Applications of ICT in library

Mrs. Smita Prakash Patole

Librarian
Yashwantrao Chavan
Mahavidyalaya,
Pachwad Tal. Wai
Dist. Satara
E mail smitapatole1@gmail.com
Mob. No. 9422064961
Libraries are now being challenged by the rapidly growing new information and communication
technologies (ICT). Computer networks, multimedia and internet which play a vital role as the
backbone of the information superhighway in the field of ICT. ICT offering a vast information
source and new modes of information delivery.

Various functions of libraries may take

advantage from Internet and Web technologies. Librarians are handling the information in digital
media and using web tools and provide instant access to information available. Library staff is
undergoing Internet training programmes.

ICT is

useful for librarian and information

professionals. Libraries have a vital role to play in making maximum use of ICT for the benefit
of users efficiently and effectively.
Key words Information and communication technology, impact of ICT, Library services, Role
of librarian
Introduction
As the information technologies are changing day-to- day and growing at a
tremendous speed, the knowledge society is becoming more complex, competitive and
dependent on technological changes and information explosion. The need for e-information
services to the users are also growing and becoming very essential. The impact of web based
e-learning and teaching environment has influenced every facet of library and information
services in academic libraries and providing new

opportunities and challenges to the

library professional for involvement in the knowledge based society including electronic
and multimedia publishing, Internet based-information services, global networking, web
based digital resources etc.

Academic and research libraries are now being challenged by the rapidly growing new
information and communication technologies(ICT) like internet, content Management systems
and other virtual computer technologies. Computer networks, multimedia and internet which
play a vital role as the backbone of the information superhighway in the field of ICT. The role of
present day Librarians is like ambassadors. The new trends and techniques of informatics, library
networking systems, importance of e mail and internet facilities are also discussed.
Technical terminology of ICT
Information
Data (Raw material) Process Information Process Knowledge
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication is also the
exchange and flow of information and ideas from one person to another.
Technology
Technology is the systematic application of scientific and other organized knowledge, tools,
techniques, methods, skills to practical tasks by use of computers and communication.
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT are the hardware and software that enable society to create, collect,
consolidate and communicate information in multimedia formats and for various purposes.
Information Technology and Library
In the last 5-6 decades there has been rapid development in the field of information
technology.

The three important elements in information technology are

computer,

communication technology and internet. Many libraries have been computerized to some extent.
A new library network has come into existence and there is increasing co-operation between
libraries. There is a great revolution in library science due to information technology. The
modern librarians have trying to get acquainted and familiar with the new technology which has
changed the face and interface of library.
Due to the emergence of information technology and electronic gadgets, the libraries have
to struggle for adjustments with the new age. Library can not depend on printed books alone,
but it has to make use of computer technology also. The libraries have also realized these
changes and it has started expanding its horizon. The contemporary libraries and library staff
have started the relevant changes in distribution and dissemination of knowledge and

information. The information atmosphere around the world is changing every minute and
growing at a tremendous speed due to the emergence of the web based Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT), globalization of networks and Internet. Hence ensuring and
organizing access to educational materials in the electronic environment is an important factor
in determining realistic requests for development and advancement of education.
The information revolution and the pervasive thinking that everything is available on the
Web have created new challenges to the traditional library professional ethics. Acquiring and
providing access to electronic knowledge resources require library professional to change their
role from traditional librarian to information scientist by learning and applying new skills to
understand the evolving technologies to manage and provide quality on-line information
service to the patrons of the knowledge society. Since, almost all the educational institutions,
organizations, universities and academic associations have created their own websites with the
digital repositories on Internet; the global networked environment has paved the way and
opportunity to e- literacy. The impact of web based e-learning and teaching environment has
influenced very much on every facets of library and information services in Academic Libraries
and providing new opportunities and challenges to the library professional.
Impact of ICT on library and information servicesWorld is becoming an interconnected global community. Use of ICT has changed the
fundamental roles, paradigms and organizational culture of libraries and librarians. ICT offering
a vast information source and new modes of information delivery. There is a continuing
evolution of the roles and functions of libraries and librarians, which appear parallel the growth
of acceptance and use of ICT by library professionals.
The use of ICT enable us to reach both local and distant users easily and effectively.
Technologies such as email and web provide tremendous opportunities for library and
information scientists to deliver the information to the desktops of our users. Web offers
significant advantage by integrating different library and information services with a common
user interface offered by Web browsers. Realizing the potentials, many libraries are rushing to
getting the connectivity.
The following list will give an idea of which various functions of libraries may take
advantage from Internet and Web technologies.

Acquisition- Correspondence with Book seller and Publisher, Ordering, billing, Reminders,
Price verification, Reminders, Price verification, Online bookshops e.g. amazon.com
Classification - Dewey Online
Collection Development - Subscribe in print or e-form, Consortia
Cataloguing - Online Catalogues, OCLC, MARC, Metadata standards
Circulation - Remote login, Status check, OPAC access, Reminder to users, User request, Inter
library loan
Resource Sharing - Union Catalogue, Access, adding, downloading, Reference / Information
service, SDI, Internet sources
User Education - Through email, Through library blog, Through Web
Advantages of ICT

Advantages like speed, accuracy and reliability

To reduce the cost through resource sharing

To control the information explosion through bibliographic control.

To improve the quality of existing services.

To have an effective control over entire operations.

To avoid duplication of work.

To facilitate wider dissemination of information products and services.

To participate resource sharing / library networks.

Role of librarian
The environment in which librarians work is changing in terms of greater access to a
range of information, greater complexity in locating, analyzing and linking information,
constantly changing technology and adaptation, lack of standardization of both hardware and
software, continuous learning for users and staff, management of financial investment for
technology.

Librarians are shifting their roles from facilitator to service provider and information
broker supporting to the needs of user. Librarians are handling the information in digital media
and using web tools and provide instant access to information available. Use of internet, web
tools, portals is properly managed and shares the information which is the present and future
need. Librarians educates users in searching information using modern tools and techniques and
termed himself as website designer, blog builder, database manager, policy maker, business
manager while negotiating with publishers and aggregators. From time to time librarian adapted
the technology in the area and supported to the user needs. To cope up with the changing digital
and technological environment todays librarians have to adapt new practices and competencies
Library staff is undergoing Internet training programmes to keep pace with new
technologies and to satisfy the growing complex information needs of users
ConclusionICT is an opportunity for libraries. Librarians need to be proactive and must exploit the
full potential of internet to enrich their resources and improve services to satisfy the changing
needs of users. ICT is a useful for librarian and information professional in areas such as
communication, organization of knowledge, reference and information services, research,
accessing electronic journals and resources sharing. Libraries have a vital role to play in making
maximum use of ICT for the benefit of users efficiently and effectively.

ICT has provided new media, new modes of storing and communicating information.

ICT brought many services to library to speed up their activities.

Impact of ICT on all spheres of Library House-Keeping operation

ICT is used in various library house-keeping operations at the time of information

retrieval and information dissemination and at the time of communicate to others.

Technological developments lead to changes in organization of work and required

competencies are changing. Gaining in importance are critical thinking, broad
competencies, ICT competencies enabling expert work, decision making, handling of
dynamic situations, working as member of a team and at the time of communicate to
others

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4. Murthy,S.S.(1999) Libraries and Information services in the electronic era,
Hyderabad. All India conference of the Indian Library Association.
5. Patkar, Vivek(2009) Innovations in library practice: prospects and
challenges. Information studies 16(2), April 2009