Digital Archiving of Manuscripts freedom to Access the Glorious Indian Cultural Heritage Resources

DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, Vol. 40, No. 5, Sept 2020, pp. 300-305, DOI : 10.14429/djlit.40.5.16332  2020, DESIDOC Digital Archiving of Manuscripts: Freedom to Access the Glorious Indian Cultural Heritage Resources P.S. Rajput Department of Library and Information Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur - 313 001, India E-mail: drpsrajput@mlsu.ac.in ABSTRACT Explore the accessibility of manuscripts, facilities and services provided in the Library, Kundakunda Jnanapitha, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Discuss about the manuscripts containing the glorious ancient knowledge of Indian heritage and treasure. The main objective was to identify the satisfaction level of the users regarding collection, services, facilities, especially manuscripts resources provided by the library and find out the major problems encountered to access the digital manuscripts available in the Kundakunda Jnanapitha library. A well structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. 150 questionnaires were distributed among the users and 122 were received and analysed. The maximum respondents (78.68 %) had high satisfaction with digital manuscripts and 80.32 per cent indicated less number of terminals as very high problem. Consequently suggests improvement strategies for better utilisation of the library resources. Keywords: Digital archiving; Digital manuscripts; Indian heritage; Heritage resources; Kundakunda Jnanapitha. 1. INTRODUCTION India has the largest collection of rare manuscripts possibly in the world. It has long historical background of ancient culture, knowledge, science, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy, law and almost every arena. These manuscripts are the glimpses of splendid Indian cultural heritage of couples of centuries written in various languages and scripts. The ancient manuscripts are the basic historical evidence of Indian culture and have great research value. It is estimated that India possesses more than five million manuscripts, making her the largest repository of manuscript wealth in the world1. These Indian treasures of wisdom are the richest collection of written documents that provide information on the existence of different civilisations and the cultural affluence of the nation2-3. In the past, manuscripts were preserved intellectual invisible knowledge on Palm leaves, Metal, Birch barks, Copperplates, Silk cloth, Wood, Tamra Patras, Handmade paper, Inscriptions on stone or any other material that had strong historical or scientific logic. According to Merriam Webster dictionary4 “Manuscript is a written or typewritten composition or document as distinguished from a printed copy”. It refers to old documents actually written by hand before books were made, but it can also refer to a writer’s unpublished work whether it is handwritten or typed5. The importance of heritage as explained by UNESCO, “Our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations”. A heritage is something that is, or should be, passed from generation to generation because it is valued6. These valuable Received : 18 September 2020, Revised : 26 September 2020 Accepted : 28 September 2020, Online published : 04 November 2020 300 manuscripts preserved all over the country in various libraries, temples, monasteries, mutts, museums and private institutions are sources of information on history and culture of our nation7. With changing times ways of preservation also have changed. A systematic preservation, organisation and dissemination of these rich medieval manuscripts becomes a social responsibility so that they are available to the world at large8. Scientific and cultural information resources can be made available digitally accessible anywhere in the world with today’s emerging digital technologies9. Digital Preservation Coalition (2002) has referred digital archiving as the process of creating backup for long-term digital preservation10. In this regard digital archiving becomes a mandatory responsibility for conservation of these manuscripts in due course. Looking to the significance of manuscripts and to access the golden hidden knowledge, the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was founded by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, in February 2003, with the Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts as the national nodal center to save the India’s most valuable heritage11. 