Role Of Tata-mssrf-isro Village Resource Centre On Knowledge

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ROLE OF TATA-MSSRF-ISRO VILLAGE RESOURCE CENTRE ON KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION IN NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT – A STUDY A Project report submitted to A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous) Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Trichirapalli In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of the degree of MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE By S. KALIMUTHU KUMARAN, B.Sc., Reg.No.06LIS404 Under the guidance of Dr. A. GANESAN, Ph.D., P.G. DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE A.V.V.M.SRI PUSHPAM COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) POONDI-613 503 THANJAVUR DISTRICT APRIL 2008 1 A.V.V.M. SRI PUSHPAM COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) POONDI, THANJAVUR- 613503 DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the project entitled ROLE OF TATA-MSSRF-ISRO VILLAGE RESOURCE CENTRE ON KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION IN NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT – A STUDY Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE Is bonafide record of the original work done by S. KALIMUTHU KUMARAN Register Number - 06LIS404 Department of Library and Information Science, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College Poondi, Thanjavur -613 503 During the period 2007-2008 Signature of the HOD VIVA VOICE Examination for this project was held Internal Examiner External Examiner 2 Department of Library and Information Science A.V.V.M.Sri Pushpam college (Autonomous) Poondi, Thanjavur-613503 (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Trichy) CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the project work done under my guidance of dissertation titled “ROLE OF TATA-MSSRF-ISRO VILLAGE RESOURCE CENTRE ON KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION IN NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT – A STUDY” is the bonafide record of work done by S. KALIMUTHU KUMARAN, Reg. No.06LIS404 in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE during the academic year 2007-2008. Signature of the Guide. Examiners 1. 2. 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT At the outset I thank the Lord, my parents and the Guide for giving me the grace and strength to complete this project successfully. It is my unique honor to convey my heartful thanks to the Management and particularly the Secretary and Correspondent Sri.Poondi Ayya of A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College for providing opportunity to study MLIS course and do this project. I owe personal dept of gratitude to any faculty Guide Dr. A. Ganesan, Coordinator, PG. Department of Library and Information Science, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi for his valuable support, inspiration, guidance and timely help at each and every stage of this project. My heartful thanks to Dr. A. GANESAN, Ph.D., P.G. Dept. of LIS, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, (Autonomous), Poondi. My Sincere thanks to TATA-MSSRF-ISRO VILLAGE RESOURCE CENTRE and VILLAGE KNOWLEDGE CENTRES IN NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT for timely help in completion of this project I also thanks to my friend Mr. S. SENTHILKUMAR, B. RAJASEELAN and V. RAJAVEL LIS,Students. . S. KALIMUTHU KUMARAN 4 CONTENTS CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 M.S. SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION 11 3 PROFILE OF NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT 16 4 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 22 5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 27 6 DATA ANALYSIS 32 7 FINIDNGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION 52 5 CHAPTER – I INTRODUCTION The contemporary society needs information for planning and development activities in every sphere of works namely decision making, policy making as well as in formulation of plan of action. These decisions and plans of action are needed at various levels-national, regional and international and for planning level, administrative level and execution level. The Department of Science and technology needs information for formulation of science plan for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the department of Electronic etc. will need information for formulating a plan in their areas. A laboratory director will need specific information for determining priorities and testing facilities. A research worker will need information for executing his research work. From this it is observed that the nature of required information from every ones point of view is different and varied. Hence mere collection of information is not enough for utility, but the raw information is to be processed to yield a systematic and integrated information needed for a specific purpose. 1.1 Meaning of information system A system may be defined as an arrangement of components or elements working in relation to the other to perform a set of operations in the accomplishment of the purpose of the whole. The term “Information System” refers to the methods, materials, media, producers, recipients and services and service products involved in an organised way to effect information transfer within a specific field, activity or organisation. It consists of complex collection of information, persons who produce them, institutions which process them and a set of behaviour patterns, customs, and traditions by which these persons and institutions interrelate. 1.2 Information Centre The task of handling information for storage and retrieval for service has been the major objectives of libraries, archives and information centres. If any institution handles information for storage and retrieval activities, it is termed as information centre. 6 1.3 Definition A precise definition of an information centre is difficult because of its various changing denotation. But it is obvious that the centres that are components of their parent bodies would have been created owing to pressing demand/need of the institutions. Cohan and Crowen observe that the increase of Research and Development activities has stepped up the demand of laboratory and administrative personnel for expanded, more efficient, and better integrated information services. As a result, effort has been made to unify libraries, patent, report writing, archival, abstracting, literature search, editorial, communication and publication activities within a single facility. The centralisation of all the above leads to the formation of information centre. 1.4 Library as Information Centre Library is considered as one of the information centre. For the provision of information to the users, it collects, process, stores and retrieves the right information for the right reader at the right time. The users are mostly expected to locate the specific information themselves with the help of secondary sources, such as abstracting, indexing periodicals, bibliographies, etc. A documentation centre in an information centre which acquires, processes, organizes and disseminates information from primary, secondary & tertiary sources. 1.5 Different Information centres Due to the proliferation of knowledge and the document publications and the never ending demands for different types of information by different users, the documentation centre has been observed splitting into so many information centres depending upon the nature of materials, collection processing and services and products. Such information centres, Referal centres, Clearing houses, Translation centres, Reprographic centres, Bibliographic centres etc. 1.6 Data Centre Data centre as an organization handling quantitative numerical data. Such centres take primary function of collecting, organising and disseminating data mainly numerical and also provide a measurement service and be in a position to advance relevant measurement techniques. They store data which are related to a narrow field of specialisation. The term ‘data centre’ is used 7 interchangeably to define a range of information centres. Data centres handle only numerical data by themselves. Any institution interested in developing data handling capacities may be called data centre. 