Barriers In Sharing Library Resources In India: A Study

Purpose – College and University Libraries in India are a privileged type of libraries with comparatively sound collections. They spend a large portion of their funds on developing in-house collections. In spite of the prevailing ICT, there is hardly any practice of sharing collections in a formal manner. The article aims to explore the challenges in sharing library resource in libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Using a survey method, the survey followed a qualitative design based on an interview technique of data collection. Forty librarians from the state of Maharashtra India were interviewed. Structured interview were conducted at the 40 librarians’ workplaces/ on telephone during 2014-2015. Findings – The study is trying to situate India’s position in Networking and resource sharing. The data analysis of the present study revealed that various technical, procedural, psychological, behavioral, legal, barriers in achieving planned collection sharing programs. It suggests analyzing the possibilities, opportunities, and challenges of networking and resource sharing in libraries in the emerging paradigm. The study recommends more focused and integrated research approach from Indian researchers. Research limitations/implications – Present study is limited to 40 libraries those are responded positively. Originality/value – This is the first study focused on barriers in resource sharing and networking in libraries in Maharashtra (India)