

Fw: [oa-india] A new book on OA
by Subbiah Arunachalam 24 Feb '05

24 Feb '05

Here is a brief abstract of a new French book on OA. Arun ISBN : 2-7475-7695-7 - février 2005 - 186 pages http://www.editions-harmattan.fr/index.asp?navig=catalogue&obj=livre&no=187… OPEN ARCHIVES AND SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION How to provide free access to research results? Thierry Chanier Preface: Jean-Max Noyer SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY The technical potential of the networked online medium offers concrete solutions for freeing access to the results of scientific and scholarly research. Conflicting social and economic models have generated deep controversies among the various players involved in scholarly/scientific publication [researchers, their institutions, their funders, and their publishers]. Network technology now offers the substrate from which the research community can reorganise itself to regain control over the publication and dissemination of its work. Two things are at stake: Free access and the development of a new research cycle to renew scientific communication. Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, IICD, OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank --- You are currently subscribed to oa-india as: arun(a)mssrf.res.in To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-oa-india-137598Y(a)dgroups.org Here is a brief abstract of a new French book on OA. Arun ISBN : 2-7475-7695-7 - février 2005 - 186 pages http://www.editions-harmattan.fr/index.asp?navig=catalogue&obj=livre&no=187… http://www.editions-harmattan.fr/index.asp?navig=catalogue&obj=livre&no=187… OPEN ARCHIVES AND SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION How to provide free access to research results? Thierry Chanier Preface: Jean-Max Noyer SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY The technical potential of the networked online medium offers concrete solutions for freeing access to the results of scientific and scholarly research. Conflicting social and economic models have generated deep controversies among the various players involved in scholarly/scientific publication [researchers, their institutions, their funders, and their publishers]. Network technology now offers the substrate from which the research community can reorganise itself to regain control over the publication and dissemination of its work. Two things are at stake: Free access and the development of a new research cycle to renew scientific communication. Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, IICD, OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank --- You are currently subscribed to oa-india as: arun(a)mssrf.res.in To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-oa-india-137598Y(a)dgroups.org

1 0

information about south asia
by pradeep kumar 23 Feb '05

23 Feb '05

I urgently require information about "CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP & PUBLISHING TREND IN SOUTH ASIA with particular reference to HINDI" for my reference work. thanking you waiting for a positive response PRADEEP --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more. I urgently require information about "CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP & PUBLISHING TREND �IN SOUTH ASIA with particular reference to HINDI" for my reference work. thanking you waiting for a positive response � PRADEEP � Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=29917/*http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 Learn more.

1 0

RE: [LIS-Forum] Librarians' proficiency in English
by Vyasamoorthy＠icicikp.com 23 Feb '05

23 Feb '05

Thank you Mr Jha for the positive way you have looked at it. We are conducting shortly an English Language course for our employees, to help them speak with ease and to write simple correct English. Please do send me the list of English Teaching Schools to me. Your points are worth pursuing further. Best wishes Vyasamoorthy, P -----Original Message----- From: Aman Jha [mailto:aman.jha@ciionline.org] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 2:39 PM To: lis-forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Cc: VYASAMOORTHY /IKP/HYD Subject: RE: [LIS-Forum] Librarians' proficiency in English Importance: High Dear Dr Vyasamoorthy I too feel that English Language proficiency is a problem for many library professionals. This is basically for those who belong to BIMARU states. I myself belong to one of such states where English language is taught from 6th standards onwards and in 10th standard, it is not mandatory to pass in English. This is the case of many state boards. I somehow managed to fill this gap after 10th, may be due to my primary education took place in Delhi. Even in Delhi during 1980s, English was taught not before 6th standard in Govt schools. PROBLEMS: Education systems: State Boards: There is a general practice in many states where passing in English is not mandatory in the State Board examinations. Universities: Many universities allow Hindi speaking students, whose medium of instruction till Bachelor have been in Hindi, to get admission in BLIS course where BLIS is taught in Hindi. There are many other LIS departments where medium of instruction is mentioned English in Prospectus but Hinglish is practised. Attitude: In my case, since I was very weak in English till 10th, I took it very seriously for higher education and started studying basic English books even primary levels, grammar and translation with lot of self-practice at home which boosted my confidence of English language. WHAT TO BE DONE? I think British Council has taken a good lead in developing English language skills in the country. Professionals who feel are weak in English may join a short term course. As an interface between books and users, librarian must have good communication skills in English and should be primary requisite for the recruitment of the post. Employers should also enhance their employees' communication skills by organising an internal training/workshop program. Library associations should come forward, if not, library network centres in India can join hands with the primary employers to organise such programs. There are many other avenues where professionals may try for upgrading their English language skills. I had compiled a comprehensive list of English Language Training Schools/Centres in India last year. I will be happy to share that list. Best regards, Aman Jha Librarian Confederation of Indian Industry Plot No 249-F, Udyog Vihar, Phase IV Sector 18, Gurgaon 122015 (Haryana) Tel: 0124-5014060-67 * Fax: 0124-5014080 ====== original posting clipped ====

