Paper Details

Name: Bharpur Singh Nahar
Country: India

Year: 2017
Volume: Volume-4, Issue-2 (July-December)
Page Number: 42-55

ABSTRACT:
Library automation has become a critical component of academic library development in Indian higher education institutions (HEIs), driven by expanding student populations, growth of digital resources, and the increasing demand for technology-enabled teaching, learning, and research. Within this context, academic libraries are transitioning from manual and
fragmented operations to integrated, system-based service environments that enhance efficiency, access, and user experience. Despite this progress, automation adoption across Indian HEIs remains uneven, shaped by institutional capacity, policy support, and infrastructural readiness. The primary objective of this review is to systematically examine the extent, patterns, and outcomes of library automation in Indian HEIs, while identifying
commonly used systems, operational practices, implementation challenges, and emerging technological trends. Methodologically, the study employs a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA principles, drawing on peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, and empirical studies related to library automation in Indian higher education. A qualitative thematic synthesis approach is used to organize and interpret findings. The review
covers key themes including conceptual foundations of automation, adoption patterns across institutional types, functional coverage of library systems, service quality outcomes, implementation barriers, and policy implications. Findings indicate that while core functions such as cataloguing, circulation, and OPAC services are widely automated, advanced
modules and data-driven management remain limited. Automation has demonstrably improved service efficiency, resource discoverability, and user satisfaction, yet financial, human resource, and sustainability challenges persist. The review contributes a consolidated understanding of automation trends in Indian HEIs and offers actionable insights for administrators and policymakers. It underscores the need for strategic planning, standardized assessment, and future research on advanced technologies to strengthen academic library services and institutional performance.

Keywords: Library automation, Academic libraries, Higher education institutions, Integrated library systems, India