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7th CDNLAO Meeting: Thailand Country Report

National Library of Thailand and Recent Library Information Network Development

Mrs Suwakhon Siriwongworawat Director National Library of Thailand

1. National Library : Background

The National Library of Thailand was first established by King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V, in the reign of Chakri Dynasty, on October 12, 1905 by combining the three former libraries namely; Ho phra Mandira Dharma, Ho Phra Samut Vajiranana and Ho Phra Buddhasasana Sangaha and named Ho Phra Samut samrap phra Nakhon. The name had been changed to the National Library after the revolution in 1932.

The National Library was housed within the precinct of the Royal Palace and administered by the committee appointed by the King under the royal patronage. In 1915 the library was transferred to Thavaravuthu Building, East of Wat Mahadhatu, opposite of the Phra meru Ground. In 1925, King Rama VII presented the manuscripts and books which were in the private collection of King Rama VI to the National Library and named it the Vajiravudh Library.

Over the years, the National Library has played a major role both in education, and culture. In implementing these roles, it has vigorously worked to increase the number of books and audiovisual materials in the library, as well as the users of the library. In recognition of the importance of the services of the National Library to the population at large, the government had allocated a budget to construct a new building for the National Library at Tha Vasukri, Samsen Road, in 1962. The new National Library building was officially declared open on May 5, 1966. The building is constructed in Thai architectural style, and 5 stories, with a total floor area of 16,000 square meters. In full capacity, over 1,000,000 volumes of books can be accommodated, with a seating capacity of about 1,500 seats in 7 reading rooms.

Other new buildings were constructed within the National Library area and outside area, but still in Bangkok, which are listed below:

  1. Damrong Rajanubhab Memorial Library (1947), to house the private collection of books and personal objects of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab.
  2. Vajiranana Library (1975), to house the gilt bookcases.
  3. The Naradhip Centre for Research in Social Science (1979), to house the private collection of His Royal Highness Prince Wan Waithayakon Krommun Naradhip Bongsprabandh and some other social science books.
  4. King Vajiravudh Memorial Hall (1981), to house the private collection of King Rama VI and to display the Royal Exhibition of King Vajiravudh.
  5. Building 3 (1985), to be the general reading room.
  6. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Library (1990), to collect documents which have been signed the name by the people of Thailand to show the public opinion for giving the name of their beloved king as "King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great".
  7. Princess Sininthon Music Library (1994), to collect music books, audiovisual materials, both new and old, and sometimes rare items on music.
  8. King Rama IX Music Library (1997), to collect books on music and songs which composed by King Rama IX.

In the provincial areas, the following branches were opened:

  1. In Buri National Library Branch, Sing Buri Province (1972).
  2. Lumphun National Library Branch (1978).
  3. Nakhon Si Thammarat National Library Branch (1978).
  4. Wat Donrak National Library Branch, Songkhla Province (1982).
  5. Chon Buri National Library Branch (1983).
  6. Prokhon Chai National Library Branch, Buriram Province (1985).
  7. King Rama IX National Library Branch, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (1987).
  8. Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library Branch, Chiang Mai Province (1989).
  9. Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library Branch, Chanthaburi Province (1990).
  10. Wat Charoen Samanakit National Library Branch, Phuket Province (1993).
  11. Queen Sirikit National Library Branch, Nakhon Phanom Province (1994)
  12. Kanchanaphisek National Library Branch, Songhkla Province (1997).
  13. Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library Branch, Kanchanaburi Province (1997).

There are also four branches which will be opened in 1999. The four branches are Queen Sirikit National Library Branch, Songkhla Province; Queen Sirikit National Library Branch, Trang Province; Suphan Buri National Library Branch and Lat Krabang National Library Branch.

2. Organization Chart of the National Library

The National Library is under the Fine Arts Department which is under the Ministry of Education. Under the Director of the National Library there are 7 units and 17 branches.

