Introduction
In this digital age, the library is gradually changing from a
physical repository to a dynamic dissemination center of knowledge. Sainik
Awasiya Mahavidyalaya, Bhaktapur, has joined this transformation with the
implementation of DSpace as its institutional repository. The system will be
utilized for the systematic organization, preservation, and sharing of academic
resources in such a way that authentic digital content will be easily
accessible to both students and staff.
The long-awaited
eLibrary, located in a separate building, was inaugurated by the Chief of Army
Staff, General Prabhu Ram Sharma, on 31st July 2024. The eLibrary at SAM is
poised for a sea change in the learning process. Students can access a variety of
learning apps, research databases, and online study materials. These resources
not only facilitate academic coursework but also help students prepare for
competitive entrance examinations.
History
The history of the SAMB
Library dates back to November 24, 1978, along with the establishment of Sainik
Awasiya Mahavidyalaya and the opening of the Tribhuvan University Suping Campus
Library. During all these years, the SAMB Library has undergone endless changes
in an effort to seek improvement continuously to serve the clientele better. In
July 2006, SAMB prepared a computerized database using WINISIS software,
developed by UNESCO. This was the starting point for modernization of this
library.
In May 2008, SAMB
Library made a huge leap toward upgrading its resources by adopting Koha, open-source
library automation software highly acclaimed globally. This allows much better management
and accessibility to the resources for both students and staff.
SAM installed Internet
facilities in the computer labs and Audio-Visual in the Language Laboratory on
24th June 2007. Digital library services were initiated at SAMB Library through
the addition of 20 computers in 2014. Further, in the year 2020, a total of 20
computers were added to cater to the ever-growing digital demand by the
students, and easy access to e-resources.
In 2024, much was
achieved in terms of digital education and resource management. In August, Moodle,
an open-source Learning Management System (LMS), was implemented to extend
online education through a sound platform for learning and collaboration. Later
in October, DSpace, an opensource digital repository software, was launched for
efficient management, preservation, and sharing of digital content, further
supporting educational and research activities.
DSpace
DSpace is a well-known
free and open-source software platform that hosts and provides access to academic
institutions that aim at the building and management of digital repositories.
Developed in 2002 by the MIT Libraries and Hewlett-Packard (HP), DSpace is a
software that supports the collection, preservation, and dissemination of digital
content including text, images, videos, and datasets.
Key Features of DSpace
Open Source:
Free and customizable software without expensive licensing fees.
Digital Asset
Management: Supports diverse content types,
including documents, images, videos, and datasets.
Metadata Standards:
Utilizes international standards, such as Dublin Core, to ensure effective content
organization and description.
Scalable and Flexible:
The system is designed to adapt to increasing needs from small to large collections.
Access Control:
Open, restricted, or embargoed policies on content access.
Integration:
Integrates with other systems, including library management software.
Search and Discovery:
Allows full-text and metadata searching.
Preservation:
Provides the long-term storage and migration of digital resources.
Need of DSpace at SAMB
The implementation of
DSpace at SAMB fulfills the requirement of a single platform where different types
of digital resources are managed, including. The Annual Magazine : Sallaghari
(all volumes)
• The Monthly Magazine : Mahavidyalaya Post and The
Sallaghari Post (all issues)
• Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya : Bigat ra Bartman
DSpace increases the
visibility of students' and teachers' works, thus making them more accessible to
a wider audience while undertaking long-term preservation with dependable
archiving systems. It promotes open access, enhances knowledge sharing, and
fits into global standards for interoperability and data sharing.
Future Plan
The Mahavidyalaya plans
to include the annual and monthly magazines published by our sister schools: SAM
in Pokhara, Dharan, Surkhet, Chitwan, Bardibas, Butwal, and Kathmandu, in the
DSpace repository. This will preserve these publications and make them
accessible on a centralized digital platform.
Conclusion
Adoption to Dspace at Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya Bhaktapur is a milestone toward its digital journey. This helps in better accessibility and visibility of academic contents while managing digital resources at a single platform for long-term preservation. This initiative will help SAMB foster knowledge sharing and collaboration among people, taking part in the global open and accessible academic resources movement.
