Table of Contents
1. Introduction
This document contains a basic introduction to local area networks (LANs). The author does not give a detailed discussion on this chapter since it is not the scope of the work, and the detailed description could also be very technical. Second, the article deals with the use of LAN in libraries with some examples from applications in industrialised countries. Finally, we describe the obstacles that we, as developing countries, face when using LANs in our libraries.
2. What Are Local Networks?
Although the term “network” can be false in many ways, in our context, we can understand it as a series of computers and peripheral devices that are connected using communication such as coaxial cable, twisted pair, and fiber. Depending on the geographic coverage, there are three main categories of networks:
WANs (Wide Area Networks): Computers and peripherals that are joint within a geographical area of 10 kilometers or more fall into this category. They usually cover the whole country.
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs): This type covers a metropolitan region.
LANs can be illustrious from other networks due to their short distance. The total range can be 1 km to 10 km. The speed of data transmission in LANs is much higher than in other types of networks. If the WAN is encouraged at 1 Mbit / s, LANs can transmit data at 1 to 10 Mbit / s. The error rate in data transmission is low due to the shorter distance between the devices. Because the lan environment is in a building or a smaller area, they belong to a specific organization. This localized control offers greater flexibility in LANs than other types of networks.
3. Application Of Networks In Libraries
Local networks have been around for some time, but their use in libraries is reasonably new. American and British libraries have taken the steps of the initiative. Based on their applications, we can try to apply this exciting technology in our libraries. The following sections describe how LANs can be cast-off in a library environment.
3.1 Cleaning Applications
In various libraries, LANs were used to help with homework, and it would be extra correct to say that test projects were being conducted to experiment in this area. A good example is the LAN installation project of the University of Aston (UK), which focused on acquisitions, cataloging, and marketing control. (Brindley, 1987).
These orders can be forwarded online to a bookseller if a gateway is available on their network. Blackwell’s PC ORDER system supports this type of book order. Once the link between the parent company’s financial department and the library has been predictable, you can immediately receive accurate expense statements to ensure that the funds are recycled correctly.
Cataloging. The requirement of the union catalog can be detached when a LAN is available because each branch library can have its folders on-site and provide access to other folders over the network. This saves users time, eliminating the need to visit any modern library for books. Besides, detailed information about the material book can be obtained from the acquisition department during cataloging, where most bibliographic data is available. The cataloging staff will only have to add what that is not.
Circulation check. The ability to return books from any modern library within the geographic coverage of the LAN may be unfilled to save students time. Still, the books must, of course, be happy to the appropriate library at the end of the day. Checking the data of overdue borrowers can be easily traced when circulation data is related to the network.
3.2 Educational Services
LANs can also be cast-off in the library for educational purposes. Aston University has planned two types of services. (Brindley, 1987). They would provide online database counseling with trained personnel to users involved in remote database searches, and second, they planned to conduct online search learning courses at different locations simultaneously. Computer conferencing with multiple remote computers connected to the network to hold conferences without gathering participants in one place is another LAN application that could provide sophisticated service to future library users. The LAN network installation at the University of Strathclyde’s information department was cast-off to experiment with computer conferencing, and the author affirms that computer conferencing and electronic magazine production have significant potential and appeal despite microphone and technical problems, and motion (Baird, 1987).
3.3 Share Resources
However, purchasing a network version of the software (of course, at a higher price than a single release, but less than multiple copies) for installation on the LAN makes things a lot easier. The main reason for setting up the LAN in R.H. Fogler from the University of Maine, Ohio, was relieved when it came to handling software applications, including Dbase3 Plus, word processors, course-specific media, etc., used by students. (Flor, 1988).
3.4 Office Administration
The library office can stay linked to various other offices, e.g., B. with departments for personal, financial and social security. To avoid wasting time intently retrieving information from different departments, LANs can be used to send data with a certain level of protection to the library office. With the email library staff concept, you can quickly get in touch instead of calling meetings. You can also use additional emails to prepare letters with messages and notes that are distributed between the library and through the gate between other libraries. (Copeland, 1986). The NCC had agreed that everyone should have the discipline to check incoming e-mails for success. (Copeland, 1986).
4. Restrictions on The Application of Networks in Developing Countries
We have not been able to take full advantage of LAN technology in our libraries, as most of our libraries are not yet literally automated. Automation is still limited to one or more microcomputers and a limited number of applications. The automatic primary use is the library catalogue. A fully automated online list for public access is also rare. Second, the lack of qualified library automation professionals has contributed significantly to this problem. At this point, it is essential to highlight the issues that we encounter in training our librarians, particularly by offering them training so that they can work with their counterparts from developing countries. Therefore, information about the availability of technology does not reach our libraries sufficiently.
Third, the lack of funds can remain cited as the reason for the above two reasons. The purchase of electronic data processing equipment, suitable software, and the establishment of sophisticated communication connections, which are compulsory for LAN applications, are hampered by the alignment of national resources to more basic needs.