3. National Library Services

3.1 Collections

The National Library of Thailand has the oldest and largest collection in Thailand. The collection contains stone inscriptions from at least 6th A.D., manuscripts on Thai papers in the form of "accardian pleats" as prayer books and religious works, literature, history, technical treatises, law, medicine and archives. It also includes Pali and Thai manuscripts on palm-leaves, Thai loose-leaves, western loose-leaves, as well as beautiful lacquer and gilt bookcases. The collection of national imprints contains books and periodicals published in Thailand from the earliest time at least in 1836 A.D. in the reign of King Rama III of Chakri Dynasty, up to present. It is the most comprehensive collection on the development of printed books in Thailand.

Besides the above collection, the National Library also collects foreign publications published in Western countries through exchange programs with 83 libraries in 18 countries and also by purchase. As the depository Library for UN publications and also UNESCO/PGI Documents Supply Center for Asia/Pacific Region, the National Library therefore has special collections of UN publications and UNESCO/PGI documents.

As other libraries do, but more comprehensively, the National Library acquires and collects audio-visual materials produced in Thailand including films, microfilms, maps, pictures, photography, music, note songs etc.
Our holdings by type of materials are:

  1. Monographs 2,120 million volumes
  2. Periodicals 2,100 titles
  3. Manuscripts 125,000 items
  4. Rare books 92,300 volumes
  5. Newspapers 400 titles
  6. Non-book materials 70,000 items

3.2 Services

3.2.1 Reference service

The National Library is opened seven days a weeks, except national holidays, from 9.30 a.m. to 19.30 p.m. People at all levels, all races, all religions can get into the library to receive services. Books, periodicals, newspapers and other tools can be used within the library. The service points are at the main library and its 7 special collections in Bangkok and 13 branches in 12 provinces throughout the country.

Users can get access to information provided directly at the main library or the special collections. Users outside Bangkok can make inter-library loan. Searching for materials wanted, he (she) can use the OPAC (online public access) at the main library in Bangkok or through the branch library network. The network of the main library and the branch libraries will give rapid access for users in up country areas. Documents needed will be supplied to them by many methods, such as, facsimile service, post service, E-mail service. The National Library is going to link its database into Internet system in 1999. When this linkage is completed, users anywhere in the country or the world can get access to the NLT database.

3.2.2 Computer services.

At the end of 1991 the National Library had installed computer hardware system and library automation software system which are IBM RISC/6000 Model 530, at present changed to Model 570, 32 MB main memory, now 64 MB, 2.3 GB disk and DYNIX Automated Library System with 16 users, now 32 users. The system has linked to the branch libraries in Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Kanchanaburi and Chanthaburi. So the users at the branch library can get access to the NLT database in Bangkok through OPAC system.

At present, DYNIX Automated Library System has been used to assist many functions of library tasks which are: acquisition, cataloguing, online public access, community resource and serial control.

In 1995 the National Library had acquired one set of document imaging system - Sun Sparcstation/20 and BRS/SEARCH which can manage the text retrieval system, together with MEGA/MEDIA which has ability to store and retrieve image data.

Besides the above two services the National Library also provides 150 CD-ROM data bases (multi-media) with six multi-media computers for users.

The special database is another service provided for users which listed below:

  1. ISBN database-list of books assigned ISBN by the National Library.
  2. ISSN database-Thai language database.
  3. ISSN-SEA database-list of serials published in SEA countries namely; Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
  4. PGI publications database
  5. Local databases (9 databases)

The National Library also offers free information search from the Internet. Besides this service users can get access to the NLT homepage and using electronic mail through Internet with addresses below:

Web address: http://www.natlib.moe.go.th/ (unable to link to this address Jan 05)

E-mail : suwaksir@emisc.moe.go.th.

3.2.3 Specialized services

The National library prepares manuals and guidelines as reference tools, direct information services, compilation of indexes and bibliographies upon request, reading and deciphering ancient oriental scripts, periodic organization of seminar/workshops and specialized training, exhibition, filmshows, slide & video shows, music, lectures and panel discussions, etc.

3.2.4 Reading promotion

The National Library is taking part in the promotion of reading habit in Thailand. The programs arranged are story telling, book contest, reading contest, discussions and lectures, movies, slide and puppet shows, exhibitions as well as games. These activities take place not only at the main National Library in Bangkok but also at the other 13 branches in 5 regions of Thailand as well.

