Digitisation of Dr MS Randhawa library at farm university a boon for readers

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 20

Library is a place that could make every avid reader nostalgic. The sight of thousands of books is something that can never be explained in words.

However, in this epoch of internet, libraries have a stiff competition. Prof Mohinder Singh Randhawa Library at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has carved a niche for itself and has been digitised.

Established in 1959 with a collection of 200 books in the College of Agriculture, the library today boasts of 2,55,989 books, 3,8470 thesis,

3,8470 bound periodicals and 4,677 CDs (books and thesis).

Keeping pace with modern times, the library has been digitised with financial support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. PAU library includes 336 e-books, 7 online databases and 3995 e-journals.

PAU librarian Dr Param Pal Sahota said, “Till date 11,165 documents have been digitised which also include handwritten notes of PAU’s former Vice- Chancellor Dr Mohinder Singh Randhawa.”

Earlier Dr Randhawa’s notes were stored in prestigious hall of fame at the ground floor of the library. Apart from notes several correspondences, personal letters and reference books which date back to sixties and early seventies have also been digitised.

“I was not aware about the hand written notes of Dr Randhawa. It was after scrolling the website that I came to know about his notes on Botany. His notes give an insight to his expertise,” said Gurpreet, a student.

Dr Sahota said, “Issue and return of books, registration of membership, card catalogue has been upgraded to WebOPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue). All the e-resources and WebOPAC can be accessed throughout the campus.”

Another student from the Home Science Department said, “I do have a kindle to read books, however, reading a book in library is a different experience altogether. Gadgets help a lot but do not instill sense of confidence in the reader. ”