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This paper presents the survey of libraries located in and around Chennai comprising of academic (government and private universities), public and special. The purpose of this paper is to present the state-of-the-art of the libraries and the specific objectives are to survey and compare the major academic, public and special libraries in and around Chennai with regard to the collection, manpower, resources (print and e-resources), and information and comminication technology (ICT)-based services, etc; to identify the issues and challenges being faced by the librarians and to offer suggestions and recommendations for the improvement of the libraries. A total of 32 libraries comprising of 9 government universities, 13 private universities, 3 public and 7 special have been considered for this survey. The data has been collected during January and mid-February 2015 based on a structured questionnaire. There exists variation in the infrastructure, print and e-resources and services (traditional and ICT-based) offered in the libraries of those institutions. Based on the results of the survey, a few suggestions and recommendations are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of information service is more likely to be achieved by adjusting the sen/ices to meet specific needs of an individual rather than trying to adapt the individual user to match the output of the information system. This paper provides an insight into the e-services implemented by the Information Centre and Library (IC&L) at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology DIAT (DU), Pune, keeping in view the users' requirements and their valuable suggestions. Paper also discusses the techniques and tools applied in further simplifying the functioning of the circulation module and ensuring smooth communication between the staff and the users in an otherwise automated library system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging trends in digital technologies and their applicability to information handling activities added new challenges to knowledge professionals in the way of providing qualitative services to its users. The paper analyses the characteristics of contemporary knowledge society and identified the factors affecting next generation libraries. Examined some of the significant issues in the present day Library and Information System (LIS) like its structure, collection strategy, preservation, access to information, technological issues and modes of communication, etc. It has identified the central role of knowledge professional, in the organisation and dissemination of knowledge, striking a balance of physical and virtual realms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]