Research and libraries are interrelated, with libraries serving as the foundation for science and technology research and development. Libraries provide access to past and current scientific information as well as support throughout the research process, from developing research aims and objectives to analyzing and interpreting research data. Modern tools allow libraries to enhance support for researchers, including providing access to e-books, journals, and databases. Libraries play a vital role in scientific progress by supporting researchers in their work.

1. Js - lib
LIBRARY SUPPORT IN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Dr Jai Singh
M Tech Ph D
Retd Director ICAR Institute
Mob: 8958463808 E mail: jsingh;sre@gmail.com
Introduction:
Since ancient era, libraries are recognized as the gateways to wisdom, knowledge,
literacy, education, creativity and innovatory. Evidences of ancient libraries in India are
available from 2500-1500 BC. Takshila 6th century BC to 300 AD, Jetavana monastery
(Sravasti U.P.), Nalanda University in Bihar (3rd century BC, 300-850 A.D.) had a huge
library complex known as Dharmaganj, Jagaddal, Kanhery, Mithila, Odantapuri,
Somapuri, Ujjain, Vallabh, and Vikramsilla acquiring international reputation as centers
of learning in the areas of scientific and technical concepts; atoms, molecules and
substances concepts; gravitational force and relativity; laws of nature; composition,
medicine and surgery; physical, mental and social health; sensory perception; nurturing
and balancing of environment; life management and work management; yogic science;
concept of root causes; political and economic considerations; social, economic and
spiritual spheres; astronomy, metaphysics and spirituality; design and planning of water
supply, transport flow, natural air conditioning, complex masonry and construction
engineering; magnetic and electric waves constantly moving inside the earth; and many
more important ones. Knowledge from Vedas is also being used by NASA, ESA, ISRO and
many others.
Research is a systematic observation of processes and experiments to discover new
knowledge to find better ways to do things and to reduce the efforts, resources and
money being put in to achieve the overarching goal with validity and reliability.
Therefore, a research scholar always keeps in mind the following most probable
questions to be asked to him on his Research and Development Project: (i) what, (ii)
why, (iii) for whom, (iv) when, (iv) how much. The researcher proceeds to generate new
knowledge that it might use to create new technology, products, services, or systems to
help meeting demands for new and better products / technology that can solve existing
and or futuristic problems more quickly, safely and easily. Researcher hypothesizes
concept and generates idea to proceed further on a firm path towards bringing solution
to targeted problem. He also prepares himself for the solidlogical and reasonable
argument on the selected topic with profound knowledge of what are the gaps in the

2. existing findings elucidating continuance of knowledge through further investigation to
bridge the gaps. Library acts as a guide at this starting point of technology research. It
helps and supports the researcher in collection, collation, summarization, synthesization
and elucidation of the state – of - art on existing knowledge on the chosen research
topic justifying abridgment of the gaps through new investigations. In this presentation
humble efforts have been made to elucidate the forceful supportive guide for structure
and direction in science and technology research by library.
Key Words: Library, sci – tech, research and development, library research
support, research and technology development elements, research variables,
product developing and testing, prototype development and testing.
1. Research: Research is the creation of new knowledge and / or the use of existing
knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts,
methodologies and understandings through verified experimentation to project
findings / solutions to problems under any specific domain (author’s view).
(कार्यक्षेत्र).
2. Research Elements:
I. Identification of research problem – challenges and goals,
II. Review of sci – tech literature around the intended problem statement,
III. Developing specified hypothesis (previous knowledge and observed trends),
IV. Topic – centric sources of data,
V. Data (experimental, observational), methods and protocols, software, hardware,
etc to be used,
VI. Defining data interpretation technique,
VII. Measuring results according to the research objective as per acceptable scientific
methodology (systematic observation, classification and interpretation of data),
VIII. Validity (correct procedures), reliability (repeatability and accuracy),
IX. Applicability of research outcome as per objectives,
X. Conclusion solving the problem and or creating new knowledge,
XI. Reporting the research findings for decision making process,,
XII. Setting recommendations.
3. Technology Research and Development (TRD): Technology research and
development is the first stage of innovation, invention, design, improvement, and
construction of new types of products, tools, gadgets, equipment, apparatus and
machinery including testing, trying, fabrication of pilot prototypes before reaching in
the field and industrial production process / manufacturing for users (author’s view).
4. Technology Research and Development (TRD) Elements:
 Perception of deficiencies, limitations, and needs of the reality under chosen
topic,
 Objective / goal - where the researcher presupposes to reach the desired
objective.
 Concepts, theories and scientific / technological laws for the set goal,

