eChapters

BSTRACT

This paper discusses the various issues and concerns about the electronic information resources, which includes mainly such as e-journals, e-books and e-databases etc. In this digital era, the library should be well equipped with trendy facilities & resources within the sort of books, manuscripts, technical journals, standards, conference proceedings, theses, reports, databases, and all the electronic versions of information resources. Various issues and concerns, which are related with the electronic resources and their management is discussed in detailed in this paper.

Keywords: ICT, Electronic resources, e-journals, Electronic resource management.

1. Introduction

Libraries serve as global repositories of knowledge, like to giant treasure boxes. But librarians are faced with a lot of work as more and more things become digital. Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMS) can help with that (Prajapati, 2016). These are incredibly useful tools that have completely transformed the way libraries handle digital content. The main goal of ERMS is to simplify librarians' lives. They support the acquisition of fresh digital materials, manage subscriptions and licenses, and even provide online resource locators (Anbu et al., 2013). They essentially act as librarians' superhero sidekicks, ensuring that everything works seamlessly in the digital realm. ERMS play a major role in keeping everything organized. They support librarians in maintaining inventory, determining who can use what, and determining when to update it (Mangrum & Ellen Pozzebon, 2012). Libraries are able to ensure that everyone has access to what they need while adhering to all access regulations in this way. However, ERMS aren't limited to library use. They're also excellent for any library user. By making it simple to locate what you're looking for in the library's digital collection, ERMS addresses that. They keep everything organized so you can quickly get to the essentials (Prajapati, 2016).The key component that keeps contemporary libraries running well is ERMS. They make it easier for librarians to handle electronic resources and for users like you and me to find what we're looking for. Thus, keep in mind that ERMS are the unsung heroes who make it all happen the next time you're navigating your library's digital world.

Introduction

Due to the advent of new technologies now-a-days e-resources became more popular and essential. The information technology has made it possible the availability and accessibility of e-resources. The e-resources are made available both online and offline. Further some are free and some are paid. The free e-resources can be accessed anywhere and anytime on the discretion of the user. But for the paid e-resources to get comprehensive access by using best possible tools and techniques is the library. Multiple resources in the present electronic environment can be seamlessly integrated with a single login gateway which makes is user friendly. Further the explosive growth in network connectivity and rapid advances in computing power systems have altered the speed of communications. Recent advances in the information world have transformed the role of libraries in disseminating information to users. Increase in the number of users and their different needs have made modern libraries apply new communication technology. As a result of this there is a worldwide need and trend to collect, organize, manage, protect and distribute information in digital form.

Introduction

Electronic resources represent an increasingly important component of the library collection building. “Electronic resources” refer to those materials that require computer access, whether through a personal computer, mainframe, or handheld mobile device. They may either be accessed remotely via the Internet or locally. Some of the most frequently encountered types are:

Technology Scouting and Innovations in Technology Incubation
Technology scouting and innovations in technology incubation have a symbiotic relationship, fuelling each other for the benefit of budding startups and the broader technology ecosystem. Let’s dive deeper into their individual roles and how they interact:
Technology Scouting
Technology Scouting is the process of discovering, analyzing and evaluating new or existing technologies that will help them with their innovation process. In simple terms, it is a process for companies to find the necessary technology outside the company.
Hunting for promising technologies: Scouts actively search for emerging technologies, patents, research advancements, and market trends across various sectors.
Evaluating potential and fit: They assess the technical feasibility, market potential, and compatibility with the needs of incubators and their supported startups.
Connecting innovators and ventures: Scouts bridge the gap between technology creators (researchers, inventors, startups) and potential users (incubators, established companies).
Fuelling innovation pipelines: Technology scouting helps incubators access a wider range of technologies and ideas, enriching their portfolio and diversifying the innovations supported.

Introduction

Pedagogy in higher education is often referred to as activities of educating, instructing or teaching to impart knowledge and skills (Diaz, 2013). With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in the year 2020, instructors worldwide faced a challenge in maintaining the teaching pedagogy suited to the online teaching environments. Many instructors with no prior experience teaching online started developing new approaches to solve the challenges in a changing landscape. The main challenges to solve was concerning creating favourable learning experiences, creating engaging classroom experiences, and meeting the expectations of all the students in the online environment (Teachonline, 2020). The internet has provided a wide range of opportunities, leading to uninterrupted education through various conferencing platforms. Since the year 2000, the proliferation of Web 2.0 was tested in the field of education with several tools such as blogs, wiki articles and use of social media channels. Web 2.0 provided increasing scope to the teachers and students to create, edit and share content which is appealing to the learners. Currently, we have entered the Web 3.0 era in which the technologies can be customized to enhance the learning environment for better facilitation of learning needs.

