Search results

Describes the results of a research survey conducted at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Madras, Chennai, India which examines features provided in online public access catalogues (OPACs) in Tamil Nadu. OPACs are recent developments in libraries in India in general and Tamil Nadu in particular. A review of the literature reveals that only a few studies on OPACs in India have been conducted and there is no comprehensive study about the OPACs in Tamil Nadu. A sample of 50 libraries in Tamil Nadu were selected at random, out of which 36 responded. The analysis of the data represents the state‐of‐the‐art of the libraries in the summer of 2002. The major findings of the survey reveal emerging trends in OPAC.

Discusses a questionnaire survey of philosophy scholars to indicate preferences concerning indexes in philosophy books. Discusses the diverse opinions gathered and analyses the results. Considers aspects of indexes such as external guidances, scope and coverage, types and sequences, compilers, typography, etc. Suggestions arising are the basis for proposals for the improvement of indexes in philosophy books.

Trends in education for library and information science are traced and the genesis of an open learning project for library and information science in the University of Madras is presented. This was the introduction of the first master′s programme of this kind in India. The planning, organisation, student enrolment, preparation of study materials and conduct of a personal contact programme are explained. The results of the first batch of students (1989/90) are analysed.

Web‐based online public access catalogues (OPACs) began to appear in the late 1990s and many libraries are currently considering implementation. As catalogues, they demonstrate advances on traditional OPACs, especially in terms of remote access by users and their potential to integrate many document types and sources via a single interface. This paper considers some of the features and functions of Web OPAC interfaces. As yet, very little evaluation of systems and users has taken place and until more such literature appears, a general approach to products available is considered to be of value. Six popular Web OPAC interfaces in use in UK academic libraries (Talis, INNOPAC, WebCat, Voyager, GeoWeb and ALEPH) have been examined with an overview of the functions offered via those interfaces. A checklist has been developed as an indicator of the important features and functions offered.

To study the effects of isomers of organic compounds such as phenylenediamine, toluidine and nitroaniline as inhibitors for the corrosion of carbon steel in sulfuric acid.

Standard methods have been adopted in this study such as weight loss, polarization tests, impedance measurements and hydrogen permeation studies to find out the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in sulfuric acid with and without inhibitors.

All the selected isomers inhibited the corrosion. The best performance was found in ortho‐phenylenediamine when compared with other inhibitors under study.

It clearly shows the effect of isomers of phenylenediamine, toluidine and nitroaniline. The method of study may be applicable to find out the performance of other isomers of organic compounds. As these isomers behave as good inhibitors in sulfuric acid, these may be tried as inhibitors in other acids. Hence, this study is useful to academics and researchers in the field of corrosion science and engineering.

The need for continuing professional education (CPE) for librarians is discussed. The libraries and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu are briefly examined and attempts at CPE programmes in India are traced. A draft plan for CPE for librarians in Tamil Nadu is presented and the New Education Policy of the Government of India and role of the UGC and staff colleges are highlighted. Obstacles to CPE are listed.

It is essential to market library services if they are to be used effectively but there are various internal and external constraints. Examines these constraints in the light of attempts to market the library service of Moi University in Kenya. Tackles issues relating to the motivation of staff and students to use the library.

The subject area is operations management.

The case is to be used at master’s level, for example, MBA courses on operations management, operations research, logistics management and supply chain management.

It was the morning of 20 September 2012 and the three directors of Distromed Bioclean Pvt. Ltd. were in the office discussing the developments from past night’s meeting with the Rajkot Chapter of the Indian Medical Association. They are a bio-medical waste treatment facility involved in collection, treatment and disposal services and charge yearly subscription fees. On 13 September 2012, fuel prices had gone up consecutively for the second year. Last year, the doctors resisted the fee hike and seemed reluctant this year again. In response, management of the company was looking for ways to minimize the total distance travelled by its fleet to reduce the operating cost.

The paper enables illustration of concepts of routing/scheduling and generation of optimal solutions in a realistic setting; and developing the understanding regarding the travelling salesman problem, Chinese postman problem and the entire family of vehicle routing problems and vehicle scheduling problems.

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

The purpose of this paper is to present an update of and the latest results from work on a project aimed at monitoring electronic products during the whole life cycle with embedded wireless components.

Business processes of the electronic manufacturing supply chain were analysed. A business case and the system opportunities for life cycle monitoring, based on embedded wireless components system were developed. Radio frequency identification (RFID) assembly technology was adapted for the integration of components into a multi‐layer printed circuit board (PCB).

By storing product‐related information into electronic products, tracing of components, monitoring of processes, operations and costs, environmentally optimised recycling can be enhanced.

The research undertaken so far relates to the embedding of RFID tags into PCBs. Wireless components with more processing power will be used in the next project phase.

The paper details how wireless components can be embedded into multi‐layer PCBs and how a business case for a life cycle monitoring system can be established.