State to open digital libraries in arts and science colleges

CHENNAI: Taking one step towards digitalisation, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to set up digital libraries in all arts and science colleges run by the State.

About two lakh students study in about 150 government and government-aided arts and science colleges across the State.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department told DT Next that the Directorate of Collegiate Education has been entrusted to digitise all libraries and interconnect colleges so that students will have access to all the material available.

“The government has already started digital libraries in 17 colleges and 10 more will be established in Vyasarpadi in Chennai, Paramakudi, Dharmapuri, Musiri, Ariyalur, Kumbakonam, Villupuram, Sivaganga, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli at a cost of Rs 1 crore,” he added.

According to him, the digitisation of all the libraries in 150 government arts and science colleges would be completed in a few months.

The official pointed out that the government’s decision to digitise libraries came against the backdrop of the decline in students’ visits to conventional libraries. They prefer accessing information and reading online.

Stating that a digital library would cut short the time and effort one would put into visiting a conventional library, he said the new facility will have an in-built content search.

“The project will also have real-time interactions where students could clarify their doubts. The digital libraries would be updated regularly,” he said.

The official added that there would be tie-ups with publishers to allow digital libraries to make the latest editions and magazines accessible to the reader.

“All students will get login IDs after they register. Faculty members will also be included as the members.”