1.7 Referal centre Information centres like libraries have been providing reference service to their clientele to meet their information requirements with their documents available within the library and with their personnel information resources. Herron and Mcclure state, that sometimes the information seeking behaviour of users may make the librarian refer other libraries for information as the library may not contain comprehensive collection. In such situation, the librarians, can assist the public in negotiating various information providers for prompt resolution of an information need. In the Librarians Glossary and Reference book, edited by Harrod, the referral centre is defined as an organisation for directing researchers for information and data to appropriate sources such as libraries, information evolution centres documents or documentation centres and individuals. A referral centre does not supply data or documents. `In other words Referral centre is an organisation for the indication of sources persons institutions, publications etc. from which scientific information may be obtained on a given subject. It provides a mechanism for switching users to such sources. 1.8 Clearing House The Harrods “Librarians” Glossary defines clearing-house as “an organization that collects and maintains records of research, development and other activities being planned, currently in activities, and referral services to other sources for information relating to these activities”. The Websters’ New Collegiate Dictionary defines a clearing house as an establishment maintained by banks for settling mutual claims and accounts or a central agency for collection, classification, and distribution, especially of information. The latter definition would compass all information centres and most specially the conventional libraries. It is, therefore, not surprising to find many disseminating, using the word clearing house in their titles, so much so, in fact, that the term conveys only the broadest of images and cannot be used to differentiate among the many activities with which information centres are concerned. 8 1.9 Information Analysis Centre The term information analysis centre is very recent, but the concept is as old as human culture. Brady has hypothesized that the monoliths in the stone age may have functioned as an information centre. Bering sees the Information Analysis Centre concept operating in the Oracle at Delphi and in the medicine man of primitive tribes. Horning has observed, “In a sense every individual acts as a small information analysis center when he writes a research paper or uses existing knowledge to solve or even to formulate a problem”. But this is not what we mean when we use the term ‘information center’. An information analysis centre is a person or a group of persons who have accepted a responsibility to gather together everything known that is relevant to a particular well defined field, to organise the information in some systematic fashion so that they and others will know what information exists to analyse… the contents in such a fashion that they create new knowledge and to maintain these activities as a long term commitment for a substantial portion of their professional career. This type of activity, of course, has long been an integral part of science and technology. Specific roots of the information analysis centre according to Kertesz. are imbedded in the tradition of the nineteenth century scientists such as Belistein and Gmelin, who accepted the challenge to bring some kind of order into the ever-increasing flood of data, to make experimental findings conveniently available to other scientists by means of their hand books and data compilations. An Information Analysis Centre is distinguished by its function, service and its products, and by the nature of the patron. Where as output in a special library is the same as its input, but in a different format (ie. In the form of an abstract), the output in an Information Analysis Centre is analysed and evaluated information by human brain. The Information Analysis Centre is usually attached to an organisation devoted to in depth research on a micro subject such as Nuclear spectroscopy, Soil Science etc; its primary goal is to provide information and sifted through human brain. 9 1.10 Translation Centres The term ‘translation’ means the act of conversion of a written text from one language to another. Usually it is the act of conversion from unknown language to known language in which there is need to have the original ideas expressed through the unknown language. In the field of science and technology, more and more scientific information is being generated in every branch of knowledge in a variety of languages. The information users are found to be reluctant to read materials in languages with which they are unfamiliar. This phenomenon has been termed as ‘the foreign language barrier’ which happens to be an important problem faced by scientific community. This problem has also tempted librarians to device new way and means to overcome the problem in a variety of ways. 1.11 MSSRF – Village Knowledge Centre: M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation information centres are referred as Village Knowledge Centres. 10 CHAPTER – II M. S. SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION 2.1 Introduction: The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation started its work sixteen years ago in the thematic areas of coastal systems, biotechnology, biodiversity, ecotechnology, food security and information, education and communication. The approach was based on strategic and participatory research, capacity building networking and partnership building, based on the principles of social inclusion in access to technologies which help to enhance income and environment. Research and outreach strategies were devised to bridge the rich-poor and gender divides in the areas of information, knowledge and skill empowerment. 2.2 History of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation was registered in 1988 as a non-profit Trust. The basic mandate of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation is to impart a pro-nature, pro-poor and pro-women orientation to a job-led economic growth strategy in rural areas through harnessing science and technology for environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. 2.3 Five areas of research: • Coastal Systems Research, • Biodiversity and Biotechnology, • Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture, • Reaching the Unreached, and Education, • Communication, Training and Capacity Building. 2.4 Chairman Professor Swaminathan contributions to the agricultural renaissance of India have led to his being widely referred to as the scientific leader of the GREEN REVOLUTION movement. His 11 advocacy of sustainable agriculture leading to ever-green revolution makes him an acknowledged world leader in the field of sustainable food security. The International Association of Women and Development conferred on him the first international Award to significant contributions to promoting the knowledge, skill and technological empowerment of women in agriculture and for his pioneering role in main streaming gender considerations in agriculture and rural development. Professor Swaminathan is a fellow of many of the leading scientific academies of India and the world, including the Royal Society of London and the United States National Academy of Sciences. Professor M.S. SWAMINATHAN has been acclaimed by TIME Magazine as one of the twenty most influential Asians of the 20th century and one of the only three from India, the other two being MAHATMA GANDHI and RABINDRANATH TAGORE. He has been described by the United Nations as “THE FATHER OF ECONOMIC ECOLOGY”. Awards by the President of India ¾ Padma Shri (1967) ¾ Padma Bhushan (1972) ¾ Padma Vibushan (1989) 2.5 Priorities were determined to be: ¾ The conservation and enhancement of natural resources - particularly land, water, and biodiversity. ¾ The promotion of sustainable and equitable agricultural and rural development. ¾ The generation of greater opportunities for skilled employment, particularly for rural women and youth. ¾ Reaching the unreached and voicing the voiceless in terms of techniracy and gender equity 12 2.6 Conferences: M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation started its research work with the help of infrastructural facilities provided by the Anna University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai where Dr. M. S. Swaminathan was appointed Honorary Research Professor. Four important conferences supported by national and international bodies were organised at Chennai. They were: ¾ The Keystone International Dialogue on Plant Genetic Resources ¾ Asian Network on Biological Sciences ¾ Meeting of the International Society for Mangrove Eco-systems ¾ Wheat Revolution in Asia - A Dialogue 2.7 Gaining Strength The highlight of this period of growth in M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation's history was its being awarded the 1996 Blue Planet Prize. On 5 June 1996, World Environment Day, the Foundation's staff members received the news with great pride and joy. This prize was instituted by the Asahi Glass Foundation of Japan on the occasion of the United Nations Conference on Environment - and Development held at Rio in June 1992. It was a recognition of the efforts by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation to promote sustainable livelihoods in rural areas and conservation of natural resources. