User Awareness Programme (OPAC)

 

📚 Empowering Students Through Digital Library Services: OPAC User Awareness Programme at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Sundargarh

Discover, Search, and Read – Making Library Resources Accessible Through Technology

Introduction

In the digital age, technology has transformed the way we access, search, and use information. Libraries are no longer limited to traditional book browsing; they also provide digital tools that make information discovery faster, easier, and more convenient. One such important tool is the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), which enables library users to search the collection and locate books and other resources efficiently.

With the objective of familiarising students with digital library services and promoting independent use of library resources, a User Awareness Programme on Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) was organised for students of Classes VI to XII at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Sundargarh.

The session focused on introducing students to OPAC, demonstrating its step-by-step usage, explaining its important features, and highlighting the benefits of using this digital facility for effective information searching.

💻 Getting Familiar with OPAC

The session began with an introduction to the meaning and purpose of the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).

Students were explained that OPAC is an online catalogue of library resources that allows users to search for books and check their availability without manually browsing through every bookshelf. It acts as a digital gateway to the library collection and helps readers identify the resources they need.

The session highlighted how OPAC makes library services more user-friendly by providing access to bibliographic information such as book title, author, subject, and availability details.

Students were also introduced to the importance of digital literacy and how learning to use OPAC can make them more independent and confident library users.

🔍 Step-by-Step Demonstration: How to Use OPAC

One of the major highlights of the programme was a practical demonstration explaining how students can access and use OPAC properly.

The process was explained in a simple and systematic manner so that students could follow the steps independently.

Step 1: Open the OPAC Portal

Students were shown how to open the OPAC portal through an internet browser using the OPAC link shared by the school library.

Step 2: Search for the Library

Students learned how to locate their school library by selecting the appropriate cluster and library from the available options.

Step 3: Search for a Book

The session demonstrated how to search for a book by entering relevant details such as:

• Book title

• Author's name

• Subject or topic

• Keywords

Students were encouraged to use appropriate search terms to obtain relevant results.

Step 4: Explore the Search Results

After entering the search details, students were shown how to examine the displayed results and identify the books matching their requirements.

They learned to check important bibliographic details, including the title, author, and other available information.

Step 5: Check Book Availability

Students were guided on how to check whether a particular book was available in the library. This feature helps readers identify suitable books before visiting the shelves.

Step 6: Access the User Account

The session also introduced students to the login facility available through the library's OPAC system. Students were explained how to use their authorised login credentials or the available verification process to access their accounts.

Step 7: Explore My Transactions

Students were introduced to the My Transactions section, where they can view information related to their library transactions, including issued and returned books.

This feature helps students remain aware of their borrowing history and keep track of their library activities.

🌟 Benefits of Using OPAC

The programme highlighted several advantages of using the Online Public Access Catalogue:

• Easy Book Searching: Students can search for books by title, author, subject, or keywords.

• Saves Time: It reduces the need to search manually through all the bookshelves.

• Checks Availability: Students can find out whether a required book is available in the library.

• Promotes Independent Learning: Students can search for learning resources according to their interests and academic requirements.

• Access to Bibliographic Details: Users can identify important information about books before selecting them.

• Transaction Tracking: Students can check their issued and returned book records through the user account.

• Improves Digital Literacy: Regular use of OPAC helps students develop essential digital information-searching skills.

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🎯 Encouraging Students to Become Independent Library Users

The programme emphasised that OPAC is not merely a book-searching facility; it is an important tool for developing independent learning habits.

Students were encouraged to use OPAC whenever they needed books for classroom assignments, projects, competitive examinations, general reading, or personal interests.

They were also advised to use specific keywords, check the details of search results carefully, and verify book availability before selecting resources.

By understanding the proper use of OPAC, students can make better use of the library collection and become more responsible and informed users of information resources.

🌱 Learning Outcomes

The OPAC User Awareness Programme helped students to:

• Understand the meaning, purpose, and importance of OPAC.

• Learn how to access the school library's online catalogue.

• Develop step-by-step skills for searching books by title, author, and subject.

• Identify book details and check availability through the catalogue.

• Understand how to access their library accounts and view transactions.

• Develop digital literacy and information-searching skills.

• Become independent and confident users of library resources.

• Make effective use of technology for academic learning and recreational reading.

📖 The School Library: Connecting Books with Technology

The school library continuously strives to adopt modern technologies to improve access to information and enhance the reading experience of students.

The introduction of OPAC through e-Granthalaya 4.0 represents an important step towards providing technology-enabled library services. By familiarising students with this facility, the library aims to bridge the gap between traditional reading practices and digital information access.

Such awareness programmes help students understand that a modern library is not simply a place where books are stored; it is a knowledge centre where technology and information resources work together to support teaching, learning, research, and lifelong reading habits.

Conclusion: Search Smart, Read More, Learn Better!

The OPAC User Awareness Programme for students of Classes VI to XII was a valuable initiative towards promoting digital literacy and effective utilisation of library resources at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Sundargarh.

Through the step-by-step demonstration, students gained an understanding of how to search for books, check their availability, access their library accounts, and view their borrowing transactions. The session encouraged them to explore the library catalogue independently and make better use of the available resources.

The programme reinforced the idea that technology makes libraries more accessible, while reading makes learning meaningful. By combining both, students can become confident, independent, and lifelong learners.

"A library catalogue opens the door to books; curiosity takes you into the world of knowledge."

Search. Discover. Read. Grow!