What can we make out of ICT in library and Information Science?

QUESTION: WHAT CAN WE MAKE OF ICT IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE?


ANSWER SUBMITTED BY IBE, PETER

REG NO: 2009636002



RELEVANCE OF I C T I N L I B RA RI E S



I C T is the abbreviation for Information and Communications Technology. The library is generally known as the store–house of knowledge. Knowledge as meant here refers to refined and assimilated information. Communication is the transmission of this knowledge from one source to another, while technology is the machinery with which this transmission of knowledge is made.

Information and Communications Technology has revolutionized library and information services. Computer – based information retrieval system such as ICT with internet facilities offer more convenient, flexible, comprehensive and by far faster retrieval services than manual information retrieval storage systems. (Achebe, 2008). The relevance of ICT to librarians and libraries can never be over- emphasized. Its numerous benefits to librarians and libraries can be summarized as shown here – under:



1. FAST PROCESSING CAPACITY: Computers, which is the vehicle on which ICT revolves, are fast in processing information. With it, the library routine operations such as circulation control, serials management, acquisition, cataloguing, which are hitherto, manually handled are performed faster and with increased accuracy and precision.

2. DATA CAPTURE: ICT ensures easy and quick conversion of retrospective records than the manual methods.

3. RESOURCE SHARING: It facilitates resource sharing between and among libraries. Resource sharing has been made easier and faster with the help of computers, and telecommunications facilities.

4. DEPENDABILITY: ICT has proved more dependable than human beings in that, it undertakes and manages large tasks without being bored unlike humans.

5. As computers perform some clerical and routine functions, librarians will have time to carry out other duties such as research, policy formulation, and other management duties, this will make for overall improvement in the performance of the library as an organization.

6. STORAGE FACILITIES: Computers have the facilities for permanent storage of information. With this development, conservation of time and space is ensured.

7. SERVICE ORIENTED: New services are offered by libraries with the help of computers. Such services are recent accessions lists, Current Awareness Services, online search services, and Selective Dissemination of Information.

8. ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING: This is possible with the availability of the Information and Communication Technology. Some journals are now published electronically, and list of library users can be published electronically during orientation, and point of use instructions in the library.

9. VALUE ADDED SERVICES: ICT permit librarians to provide value – added information services to their clienteles.

10. Librarians can acquire needed information resources for their libraries or information centers without going to the bookshops or book sale agents.

11. Knowledge and other library materials can be easily organized as internet websites provide classification database.

12. It offers assistance to Information Managers (Librarians) in providing effective reference services to their users.

13. Provision of great opportunity for fun and entertainment thereby reducing fatigue, boredom and work stress.

14. Wide access to achieve information that could be useful to various library users.

15. Fostering teamwork across wide geographical area or distance.

16. Ease of access to professionals and specialists in many fields of knowledge.

17. Quick access to regular updates on topics of interest.

18. Increased work output can be achieved with minimal number of staff.

19. ICT provides opportunity for new and enhanced services like Online inter –library use, e – mail etc.

20. ICT help to reduce cost of operations in libraries.