1 0

E - Journals
by Library 23 Feb '05

23 Feb '05

Dear Professionals, Please provide me URL of free Electronic Journals (related to Agriculture, Biodiversity, Molecular Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Ecology, Environment, Rural Development, Gender, Aquaculture, Forestry, Education, Training Programme, Management, Information science & Society) in full text format. Thank you very much. Sincerely, B. Murugan Library Services M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation 3rd Cross Street, Taramani Institutional Area Chennai - 600 113 Phone: 22541229 / 22542698; Extn: 208/209 Dear Professionals, Please provide me URL of free Electronic Journals (related to Agriculture, Biodiversity, Molecular Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Ecology, Environment, Rural Development, Gender, Aquaculture, Forestry, Education, Training Programme, Management, Information science & Society) in full text format. Thank you very much. Sincerely, B. Murugan Library Services M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation 3rd Cross Street, Taramani Institutional Area Chennai - 600 113 Phone: 22541229 / 22542698; Extn: 208/209

1 0

Communication skills
by gayathri sen 23 Feb '05

23 Feb '05

Dear friends, I strongly endorse the views of Dr. Vysamoorthy regarding the present day out comes of Libray Schools. I have even spoken about this to some professors teaching in library schools. Librarian or Information Officers position involves dealing with users, managements, government bodies etc. etc. When the library staff or the librarian himself cannot present himself well what respect can you expect in organizations? To improve the situation, like how english classes are introduced in technical courses like B.E., even in library courses english should be made compulsory. This may solve the problem to a small extent. I take english classes for few staff members in my library whenever I have some time, so that they can present themselves better in front of users. Many come from rural back ground and hence this drawback. Gayathri Sen PESIT --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. Dear friends, I strongly endorse the views of Dr. Vysamoorthy regarding the present day out comes of Libray Schools. I have even spoken about this to some professors teaching in library schools. Librarian or Information Officers� position involves dealing with users, managements, government bodies etc. etc. When the library staff or the librarian himself cannot present himself well what respect can you expect in organizations? To improve the situation, like how english classes are introduced in technical courses like B.E., even in library courses english should be made compulsory. This�may solve the problem to a small extent. I take english classes for few staff members in my library whenever I have some time, so that�they can present themselves better in front of users. Many come from rural back ground and hence this drawback. Gayathri Sen PESIT Do you Yahoo!? http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail_us/taglines/virus/*http://promotions.yahoo.com/… Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.

