CALIBNET

 CALIBNET

Title: Calcutta Libraries Network

Sponsor: NISSAT – Govt. of India

Applications: Cataloging; serials control; acquisitions; circulation

Services: CAS; SDI; union catalog; partial database; editing and retrieval of records; global information; search; full-text document delivery; library automation; CALIBNET INFO Services

It was the first library network visualized and started by NISSAT. At a meeting in 1986 in Calcutta, DSIR initiated action for preparation of a feasibility study for networking about 40 libraries in Calcutta.

The Calcutta Library Network (CALIBNET) was inaugurated on 21st December 1993. NISSAT, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Govt. of India, took the initiative in setting up CALIBNET, which has adopted a two way system for networking:

•  the networking route with a library automation and networking through its own application software “Maitrayee” and

•  the e-mail route connecting member libraries with online access to various databases within network and Internet access.

CALIBNET established a high-tech resource base and provides the following services:

• Online/CDROM based global information search and retrieval services
• Full-text document delivery
• Database services

This is envisaged as metropolitan network linking some 38 libraries in Calcutta Metropolitan area. This network applications to be supported are electronic mail, file transfer, remote logon and databases and document access. The functions to be automated by the participating libraries are cataloguing, serial control, acquisition and fund accounting, circulation and local user services. This networking would provide for global user services. This networking would provide for global user services. This networking would provide for global user services of current awareness, SDI, union catalogues, partial databases, and access to national and international networks.