1. The Automation of Academic and Some Public Libraries in Myanmar
Status and Challenges
Dr. Aung Maw
CTO, iGroup

2. Libraries in Myanmar
National Libraries – Yangon & Nay Pyi Taw, Brach Libraries in each state/division
Academic and University Libraries
47 University Libraries under Ministry of Education
Top Academic Libraries – UCL, Mandalay, Yadanabon, Yangon University, etc.
Special Libraries
about 100 specialized libraries across Myanmar
roughly 50% are dedicated to religion, spirituality and the study of Buddhism
exist for a variety of fields – Medical, Archaeology, Military, Ministry/Departmental, etc.
School Libraries (K-12)
Public Libraries
At township level, there are libraries in all major towns of the 325 administrative townships that make up the country.
These libraries are registered with the national Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) office under Ministry of Information and are funded by the government.
IPRD libraries are located in the main section of the township, purchase books, and copy and distribute them to village/ward level libraries under the township’s administration
There are 55,755 registered public libraries in the country, but only 4,868 (10%) are considered active.
Private, NGO and Community libraries

3. History of Library Automation in Myanmar
From Manual Cataloging to Computerized Library Automation System
Till 1985 : Manual Cataloging and Card System
: CDS/ISIS (Unesco), WinISIS, English only
: Standalone ELIB, Myanmar-English (using I-Win)
Present : Network, Web based, Online, Unicode support ELIB

4. Automated National Libraries
Myanmar National Library, Nay Pyi Taw
Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library, 14 States and Divisions of Myanmar

5. Automated Academic and University Libraries
35 of 47 Academic and University Libraries had been automated with ELIB - Library Automation System, some may also use other locally developed systems.
In other States/Divisions ……
Pathein University Library
Meiktila University Library
Dawei University Library
Monywa Institute of Economic Library
Yadanabon University Library
Myintkyina University Library
Bago University Library
Mawlamyine University Library
Maubin University Library
Yananchaung Degree College Library
Magway University Library
Co-operative Degree College, Thanlyin Library
Sagaing University Library
Shwebo University Library
Hinthada University Library
In Yangon ……
Universities’ Central Library
University of Yangon Library
Yangon Institute of Economics Library
Dagon University Library
Yangon University of Foreign Languages Library
Yangon Institute of Education Library
Yangon University of Distance Education Library
East Yangon University Library
West Yangon University Library
Yangon Technological University Library

6. Automated Special Libraries
Hluttaw Library (Myanmar Parliament Library)
Myanmar Language Commission Library
Department of Fisheries Library
Central Institute Of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) Library
Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) Library
CHAT Communication in English (SEAMEO) Library
Universities' Historical Research Centre (UHRC) Library
Mya Sakya Buddhist Monastery Library, Sagaing
Dhammaceti Monastery Library
Myanmar Institute of Theology Library
Myanma Institute of Christian Theology Library
Holy Cross Theological College Library
Karen Baptist Theological Seminary Library
Ko Tha Byu Theological Seminary, Pathein Library
Mawlamyine Nai Mehn Boke Library
Kengtung Lahu Theological Seminary Library
Taung Gyi Theological Seminary Library
Kachin Theological College Library, Kutkai
Mandalay Methodist Theological Seminary Library
Paku Divinity School Library
Church Media library

7. Automated School Libraries
International Language & Business Centre (ILBC) Library
Myanmar International School Yangon (MISY) Library

8. Automated Private, NGO, Community & Public Libraries
Daw Khin Kyi Foundation Mobile Library
Tun Foundation Public Library
Taw Win Center Public Library
Thukha Alin - Free Funeral Service Society (FFSS) Library
The People (Ludu) Library, Mandalay
Shalom (Nyein) Foundation Library
Chinese Library (Embassy of PRC)
Minerva Education Center (MMEC) Library
International Center of Excellence (ICOE) Library
Mya Myat Pwint Public Library
Thukha Alin Library
Free Funeral Service Society (FFSS)

9. Automated Myanmar Mobile Public Library

10. Automated Myanmar Mobile Public Library
Searching Catalog
Patron registration
Circulation
Reading

11. Automated Myanmar Mobile Public Library

12. Library Automation System – A Brief Overview

13. Standardizing Myanmar MARC

14. Myanmar MARC

15. Myanmar Author Names Authority for Cataloging

16. Browse Search
Expert Search
Keyword Search

17. Catalog Data in both English and Myanmar

18. Viewing catalog in 3 different views (Myanmar Catalog)

19. Viewing catalog in 3 different views (English Catalog)

20. Multi-media Resources Link: Book Cover

21. Multimedia Resources Link: PDF eBooks

22. Multi-media Resources Links: Video

23. Authority Control for Authors Main Authors Added Authors Corp. Authors

24. Authority Control for Subjects

25. Authority Control for Titles

26. e.g. Printing Catalog Card using Report – using different criteria

27. e.g. Printing Resource Report by Subject

28. Circulation Setup
Location setup
Patron Type setup
Patron Level setup

29. Check In – Check Out - Renew
Either using Barcode Reader or Manual

30. Challenges faced during automating academic libraries
Inadequate ICT Skills and knowledge of computer basics - ICT staff and end users lack the proper know-how in usage of ICT equipment
Shortage of computers and low computer-student ratio
No proper ICT staff in library, librarians need to learn some computer basics to maintain automation system
Poor Infrastructure - Frequent Power Outage, fluctuating AC voltage, etc. causing PC and Library Servers are needed frequent repairs, difficult to do regular cataloging and circulation
Inadequate government budget for academic libraries, low priority compare to other projects
Security Awareness and Protection – Frequent infection of computer Viruses, Malware, etc. causing more system downtime and lost of effort

31. Current Status and Conclusion
More knowledge and familiar to ICT in recent years
More awareness in significance of automating libraries
Getting priority and more funding – from government, NGO and private sectors
Infrastructure like electricity, internet, etc. are improving recently
Librarians get more exposure and get experience
MORE and MORE AUTOMATED LIBRARIES in Myanmar !!

32. Thanks. Questions?