1 0

Basic English
by shantha venkatesan 23 Feb '05

23 Feb '05

Kudos to Dr.Vyasamoorthy! Certainly the real culprits are the education system & selfish politicians. You will agree this is an exciting topic. We speak of national integration. We accept or do not accept that English language brings all castes & communities together. Ridiculous indeed! How many universities are conducting interviews for B.L.I.Sc in regional language to see that the mediocrity thrives everywhere. Are the teachers of LIS not responsible for this appalling state? Do the teachers of LIS identify & motivate the would-be prolific writers? Do the teachers speak correct English in the class? Are the teachers simply cynical of students who are better than the teachers? Are the teachers aware of difference between healthy criticism & cynicism? I believe the teachers are right in the centre of the field to mould the academic society. It is just like blaming the government for all ills not knowing that the govt. is of the people, by the people and for the people. As Dr.Radhakrishnan said " a teacher commands respect and not demands respect. Learning is directed both ways teacher-students and students-teachers. Now who is responsible for the poor communication skill : the system of education, the floating politicians or the sacred teachers? This is a food for thought. A proper analysis would bring in the answer. -- Shantha Venkatesan. Senior Librarian Prof.M.M.Sharma Library U.I.C.T.Matunga (East) Mumbai400 019

1 0

FW: Special lecture at DRTC
by Dr. T.B. Rajashekar 23 Feb '05

23 Feb '05

-----Original Message----- From: DRTC General [mailto:drtc@ns.isibang.ac.in] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 10:42 AM To: raja(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Cc: ikrrao(a)yahoo.co.in Subject: Special lecture at DRTC Dear Dr. Rajashekar, Kindly send this circular through lisforum. With regards, I.K. Ravichandra Rao Head, DRTC ======================================================== INDIAN STATISTICAL INSTITUTE Documentation Research and Training Centre 8th Mile, Mysore Road, Bangalore - 59 Cordially invites you to attend a Special Seminar On "Finding Scholarly Information through the Internet and the WWW" By Prof. Paul Nieuwenhuysen Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel Belgium On Monday, 28th February 2005, at 2 pm. At Documentation Research and Training Centre Indian Statistical Institute 8th Mile Mysore Road Bangalore 560059 Professor and Head, DRTC

1 0

MSN Search Helpful to Net User
by Farooque Shaheen 23 Feb '05

23 Feb '05

The Hindu, The next time you have a query such as "what is seven times 20" or "how high is Mt. Everest" or a complex arithmetic or algebra calculation,simply type the question in the window of MSN Search, Microsoft's latest innovation. A one-line answer would appear in microseconds on the web page, along with the other MSN search results. "How many inches in a mile?" Launched last fortnight in the country, this feature of MSN Search draws its results from the database of 1.5 million answers provided by Microsoft Encarta, the leading encyclopaedia brand. You could ask any question on geographical locations, historical and popular figures, definitions, facts, calculations, conversions, and solutions to equations. Till now, Internet browsers had to type out the key words in the search window and click on the search results to look out for precise definitions. But the one-line Encarta answer is only part of the long list of features offered by the new MSN Search, built from the ground up by Microsoft in about 16 months. Now available in 25 countries and 10 languages, the search service offers a collection of tools to Net users, giving them greater control in targeting and refining searches to get instant,accurate answers to specific questions. http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/23/stories/2005022315510300.htm Thanks & Regards, Farooque Shaheen, Caritor India Pvt Ltd. Tel. 080-26678388 # 4105 Mobile-9342507449 The Hindu, The next time you have a query such as "what is seven times 20" or "how high is Mt. Everest" or a complex arithmetic or algebra calculation,simply type the question in the window of MSN Search, Microsoft's latest innovation. A �one-line answer would appear in microseconds on the web page, along with the other MSN search results. "How many inches in a mile?" Launched last fortnight in the country, this feature of MSN Search draws its results from the database of 1.5 million answers provided by Microsoft Encarta, the leading encyclopaedia brand. You could ask any question on geographical locations, historical and popular figures, definitions, facts, calculations, conversions, and solutions to equations. Till now, Internet browsers had to type out the key words in the search window and click on the search results to look out for precise definitions. But the one-line Encarta answer is only part of the long list of features offered by the new MSN Search, built from the ground up by Microsoft in about 16 months. Now available in 25 countries and 10 languages, the search service offers a collection of tools to Net users, giving them greater control in targeting and refining searches to get instant,accurate answers to specific questions. http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/23/stories/2005022315510300.htm Thanks & Regards, Farooque Shaheen, Caritor India Pvt Ltd. Tel. 080-26678388 # 4105 Mobile-9342507449

1 0