1.1 Introduction Rural women worldwide grapple with many challenges, ranging from restricted access to essential resources and limited educational opportunities to constrained pathways for economic advancement. Extensive research conducted by the World Bank has illuminated the persistent struggles faced by rural women, emphasizing disparities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities (World Bank, 2019). Simultaneously, UN Women underscores the systemic hurdles perpetuating gender inequalities, necessitating urgent and comprehensive solutions (UN Women, 2020).

Amidst these challenges, emerging technologies stand as a transformative force with the potential to reshape the trajectories of rural women. Recognizing this potential, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) emphasizes the capacity of technological interventions to ameliorate challenges faced by women in rural areas.

Duration: 60-75 minutes
Objective: Enhance self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management to build stronger workplace connections and leadership skills.
Why It Matters
Emotional intelligence drives effective collaboration, leadership, and conflict resolution. High EQ creates positive workplace cultures, while low EQ can lead to misunderstandings or disengagement. For example, an empathetic response to a stressed colleague builds trust, while a dismissive one erodes it. This module equips participants to manage emotions and relationships effectively.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module, participants will:
1. Understand the four components of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, relationship management.
2. Practice empathetic listening and emotional regulation.
3. Develop strategies to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Key Concepts
1. Self-Awareness
Recognize and understand your emotions.
• Identify Triggers: Notice what sparks strong emotions (e.g., tight deadlines cause stress).
• Reflect Regularly: Journal or pause to assess your emotional state.

Our emotions play quite a significant role in guiding and directing our behavior. Many a times they are seen to dominate our behavior in such a way that we have no solution other than behaving as per their wish. On the other hand, if a person has no emotional current then he becomes crippled in terms of living his life in a normal way. Hence, emotions play a key role in providing a particular direction to our behavior and thus shaping our personality according to their development.

Etymologically, the word emotion is derived from the Latin word ‘emovere’ which means ‘to stir up’ or ‘to excite’. Emotion implies a state of being stirred up or aroused in one way or another. Therefore, emotion may be understood as an agitated or excited state of our mind and body. It involves extensive visual disturbance and includes many feeling tones or varying degrees of satisfaction or annoyance. Feeling may be a simple degree of emotional experience. Psychologists and physiologists are in agreement that emotion involves feelings, impulses and physiological reactions.

Thus, whatever may be the terminology used by different psychologists, their definition tends to describe “emotions as some sort of feelings or affective experiences which are characterized by some physiological changes that generally lead them to perform some or the other type of behavioral act”.

Reduced price volatility and stability for the market are generally a result of increased yield of crop(x12) when supply is more balanced. By providing higher yields, an increase in product delivery can be had, thereby delivering a more sustainable and predictable source that helps to keep supply and demand balanced. This lowers market volatility, creates a more stable pricing environment and reduces risk for both producers (and end buyers). Elevated or variable farming expenses or cost of cultivation(x13) may contribute to market uncertainty by impacting farmers’ earnings and shaping their choices on yield. Unpredictable expenses make it challenging to project financial results, which causes pricing volatility and inconsistent supply levels. This pricing and production volatility adds to the general unpredictability of the market.
A rise in on-farm income(x14) gives farmers greater financial stability and resources, which enables them to better manage risks and schedule production for the future. An agricultural product supply that is more predictable is facilitated by this consistency. As a result, lesser income volatility corresponds to lower overall market uncertainty and steadier prices.

This chapter focuses on presenting empirical findings from data analysis to provide sufficient interpretation so to draw reliable conclusions. To enhance and complement the textual contents of the study, tables and models are frequently utilized. Additionally, the discussion serves to contextualize the study’s findings and establish connections with the research work.

The pattern of distribution of the variable, Education (x2 ) depicts that the maximum education of the respondents is 5 and the minimum is 2. The mean value of education of the respondents is 4.09 with standard deviation of 0.82. The Coefficient of Variation is 19.96 per cent which indicates the distribution of variable is highly consistent.

the maximum functional education of the respondents is 15 and the minimum is 2. The mean value of functional education of the respondents is 8.27 with standard deviation of 3.39. The distribution of the variable is fairly consistent with a CV value of 41.06 per cent.