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation is the first and only institution in Asia chosen so far for this prize. Research projects continued to be undertaken. Memoranda for short and long term projects were signed with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Wasteland Development Board of the Government of India, Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, and the Hunger Project. International banking came from Swedish International Development Agency, the Canadian International Development Agency, the Darwin-Initiative (United Kingdom), and the Norway International Developmental Agency, among others. 13 2.8 Other important consultations: Two other important consultations of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation were: ¾ Impact of Climate Change on Food and Livelihood Security: An Agenda for Action ¾ Agrobiodiversity and Farmer's Rights: Technical Consultation on an Implementation Framework for Farmers Rights 2.9 Ongoing Today: The President of India inaugurated M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation's second building, the premises for the J. R. D. Tata Centre for Ecotechnology, in July 1998. Established with the financial support of Tata Trusts, the major goal of this Centre is to seek solutions to some of the problems of contemporary development like environmental degradation, endemic hunger and extensive human deprivation, feminisation of poverty, and jobless economic growth. The work of the J. R. D. Tata Ecotechnology Centre is supported by a generous endowment grant made by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Keeping to M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation's ideals, this new building too is a blend of modern and traditional structures. The multi-purpose auditorium is a flexible place designed like a conventional koodam, making maximum use of natural light and ventilation. The landscape and garden reflect the principles of sustainable agriculture and land management such as recycling waste and vermicomposting. A park based on the concept of sacred groves of the past has been established adjoining the J. R. D. Tata Ecotechnology Centre. 2.10 About Board of Trustees: Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman Ms. Mina Swaminathan Dr. Madhura Swaminathan Mr. N. Ram Dr. T. Ramasami Dr. D. Suman Sahai Mr.V.Namasivayam Dr. Vijay Mahajan Dr. Tushaar Shah Ms.Rita Saran 14 2.11 Further Contact: M S Swaminathan Research Foundation 3rd Cross Street, Institutional Area, Taramani Chennai - 600113, India Ph: +91-44-22542698, 22541229 Fax: +91-44-22541319 You can write to : [email protected] for general enquiry [email protected] to contact Prof.M.S.Swaminathan, Chairman 15 CHAPTER – III PROFILE OF NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT Nagapattinam is a coastal District; covering a total area of 2,71,583 hectares. Out of the total area, around 1,26,149 hectare Livestock played a major role in strengthening livelihoods, particularly the small ruminants, generally small ruminants are reared in stall-fed system, using tree fodder, supplemented during lean season by open grazing in the agricultural fields Agricultural work is the major livelihood for the agricultural labourers, supplemented by major multiple livelihoods like seasonal fish catch in the rivers/backwaters, prawnfarms, coconut leaf mat making, copra preparation, etc. Between 1891 and 2000, nearly 26% of cyclones that formed in the Bay of Bengal struck the coast of TamilNadu; of which 55 severe cyclones crossed the region, mostly during the months of October and November. In addition to frequent cyclones crossed, mid-season drought, floods and water logging due to the flat topography and improper/distributed drainage systems, make the region more vulnerable. Thus the soil resources in this region show fluctuating characteristics of soluble salt concentrations is classified as wetland, 61,880 hectares as dry land, and the remaining 83,548 hectares as ‘poramboke’ or Government land. Around 74% of the cultivators have less than 1 hectares of land and another 15% hold between one to two hectares. The remaining 11% of the households own above two hectares of land. Though the area receives an average rainfall annually, nearly 76% occurs during the Northeast Monsoon, followed by 17.3% during the southwest Monsoon. The soil is predominantly sandy in texture and clayey in certain Pockets, with slight salinity/ alkalinity. The soil in the belongs to Valudalakudi series; dark brown to brown, deep, sandy and possessing characteristics, of mild to moderate alkalinity levels. The area lying between north of Nagapattinam, to the border of Cuddalore District is covered under the Delta irrigation system. Agriculture in this region is dominated by rain fed and canal irrigated cultivation, supplemented by tank irrigation for the main camp of rice and small–scale irrigation using under ground water for the secondary crop viz pulses, gingelly, groundnut etc. Paddy is the primary subsistence crop being traditionally cultivated in different methods. More than two third of the forming community are the small and marginal holders, and paddy is the most suitable staple crop. Groundnut, coconut, cashew, mango, vegetables like brinjal, clusterbean, lady’sfinger etc are cultivated using small scale irrigation, cotton and Casuarina are the other commercially important crops .in some of the areas. Pulses like greengram, blackgram and crops are cultivated as secondary crops (relay crop) after first season. Paddy or finger millet, gingelly, sun hemp etc, are grown. 16 Livestock played a major role in strengthening livelihoods, particularly the small ruminants, generally small ruminants are reared in stall-fed system, using tree fodder, supplemented during lean season by open grazing in the agricultural fields Agricultural work is the major livelihood for the agricultural labourers, supplemented by major multiple livelihoods like seasonal fish catch in the rivers/backwaters, prawnfarms, coconut leaf matmaking, copra preparation, etc. DISTRICT-PROFILE (LATEST UPTO 2008) NAGAPATTINAM 3.1 Geographical Position North Latitude between 10 10 and 11 20 East Latitude between 79 15 and 79 45 3.2 Revenue Adminstrative Divisions Revenue Divisions :2 Revenue Taluks :7 Revenue Firkas : 31 Revenue villages : 523 3.3 Local Bodies Corporation Municipalities : Nil :7 Panchayat union : 11 Town panchayat :9 Village panchayat : 434 17 3.4 Banking and Insurance Bank offices : 20 Life Insurance Offices :3 Policies issued : 34338 Sums Assured : 246.47 [Rs in crores] 3.5 Area and Population: Area : 2,71,583 sq.km Population : 1488839 Male population : 739074 Female population : 749765 Rural population Urban population Density : 1158557 : 330282 : 548 Literates : 996580 3.6 Temperature : [In Degree Centigrades] Plains: Maximum Minimum : 32.0 : 24.6 Hill station: Maximum Does not arise Minimum Does not arise 18 3.7 Rain Fall:[in mm] South west: Normal 274.1 Actual 291.1 Northeast: Normal : 886.4 Actual : 1155.9 3.8 Natural Resources: Name of the minerals found :Silica, crudeoil, NaturalGas Lime shall, Earthsend 3.9 Agriculture: Total cultivated area Net area sown : 241291 : 148542 Area sown more than once : 92749 3.10 Area and Production of Principle Crops S.NO AREA PRODUCTION (HEC) (Tones) CROP I Rice 158 864 Kg/Hec II Millets &other orals 15 