Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 07:26:59 +0530 From: Subbiah Arunachalam <arun@mssrf.res.in> Ludhiana, April 27: Dr M S Randhawa Library of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has decided to digitize all the available data in dissertations abstracts, research reports and research articles on CD archives. The digital data will also be put online shortly for easy and quick access. PAU librarian Dr S S Chahal said that a new digitisation cell has been created in the library, and a high-end- flat-bed-scanner has been specially purchased for this purpose. The entire process of digitisation will be completed in six months, he addded. The library has the largest collection of agricultural books and periodicals in the region, numbering over three lakh. Sources say that the library already provides information services like CD-ROM databases, ICRISAT library database and J-gate online services, with access to 7,500 journals. Subsidised fast Internet services is also provided for researchers and students. Besides these, some new services like 'Agricultural Expressions' comprising newspaper clippings has also been started. The Vice Chancellor has allotted a special additional grant of Rs 15 lakh to sustain the continuity of periodicals, informed Dr Chahal. Arun