3.  Existing state – of - art - analysis and systematization of current theories about
the research object,
 Conceptualization - creative critical thinking, logic reasoning, to arrive at ideal
solution,
 Feasibility - deficiencies, facts or processes, evidences or probabilities, that limit
or impede reaching a desirable and feasible state of the project,
 Clear, coherent, and achievable technical program, स्पष्ट, सुसंगत और प्राप्त करने
र्ोग्य
 Verification of experimental or semi – experimental model by logic
demonstration in field / lab / workshop,
 Prototype / product design and production / fabrication,
 Performance assessment in the intended operational environment,
 Product acceptability under Hedonic Scale,
 Prototype / product validation against requirements.
5. Library Support in Developing Research Aims and Objectives: Research aim
(purpose), research objectives (key issues), research questions (any alternate), and research
hypotheses (prediction of relationship between two or more variables) explain the main goal or
overarching purpose of the research project. These terms need to be broad and introductory
rather than specific and focused. These cannot spring forth as eureka moment instead, a slow
process giving considerable thinking and time to develop and finalize. Library consultation around
the subject, analysis of previous related studies in the area can give effective conceptualization on
intended research aims and objectives.
6. Library Support in Finding and Refining R & D Topic: Research and
Development Project Topic needs to clearly picturise the activities intended to be
undertaken to innovate / improve / introduce new products / equipment / machinery
/ services. It is research library that can guide and assist the researcher through
questioning the investigator with reference to clientele such as (i) WHO –
population group / product developer/ industry / extension specialists / planners /
policy makers and so on; (ii) WHAT – Type and size of product / equipment /
machinery ; (iii) WHERE – Rural / urban / semi urban / difficult areas / educational
standard / economic conditions and climatics, etc; WHEN – Timings; (v) WHY –
importance. Library also assists in refining and finalizing the topic as if it is too
narrow, then may not find enough published material, if too broad may not be able
to summarize and pin point. Therefore, topic needs to be clearly heading to aims
and objectives.
7. Identification of R&D Problem: R&D activity, to be novel, creative, systematic
and transferable and/or reproducible to bring solutions.
8. Support for Hypothesis Development: A research hypothesis is a statement of
expectation or prediction that will be tested by researcher be specific, clear, and
testable proposition or predictive statement about the possible outcome of a
scientific research.
9. Planning Research Project:

4. I. Clearly defined purpose,
II. Using understandable concepts by all concerned,
III. Detailing research procedures,
IV. Planning clearly defined research design,
V. Analysing data sufficiently adequately to reveal significance,
VI. Using appropriate analysis methodology,
VII. checking validity and reliability of data.
10.Library Support in Developing Research Skill:
a.Critical thinking about research idea: It includes imagination, creativity, logic,
reasoning, conceptual thinking, better knowledge of the profession to examine the truth,
reality and validity of proposed research idea.
b. Problem solving skill: Ability to identify, define and analyze issues through
imaginative and innovative process .
c. Analytical skill: Ability to collect, collate and synthesize (डेटा एकत्र करना, तुलना करना
और संश्लेषित करना), data and relevant information.
d. Information dissemination skill: Ability to communicate the rationale and results
(औषित्य और पररणाम) of research (goals, motives, outcomes and conclusion of the
research).
e. Corroboration and management of research data (अनुसंधान डेटा की पुषष्ट और प्रबंधन)/
f. Research data management (RDM) skill: Creating/collecting, processing,
analyzing, publishing, archiving/preserving, re-using data)
11.Library support in Systematic Literature Review:
Sci – tech literature review is a rigorous, well-defined comprehensive summary of
the established knowledge, ideas, strength and weakness published in the intended
field of study research scope undertaken by a researcher in inductive research
approach where findings of multiple qualitative research studies is integrated,
evaluated and interpreted. It provides foundation of knowledge on the topic,
identifies gaps in research, justifies need for additional research, provides evidence
to support research findings, prevents duplication / repetition, unused or underused
methodologies by previous workers, designs, and quantitative and qualitative
strategies. Library continues to support researchers by keeping track of past and
current sci – tech developments.
Research Data: data are the necessary entity and factual information observed, generated
or created, collected, recorded, analysed and processed to validate and support original
research findings. Research data is categorized as primary data ( experimental based
generated or collected by the researcher afresh) and secondary data collected by someone
else from existing sources and processed as part of research study). The means
necessary to generate data (digital and or non – digital formats) or replicate results, such as
computer code, experimental methods and instruments used, and essential interpretive and
contextual information variable specifications) needs to be explained.
12.Library support to identify Research Variables :

