T’puram: State Central Library is set to expand its services to Technopark, with a branch proposed on the campus to provide access to library facilities for IT professionals. Preparations for the branch have begun, with books for the proposed facility already procured. However, the library is awaiting allotment of space from Technopark and govt sanction for appointing a contract librarian.The proposed branch is aimed at encouraging reading habits among IT professionals and making library services more accessible to the employees.“The Technopark branch is intended particularly to encourage reading habits among IT professionals and provide them with convenient access to library services,” said State librarian Shobhana P K.The library expects the sanction for allotment of space shortly. Since the space proposed for the branch is relatively small, the library plans to customise the furniture and interior arrangements according to the dimensions and requirements of the site.Instead of procuring standard furniture, the arrangements will be designed specifically for the allotted space to ensure optimum utilisation of the available area and create a functional and reader-friendly facility.The advance procurement of books is expected to help the library make the collection available to users soon after the infrastructure and staffing arrangements are completed. The branch will, however, require a contract librarian for its day-to-day functioning.Meanwhile, the library is also moving towards digital transactions, with plans to introduce digital payment facilities for fines and other appropriate library services. The initiative is intended to reduce cash handling, simplify payment procedures and make transactions more convenient for members.The library is also in the process of replacing its existing manually issued identity cards and book tickets with smart cards. Orders have already been placed for computers and other peripherals required for implementing the new system.The smart-card system is intended to reduce manual procedures and facilitate more effective use of the library’s existing RFID-enabled facilities. However, the existing library by-laws need to be amended before the system can be introduced.By-law No 43 requires amendment to facilitate the smart-card system, and the proposal has to be placed before the library advisory committee for approval. Around 500 smart cards are proposed to be printed initially. These initiatives are part of the library’s broader efforts to modernise its services, reduce manual procedures, and expand access to library facilities.
