One Day Training Programme for Library Science Students of SVU at SFIT LIRC

The Learning and Information Resource Centre (LIRC) of St. Francis Institute of Technology (Autonomous Engineering College) organized a one-day training and library orientation programme for the students of the Department of Library Science, Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) on 16 December 2025 at the SFIT LIRC.

The programme aimed to provide practical exposure to academic library functioning, automation, and professional practices. Seven M.Lib students participated in the programme, accompanied by Ms. Gauri Gothivrekar, Librarian.

The session began with a library orientation by Ms. Chinmayee Bhange, Librarian, SFIT, covering key aspects such as library services, collections, user policies, professional ethics, and plagiarism detection tools. A guided library tour familiarized students with various library sections and workflows.

A live demonstration of the KOHA Library Management Software was conducted by Sister Bhavya, focusing on cataloguing, circulation, OPAC searching, and book maintenance. Ms. Rupali Sawant explained acquisition and technical processing procedures, including documentation and record maintenance.

Students also participated in a practical activity followed by a library orientation worksheet to reinforce learning.

The programme was informative and interactive, successfully bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The SFIT LIRC team looks forward to organizing more such academic and professional training initiatives.

One-Day Hands-On Training on KOHA Modules and Data Cleaning for SVU Library Staff

Our Learning and Information Resource Centre had an excellent opportunity to share the knowledge of our Koha ILMS with the library staff of Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

A one-day hands-on training programme on KOHA Library Management System modules and data cleaning on 30th October 2025 as part of its continuous efforts to strengthen library automation and professional development.

The training was conducted by Ms.Chinmayee Bhange, Librarian, Sister Bhavya and Ms. Rupali Sawant, both Asst. Librarians who shared practical insights and guided the participants through real-time demonstrations of the Koha ILMS.

The training was attended by Ms. Gauri Gothivrekar and Ms. Jyoti Tikam, library professionals of Somaiya Vidyavihar University. The hands-on nature of the training enabled the participants to actively engage with the system and gain practical experience.

Focus Areas of the Training

The training covered a detailed overview and practical usage of major KOHA modules, including:

• Cataloguing

• Circulation

• Acquisitions

• Serials

• Reports

In addition, special emphasis was placed on data cleaning and data quality management. Participants were trained in identifying and correcting duplicate, incomplete, and inconsistent bibliographic and patron records, along with best practices for maintaining accurate and reliable library databases.

Key Outcomes

The training programme resulted in:

• Enhanced understanding of KOHA Library Management System

• Improved skills in handling automated library operations

• Better awareness of the importance of data accuracy and consistency

• Increased confidence in managing and maintaining library databases

Moving Forward

This training programme reflects our commitment to continuous knowledge sharing, effective use of ICT, and quality enhancement in library services. The skills gained from the programme will contribute to improved efficiency, accuracy, and overall user satisfaction in library operations.

Our Learning and Information Resource Centre will continue to organize such capacity-building initiatives to support academic excellence and institutional best practices.