WHAT CAN WE MAKE OUT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
{IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE COURSE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, LIS 611}
BY
ADUBA DORIS EMETAROM
2009636003P
DR. ANUNOBI
MAY, 2010
PREAMBLE
Information is defined simply as a set of data recorded in a methodical manner, which includes
a. Any item of knowledge capable of facilitating the operation of a system and
b. Any numerical or alpha-numerical quantity processed by the machine. The aggregate of information constitution the data and results of a problem.
Information is a processed data which major aim is to convey meaningful message or interrelated or structured data.
Okunna (1994) explains that to communicate basically means to share ideas, information, feelings, or experiences between people. The basis of sharing or exchange between people, is the ability to establish a common ground with another person or group of persons. Communication is purposeful.
Oxford advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines Technology as the scientific study and use of applied sciences, e.g. engineering, the application of this to practical tasks in industry.
ICT is thus a necessary consideration for managers in all organizations because of this pervasive impact on external environments (social, educational, economic etc.) and also because of the potential impact of ICT on internal organizational structure and processes.
For libraries, information communication technology is crucial consideration. Not only does it pervade the external environments which condition staff and customer expectations. Not only does it have important implications for operational and management processes. Its central concern information or knowledge is the raw material of library work.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Okoye (2007), the most remarkable change in developing countries apart from the industrial revolution is the information revolution especially that based on computers including their software, accessories and the internet. Internet and communication technologies have not only reduced the world to a global village by their dynamic and pervasive influence but also have turn around academic life in University campuses in Nigeria.
Anaeme (2004), the computer is an electronic device stands out the most basic element in information and communication technology as most other technologies output through it.
Internet: The internet is a vast network of computers that provide information superhighway that enable individuals, organization, corporations, academic institutions and libraries worldwide to exchange and communicate information.
Information Technology is defined as the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a micro-electronic-based combination of computing, telecommunications and video.
Drew and foster (1994), defined ICT as a group of technologies that is revolutionizing the handling of information and embody a convergence of interest between electronics, computing and communication.
Duncombe and Hecks (1999), defined ICT as the electronic means of capturing, processing, storing and disseminating information.
Edoka (2000), since the 1960’s there has been steady increase in the awareness that computers can be used to enhance the overall effectiveness. This trend was largely due to widespread availability of computers and production of conveniently cheap models. At the same time Librarians have realized the advantages of using computers in libraries
BENEFITS OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARIES AND TO LIBRARIAN
1. SPEED: Computers help to process information very fast. The speed with which computers perform their work approximates the speed of light. In libraries, such routine duties as circulation control, listing of serial holdings, acquisitions and cataloguing are performed faster than by the traditional manual methods. Importantly, if the processing rules are standardized, computerization increases accuracy and detects error in the stored information. The library user benefits by getting what he wants to read without having to wait too long.
2. CULTURAL PRESERVATION: The application of modern technology to the preservation of library materials is very important issue. The challenges of preserving library materials in the future cannot be met by skilled hands alone. Science and technology are needed as well if we are to save the cultural heritage of our civilization from premature decay and eventual loss. We must either develop new technologies or grasp the opportunities of existing technologies and apply them to the solution of special problems.
3. MANAGEMENT AND ACCESS: Digital technologies facilitate access to information collections. This is done by transporting the contents of information sourced from where they are held to where they are needed. The same technologies could be used to transport the essence of materials across time and thus contribute to their management and preservation. Management and preservation is a high priority concern of all libraries be it academic or public libraries. The development of digital preservation in the developed world is a testimony to the high value placed on availability of information. It is also as a result of collaboration between the scientific community, governments, and the developed world that has minimized deterioration of library materials.
4. Traditionally, the raw material of Library service is the library’s stock- a collection of physical artefacts, usually in the form of print-on-paper 9books, journals, other documents) but also including other media (sound recordings, photographs, videos etc.). Traditional library systems are geared to the identification and retrieval of these artefacts – a particular book title, journal issue, video recording etc. But an IT can convert all these types of information- carrying artefacts into digital data for the purposes of storage (e.g. optical disc), processing (e.g. computing) and transmission (e.g. data communication networks).
5. THE OPERATIONAL PROCESSES OF LIBRARIES: It involves a vast number of routine transactions (e.g. as books are issued, returned, reserved, become overdue, etc.) ideally suited to automation. Circulation control systems, cataloguing processes, systems for the ordering and acquisition of stock and for serials control can all be automated. Increasingly through one integrated computer system- in order to improve efficiency and productivity. Records are no longer duplicated and staff are saved much of the clerical drudgery needed to maintain manual paper-based library systems.
6. RETROSPECTIVE CONVERSION: Sometimes there is need for libraries to change from one record to another, for instance, changing from card catalogue to book catalogue. The change can easily and speedily be completed if the master files of the library data are machine-readable.
7. EFFECT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO INFORMATION DELIVERY: The effect of automation cannot be over emphasized in advancing information delivery. Information technology through automation library services has changed the world of services delivery. Fjailbrant (1990) started that the new innovation and method has brought a great change to service delivery. He itemized six features as follows. Digitalization of information – text graphics, photographs speed, sound video etc.
Cheaper data storage – optical storage media (OSM)
In creased computer power leading to speedier and cheaper computer processing.
Improved telecommunication reduces ISDN with general increased capacity for data transmission
Increase viability of hardware and software and
Decreased size of equipment.
Omekwu (2003) in conformity with Fjailbrant opinion states that, new information environment provides library of all types and archives institutions with limitless access to global information at the pressing of the keyboard to include the following merits;
Incredible platforms (e.g. CD-ROM) for storage of large data
Easy integration of various activities
Increased Efficiency
Means of income generation
Strategic connection of local network to global network thus making the world a global village
Contact, cooperation and communication as the hallmark of professionalism etc.
8. The management processes of planning and control can be considerably enhanced by IT. An integrated system can provide important stock management information. A distributed network of terminals (e.g. for the circulation system or library catalogue) can provide an opportunity for communication by software packages (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) can be used in the library office, as in any other type of organization.
9. Information Technology can change the nature of customer interaction in three ways;
By speeding up routine processes at the library counter
By widening the choice of available information sources and services
By making library service more accessible
Rather than the old card catalogue or card index of local information, the customer can use an OPAC (online public access catalogue) or PET (public enquiry terminal) with swifter and more sophisticated searching of the information database.
10. In addition to this enhanced ranged of information sources and services, IT can also widen the customer’s choice in terms of points and methods of access to the library. Indeed for some disabled people, technology gives them the opportunity to use a service which would otherwise be inaccessible – it means the difference between exclusion and participation, limited and full functioning, failure and success. Instead of having to physically visit the building or room, the customer using electronic networking can have the option of ‘dial-up’ access to the library, 24hours a day, from home or workplace.
11. The initial stimulus to ITs applications in large libraries is the productivity gain that comes from automating transactional routines and cooperating with other libraries through a third-party organization like OCLC in the production of catalogue records.
12. CREATION OF NEW SRVICES: With computers, libraries can offer a series of new service can include recent accession lists, listing of the library holdings in a special way, current awareness services (e.g. selective Dissemination of information, current contents). Also this may include interpreting books borrowed by subject, clientele and form of material.
Let me know what it can or has offered you. Dr Chinwe
CONCLUSION
For libraries, information technology is a crucial consideration. Not only does it pervade the external environments which condition staff and customer expectations. Not only can it change the nature of staff activity and customer behavior. Not only does it have important implications for operational and management processes. Its central concern information or knowledge is the raw material of library work. Definitions of IT tend to apply microelectronics-based technologies to the activities – acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of information – which form the essence of library service.
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