The pattern of distribution of the variable, Size of family (x4 ) depicts that the maximum size of family of the respondents is 9 and the minimum is 3. The mean value of size of family of the respondents is 5.62 with standard deviation of 1.48. The Coefficient of Variation is 26.34 per cent which indicates the distribution of variable is fairly consistent.

The pattern of distribution of the variable, Cultivated Land Holding per capita (x5 ) depicts that the maximum cultivated land holding of the respondents is 1.92 and the minimum is 0.25. The mean value of cultivated land holding of the respondents is 0.77 with standard deviation of 0.30. The distribution of the variable is fairly consistent with a CV value of 38.83 per cent.

the maximum no. of land fragment of the respondents is 2 and the minimum is 1. The mean value of no. of land fragment of the respondents is 1.24 with standard deviation of 0.43. The Coefficient of Variation is 34.73 per cent which indicates the distribution of variable is fairly consistent.

The pattern of distribution of the variable, Avg. size of land fragment (x7 ) depicts that the maximum avg. size of land fragment of the respondents is 1.25 and the minimum is 0.25. The mean value of avg. size of land fragment of the respondents is 0.64 with standard deviation of 0.19. The distribution of the variable is fairly consistent with a CV value of 30.18 per cent.

Training plays a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of individuals to perform their roles effectively. In the context of leadership development, training aims to equip potential leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to excel in their roles. This paper examines the objectives of leadership training and the methods by which these objectives can be achieved.

Meaning of Training

The term ‘training’ refers to a structured process designed to improve an individual’s ability to fulfill their responsibilities. It involves imparting knowledge, developing skills, and shaping attitudes to enhance professional competence. For potential leaders identified through various selection methods, training serves as a means to cultivate essential leadership traits that may be lacking initially.

The digital revolution has brought profound changes to numerous industries, and agriculture is no exception. Cyber Extension, which leverages Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), plays a pivotal role in providing extension services and disseminating vital agricultural information to farmers. This discussion will explore the intricacies of Cyber Extension, highlighting its significance, applications, and impact on modern agricultural practices.

Transformation of Extension Services

• Traditional extension services relied on direct interactions between extension agents and farmers. While these face-to-face meetings were effective, they often struggled with challenges such as limited reach, high operational costs, and scalability issues.

• The introduction of ICTs has revolutionized extension services, giving rise to the concept of Cyber Extension.

Core Elements of Cyber Extension

• Digital Platforms: Cyber Extension leverages a variety of digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, social media, and online forums, to share agricultural knowledge and engage with farmers.

• Remote Sensing and GIS: Advanced technologies like remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide farmers with real time information on weather conditions, soil moisture levels, crop health, and pest infestations.

• ICT Devices: Devices such as mobile phones and tablets allow farmers to access extension services, receive advisory messages, and join virtual training sessions from any location at any time.

• Mobile Technology: Mobile phones and text messaging services deliver crucial information directly to farmers, including advisory messages, weather alerts, market prices, and other pertinent updates.

• E-Learning: Cyber Extension supports e-learning through modules, webinars, and online courses, educating farmers on best practices, crop management techniques, and market trends.

• Decision Support Systems: Tools and expert systems assist farmers in making informed choices regarding crop selection, irrigation schedules, fertilizer use, and pest management strategies.

12.1 Introduction

Technological advancements have completely changed human existence, bringing about profound societal shifts and stimulating the economy. Empowering women will have a good impact on women's daily lives and is essential to the growth of any society. Women now have many possibilities to showcase their creativity, ideas, and technological prowess both in India and around the world thanks to the advancements and inventions in the field of information technology. This review's main goal is to investigate how women use digital technology in urban and rural areas. India is rapidly digitizing, embracing all facets of technological advancement, and as a result, offering plenty of job prospects for women.To reduce the disparity between genders in technology fields in Indian society, women's involvement in these fields, both in rural and urban areas, must be the main focus.