5. Variables are the basic units of information studied and interpreted in sci - tech
research. Researchers carefully analyze and interpret the value(s) of each variable
to make sense of how things relate to each other. Variable in research is
measurable characteristics, qualities, traits, or attributes of situation manipulated,
changed and controlled to observe relationship or effects in the study. Identification
of research variables is the basic need to plan, design and develop research.
Variables can be defined in terms of measurable factors they are quantified and
measured. In sci – tech research, independent (antecedent) and dependent
( consequent /outcome ) variables are key, forming the basis on which a study is
performed. Independent variable is one that the researcher controls or otherwise
manipulates within a study. Dependent variable is measured in an experiment,
reflecting an outcome. Relationship between the dependent and independent
variables is watching as how the dependent variable changes in response to
independent variable. Independent variable is manipulated and the dependent
variable is measured by the researcher.
13.Library Support for Access to Sci - Tech Research and Development
Information World Over:
Libraries (knowledge centre) are playing vital role in up-to-dating the researcher with
the latest advances in science and technology information world over through tools and
techniques in the form of books, e-books, audio books, journals, magazines, articles,
bibliographies, periodicals, newspapers, manuscripts, cassette tapes, CD – ROM,
CDs, DVDs, abstracts, ISO standards, electronic and digital services in finding past
relevant research findings and research materials in efficient, quick, feasible,
economic, accessible and useful manner.
With the objective of providing worldwide sci – tech authentic information conveniently
and quickly to researchers, technology developers, teachers, students, policy planners,
administrators and extension specialists, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
established Consortium for e-Resources in Agriculture (popularly known as CeRA) for
National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES) Libraries. Presently
there are 170 consortium members consisting 65 institutes, 4 Deemed Universities, 14
National Research Centres, 13 Directorate/Project Directorates, 6 National Bureau, 4
Central Agril Universities and 64 State Agricultural Universities. It is providing access of
journals/e-Resources through IP authentication, Document Delivery Request System
(DDR) and access through Remote access facility (Ez - Proxy).
14.Library Support for New Food Product Development and or Improvement in
Existing Product: Food is a raw, cooked, or processed edible substance. Library
helps in scanning available literature for knowledge and skill and to find out
intended gaps in the existing products, thereby generating idea and formulation for
a new or improved product. Library also helps in SWOT (strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats) analysis, trending ingredients, recipe formulation,
ingredient accessibility, ingredient availability - year-round or seasonally,

6. consumer wants, screening (gauging market place), acceptability, regulatory
factors (legal considerations), facilities (structural and equipment) availability,
qualitative and quantitative parameters, cost effectiveness, shelf life (how long a
product will hold its quality), spoilage, safety (contamination), manufacturing
process, packaging, chemical, physical, sensory tests, sensory attributes. Once
the idea is finalized it is moved to the formulation stage. First the product is made
at small scale for consumer testing and proximate analysis. Acceptable product is
scaled up to determine production equipment, costs and efficiency.
15.Library Support for New Equipment Development and or Improvement in
Existing Equipment Machinery:
Prototype: A prototype is an unfinished version incorporating all the features and
functions of the final equipment machinery used for user testing. The process activities
encompasses - ideation, overall scope, limitations with existing equipment machinery,
potential solutions concepts, functional requirements, structural requirements,
operational requirements, functional and structural specifications, design
considerations, electro – mechanical components and assemblies, machine controls
motors, pumps, valves, etc, prototype fabrication, test designs, performance testing,
finding black holes, refinement and process development, confirmation or disproval the
hypotheses, costings, maintenance, fast and slow moving spare parts, output
optimization, user acceptance, etc.
16.Library Support in Research Data Analysis and Intrepretation Technique:
During the research and development (R&D) experimentation, large amount of
systematic data is collected to increase knowledge and its application to arrive at
problem solving resolution on intended research topic.
Summary:
Research and the library are both interrelated, therefore, library is considered as
the foundation for sci – technology research and development. Scholars opine
that research is possible only with a resourceful and technically oriented library
for high quality easily accessible contents as it is repository of past and current
sci – tech scientific information, research needs and research processes
developed world over. Libraries remain in the process of continual evolution of
new research support service pattern at par with the ever changing technologies
and researchers’ need. Modern tools used for this are : Automation Software —
Koha, Evergreen SOUL LibSys; Digitization Software — DSpace GSDL ABCD;
Content Management Systems — Drupal Joomla; E-books Management —
Calibri; Online Journals — CORAL, RFID; Web-Scale Discovery Services —
EBSCO, VuFind, etc., which will enhance the impact of library towards its users
and making comforts for working professional. Libraries are using manual,
computerized (Library Management Software (LMS), OPAC, Current Awareness
Services (CAS), RSS feeds or e-mail alerts, books, journals, newspapers,
magazines, e-journals, e-books, e-theses e – dissertations, online databases.
CD-ROMs, J-Gate, Scopus, and many more. In this presentation efforts have

7. been made to enumerate library support process in science – technological
research and development from finding R & D topic to research data analysis
and inferences arriving techniques comprising: developing research aims and
objectives, finding and refining R & D topic, developing research skill, systematic
literature review, identification of research variables, access to Sci - Tech
research and development information world over, new food product
development and or improvement in existing product, new equipment
development and or improvement in existing equipment machinery and analysis
and result interpretation technique.