454 Kg/Hec III Pulses 65 203 Kg/Hec (green gram) 193 Kg/Hec (Black gram) IV Sugar cane 3 92 Tone/Hec 19 V Groundnut 2.7 3350 Kg/Hec VI Gingelly 137 472 Kg/Hec VII Cotton 2.1 362 Kg/HEc 3.11 Agriculture Land Holdings: Area [in Hectares] 155866 Average size of Holdings 0.8615 Important Food crops Paddy, Greengram, Black gram Important non-food crops Cotton, Groundnut, Coconut, Gingelly, oilpalm, Flowers 3.12 Main Workers Cultivators 72010 Agri labourers 308768 3.13 Fisheries Length of coastal line No of coastal Blocks No of coastal centers : 189.9 KM : 5 : 51 Marine Fish production [tonne] Inland Fish production [tonne] Number of fishermen engaged :7010 : 13304 [Marine/Inland] Fishermen villages : 51 20 3.14 Important Fishing Harbours: Nagapattinam Thirumullaivasal Poombukar Nagore Tranquebar Aarkattuthurai Kodiyakkarai 21 CHAPTER IV REVIEW OF LITERATURE Jo Connelland Paul Reynolds (1986), The implications of technological developments on Tourist Information Centres This study implies technological developments are increasingly touching and changing the nature of and processes in industry and society. Tourism is by no means exempt from these changes. The aim of the research reported in this article is to address the issue of the implications of technological development in Tourist Information Centres. The main areas of concern are a combination of social and technical issues which need to be addressed in order for Tourist Information Centres to keep up with the demands of the consumer. In addition, a shift to a sales and service led operation would appear to be a necessary course of action. Recommendations are made to assist in tackling these problems at an operational level and it is recognised that greater attention must be focused on this area in order to ensure the future effectiveness of the tourist information service. A. Satten, Ph.D., Y. Dodd, Ph.D., (1986) Estimated Risk of Transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, by Screened Blood in the United States Purpose of this study in the United States, transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus by blood transfusion occurs almost exclusively when a recently infected blood donor is infectious but before antibodies to HIV become detectable (during the "window period"). We estimated the risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus transmission caused by transfusion on the basis of the window period associated with the use of current, sensitive enzyme immunosorbent assays and recent data on HIV The Influence of State Patrick T. Tierney (1987) Traveler Information Centers on Tourist Length of Stay and Expenditures, This article reports effect of travel information centers in Colorado. Stopping at the Travel Information Centre resulted in a 2.2 day average increase in length of stay and an estimated $1,026,000 additional spending. The income groups most affected were middle and high income level groups. Most travelers who stopped did so to get information — a finding in contrast to earlier studies. incidence among blood donors. Methods We analyzed demographic and laboratory data on more than 4.1 million blood donations obtained in 1992 and 1993 in 19 regions served by the American National Red Cross, as well as the results of HIV-antibody tests of 4.9 million donations obtained in an additional 23 regions. Results We estimated that, in the 19 study regions, 1 donation in every 360,000 (95 percent confidence interval, 210,000 to 1,140,000) was made during the window period. In addition, it is estimated that 1 in 2,600,000 donations was HIV-seropositive but was not identified as such because of an error in the laboratory. We estimated that 15 to 42 percent of window-period donations were discarded because they were seropositive on laboratory tests other than the human 22 immunodeficiency virus-antibody test. When these results were extrapolated to include the additional 23 Red Cross service regions, there was a risk of 1 case of human immunodeficiency virus transmission for every 450,000 to 660,000 donations of screened blood. If the Red Cross centers are assumed to be representative of all U.S. blood centers, among the 12 million donations collected nationally each year an estimated 18 to 27 infectious donations are available for transfusion Patrick T. Tierney (1987) The Influence of State Traveler Information Centers on Tourist Length of Stay and Expenditures, This article reports on a study of the effect of travel information centers in Colorado. Stopping at the TIC resulted in a 2.2 day average increase in length of stay and an estimated $1,026,000 additional spending. The income groups most affected were middle and high income level groups. Most travelers who stopped did so to get information — a finding in contrast to earlier studies. Frederic Dimanche, Marlise Moody Taylor (1989) An Analysis of the Differences between State Welcome Center Users and Local Visitor Center Users: A Profile of Louisiana Travelers, The purpose of this study was to contribute to the existing body of highway visitor research by investigating differences between visitors to state welcome centers and visitors to local welcome centers. More than 3,000 self-administered questionnaires collected in state and local visitor centers throughout Louisiana were used to differentiate automobile travelers. State visitor center users significantly differed from local center visitors for most behavioral trip characteristics. This study confirms previous findings that users of state welcome centers are not representative of all automobile travelers. States that want to conduct visitor profile studies at welcome centers should include local welcome centers in their studies. Richard R. Perdue (1989) Traveler Preferences for Information Center Attributes and Services, The purposes of the research reported in this article were to measure consumer preferences for different visitor information center attributes, to examine the importance of these attributes for travelers as compared to center managers, and to determine the best location for a proposed new visitor information center in Colorado. The data collection included an open-ended attribute identification task, a Likert assessment to determine the importance of the identified attributes, and a conjoint experiment to determine more specifically the importance of selected center access attributes. The key center attributes were ease of access into the center, ease of access back onto the interstate, and distance from the interstate. Distance from the state border and location vis-à-vis the first exit with extensive services were not important to travelers. Visitation estimates as a function of traffic flow and center attractiveness were then calculated for each of the proposed sites for the new center. 23 Timothy J. Tyrrell and Robert J. Johnston (1990) Assessing Expenditure Changes Related to Welcome Center Visits, This article illustrates a methodology for assessing expenditure changes associated with welcome center visits and applies this methodology to assess the effectiveness of the Rhode Island Interstate 95 welcome center. The model is distinguished by (1) the use of detailed information from both on-site and follow-up surveys and (2) a means to correct for potential nonresponse bias in the follow-up sample. Results of the analysis illustrate that a visit to the Rhode Island welcome center increases visitors' average in-state expenditures. The estimated expenditure change for the average visitor group—which varies from $104 to $111, depending on model specification—is significantly greater than the expenditure change anticipated during the initial on-site survey. On the basis of model estimates, the authors conclude that the welcome center generates approximately $35 in new tourism expenditures for every dollar of operating budget. Daniel R. Fesenmaier (1992) Traveler Use of Visitor Information Centers: Implications for Development in Illinois, This study implies a key goal of tourism marketing is to use information to modify travelers' behavior to increase the number of days spent in a state as well as the level of visitor expenditures. Many tourism promoters are concerned about the efficiency of alternative locations and forms of tourist information centers in meeting the information needs of visitors traveling in the state. Consistent with previous studies, results indicate the large majority of respondents stopped to use