WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF ICT TO LIBRARIAN?

WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF ICT TO LIBRARIAN?




BY



ARINZE, FRANCISCA N.



INTRODUCTION



With the present day advances and developments in information technology, creating computer-based information networks offers the most effective opportunities for realizing resource-sharing goals. Information technology has become a powerful catalyst for greatly enhanced resource sharing among libraries. Computers, telecommunication facilities and related technologies are applied for speedy transmission of vast amount of information over long distances. This involves connecting two or more computer data based through telecommunication channels.

This development has transformed resource sharing activities particularly in the developed economies. Instead of isolated library units, the opportunity is offered for the existence of networks of libraries. When two or more libraries engage formally in a common pattern of computer-based information exchange through the telecommunication links for some functionally inter-dependent purpose, we have a computer-based library network. This means that access to appropriate databases is more important than the elusive pursuit of comprehensiveness of the physical ownership of documents.

BENEFITS OF ICT TO LIBRARY

One of the benefits of information communication technology to the library is housekeeping functions such as Acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, and serials.

Acquisitions

The Acquisition section is concerned with the selection and acquisition of books and other materials by purchase, gifts, exchange and other means. Records can be kept using the computer and for other things like performance analysis of the various book dealers being patronized by the library Computer can help in fund control as well as in generation and dissemination of reports. Lists of items required can be printed as well as accession list.

Cataloguing

This involves the preparation of cataloguing entries and other processes connected with the maintenance of the catalogue. The cataloguing section can facilitate the following establishment and maintenance of catalogue database, names, authority files, subject files and local authority lists, online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).

Inventory control, establishment of shelf list control, removes record, added copy control and inventory statistics.

Circulation

The computer can manage the process of lending and locating the library’s books, documents and other collections, user’s records and give instant status information about loan items.

Computer offer output generation, customizable reports and notices for overdue items, reservations, usage statistics and preparation of printed circulation lists. This is a very valuable service for library management.

Serials

This section handles publication issued in successive part at regular and irregular intervals. Some of the functions of selection, ordering, receipt, accession and renewal of subscription are performed here by the computer. Computer facilitates subscription control, procurement procedures, order preparation, fund analysis and accounting.

Computer also creates output generation and dissemination, preparation of small holdings, accession list as well as union lists. Information storage and retrieval, which entails SDI Services. It also generate data on delayed items and file reason for such delays, the computer can generate reminders or notices to publishers at specified intervals for items subscribed to or ordered which fail to arrive at expected periods. The system not only records serial subscription but also make it possible for individual issues received to be recorded as they are received.

Creating of New Services

With computers, libraries can offer a series of new services where there is need for such services. These services can include recent accession list, listing of the library holding in a special way, current awareness services e.g. selective dissemination of information, current contents.

Speed

Computer helps 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 serials holding, acquisition and cataloguing are performed faster than by traditional manual methods. Importantly, if the processing rules are standardized, computerization increases accuracy and detects error in stored information. The library user benefits by getting what he wants to read without having to wait too long.

Improved Performance

When the clerical routines in the library are performed by computers, librarians will have more time to formulated policies and take management decisions. This in turn will lead to improved planning and also to equitable distribution of work load.

Permanent Storage of Information

Computers have the advantage of storing information permanently. This reduces the amount of time spent in keeping records and also helps to combat space problems. With computer storage facilities, records can be kept for a long time and protected from unforeseen circumstances. If for instance there is an outbreak of fire and the physical records are destroyed, such records can be reproduced from the computer.

In conclusion, Information communication network is a major mechanism for information transfer in the contemporary world. It is also one of the useful tools in the libraries for data collection, storage, processing and output.

























REFERENCES



Anyakoha, M. W.(2005).”Information Communication Technology(ICT) in Libraries”. Coal City Libraries, vol.2 (1 & 2) 2 -12.



American Library Association (1983) The ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science. Chicago: ALA P.183.



Edoka, B. E. (2000) Introduction to Library science.



Imeremba, D. U. (2007). “Foundation of Information System Automation and Record Management.