3.2.5 National Bibliographic Agency

The National Library is also the National Bibliographic Agency in Thailand. The production of the Thai National Bibliography was started in 1964. Which had been done manually, at present the publication of the National Bibliography is print out from NLT database. Dynix software had been implemented for doing this task.

Other services provided by bibliographic agency are assigning of ISSN and ISBN. The National Library is the National Center for assigning ISBN to books and ISSN to serials published in Thailand. Detailed bibliographic information on books assigned ISBN have been recorded in consular since 1989. The software CDS/ISIS has been used to process the monthly list of new books assigned ISBN. The National Library distributes the monthly list as acquisition guide for libraries throughout the country.

4. National Library Cooperation with other libraries in Thailand

The National Library of Thailand has had good cooperation with oilier libraries in the country. It plays leading role in all aspects of library cooperation and development in Thailand. It also actively promotes and participates in the Thai Library Association. Some active activities are as follows:

4.1 Exchange and interlibrary loan

Within the country the National Library acts as a liaison centre for exchange and interlibrary loan of publications and educational materials among 43 leading libraries and documentation centres under NLDC-SEA consortium, established in 1980.

4.2 THAI National Information System

National Library is the Secretariat of THAT NATIS. The important role of the National Library in the cooperation and development of library and information systems in Thailand, was reflected when it was appointed as the Secretariat of Thai National Information System (THAI NATIS). THAT NATIS was proposed to the Government by the National UNISIST Committee, through the Thai National commission for UNESCO, and approved by the cabinet on 2 December 1986. Subsequently, the Cabins created the National Committee for Direction and Co-ordination of the National Information System (THAI NATIS) under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister, and Information Network Sub-committees in the following fields: Agriculture, Medical Sciences, Humanities, Science and Technology, Economics and Social Sciences.

The National Library serves as THAI NATIS Secretariat and Humanities Information Network Center. The most important initial step at present already done is that all 6 associate Information Network Centers have already published surveys on their information sources. Network subcenters on six subjects have already been formed. The working committee on drafting the second phase project of the THAI NATIS has drafted the project to acquire equipment for the National Library to link its database with the Internet. The Government has approved the budget for this matter. So, next year (1999) the network of the THAI NATIS will be enlightened. Online networking among libraries both in Bangkok and in provinces will assist users near and far to get access to information they require from the main database or get referring data from system to system. The standard problem facing now is the bibliographic description for main entry, subject heading and record structure.

The installation of IBM RISC/6000 minicomputer and Dynix automated library system software package in 1992 have solved some problems. The new system is able to handle Thai script effectively. Anyhow, the National Library still needs larger capacity machine to support the National Information System. In addition the cooperation among libraries in the country is still very important step towards the goal of effective library network system besides the financial and manpower support from the Government.

4.3 Creating national standard on bibliographic record

The National Library also plays leading role in creation of national standard on bibliographic record, such as in the establishment of the standard of names (any type of names) in the heading entry by getting cooperation from libraries and organizations involved.

4.4 Library training

The National Library offers training courses in library work all year round for library science departments of any universities or institutes requesting library training for their students or personnel. This is done free of charge. The period of training is requested from the institute.

4.5 Book production promotion

The National Library has cooperation with the Book Development Centre, under Department of Education Technology, Ministry of Education on book production activities such as cooperation in organizing national book week annually, annual book contest and etc. For the annual book contest the National Library has served as the secretary and committee in various sections of the annual book contest committee for the past 15 years.

5. To connect national information network with library information network

The National Library has made connection with various information networks. The following are some examples:

5.1 The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC)

NECTEC is involved in the research and development of electronics and computer technology in a bid to bolster Thailand's domestic manufacturing of electronic and computer devices. It's goal is to persuade scientific and technological research and development institutes to link up through R&D network systems, which will enable more efficient technology transfer. NECTEC is operated under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

NECTEC is also the gateway to the biggest world network-internet. The National Library has some connection with NECTEC by receiving cooperation on setting up the linkage of NLT database to the Internet.

