Library Automation in Government Polytechnic Colleges, Affiliated to CSVTU, Chhattisgarh

The present status and issues of library automation in Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University (CSVTU) affiliated Government Polytechnic Colleges are researched in this study. As library services integrate more and more Information and Communication Technology (ICT), automation becomes a crucial factor to increase efficiency and accessibility. The study assesses levels of automation, utilization of software, skills needed for going digital, and obstacles to professional growth for librarians. Mixed methods were adopted involving structured questionnaires, interviews, and online surveys combined with data analysis done using SPSS. Out of the 39 colleges surveyed, 7.7% are fully automated, 41% partially automated, 30.7% in the initial stage, and 17.9% are non-automated. Koha is the most popular software (52.8%), followed by NewGenLib, SOUL, and Libsys. The key competencies identified are database administration, OCR software, Microsoft Office skills, and navigating online learning. The key challenges for librarians are that they have limited access to training programs, no infrastructure, insufficient time due to workload, and resistance to new technologies.