restrooms, stretch and exercise, and obtain refreshments. However, almost 32% of the respondents indicated they stopped to pick up travel and tourist information. Ease of access, availability of restrooms, and convenience were the most common reasons for stopping at the tourist information center rather than leaving the interstate. Fifty-two percent of the respondents appear willing to consider alternative off-interstate tourist information locations. The service setting is the single most important aspect affecting respondents' decisions concerning off-interstate locations; access (being located on a frontage road next to the interstate) is the second most important element. The findings indicate the tourist information center acts as one of the most important communication channels with which to attract and educate travelers about the benefits of visiting the state. The results also provide encouraging support for locating and developing an alternative system for meeting the information needs of visitors to the state. Am J Health-Syst Pharm (1997) Comparison of information obtained from a Usenet newsgroup and from drug information centers, This study implies responses to drug information questions posted on the Internet Usenet pharmacy newsgroup sci.med. pharmacy were compared for accuracy with responses from drug information centers. Twenty-five questions were randomly selected from the past five years' continuing-education sections of the Annals of Pharmacotherapy, and possible answers were determined on the basis of corresponding articles. The questions were randomly submitted to sci.med.pharmacy from various e-mail accounts over a 10-week period. The same 24 questions were submitted by telephone to randomly selected Drug Information Centres. The correctness of responses was judged by a panel of four pharmacists. The questions received 31 responses from sci.med.pharmacy and 38 from the Drug Information Centres. The responses from sci.med.pharmacy received 38 (31%) judgments of correct and the responses from the Drug Information Centres, 85 (56%). A significantly smaller proportion of drug information responses from the Usenet newsgroup sci.med.pharmacy were judged as being accurate compared with responses from Drug Information Centres. James C. Brancheau and James C. Wetherbe (1999) Key Issues in Information Systems Management, The results from a five-part Delphi survey of chief IS executives and corporate general managers indicate the most critical information systems management issues and consensus on their importance. The research project is the second in a series of such studies conducted by the Society for Information Management and the MIS Research Center at the University of Minnesota. The research confirmed the expected in some areas and revealed surprises in other areas. While strategic planning continued to top all issues in importance, many changes have occurred since 1983. Three new issues have joined the top ten issues in importance. Also, the rank order of several issues in the top ten has shifted. Survey results are discussed in terms of the differing views of IS executives and corporate general managers. A review of how these views have changed over time is also presented. A number of conclusions are drawn about managing information systems and about the changing nature of the IS executive's job. SL Beaird, RM Coley, and KA Crea (1999) Current status of drug information centers This study implies the current status of drug information centers in the United States and trends that have developed over the past two decades were studied. In February 1990, questionnaires were sent to 218 pharmacist-operated drug information centers nationwide. The centers were identified through previously published directories and the ASHP electronic bulletin board PharmNet. The survey consisted of 182 questions designed to gather updated data on each drug information center. Responses to each question were coded individually, and data were analyzed by using a statistical analysis program. One hundred fifty-four drug information centers responded; of these, 130 provided usable responses. The results showed that the number of drug information centers has increased compared with earlier surveys. Also, the centers handle substantially larger workloads. Few drug information centers indicate a fee-for-service system. Computer use and online searching by drug information centers have increased. Most of the centers participate in the formal education of pharmacy students. Increases in the number of drug information centers and in their workload substantiate the growing importance of these centers to the health-care professions. 25 3.15 Name of the Important Pilgrim Centre Nagpattinam Sikkal Velankanni Nagore Thirukadaiyur Vaitheeswaran kovil Ettukudi Thiruvenkadu Sirkali Mayiladuthurai Vedaranyam 3.16 Important Tourist Places: Nagapattinam (Neelayadakshi Amman Sametha Kayarohana Eswarar Temple) Nagapattinam Seaport Velankanni church Nagore Durgah Poombukar Art Gallery Tranquebare Danish Fort Kodiyakarai Birds sanctuary. 26 CHAPTER – V RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 5.1. Need for the study Information centres providing lot of services to the various peoples of the community belonging to Agriculture, Fisheries, Industries and Education. 5.2 Objectives of the study The study began with the following objectives ¾ To study the collection, aims and services of information centres. ¾ To find out the importance and benefits of the information centres in information Era. ¾ To study about TATA-MSSRF-ISRO–Village Resource Centre at Nagapattinam. ¾ To find out the beneficiaries of TATA-MSSRF-ISRO–Village Resource Centre at Nagapattinam. ¾ To study the services and functions of TATA-MSSRF-ISRO–Village Resource Centre at Nagapattinam. 5.3 Method of data collection The researcher collected data by case study method. 5.3.1 Case Study Case study method is an important tool of social investigation developed in United States of America and it is used extensively in psychology, education, sociology, economics and political science. Case study refers to the intensive investigation of a particular unit, the case study seeks to explore and analyse the life and growth/decay of a social unit by a systematic gathering of adequate 27 information to enable a clear understanding of the causes. It exposes the interrelationship of the various complex forces operating directly or indirectly upon the subject of the study. 5.3.2 Meaning of Case Study The term ‘case’ has different meanings in different disciplines of professions. For instance in medicine it means a patient who has approached the doctor for specific treatment, in education the mal adjusted interpersonal problem in social research the term ‘case’ refers to a unit of study. The case study method means “a careful and complete observation of a social unit, be that unit a person a family or institution, a cultural group or even the entire community. This is a very popular method of collecting information about personal life of an individual or a group of persons”. 5.3.3 Definition of Case Study Method Pouline V. Young has defined it in his book entitled “Scientific Social Surveys and Research” as “a comprehensive study of a social unit, be that unit a person, a group a social institution, a district or community”. Start a Queen has stated that Case study is “the examination of a single situation, persons, group of institution as complex wholes in order to identify types and process” Goode and Hatt have given their definition of case study method in their book ‘Methods in Social Research’. According to them, “It is a way of organizing social data so as to present the unitary character of the social object being studied”. . 5.3.4 Steps of case study method As we have seen that the case study method is based on certain well set assumptions, it involves certain phases/steps analysing different cases. There are no hard and fast rules for analysis of cases. However, the following steps are considered as the general guidelines of the case study method. 