2. KUNDAKUNDA JNANAPITHA: AN OVERVIEW Kundakunda Jnanapitha, Indore, Madhya Pradesh stared on 01.11.1987 under the guidance of Shri Devkumar Singh Kasliwal is running by the Board of Directors of Kundakunda Jnanapitha, mainly from the grants received by the Digamber Jain Neutral Ashram Trust, Indore. The Jnanpith was originally founded as a research institute; however its activities have RAJPUT : DIGITAL ARCHIVING OF MANUSCRIPTS: FREEDOM TO ACCESS THE GLORIOUS INDIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE been kept multifaceted. A ten member research committee/ board of directors conducts these regular activities. It is a recognised research centre by Devi Ahilya University, Indore (A Grade State University) for Faculty of Science (Ancient Indian Mathematics and Mathematics History, Environment and Ecology) and Faculty of Arts (Prakrit, Pali, Apabhrans and other oriental languages, Comparative Religious Studies, Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology) where many research students are pursuing Ph.D. It also has a separate Astrology Training Centre offering PG diploma and research projects in astrology. Beside the 3755 manuscripts, its library has collection of 44,275 books, more than 350 journals/magazines and selfpublished institutional research journals. Its libray which received the Best Library Award in 2007 by Yong Librarian Association, Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal provides computerised information of manuscripts and books. Since 1999 it has catalogued 58,766 of Jain manuscripts in 479 Jain Bhandaras under the “Register of Jain Manuscripts” project. This data has been integrated with the National Mission on Manuscripts (NMM) database. It is a recognised Manuscript Resource Center (MRC) and Manuscript Conservation Center (MCC) by NMM, Government of India, under the Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts12-13. 3. • • • • • OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The major objectives are: To identify users’ satisfaction level with library collection, services and facilities in Kundakunda Jnanapitha, Indore To investigate the category of users and their main purpose to visit the library To find out the major problems encountered to access the digital manuscripts available in the library To examine the significance of digitised manuscripts in the library To suggest ways to improve the library functionalities that maximises access of digitised manuscripts. 4. HYPOTHESIS Following hypotheses are taken to verify the study. H01: There is no significant difference in satisfaction of different age group with library services. H02: There is no relation between age and satisfaction with library collection in the library. H03: There is no significant difference in satisfaction of male and female with library services/facilities. SPSS and MS-Excel were used for further data analysis and interpretation. 6. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 6.1 General Information Table 1 shows that 54.91 per cent are male respondents and 45.08 per cent are female respondents. The majority of 42.62 per cent users are between 26-30 years and 25.40 per cent are of 20-25 years. The majority of 43.44 per cent users are the post graduate students, 31.14 per cent are graduates, 13.93 per cent are research scholars and 11.47 per cent are common users of Kundakunda Jnanapitha. Table 1. General information Gender Frequency Percentage Male 67 54.91 Female 55 45.08 Total 122 100.00 20-25 31 25.40 26-30 52 42.62 31-35 20 16.39 36-40 11 9.01 Above 41 08 6.55 Total 122 100.00 Graduate 38 31.14 Post-Graduate 53 43.44 Scholars 17 13.93 Common users 14 11.47 Total 122 100.00 Age Category of Users 5. METHODOLOGY The survey research method has been adopted to know the user perception and significance of digitised manuscripts of Kundakunda Jnanapitha, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. A well designed questionnaire has been used for data collection. 150 questionnaires were distributed among the users in the month of February of this year and 122 duly filled questionnaires were received. Thus the percentage of response is 81.33 per cent. For analysis statistic techniques like tables of frequency counts and percentages were used. Appropriate statistical softwares Figure 1. Frequency of visiting the library. 301 DJLIT, VOL. 40, NO. 5, SEPT 2020 6.2 Frequency of Visiting the Library Figure 1 depicts the frequency of visiting the library by the respondents. It can be seen that 66.39 per cent respondents visit daily. 13.93 per cent respondents visit thrice a week, 9.01 per cent twice a week and 6.55 per cent visit weekly. Only few respondents i.e. 4.09 per cent visit the Kundakunda Jnanapitha library occasionally. 6.3 Main Purpose to Visit Library Table 2 reveals the main purpose of visiting the Kundakunda Jnanapitha library. It is clearly depicted from the study that maximum numbers of respondents 43.44 per cent visit for consult reference material. 23.77 per cent to refer theses and dissertations. The equal number of respondents i.e. 12.29 per cent visit library for issue of books and read newspapers and magazines respectively. And 8.19 per cent for Internet browsing. Table 2. Main purpose to visit library Activities No. of Respondents Percentage Issue of books 15 12.29 Consult reference material 53 43.44 Internet browsing 10 8.19 Read newspapers and magazines 15 12.29 Theses and dissertations 29 23.77 Total 122 100.00 6.4 Users Perception towards Library Services/ Facilities Table 3 shows the users’ perception towards library services and facilities offered by the Kundakunda Jnanapitha library. 