A study of the Management of Gratis Information Resources from Public and Private Sectors at Academic Resources and Information Technology Center, Northern Rajabhat Universities Group

Abstract

             This survey research aimed to examine the status and management methods of gifted information resources received from public and private sectors by the Academic Resources and Information Technology Centers of Rajabhat Universities in the Northern Region. The population consisted of practicing librarians or personnel responsible for managing gifted resources. The research instrument was a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using frequency and percentage. The research findings revealed that:

1. Regarding the status of gifted resource management: Most centers organized the workflow as a specific unit or group within the technical services department, with clearly defined and written policies. In terms of staffing, personnel were assigned as either professional librarians or designated practitioners. No specific budget was allocated for this section. Most gifted resources were integrated into the general book collection, with maintenance provided in electronic print formats. Furthermore, the majority of the centers had not yet implemented specific technologies, innovations, or automated systems for managing these resources.


2. Regarding management methods: The centers prioritized resources of high value that aligned with the universities' curricula. These resources underwent formal registration and classification systems. Weeding criteria followed the same standards as purchased materials. Services were provided via an open-shelf system, accessible to faculty, students, staff, and the general public; however, circulation privileges (borrowing and returning) were reserved for internal university personnel only. Public relations efforts included publishing annotated bibliographies on websites, creating featured resource corners, and organizing reading promotion activities.