Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Professional Development and Educational Needs of Library Professionals in the Universities of Kerala

The shift from print to digital information has a high impact on all components of the academic library system in India especially the users, services and the staff. Though information is considered as an important resource, the use of ICT tools to collect and disseminate information has been in a slow pace in majority of the University libraries This may be due to various factors like insufficient funds, inadequate staff trained in handling computers and software packages, administrative concerns etc. In Kerala, automation has been initiated in almost all University libraries using library automation software and is under different stages of completion. There are not much studies conducted about the effects of information communication technologies on the professional activities of library professionals in the universities in Kerala. It is important to evaluate whether progress in ICT has had any impact on the library profession in these highest educational institutions. The aim of the study is to assess whether the developments in information communication technologies have any influence on the library professionals’ professional development, and the need for further education and training in the profession and evaluate their skills in handling developments in ICT. The total population of the study is 252 including the permanently employed professional library staff in central libraries and departmental libraries in the main campuses of the universities under study. This is almost a census study of the defined population of users. The questionnaire method was adopted for collection of data for this study, supplemented by interviews of Librarians to gather additional information. Library Professionals have a positive approach towards ICT applications and services in Libraries, but majority do not have the opportunities to develop their skills and competencies in their work environment. To develop competitive personnel in a technologically advanced world, high priority must be given to develop competence in ICT applications, library management and soft skills in library professionals, by the University administrators and Library associations. Library science schools and teaching departments across the country have to take significant steps to revise library science curriculum, and incorporate significant changes to achieve the demands and challenges of library science profession.

International Trade and Cochin Port A Historical. and statistical Analysis -- 1881-1980

The overall focus of the thesis involves the International trade and cochin port a historical and statistical analysis 1881-1980.Analysing the trend of exports and imports through cochin port during the course of the last hundred years .This analysis has brought to light some very pertinent facts which , in our opinion,deserve serious consideration of the policy makers,the partise involved in trade and those who are interested in the development of the cochin port.Our study is restricted to twelve commodities -ten commodities of exports and two commodities of imports.The study reveals that the commodities that were exported from cochin are subjected to fluctuations -some mild and others wild. The projections only indicate the potential and unless we are very cautious the chance will be taken away by our competitors .With reference to the development of the port in particular and the states economy in general we would like to make a suggestion .This suggestion relates to declaring cochin as a free port .This will go a long way in the develppment of the port and the state's economy.The sooner it is done the better for the port and the state.

‘Hindi Aur Konkani Saninaom Ka Aitihasik EvamTulanatmak Adhyayan’ ’ _ ‘(HISTORICAL AND COMPARATIVE STUDY oF HINDI AND KoNKANi NOUNS

Hindi