5.2 THAI NATIS

The National library is the secretariat of THAI NATIS committee and also the focal point of Humanities Information Network Center. An effort has been made to connect the national information network with other information network as mentioned in 4.2.

5.3 THAI POPIN

The Thai Population Information Centre (TPIC) is the National focal point for population and family health information. It was established in July 1978 (BE. 2521) by the Ministry of Public Health to support the development of the country's population program. The Center provides planners, decision makers and others with up-to-date information which enables them to formulate population policies and plans, and to implement programs. It has also established a national population information network, called THAI POPIN, built around its dissemination system, inter-agency seminars, meetings, training courses and institutional contacts, and co-operation with relevant population and family planning institutions. The network was formed in 1984 (BE. 2527). There are 18 institutes participating in the network. Co-operative activities include interlibrary loans, reference services, acquisitions, publications, literature searches, collection development and the preparation of standardized cataloguing input sheets for database creation on computer. The TIP Newsletter is issued quarterly mainly for members of the network. Up to now TPIC has created six databases.

5.4 The organization of a National Labour Information Network.

Labour Department organized the seminar on Labour Network in February 1987 (BE. 2530) in Bangkok. The aims of the seminar were to prepare information for creating relative labour information system within the country, to get an idea on exchange, on how to develop the labour network system, to exchange an idea on the format of co-ordinate center and to encourage relative sectors realize the necessity of closed co-operation on data collection, development, exchange and analysis. It was agreed from the seminar that there will be two phases of operation. The first phase is the period of planning and establishing the network of which the Department of Labour will be the co-ordinating center. The second phase is the development of a new system by approaching computer on labour information processing. The Network center will further act as the National Coordination center for the ASEAN Labour Information Network (ALINE). Now the network project is in the first phase.

6. Cooperation for sharing information between Thailand and Asian countries

6.1 Regional Network for the Exchange of Information and Experience in Science and Technology in Asia and the Pacific (ASTINFO)

ASTINFO is the core programme of IPS/PGI in the Asia-Pacific region. It is regional cooperative programme of UNESCO, established in 1983 as a result of the recommendation of the Second Conference of the Science Ministers and Economic Planning Bodies in the Asia and Pacific Region (CASTASIA II), held in March 1982 in Manila.

Its objective is to promote the exchange of information and experience in science and technology among countries in the Asia/Pacific Region. Its activities are mainly directed towards building and strengthening the regional information infrastructures, within existing structures in participating countries, to enable institutions to share information, experience, and other resources within and amongst countries, and thus allow more balanced and obstacle-free flow of technology and know-how.

ASTINFO also puts emphasis on activities/strategies that will create, within existing structures, more effective coordination mechanisms at national and regional levels, and allows interested individuals/institutions to have better access to information, specialized institutions and resource centers. The National Research Council of Thailand acts as the Coordinating Unit in Thailand with the National Library as one of its Associate Centers. The National Library also acts as the focal point of document delivery service in Thailand. There are some sub-networks under ASTINFO.

6.2 Asia-Pacific Information Network in Social Science (APINESS)

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has been the designed APINESS National Contact Point (NCP) since 1986.

APINESS activities in Thailand have been performed by the National Contact Point, the National Research Council of Thailand and the Participating Centres. Apart from the general function and duties, NRCT has recently set up a National Research Information Center with a computerized database on research information to be linked with the Scientific and Technology information Center of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy, The database includes directory of researchers, research reports, on-going research project, thesis and dissertations, and research institutes. (UNESCO Regional Advisory Group of the Asian Pacific Information Network in Social Science APINESS/RAG 2nd Meeting Bangkok 13-15 August 1990).

6.3 The International Serial Data System Regional Center for Southeast Asia (ISSN-SEA)

The serial data system and network for SEA was established in 1976 by the cooperation of 5 Southeast Asian member countries eg Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, for creation, maintenance of regional databank containing essential information for the identification of serials of the participating countries. It works in collaboration with the ISDS International Center in Paris and other centers throughout the world. The National Library of Thailand acts as the ISDS Regional Center and National Center of Thailand and has the duty to control and assign the International Standard Number (ISSN) to the serials printed in Thailand.