Introduction Agricultural sector is the pillar of the Indian economy. It provides employment to around half of the workforce of the country and contributes around 18 per cent to the gross value added of the country. Small and marginal landholdings, constituting less than 2 hectares, make up a significant 85 percent of India’s farming community (Joshi, 2022). These small farmers encounter various challenges, including farm-specific and household transaction costs that limit their participation in input and product markets. With changing food preferences driven by income and population growth, there’s a growing need for small-farm commercialization to meet the rising demand for diversified, higher-quality diets (Chakraborty, 2020). To address the constraints faced by small farms, aggregation models have emerged as institutional interventions.

Introduction Terms total development of rural areas with the purpose of increasing the quality of life for rural people is referred to as rural development. It is a broad anddiverse concept that encourages the expansion of agricultural and allied activities, communities, cottage industries and crafts, community services and facilities, and total human resources in rural areas. As a strategy, rural development is the result of interactions between many physical, technological, economic, and societal elements. Its purpose is to improve the economic and social well-being of a particular rural demographic group. Rural development is a multifaceted concept that covers various aspects of development in order to improve rural people’s quality of life (Ilbery, 2008). Agriculture, village industries, crafts, community services, and rural human resource development all fall under this category.

Introduction

Women and girls in rural areas bear the brunt of poverty, feminisation and its intergenerational ramifications and the effects of desertification, extreme weather events, and natural disasters. Women are most at risk in conflict situations, as migrants and refugees and in humanitarian crises. Rural women have higher rates of disability, have inadequate or non-existent support services, and are stigmatised. Despite being the leading food growers and processors, the paradox is that they are often the last to consume the nutritious and healthy food they need to stay strong.

Teachers perform numerous instructional, administrative, assessment, and planning activities that can consume substantial amounts of professional time. Generative AI offers opportunities to reduce repetitive workload while enabling educators to devote greater attention to pedagogy, mentoring, creativity, and student relationships. This chapter examines how GenAI can empower teachers rather than replace them. AI tools can assist with lesson planning, differentiated instruction, question-bank creation, assessment rubrics, feedback generation, learning-material development, classroom analytics, and administrative documentation. Adaptive AI platforms can analyze learner performance and help teachers provide different levels of support, practice, and challenge according to individual needs. Generative AI can also expand teachers’ creative capacity by enabling the development of stories, gamified activities, simulations, multimodal resources, and inclusive learning pathways. The chapter considers teacher experiences and implementation cases, including AI-supported teacher education and multilingual content generation. At the same time, successful adoption depends on teacher AI literacy, professional development, institutional support, ethical awareness, and appropriate human oversight. The chapter presents teachers as co-creators and change agents who use AI strategically while retaining professional judgment, responsibility, and control over educational decisions.

Abstract

Gender Budgeting was first introduced in 1985 and is being implemented globally by more than 50 countries to ensure gender equality goals. India took initial steps towards analysing the gender gap through “Towards Equality” a Report of the Committee on the Status of Women by the Government of India in 1974. Gender based resource allocation in the country was seen from 1990s onwards in the Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-97) when for the first time gender perspective and the need to ensure definite flow of funds from general developmental sectors to women was emphasised upon. Women constitute 49% of human population in India so it is extremely important that the untapped gender potential is recognized, reorganised and utilized efficiently & effectively to attain a leading position in S&T sector. India has expanded her R&D base immensely since the turn of the 21^st century. Consequently there has been 10 times enhancement in enrolment of women in S&T disciplines in institutions of higher education since 1989-90. Department of Science and Technology has taken many steps in recent past to strengthen the ecosystem to empower women in S&T domain, particularly by enabling over 4000 of them who had a break in career, primarily due to familial responsibilities, to make a dignified comeback. Several Role Models, who have shown their mettle and made a mark in the chosen field, are emerging and engaging & encouraging the young, Gen Next girls.

The Digital India campaign of the Government with special emphasis being laid on digital financial transactions and cloud technologies will go a long way in the evolution of better services and amenities for women, especially in agricultural domains.

Empowering women in agriculture through digital technologies can significantly enhance their productivity, economic opportunities, and overall well-being. Here are key strategies and areas to focus on:

1. Access to Information and Resources

Digital Platforms: Utilize mobile apps and websites to provide women farmers with information on weather forecasts, crop management, pest control, and market prices.

E-learning: Offer online training and tutorials on sustainable farming practices, financial management, and new agricultural technologies.

2. Financial Inclusion

Mobile Banking: Promote mobile banking services to help women access credit, savings, and insurance products. Digital financial services can make it easier for women to manage their finances and invest in their farms.