Technical Committee

The Technical Committee of the Nepal Library Association (NLA) is a specialized body formed to strengthen and advance the technical capabilities of libraries across Nepal. This committee plays a pivotal role in supporting the association’s mission to develop, standardize, and modernize library and information services throughout the country.

Purpose and Objectives

The main objective of the Technical Committee is to provide professional guidance, develop national standards, and promote the adoption of modern technologies in library and information science (LIS). Its key goals include:

  • Formulating technical guidelines and policies for libraries.
  • Supporting the implementation of library automation, digital libraries, and integrated library systems like Koha.
  • Promoting the use of open-source tools and technologies in LIS.
  • Contributing to the development of national-level projects, such as the Nepal National Digital Library.
  • Assisting in the creation and revision of Library Standards and Accreditation Guidelines.

Structure and Composition

The committee comprises professionals with expertise in information technology, library automation, cataloging, metadata standards, and digital resource management. Members include:

  • Senior librarians and LIS educators
  • ICT experts in open-source and digital library tools
  • Representatives from public, academic, and special libraries
  • Liaison members from national institutions like the Nepal National Library and GIDC (Government Integrated Data Center)

Key Activities

  1. Developing Standards: Drafting cataloging standards, metadata guidelines (e.g., MARC21, Dublin Core), and digital repository frameworks.
  2. Technical Support: Offering hands-on assistance to libraries transitioning to digital systems.
  3. Capacity Building: Organizing training on tools such as Koha (ILMS), DSpace (Institutional Repository), ResourceSpace (Digital Library), and Moodle (LMS).
  4. Advisory Role: Guiding LIS institutions and stakeholders in infrastructure planning and digital transformation.
  5. Collaborations: Coordinating with international organizations and regional library federations to align Nepal’s LIS sector with global practices.
  6. Recommend international bodies for the formulation and advancement of technical standards—such as classification, cataloguing, metadata, and related areas.

Recent Initiatives

  • Active involvement in the Nepal National Digital Library Project.
  • Leading the technical framework design for library network integration.
  • Drafting the Library Infrastructure and Technology Roadmap

Conclusion

The Technical Committee of the Nepal Library Association serves as a backbone for the country’s library modernization efforts. By merging professional knowledge with digital innovation, the committee ensures that Nepalese libraries are technically equipped to support equitable access to knowledge, promote open science, and contribute to national development goals.