78.68 per cent respondents are highly satisfied with digital manuscripts, 66.39 per cent with circulation service and 63.11 per cent with photocopying facility. The calculated mean value of these 3.70, 3.50 and 3.47 respectively indicates maximum satisfaction level of respondents. 37.70 per cent respondents are satisfied with Internet connectivity but 34.42 per cent respondents are dissatisfied with printing facility. 6.5 Satisfaction level towards Library Collection Table 4 depicts the level of satisfaction towards library collection available in the library. 79.50 per cent respondents are highly satisfied with the availability of manuscripts collection, 67.21 per cent with book collection. An equal number of respondents i.e. 60.65 per cent are highly satisfied with theses and dissertation and reference collection respectively. Further more than half of the respondents i.e. 50.81 per cent are highly satisfied with newspaper service. While 15.57 per cent are dissatisfied with the periodical service. The mean value 3.71, 3.50, 3.36, 3.24, 2.92 and 2.82 also depict the same result. 6.6 Problems Encountered to Access the Digital Manuscripts Table 5 reveals that 80.32 per cent of the respondents indicate less number of terminals as very high problem in access of digitised manuscripts, for 70.49 per cent poor internet Table 3. Users perception towards library services / facilities Library Facilities Frequency Photocopying Computers Internet connectivity Printers Digital manuscripts Circulation Highly satisfied 77 (63.11) 44 (36.06) 25 (20.49) 28 (22.95) 96 (78.68) 81 (66.39) Partially satisfied 30 (24.59) 22 (18.03) 18 (14.75) 20 (16.39) 16 (13.11) 21 (17.21) Satisfied 11 (9.01) 38 (31.14) 46 (37.70) 32 (26.22) 10 (8.19) 20 (16.39) Dissatisfied 04 (3.27) 18 (14.75) 33 (27.04) 42 (34.42) 00 (00) 00 (00) Mean 3.47 2.75 2.28 2.27 3.70 3.50 SD 0.79 1.10 1.07 1.16 0.61 0.76 Table 4. Satisfaction level towards library collection Library services Frequency Books collection Periodicals Manuscript collection Theses and dissertations Newspapers Reference collection Highly satisfied 82 (67.21) 55 (45.08) 97 (79.50) 74 (60.65) 62 (50.81) 74 (60.65) Partially Satisfied 22 (18.03) 10 (8.19) 15 (12.29) 23 (18.85) 11 (9.01) 15 (12.29) Satisfied 16 (13.11) 38 (31.14) 10 (8.19) 20 (16.39) 27 (22.13) 22 (18.03) Dissatisfied 2 (1.63) 19 (15.57) 00 (00) 5 (4.09) 22 (18.03) 11 (9.01) Mean 3.50 2.82 3.71 3.36 2.92 3.24 SD 0.78 1.16 0.60 0.90 1.20 1.04 302 RAJPUT : DIGITAL ARCHIVING OF MANUSCRIPTS: FREEDOM TO ACCESS THE GLORIOUS INDIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE Table 5. Problems encountered to access the digital manuscripts Problems countered in access the manuscripts Problems Lowest Low High Very High Mean SD Less numbers of terminals 00 (00) 04 (3.27) 20 (16.39) 98 (80.32) 3.77 0.49 Power failures 16 (13.11) 16 (13.11) 40 (32.78) 50 (40.98) 3.01 1.03 Poor Internet connectivity 00 (00) 12 (9.83) 24 (19.67) 86 (70.49) 3.60 0.66 Slow downloading 00 (00) 16 (13.11) 32 (26.22) 74 (60.65) 3.47 0.71 Technical problems 00 (00) 20 (16.39) 32 (26.22) 70 (57.37) 3.40 0.75 Printing 15 (12.29) 15 (12.29) 28 (22.95) 64 (52.45) 3.15 1.06 Inadequate training and support 24 (19.67) 10 (8.19) 48 (39.34) 40 (32.78) 2.85 1.08 Table 6. Significance of digitized manuscripts Significance of digitisation of manuscripts Significance Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree Mean SD Enhance research activities 96 (78.68) 24 (19.67) 02 (1.63) 00 (00) 00 (00) 4.77 0.45 Preserve the knowledge for future 66 (54.09) 27 (22.13) 16 (13.11) 13 (10.65) 00 (00) 4.19 1.03 Wide access of heritage materials 88 (72.13) 24 (19.67) 10 (8.19) 00 (00) 00 (00) 4.63 0.63 Save the time of user and staff 47 (38.52) 27 (22.13) 33 (27.04) 8 (6.55) 07 (5.73) 3.81 1.18 Increase the image of institution 81 (66.39) 18 (14.75) 14 (11.47) 09 (7.37) 00 (00) 4.40 0.95 Easy to handle 55 (45.08) 30 (24.59) 30 (24.59) 5 (4.09) 02 (1.63) 4.07 1.00 Table 7. ANOVA Sum of squares df Mean square F Sig. Between Groups 20.387 4 5.097 0.953 0.436 Within Groups 625.613 117 5.347 Total 646.000 121 Table 8. Correlations Pearson Correlation SS2 Age SS2 Age 1 0.033 Sig. (2-tailed) 0.717 N 122 122 Pearson Correlation 0.033 1 Sig. (2-tailed) 0.717 N 122 122 connectivity and for 60.65 per cent slow downloading is considered to be very high problem. 16.39 per cent respondents encountered technical problems as low. The mean calculation also reflect that the less numbers of terminals is a very high problem with 3.77 mean value and poor Internet connectivity with 3.60. Further is seen in the Table 5. 6.7 Significance of Digitised Manuscripts The analysis of response to the question asked about the significance of digitised manuscripts is given in Table 6. The collected data depicts that 78.68 per cent of the respondents strongly agree that digitised manuscripts enhance research activities. 