2. The Art of Living
International Library
is a unique and irreplaceable archive of books,
journals, audio, video and other media that
document spirituality in the context of scientific,
social and economic development over time.
Supplemented by leading technologies to
automate library processes, and to facilitate
widespread dispersal of this knowledge.
4. Mission
To contribute to H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision for a
stress-free and violence-free society
Through:
providing books and other resources in an
environment that fosters the dissemination of knowledge.
Uniqueness of Art of Living
To engage every section of society irrespective of age, group, class,
caste, religion to promote overall growth, well-being and
knowledge.
5. Mission
The mission is delivered through three core activities:
•Collecting • Preserving • Access
With the aim of providing:
Knowledge to promote self-development
Discussion forums
Books and media spanning diverse cultures and religions.
6. Our Books
Broad spectrum of human knowledge under one roof!
Diverse spiritual books and scriptures
Ayurveda, Agriculture, Environment, Fiction, Children,
Computers, Finance, Medical, Law, etc
Around 12,000 books in all
6,000 of which have been donated in the past 2 years
Over 7,500 books have been cataloged so far
Binding and preservation of old, precious books (ongoing)
7. Advanced Digital Library
Best-in-Class Technologies and Paradigms
FOSS: Free and Open Source Software (Koha and Ubuntu)
Cloud Computing: using Amazon Web Services (AWS)
OPAC: Online Public Access Catalog
International Library Standards:
MARC 21 bibliographic standard
Z39.50 bibliographic search
Z39.50 service: give back to the global library community
8. Website and OPAC
On our Library’s Website, users can:
Search for books online
Reserve books online (if available)
Enquire about library membership on the website
Soon: online registration via payment gateway
Click for
YouTube Video
16. How to Start Cataloging??
Catalog: paper or digital?
Many libraries were visited and examined
Started searching for appropriate software/technology
Software vendors sent quotations of lakhs of rupees and
several months of time (including Sumeru)
With Gurudev’s grace, happened to meet a devotee at
Devi Puja: Ambar Seksena. He found and deployed
“Koha” - the free Library software we are using.
Zaver Swamiji gave barcode printer and scanner
18. The Library now stands at the
threshold of a new service paradigm
The combined forces of digital technology,
reader empowerment, co-location with
educational institutions in a new setting, provide
the impetus to bring the collections and services to
wider audiences in innovative ways.
22. Observations and Requirements
Repair work needed: glass ceiling
Requirement for digitization/preservation
Periodic maintenance: repair of shaking glass windows
To block dust and rain: shades for 8 mesh windows
To block direct light and oxidation of the books: curtains
Need more terminals to include up to date library services like
Ebooks, moving images, sound, E learning and discussion rooms
Security door/camera
Online registration through payment gateway
23. Library's Unique Contribution
Arouse curiosity in industry executives visiting the Library
to discover the Art of Living programs and campus
Encourage non Art of Living members to use the
Discussion Room on subjects of interest
A peaceful environment for people in neighboring
institutions to conduct study and research
24. Gratitude!
Ambar: software work, sponsoring Website and Domain
costs
Zaverji: for giving bar-code printer and scanner
Buildtech Company: for sponsoring and installing the
front door
VP Gupta: helped with a donation to the Library
Mr Rajagopal, EVP HDFC Mumbai: donated 50k
Uma Madan: donated the TV and VCR
All the people who donated books, seva, time, money and
energy to this project
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