6.4 Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLARS)

This network's objective is to distribute modem medical information, includes Index Medicus and bibliographical control. Beyond this MEDLAR, there are also AVLINE, CHEMLINB, HISLINE, POPLINE. It is under the management of the National Library of Medicine, U.S.A. Central Library. Mahidol University is the contact point in Thailand.

6.5 International Agricultural Information System (AGRIS)

This network was set up by the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) to serve the users of information of this field and to be used as the information for the improvement of agricultural production both in quantity and quality for the world population. There are 4 regional centers. Thai national center of AGRIS is in the Central Library, Kasetsart University, Bangkok.

6.6 Current Agricultural Research Information System (CARIS)

It is another network of FAO. Its regional center is Agricultural Information Bank for Asia (AIBA) and Southeast Asia Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in the Philippines. Center of the network in Thailand in the Central Library, Kasetsart University.

6.7 International Buffalo Information Center (IBIC)

This network started in 1981 to collect data from all over the world and to disseminate information about buffalo. The Center of this network is in Kasetsart University in Bangkok.

6.8 International Referral System for Source of Environmental Information (INFORTERRA)

It was established, in 1975 by specialists on environment. The Center is in Nairobi, Kenya. The National Commission on Environment is the Center for Thailand.

6.9 Document Delivery Services

The National Library of Australia has initiated the ASTINFO Document Delivery Pilot Project. The Project was started its operation in May 1999. It seeks to establish a regional facility with strong national links.

A number of ASTINFO Coordinating Units Member States in the region, such as, Vietnam, Indonesia, Iran, China and Pakistan have actively used the service.

Preceding the ASTINFO : Regional Document Delivery Service was a pilot service facility for UNESCO/PGI documents, which was initiated in 1987, in cooperation with the National Library of Thailand. It was designed to more cost-effectively disseminate these frequently requested publications/documents. Assistance has been provided in the form of hard and microfiche copies of UNESCO/PGI documents for distribution at cost in Thailand and in Asia and the Pacific. This experiment helped to establish a system of measuring the level of supply and demand for documents at national and regional levels, which was later used by the National Library of Australia for the ASTINFO Regional Document Delivery Service.

The National Library of Thailand, as the officially designated Depository of PGI Documents and Publications for the Asia-Pacific Region since June 1987, published in June 1988 the "Directory of UNESCO/PGI documents and publications available at the National Library of Thailand". This publication has been sent to members of ASTINFO and other interested institutions/individuals. The microfiche of PGI documents and publications were produced and supplied to interested institutions/persons upon requests, on cost-recovery basis.

6.10 National Libraries Group - Southeast Asia (NLG-SEA)

National Libraries Group - Southeast Asia (NLG-SEA) was formed in 1966 after the cessation of NLDC-SEA. Member countries are: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. Objectives of the program are similar to NLDC-SEA objectives: cooperative resource sharing, acquisition, interlibrary loan and document delivery services, manpower development etc. After the 6th meeting in Singapore in November 1997, member countries have agreed to compile list of books which are the key reference sources, to update NLG-SEA directory. Training program on Reading Promotion was prepared by the National Library of Thailand. National Library of Malaysia provides Children and Public libraries and Singapore on the application of information technology.

6.11 Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL)

Directors of National Libraries of the world have agreed to set up the program 'Conference of Directors of National Libraries' and to meet once a year in concurrence with the annual IFLA meeting. Various key issues have been discussed during the conference, such as, Document Delivery System, Application of Technology etc.

6.12 Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO)

The National Library of Thailand has also joined the CDNLAO program. Directors of these Asia and Oceania National Libraries meet once every three years as this 7th CDNLAO Meeting to create guidelines for national libraries and cooperation among libraries.

Conclusion

Network system in Thailand is much different from other countries. The network is divided into specific groups, for example, Provincial University Library Network (PULINET), Thai Academic Library Network, Metropolitan and THAI NATTS. But in the future with the new and high technology, I hope that all libraries can get access to each others databases.


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