28 A. Defining or discovering or identifying the specific problem This is the first step in case analysis the basic issues are required to be defined, thus the first step may present only the definition of the problem in question B. Collection of Data and history of the given Phenomena The second step in case study method is the collection of data, it is also required that the historical background of the problem must be given. C. Analysis of problem The third step in case study method is of analysing the problem in question. Analysis is the process of breaking down a problem into rational easily understood divisions which can be examined separately. D. Application of remedial measures: (i.e) Treatment and Therapy Once the problem is defined and analysed then one has to suggest suitable remedies to solve the problem or to overcome the problem. Application of remedial measure plays significant role in case study method. E. Evaluating, Finding and Establishing conclusions The alternatives for solution or decision should grow out of analysis, case study is extensively used in teaching law, personnel management, industrial relation, marketing and so on, it should be noted that there can’t be a single answer to a particular problem. Hence different solutions must be suggested to the problem concerned. 29 F. Follow-up Program Once the treatment is applied and solutions are found one has to follow up the program to determine the effectiveness of the treatment applied. 5.3.5 The Aim of Case Study The main aim is to find out the factors that account for the behaviour pattern of the unit and it’s relationship with the environment. In other words, the social researcher through the case study method tries to understand the complex of factors that are co-operative with in a social unit as on integrated totality. 5.3.6 Advantages of case study method ¾ Case study method is very intensive in nature. It aims at studying everything about a few units rather than something about several units. ¾ In case study method data collection is flexible because a researcher is completely free to approach the problem from any angle he desires. ¾ In this method data is collected in natural setting. ¾ This method is usually less expensive than other methods e.g. Laboratory experiment, field experiments and sample surveys. ¾ This method is useful for generating hypothesis for later full-scale studies. ¾ Case study method being an exhaustive study of a social unit. It enables us to understand fully the behaviour pattern of the concerned unit. ¾ This method helps us to obtain real and enlightened record of personal experiences which forces the man to adopt a certain pattern of behaviour. ¾ Case study thus helps to generalise knowledge. It substantiates our research activities. ¾ It helps the researcher in formulating relevant hypothesis along with the data which would help in testing the hypothesis. ¾ In case study method, the researcher can use more than one research method, such as depth interviews, questionnaires, documents, study reports of individual letters, etc. ¾ The case study method can be used in case of those units which have universal nature. Hence it is also called “Mode of Organizing Data”. 30 ¾ This method is also used as one of the means to study the historical background of the unit under consideration. ¾ This method is useful in using sociological material as they represent a real record of personal experiences. ¾ This method is useful in enhancing the ability and skill of the researcher. ¾ This method is also useful in understanding the social change. ¾ Case study method is useful in diagnosis and therapy and in solving the practical problems. 5.4 Statement of the problem This study about “Role of TATA-MSSRF-ISRO–Village Resource Centre on knowledge dissemination in Nagapattinam district” - A study 5.5 Research Design This study is based on the analysis of TATA-MSSRF-ISRO-Village Resource Centre in Nagapattinam district 5.6 Chapterization This study has the following chapters. i. Introduction ii. M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation iii. Profile of Nagapattinam district. iv. Review of Literature v. Research Methodology vi. Data Analysis vii. Findings, Suggestions and Conclusion 31 CHAPTER – VI DATA ANALYSIS Village Knowledge Centre Introduction: The Village Knowledge Centre programme was started in January 1998 in the Union Territory of Pondicherry (now Puducherry). In order to ensure access to all the Village Knowledge Centres are located in public buildings (Panchayats, Self-help groups building, community hall, school, farmer and Fishermen Associations, Women Self help groups, Community based organisation etc). Aim of Village Knowledge Centre The main aim of Village Knowledge Centre is to empower vulnerable people to make appropriate choices and achieve better control of their own development and to build skills and capacities of the rural poor with a view to enhancing livelihood opportunities. Concept of Village Knowledge Centre The concept of Village Knowledge Centre was thus born in the dialogue held in 1992. Information Technology, “Reaching the unreached”, participants in the dialogue suggested that the generic content received from universities, Natural Informatics Centres and Remote Sensing Agencies need to be made more demand driven and local specific with the help of experts, these contents are converted into vernacular language in an understandable manner, based on the needs of the rural community. This local specific demand driven content is transmitted to block level language. The Village Knowledge Centre receives this locate-specific demand driven knowledge from block level knowledge centre. Apart from that, this local specific language is disseminated to the rural community through different techniques. 32 Purpose of Village Knowledge Centres: The Village Knowledge Centres provide information on agriculture, health, employment, weather, education, government entitlements, micro enterprises training, etc., in each case, the community or local partner provides an accessible rent-free building, electricity and volunteers in turn the M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation provides all the needed equipment, training and helps in collecting data gender concerns are central to the project. Coastal Grid of Village Knowledge Centres: With the help of several partners, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation has setup coastal grid of Village Knowledge Centres in the Tsunami affected areas. The main aim is to convert the Tsunami tragedy into an opportunity for the information and knowledge empowerment of fisher and farming committees in areas of importance to their lives and livelihoods. The network of coastal knowledge centres will help to change for the better human security in all its dimensions in coastal areas. Awards to Village Knowledge Centre Programme: The following awards are received by Village Knowledge Centre Programme from various organizations all over the world. ¾ Motorola Dispatch Solution Award – 1999 ¾ Stockholm Challenge Award – 2001 Village Resource Centre: Village Resource Centres are connected through Indian Satellite Research Organisations uplink and downlink satellite facilities. Users located at one node of this network can fully interact with others located at another node through video and audio links. 33 TATA – MSSRF – ISRO Village Resource Centre at Nagapattinam: With the generous support of Tata Relief Committee, M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation has setup one Village Resource Centre at Nagapattinam. Indian Satellite Research Organisation generously providing satellite connectivity and in developing a special database for Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre and Village Knowledge Centres. NASSCOM FOUNDATION is upgrading hardware items for Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre and supporting Village Knowledge Centres. Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre inaugurated by Honourable Former President of India Dr. ABJ. Abdul Kalam by video conferencing from Hyderabad on January 2006. Location of TATA – MSSRF – ISRO Village Resource Centre: Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre located at head quarters of Nagapattinam District. Address: M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation, Village Resource centre, 23,behind marriamman temple, South palpannaicherry Nagapattinam 611001 Telephone 04365-250347 Email: [email protected] Contact Ms. S. Velvizhi (M) 9443261799 [email protected] 34 TATA-MSSRF-ISRO – Village Resource Centre Library: Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre has a small library of a few reference books, related to that area, major livelihoods, etc. and few monthly and daily local newspapers and magazines. TATA – MSSRF – ISRO Village Resource Centre Hardware Port: Regarding hardware port of Nagapattinam, Village Resource Centre has about eight to ten computers, internet facility, telephone, printer, scanner, web camera, digital camera, power backup and speakers. Village Knowledge Centres at Nagapattinam District: Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre caters to the needs of seven Village Knowledge Centres with the radious of twenty kilometers based on the range of access. 