NIOS Class 12 Library and Information Science (339) Practical File
Table of Contents
| Sr. No. | Module No. | Title of Practical/Activity | Page No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Observation of Library/Information Centre | 1 |
| 2 | 1 | Observation of an Automated Library and its features | 3 |
| 3 | 1 | Services of Public Libraries and Information Centres | 5 |
| 4 | 2 | Features of primary and secondary sources of information | 6 |
| 5 | 2 | Abridged and unabridged English language dictionaries | 7 |
| 6 | 2 | Answering reference queries | 9 |
| 7 | 3 | Library Classification | 11 |
| 8 | 3 | Understanding Catalogue | 13 |
| 9 | 3 | Shelving of Books | 15 |
| 10 | 4 | Circulation Service | 16 |
| 11 | 4 | Compiling Subject Bibliography | 18 |
| 12 | 4 | Online Databases | 20 |
| 13 | 5A | Accession register and the process of accessioning | 22 |
| 14 | 5A | Career in librarianship | 23 |
| 15 | 5A | Periodicals publications | 25 |
| 16 | 5B | Types of indexes | 27 |
| 17 | 5B | Web based search | 29 |
| 18 | 5B | Navigational Search | 31 |
1. Observation of Library/Information Centre
Objective: To observe and document the operations of a library or information centre.
Procedure: Visit a local public library. Note its layout, sections (e.g., reference, circulation), and user services. Record staff roles and resources available.
Observations: Library had a reading room, 5,000 books, and a digital catalogue. Staff included a librarian and two assistants.
Conclusion: Libraries are organized to facilitate access to information and support learning.
2. Observation of an Automated Library and its Features
Objective: To study the features of an automated library system.
Procedure: Visit a library with automation (e.g., KOHA software). Observe digital cataloguing, barcode scanning, and user interfaces.
Observations: Automated system allowed quick book searches and self-checkout. Barcode scanners streamlined borrowing.
Conclusion: Automation enhances efficiency and user experience in libraries.
3. Services of Public Libraries and Information Centres
Objective: To identify services offered by public libraries.
Procedure: List services (e.g., lending, reference, internet access) during a library visit. Interview a librarian for details.
Observations: Services included book lending, Wi-Fi, and children’s programs. Reference desk answered queries.
Conclusion: Public libraries provide diverse services to meet community needs.
4. Features of Primary and Secondary Sources of Information
Objective: To differentiate between primary and secondary information sources.
Procedure: Collect examples (e.g., journal article, textbook). Note their characteristics (e.g., originality, interpretation).
Observations: Primary: Research article with original data. Secondary: Textbook summarizing research.
Conclusion: Primary sources offer original data; secondary sources provide analysis.
5. Abridged and Unabridged English Language Dictionaries
Objective: To compare abridged and unabridged dictionaries.
Procedure: Examine Oxford Advanced Learner’s (abridged) and Oxford English Dictionary (unabridged). Note size, entries, and usage.
Observations: Abridged: 30,000 entries, compact. Unabridged: 600,000 entries, detailed etymology.
Conclusion: Abridged dictionaries suit quick reference; unabridged are for in-depth study.
6. Answering Reference Queries
Objective: To practice answering reference queries using library resources.
Procedure: Simulate 5 reference queries (e.g., “Find a book on Indian history”). Use catalogues and databases to respond.
Observations: Located books and articles for all queries using OPAC and reference section.
Conclusion: Efficient query handling requires familiarity with library resources.
7. Library Classification
Objective: To classify books using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC).
Procedure: Assign DDC numbers to 5 books (e.g., history, science). Use DDC first summary.
Observations: History book: 900, Science book: 500. Numbers assigned based on subject.
Conclusion: DDC organizes books systematically for easy retrieval.
8. Understanding Catalogue
Objective: To understand library catalogue systems.
Procedure: Explore a library’s OPAC. Search for 3 books by title, author, and subject. Note catalogue details.
Observations: OPAC provided author, title, and call number. Search was user-friendly.
Conclusion: Catalogues streamline book location and access.
9. Shelving of Books
Objective: To practice shelving books according to classification.
Procedure: Arrange 10 books by DDC call numbers on a shelf. Verify order.
Observations: Books arranged in ascending order (e.g., 300 to 900). No errors found.
Conclusion: Proper shelving ensures easy access and organization.
10. Circulation Service
Objective: To understand library circulation processes.
Procedure: Observe check-in/check-out processes. Note tools (e.g., barcode scanners) and policies.
Observations: Circulation used KOHA software. Books checked out in 2 minutes.
Conclusion: Efficient circulation enhances user satisfaction.
11. Compiling Subject Bibliography
Objective: To compile a bibliography on a subject.
Procedure: Select “Environmental Science”. List 10 sources (books, articles) in APA format.
Observations: Compiled 5 books, 5 articles with full citations.
Conclusion: Bibliographies organize research resources systematically.
12. Online Databases
Objective: To explore online library databases.
Procedure: Access JSTOR or EBSCO. Search for articles on “library automation”. Note features.
Observations: Found 15 articles. Databases offered filters for date and subject.
Conclusion: Online databases provide quick access to scholarly resources.
13. Accession Register and the Process of Accessioning
Objective: To understand the accessioning process.
Procedure: Simulate accessioning 5 books. Record details (title, author, date) in an accession register.
Observations: Register recorded book details with unique accession numbers.
Conclusion: Accessioning tracks library inventory systematically.
14. Career in Librarianship
Objective: To explore career opportunities in librarianship.
Procedure: Research librarian roles, qualifications, and skills. List 3 career paths.
Observations: Roles: Academic Librarian, Archivist, Digital Librarian. Requires MLIS degree.
Conclusion: Librarianship offers diverse, technology-driven career paths.
15. Periodicals Publications
Objective: To study types of periodical publications.
Procedure: Collect 5 periodicals (e.g., magazines, journals). Note frequency and content.
Observations: Included weekly magazine and monthly journal. Content varied by audience.
Conclusion: Periodicals provide current information in various formats.
16. Types of Indexes
Objective: To identify different types of library indexes.
Procedure: Examine book, journal, and database indexes. Note their structure.
Observations: Book index: Alphabetical by topic. Database index: Searchable by keyword.
Conclusion: Indexes facilitate quick information retrieval.
17. Web Based Search
Objective: To perform a web-based search for library resources.
Procedure: Use Google Scholar to find 5 articles on “digital libraries”. Record URLs and titles.
Observations: Found 5 relevant articles with accessible PDFs.
Conclusion: Web searches provide instant access to global resources.
18. Navigational Search
Objective: To perform a navigational search for library websites.
Procedure: Search for 3 library websites (e.g., British Library). Note navigation features.
Observations: Websites had search bars, menus, and digital collections.
Conclusion: Navigational searches access institutional resources efficiently.