72.13 per cent strongly agree to wide access of heritage materials, 66.39 per cent with increase the image of institution and 45.08 per cent with easy to handle. The equal numbers of respondents i.e. 22.13 per cent agree that digitised manuscripts preserve the knowledge for future and save the time of user and staff respectively. The mean value also resembles the same conclusion. 7. TESTING OF HYPOTHESIS H01: There is no significant difference in satisfaction of different age group with library services As per the Table 7 calculated significant value is 0.436 at 95 per cent of confidence level which is higher than p-value i.e. 0.05 which is strong evidence to accept the null hypothesis. H02: There is no relation between age and satisfaction with library collection in the library. As per pearson correlation there is a highly negative correlation between age and satisfaction with library collection. Calculated significant value is 0.717 at 95 per cent of confidence level which is higher than p-value i.e. 0.05 which is strong evidence to accept null hypothesis. Table 8 concludes that there is no correlation between age 303 DJLIT, VOL. 40, NO. 5, SEPT 2020 and satisfaction with library collection in the library. H03: There is no significant difference in satisfaction of male and female with library services/facilities. As per the Table 9 calculated significant value is 0.673 at 95 per cent of confidence level which is higher than p-value i.e. 0.05 which is strong evidence to accept the null hypothesis. Table 9 concludes that there is no significant difference in satisfaction of male and female for library services/facilities. Table 9. Chi-Square tests Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) Pearson Chi-Square 8.445a 11 0.673 Likelihood Ratio 8.906 11 0.631 Linear-by-Linear Association 1.588 1 0.208 N of Valid Cases 122 a. 12 cells (50.0%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.45. 8. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study have revealed that more than half of the respondents (54.91 %) are male, majority (42.62 %) fall between ages 26-30 years, (43.44 %) are post graduates and 66.39 per cent respondents visit the library daily which is a considerable frequency. It means the respondents are quite regular and access the available resources. This result shows similarity with study conducted by Gunasekera14 where 59.5 per cent visit the library daily. In response to the purpose of visiting library it was found that majority of 43.44 per cent respondents visit to consult reference material. Therefore, it makes it obvious that the available resources are considerably accountable in their studies. Similarly 78.68 per cent respondents are highly satisfied with digital manuscripts which show the interest and curiosity of respondents to access the manuscripts for their academic and personal enhancement. On the other hand the dissatisfaction of 34.42 per cent respondents with printing facility demands the attention of management to do the needful arrangements. The findings of Chandrasekar & Murugathas15 are also somewhat same. As far as the library services are concerned 79.50 per cent respondents are found highly satisfied with manuscripts collection and 67.21 per cent with book collection which reflects that the library is endowed with a wide range of manuscripts and has a substantial book collection. This attribute of Kundakunda Jnanapitha library makes it recognizable in society and at nation level as well. As there is always a scope of improvement therefore the study aimed to identify the difficulties faced by the users in access of digital manuscripts so as to improvise the library services. The main concern here was the less numbers of terminals and poor Internet connectivity. In the study conducted by Kalusopa, and Zulu16 also these were found almost to be similar findings. The current survey study collected many positive responses regarding the significance of digitised manuscripts. Among these the majority of 78.68 per cent strongly agree that it enhances research activities, and there 304 are no negative responses received. 72.13 per cent respondents strongly agree that it provides wide access of heritage materials and 66.39 per cent strongly agree that digitised manuscripts increase the value of institution. The Government of India has already taken initiatives to preserve and archive manuscript and valuable cultural heritage which is available in various institutions, libraries and religious organisations nationwide. In this context Kundakunda Jnanapitha has digitised its manuscripts and merged them into national databases. This survey study overall concludes that the users of Kundakunda Jnanapitha library have great satisfaction with the library services, facilities and manuscripts. 