1. Village Knowledge Centre, Akkaraipettai. 2. Village Knowledge Centre, Prathabaramapuram 3. Village Knowledge Centre, Agalankan 4. Village Knowledge Centre, Pillai Perumal Nallur 5. Village Knowledge Centre, Vettaikaraniruppu 6. Village Knowledge Centre, Poombukar 7. Village Knowledge Centre, Chirankudi. Process for setting up Village Resource centre and Village Knowledge Centres: Before setting up Village Resource Centre and Village Knowledge Centres Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre holds extensive discussion with policy makers, research institutions, academics, panchayat leaders, community based organizations, different associations such as farmer, fishermen, coconut growers, vegetable growers etc. 35 Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre collects the village profiles which consist of several parameters such as name of the panchayat, name of the Village Knowledge Centre village, total number of hamlets, different caste groups in the panchayat, educational status, occupational pattern, fishing pattern, infrastructure facilities communication network etc. Village Resource Centre also adopts different strategies such as sub grouping the fishing communities based on specific needs (e.g. sea fisherman, labourers, women vendors, inland fishermen, boat worker fishermen, fisher women and men in mongrows etc. and subgrouping the farming communities based on their needs (labourers, dry land farmers, small and marginal farmers etc.). The purpose of such sub-grouping is to provide focused awareness and training to each of those, identifying the prime movers in each sub-group, report building with different sectors and identifying representatives from different sub-groups to represent in the Village Management Committee. This is nutshell enables pooling together. The varied needs of the farming, fishing and the landless rural communities. Need assessment helps the Village Resource Centre to create awareness among villages about the concept and activities of Village Knowledge Centres to involve the community from the day one in the project activities, to find out the problems of socially under privileged people. Based on need assessment Village Resource Centre develops a local-specific demanddriven content, organizes training and awareness programmes and makes linkages, with several leading institutions/ organizations for transferring the content into action/application. Partners of TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre for setting up of Village Knowledge Centres in Nagapattinam: Regarding the setting up of Village Knowledge Centres, Nagapattinam Village Resource Centre has been working closely with a number of partners (consisting of individuals, groups or organizations with which we interact directly to develop the appropriate programmes and create opportunities for favourable influence). The list of partners is as follows: 1. Constitutional panchayat 2. Traditional panchayat 3. Non Government Organisations 36 4. Fishermen Associations 5. Farmer Associations 6. Youth Associaitons Need Assessment TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre, Nagapattinam collected queries from the villagers related to the respective villages by conducting user meetings, participatory rural appraisal, question method, focus group discussion, patrons and knowledge workers feed back. After the above, collected queries are categorized and priority given with respect to importance of the queries. Addressing the needs: TATA MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre addressing the needs as knowledge by using three ways. (i) Content (ii) Capacity building training and awareness programmes (iii) Linkages I. Content: TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre, Nagapattinam generate contents based on season based queries focus group meetings, user meetings etc. This content is called as local data base “VALAM”. 37 FLOWCHART This Flow chart represents the knowledge dissemination activities of TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre, Nagapattinam TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre Village Knowledge Centre Need Assessment (Need assessment tools are User meetings/participatory rural appraisal/Questionary method/Focus group discussion/Partners/Knowledge workers feedback etc.) Categorisation of Needs Prioritization of needs Knowledge dissemination (Addressing the needs) Content Local specific demand driven Information Training Conducting capacity building Trainings and awareness Programmes i Linkage Establishing Linkages With related institutions 38 Content Dissemination Tools: Contents are disseminated by using different content dissemination tools like i) Notice board ii) Public Addressing System iii) Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA) iv) Namma Ooru Seithi v) Knowledge workers vi) Pamphlets vii) Volunteer viii) Video conferencing ix) User meetings etc. Notice Board: A black board mounted in well visible place at TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre and all Village Knowledge Centres, Knowledge workers delivers new information on the Notice board collected from content and other sources of information Public Addressing System: All services offered at villageknowledge centre benefit the rural people in day-to-day life, knowledge worker disseminates informations through public addressing system Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA) Few mobile phones given to the representatives of fishermen to connect with Village Resource Centre through Internet that mobile phone displays detail in following areas: ¾ Weather news once in a 48 hours 39 ¾ Wave height once in a 32 hours ¾ Other news such as general news to over all Tamil Nadu, Government schemes, local market rate for sea food once in a 24 hours. Namma ooru seidhi: Namma ooru seidhi is a local –centric publication in Tamil, the local language, and it has a succinct presentation of needs, information, advice and commentaries. This newspaper published twice a month and has proved extremely valuable to the village communities, who have now come to rely on it for a variety of reasons. and adults can increase their knowledge about the out side world. Oftentimes it carries news on latest scientific or medical research. Farmer learns about Availability of quality seeds /seedlings or about organic farming, cultivation practices, crop management, fertilizers, vermicompost, and live stock management. People get to know about Government schemes /entitlement related to agriculture, related activities; the young women and men learn about several technical courses, and self employment training programs, the young men seeking jobs get to know of vacancies and opportunities or higher educational details. Children and others can showcase their talents and skills in writing, drawing etc. There is valuable information on health, and traditional medicine, easy and healthy food recipes, information given in the newsletter is mostly local-specific, catering to needs of the community. Knowledge workers: Knowledge workers will be selected by the community. Village Resource Centre continuously provides training to Knowledge Workers in the maintenance and management of Village Knowledge Centres. Village Resource Centre regularly conducts Knowledge Workers meeting at Village Resource Centre. Every month Knowledge Workers submit a report on Village Knowledge Centres activities to Village Resource Centre. The knowledge workers are involved in the knowledge dissemination activities. Volunteers: Some of service mind oriented people are also helping to the Village Knowledge Centre for disseminating knowledge and developing rural poor. 40 List of the contents: Some of the content( data base VALAM) available in the TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre and Village Knowledge Centres are listed below: Fisheries: ¾ Fishing techniques ¾ Sea related business