Information technology and libraries: Scientific Library of the Tomsk State University to digitize its catalogues

One of the largest university libraries in Russia – the Scientific Library of the Tomsk State University (TSU) - until the end of 2014 will convert into electronic form all paper card catalogs, so that users can order any book without leaving home, said library director Michael Shepel.

Currently the library fund has about 4 million copies, including more than 110,000 manuscripts and book monuments. Currently cards of only 200,000 copies are digitized.

"The main purpose of creating an electronic directory is to digitize all of their card catalogs and convenient location at the library website. <…> From the end of May - beginning of June start works of the main array, we plan to complete by mid-September, and the final work to be completed by the end of 2014", - said M. Shepel.

According to him, at present a lot of information about the books is mentioned on papers, so readers have to come personally and order books. The electronic version of the library card catalog will allow getting any book without leaving home.