The Role of ICT in Promoting the Goals of Agricultural Libraries in India
Abstract
The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in agricultural libraries in India signifies a crucial advancement in the modernisation of the agricultural knowledge framework. ICT mitigates limitations such as geographical obstacles and obsolete resources by digitising assets, forming collaborative networks, and facilitating remote access. Agricultural libraries can function as centres for e-learning, precision agriculture, and research, providing advantages to students, researchers, and farmers. Platforms such as the KrishiKosh Digital Repository and the National Digital Library of India illustrate how information and communication technology (ICT) improves resource accessibility and fosters sustainable agricultural practices.
Notwithstanding its benefits, ICT integration encounters obstacles including insufficient infrastructure, skill deficiencies among personnel and users, and financial constraints, especially in rural regions. Resolving these difficulties necessitates coordinated initiatives, such as government projects like Digital India and AgriStack, designed to enhance digital literacy and infrastructure. Public-private collaborations and the establishment of open-access platforms enhance these initiatives.
The importance of ICT in agricultural libraries transcends mere digitisation; it fosters innovation, promotes sustainable development, and equips stakeholders with practical information. Through targeted investments and cooperation, agricultural libraries may evolve into vibrant hubs of information and innovation, therefore substantially enhancing India’s agricultural and economic development.