opportunities ¾ First Aid Methods for fishermen ¾ Announcements from fisheries department ¾ International fishing rules ¾ Fish preservation methods, etc. Village Profile Name of Panchayat Village Revenue Village Block Taluk, District Assembly, Constituency Parliamentary Constituency Etc. 41 Total Population of village etc Area of village Address of Community organizations, etc. Government Organisations News Today Government Announcements And Current News etc. 42 Tsunami News: Tsunami Related Government Orders Affected areas Relief and rehabilitation etc. Weather Report Weather Report on Temperature, rain, huminity Sea wave height etc. 43 Catering Ginger pickle etc. Fish cutlet Prawn foods Chinese foods Amlo pickle Collon cutlet Tomato pickle Biodiversity, etc. Important telephone numbers in Nagapattinam District Marriage Financial Aid Snake bite Thiruvaiyaru history Self help groups Health projects General information Informations on Cooking tips on 44 Tailoring and Embroiding Bee culture Washing powder preparatiom Chockpiece preparation Mosquito coil preparation Pineoil preparation Solar water heater preparation Blue water preparatiom Bee culture Tailoring and Embroiding Small enterprises: Small enterprises Information on 45 Introduction to Windows XP, etc. Storage devices Types Hardware & Software Generation Introduction Computer Education Computer 46 Blue fever, etc. Rabbit diseases Goat diseases Purified milk preparation First Aid Jasmine, etc. Coconut Sappotta Mango Sunflower Banana Sugarcane Paddy Agriculture Cultivation methods of Livestock maintenance Livestock 47 Distance studies, etc. Pilot training courses Fisheries related educational institution Bio-informatics studies Marine Technology studies First Aid, etc. Cancer Eye Diseases TB AIDS Medical Informations about Education Informations about 48 Capacity Building Trainings: TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre providing training to the farmer, fishermen and students and to others called as capacity building training. Following are the training given by Village Resource Centre through Village Knowledge Centres. Farmer Training: Training programmes on crops; Panjakavyam preparation Asola preparation Vermic compost Soil test methods, etc. Fishermen Training: Hygienic handling of fish preservation and processing, Boat mechanism trainings, Training in Global Positioning System and other fish finding equipment to find out Fishing area, Fishing direction and Potential fishing zone, etc. Computer Trainings: Thorough Village Knowledge Centres several computer related courses conducted for the students and public for giving basic computer knowledge, internet handling, adult education through computer, account handling by using computer, desktop publishing courses, Compact Disk writing practice and other system related courses with Microsoft certificate 49 CALP-Computer Aided Literacy Program: With the help of the Azim premji Foundation, the computer Aided Learning Programme was initiated in all the Village Knowledge Centres. So for 50 Compact Disks have been developed on various topics such as the importance of conserving energy, learning English and learning to invest in small business. A Teaching program for students from first standard to eighth standard in this school syllabus teaches in virtual method by using the software provided by Azim Premji Foundation. MUPP- Microsoft Unlimited Potential Program: Microsoft Unlimited potential Programme focus of the programme is to provide opportunity for improving life long learning of under served young and adult persons by giving training communication technology skills. it is hoped that through this programme, people across all age groups and social backgrounds can learn computer skills. This programme is an opportunity for the course participants to develop their skills in communication, in gaining access to educational services and becoming skillful employee. Course includes a wide range of applications such as basic computer skills, information literacy, and digital photography, web page design and desktop productivity software. Significantly, this course emphasis’s practical hands –on training, unlike similar courses offered in other institutions. It generally aims to target self-help groups, woman and men from farming and fishing communities, unemployed youth, schoolteachers, and students. ALP-Adult Learning Program Common program for illiterates to teach reading ,.writing and signature practice by using sixteen lessons. 50 INTEL PROGRAM It is more different among all other teaching programs because there is no teacher user learn Microsoft office package with out the help of master or knowledge workers. Age limit for attending this program 10 to 13. Fast Track: MS Office teached in this program for students in their summer vocation named as fast track because the course goes to complete within two months. Linkages: Based on the needs of the Village Knowledge Centres, TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre establish linkages with various research institutions, Government departments, Research organizations, voluntary organizations for generating content and capacity building programs etc. Such as ¾ Social Welfare department ¾ Health department ¾ Fisheries department ¾ Agriculture department ¾ Horticulture department ¾ Marine product export development authority. ¾ Annamalai University, Chidamabaram ¾ Bharathidasan University, Thiruchirapalli ¾ Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai ¾ Krishi Vighan Kendra, Sikkal, Nagapattinam District, etc. 51 CHAPTER VII FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION Findings: 1. Village Knowledge Centre programme received more number of awards for its services. 2. Nearly seven Village Knowledge Centres are functioning under TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre, Nagapattinam. 3. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation disseminates knowledge in Nagapattinam district through seven Village Knowledge Centres. 4. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation helps to build skills and capacities of the rural poor. 5. Village Knowledge Centres are having database, it contains details of district profile, agriculture and fisheries etc. 6. Village Knowledge Centres are delivered new and current information in the notice board. 7. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation provides weather reports to fisheries, farmers and others through Village Resource Centre and Village Knowledge Centres. 8. Village Resource Centre is given few mobile phones to representatives of fishermen to connect that through internet. 9. Namma Ooru Seidhi tamil newspaper published twice a month by TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre. 10. TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre’s Library is having some books, pamphlets for fishermen, farmers and others. 11. TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre is given training programme related to Panjakavya preparation, Asola preparation, Vermic compost, soil test methods etc. 12. Village Knowledge Centres provides information related to education. 13. TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre is disseminating the knowledge by content, capacity building, training and linkages. 14. TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre is offering computer aided literacy programme, Microsoft unlimited potential programme, adult learning programme, intel programme and fast track programme. 52 Suggestions: 1. TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre can increase number of books related with competitive examinations. 2. TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre can also provide information on scholarships all over the world other than Government sector. 3. TATA-MSSRF-ISRO Village Resource Centre can take tuitions (or) additional classes for students community. Conclusion: The preference, in respect to others, should be given for national information system in each country. Information centres are the national sources and essential base for the national development of countries, so that each member may get benefit from them. M.S.Swamianthan Research Foundation is providing information to village peoples at the Nagapattinam district in the field of fishing, agriculture etc. Therefore these information must be provided in such a way by information centres by which they easily can get. 53