9. SUGGESTIONS The below given suggestions are based on respondents’ comments and personal observation to improve library services: • More number of updated computers should be installed for quick access of manuscripts, e-learning and other useful services • A considerable number of printers should be placed to promote printing facilities • Library can organise short-term training program/ workshops to educate users how to access available resources specifically digital manuscripts • As some of the users were lacking in basic searching skills therefore they strongly recommended for personal assistance by library staff • Some research scholars suggested that they should be asked about their specific required resources before acquisition of library collection • Library must have well designed infrastructure and must be accommodated with latest emerging Information and Communication Technologies • Skilled and trained technical personnel should be appointed for smooth functioning of library activities • To resolve the slow download and Internet connectivity issues, high speed connection with maximum band widths can be acquired. REFERENCES 1. Gaur, Ramesh C. & Chakraborty, Mrinmoy. Preservation and access to Indian manuscripts: A knowledge base of Indian cultural heritage resources for academic libraries. In ICAL 2009: Vision and Roles of the Future Academic Libraries, pp. 90-98. http://crl.du.ac.in/ical09/papers/ index_files/ical-14_227_489_2_RV.pdf (accessed on 19 March 2020). 2. Sahoo, Jyotshna; Sahoo, Bismita; Mohanty, Basudev & Dash, Nrusingh Kumar. Indian manuscript heritage and the role of national mission for manuscripts. Libr. Philos. Pract. (e-journal), 2013, 984. https://digitalcommons.unl. edu/libphilprac/984. (accessed on 16 April 2020). 3. Manuscripts and Indian knowledge systems: The past contextualising the future. http://www.unesco. org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/CI/CI/pdf/ mow/mow_3rd_international_conference_sudha_ gopalakrishnan_en.pdf (accessed on 08 March 2020). RAJPUT : DIGITAL ARCHIVING OF MANUSCRIPTS: FREEDOM TO ACCESS THE GLORIOUS INDIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE 4. Merriam webster dictionary. https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/manuscript (accessed on 25 March 2020). 5. Vocabulary.com. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/ manuscript (accessed on 25 March 2020). 6. National Library of Australia. Guidelines for the preservation of digital heritage. Information Society Division, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, March 2003. https://unesdoc. unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000130071 (accessed on 24 April 2020). 7. Ramana, Y.V. Digital preservation of Indian manuscripts: An over view. In 3rd International CALIBER 2005: 2-4 February, 2005, Cochin, 2005. pp. 370-76. http:// ir.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/ir/bitstream/1944/1550/1/42.pdf (accessed on 20 February 2020). 8. Shafi, S.M. Digitisation perspective of medieval manuscripts. In 2nd Convention PLANNER 2004: 4-5 November, 2004, Imphal, Manipur. 2004. pp. 1-8. https:// ir.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/1944/415/1/04Planner_1.pdf (accessed on 23 April 2020). 9. Kaur, Harpreet. Digital preservation of manuscripts: An Indian perspective with special reference to Punjab. In 4th International Symposium on Emerging Trends and Technologies in Libraries and Information Services 2015: 6-8 January, 2015, Noida, 2015. 271-74. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/313451759_Digital_ preservation_of_manuscripts_An_Indian_perspective_ with_special_reference_to_Punjab (accessed on 28 March 2020). 10. Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC). DPC history. 2002. https://www.dpconline.org/handbook/glossary (accessed 05 April 2020). 11. National Mission on Manuscripts. https://www.namami. gov.in/history (accessed 05 April 2020). 12. Kundakunda Jnanapitha. http://www.kundkundgyanpeeth. org (accessed 18 January 2020). 13. National Mission on Manuscripts. https://www.namami. gov.in/manuscript-resource-centres (accessed 12 January 2020). 14. Gunasekera, Chamani. Students usage of an academic library: A user survey conducted at the main library university of Peradeniya. J. Univ. Libr. Assoc. Sri Lanka, 2010, 14(1), 43-60. https://jula.sljol.info/articles/ abstract/10.4038/jula.v14i1.2687/ (accessed 17 March 2020). 15. Chandrasekar, Kalpana & Murugathas, Komathy. An assessment of user satisfaction on library services: A case study of undergraduate Biology students at the University of Jaffna. J. Univ. Libr. Assoc. Sri Lanka, 2012, 16(1), 3445. https://jula.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/jula. v16i1.5196/ (accessed 17 March 2020). 16. Kalusopa, Trywell & Zulu, Saul. Digital heritage material preservation in Botswana: Problems and prospects. Collection Building, 2009, 28(3), 98–107. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/241699180_Digital_ heritage_material_preservation_in_Botswana_Problems_ and_prospects (accessed 19 April 2020). CONTRIBUTOR Dr P.S. Rajput, is presently working as Assistant Professor Department of Library and Information Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan. He has pursued MLISc, M.Sc. Computer Science, MA, and Ph.D. He has been awarded Junior Research Fellowship (2008) by UGC. He is the first to receive Prof. S.P. Narang Research Promotion Award by IATLIS 2010. 305