No social networking at digital library

CHANDIGARH: Accessing the digital library at Panjab University's A C Joshi library would now mean serious business, as social networking sites and personal mail accounts have been blocked. Research scholars used to line up to access academic journals at digital library, while students continued social networking at leisure, so far.

Hardly a deterrent for offenders in past, even a notice put up, stating "accessing your mails or other websites/chatting is not allowed," did not serve purpose.

"Blocking the sites will ensure that non-serious students do not occupy the terminals for long. Even the notice put up in past did not work. It's a big relief for MPhil and Phd students and a welcome move," says Chavi Garg, a PU research scholar.

While this library houses a mammoth range of at least 5,000 online full text journals and more than 225 journals as part of print journals subscription, the misuse of computer terminals at digital library had been a perpetual scene in past.

"We asked the computer centre to block all frivolous sites and internet access on terminals meant for academic work," says Raj Kumar, librarian, AC Joshi library.

Recently, a library staff during a surprise visit caught five out of 10 students accessing a popular social networking website at the digital library, while several research scholars had lined up to access the systems.

"We have been issuing warning to students. Blocking the websites is the only option," said a library staff member.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/No-social-networking-at-digital-library/articleshow/12889894.cms