At APAN58 Islamabad, Pakistan, 26th – 30th August 2024, APAN Open and Sharing Data WG giving out the award of “the Recognition of Excellence in Advancing Research and Knowledge Dissemination” to ThaiLIS. The details of what ThaiLIS has been accomplished and achieved for Thailand are as followings.
About ThaiLIS ( ThaiLIS = Thailand Library Integrated System )
The ThaiLIS Department (https://tdc.thailis.or.th/) has been pivotal in advancing research and knowledge dissemination in Thailand since its inception in 1990. Below is an overview of the department’s contributions aligned with its four key objectives:
- Center of Information and Communication Technology for Research:
ThaiLIS has established itself as the national hub for managing information and communication technology (ICT) resources essential for research studies. By offering a comprehensive Reference Database, ThaiLIS serves as a center for registering members and providing electronic academic research database services to higher education institutions. Currently, serving 80 government higher education institutions. This centralized management system has streamlined the data retrieval process, ensuring that researchers have the necessary tools to conduct high-quality research efficiently.
2. Promotion and Support of Collaborative Research and Resources:
One of ThaiLIS’s core missions is to foster collaboration among researchers and institutions. The Union Catalog (UC) service is a testament to this objective, providing a shared platform where libraries and research institutions can pool their resources. This collaborative approach not only reduces redundancy but also maximizes the availability of resources, enabling researchers to access a broader range of materials. Additionally, iThesis, an integrated thesis and dissertation management system, supports collaborative efforts by facilitating the seamless submission, review, and archiving of research works.
3. Application of ICT for Organizational Management and Dissemination to Network Members:
ThaiLIS has effectively harnessed ICT to improve internal management and extend its benefits to network members. The Software Automated Library (AutoLib) is an innovative solution that automates library management processes, making it easier for institutions to handle their collections and services. Moreover, the Thai Digital Collection (TDC) provides a digital platform that collects theses, research papers, academic articles, and rare books from higher education institutions. This ensures that valuable academic resources are widely accessible to network members and beyond, enhancing organizational efficiency.
4. Promotion and Support of Knowledge Development:
In line with its objective to support knowledge development, ThaiLIS has been instrumental in expanding educational and research opportunities for both network members and the broader public. By providing extensive resources and tools, the department has empowered researchers, educators, and students to contribute to the body of knowledge. This effort extends to societal development, where the knowledge generated and disseminated through ThaiLIS initiatives helps inform and educate citizens, ultimately fostering a more informed and knowledgeable society.
Summary
Since 1990, the ThaiLIS Department has been a cornerstone in the national landscape of research and knowledge dissemination. By focusing on centralized ICT management, fostering collaboration, leveraging technology for organizational efficiency, and promoting knowledge development, ThaiLIS has significantly contributed to the advancement of research and education in Thailand. Through its diverse services—Reference Database, Union Catalog (UC), iThesis, AutoLib, and Thai Digital Collection (TDC)—the department continues to support and enrich the academic and research community, benefiting society at large
