Keeping pace with the times

IF YOU had imagined that the much talked about IT slow down was going to affect the way we use computers everyday, then that was one calculation that went sorely wrong. Because, the computer was meant to BE and therefore, will BE.

And this is not mere rhetoric, its been proven by the best ever method of guaging need - customer response. HERE, in Chennai. This then, was the rhyme and reason when they started the IT Learning Resource Centre (ITLRC) in the British Council Library early last week.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Eunice Crook, Director British Council , South India said the drive was based on feedback from their members. ``They are telling us that they want more books on IT.''

The Council was strengthening its library collections with IT, since IT was an enabling technology.

At present there were more than 2000 titles covering over 30 key topics, in addition to CD ROMs and British and Indian magazines. More importantly, she pointed out, ``the centres are a part of a drive to ensure that the British Council libraries stay in tune with the needs of our members.''

Remodelled to suit the infrastructure requirements of such a centre, the library opened its doors to members with a thirst for IT and its applications in various fields.

The ITLRC will have over 2000 of the latest books and periodicals on Computers, Information and Communication Technology and IT applications in various field.

CDs, tutuorials, learning packages and information about IT education will be available with neat little workstations for members to use the packages on the spot. Even better, all books and learning materials will be available on loan to library members.

Again to show that the trend and the demand is indeed pan Indian, the Council will open up ITLRCs in 11 places throughout the country. Another service was also simultaneously launched in Chennai last week, at the Council: the online catalogue of all British Council Libraries.

A member in one library can locate and borrow the book of his choice from another with ease. The 1,00,000 odd members of the libraries now have a range of more than 3,00,000 books and publications, videos and CDs to choose from, information about which is available online.

This new centre comes after the popular `Get connected' meetings organised by the Council all around the country, to introduce IT specialists in Britain to their opposite numbers in Chennai. ITLRC is actually sandwiched between `Get Connected' and the launch of GOBEL, next year.

The high-investment Global Electronic Library which is slated for launch in January next , will give members privileged access to some of the best general and academic databases and knowledge stores in the UK.

So, welcome all ye young professionals, who have set your minds to building India's economy and society in the new century. Come and get connected.

By Ramya Kannan

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