Use of ict in a library

What are ICT?
• Information CommunicationTechnologies
• • ICT are the hardware and software that enable society to create,
collect, consolidate and communicate information in multimedia
formats and for various purposes.
• •ICT applications need effective information networking evenly
distributed over the country and supported by personnel skilled in
ICT.
• •ICT include both networks and applications, Networks include
fixed, wireless and satellite telecommunication, broadcasting
networks. Well known application are the Internet database
management systems and multimedia tools.

Objectives
To provide an awareness of the transcendent use of ICT for quick library operation
To guide the library professional regarding various workflow of housekeeping
operation using ICT
To provide a pathway on the different features of ICT for web cataloguing and
classification
To create consciousness among library professional and users on the use of OPAC
andWebOPAC as a single search platform to library resources

Use of ICTTools
The emergence of the information revolution as championed by information and communication
technology (ICT) has enabled libraries to devise viable strategies for improved service delivery .
 Library uses various technologies to provide information to its users
ICT makes library work easier, faster, cheaper and more effective.
Helps to manage information overload as information retrieval is made easier in computerized systems.
Remote access is enabled through networked systems.
Computerization saves space and reduces paper.

Advantages of ICT’s in libraries :
• • Opportunities to deploy innovative methodologies and to deploy more
interesting material that creates an interest in the librarians;
• • Enables better management of library a librarian thereby improving the
productivity of the tutor as well as the taught;
• • Enables the librarian to concentrate on other tasks such as research and
consultancy;
• • Enables optimum utilization and sharing of resources among institutions thereby
reducing the costs of implementing ICT solutions.

. Followings are the some of the ICT tools which are basically used for different
communication purposes:
• CommunicationTechnology: Email is the most effective way of formal
communication; it is the best system to exchange the messages and information
in electronic format. Revolutionary changes have been seen in communication,
because different types of information such as personal message, letter, article,
computer programming files, pictures, sound, etc. are being possible to send or
receive from any corner of the world within some fraction of second.
• Media: Social media like Facebook,Twitter, Blogs, etc. have become the central
focus for quickest information dissemination. Most of the libraries are using
these social media for the promotion or marketing of their e-resources.
Basically, Blogs are used to disseminate short communication of library, whereas
Facebook has become most useful ICT tool for every kind of information
dissemination.

Videoconferencing (or video conference) is explained as a “means to conduct a
conference between two or more participants at different sites by using
computer networks to transmit audio and video data. For example, a point-
topoint (two-person) video conferencing system works much like a video
telephone. Each participant has a video camera, microphone, and speakers
mounted on his or her computer. As the two participants speak to one another,
their voices are carried over the network and delivered to the other's speakers,
and whatever images appear in front of the video camera appear in a window
on the other participant's monitor .
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV): CCTV stands for Closed CircuitTelevision and
also known as video surveillance .This technology plays an important role in the
library management.Through the help of CCTV librarian can supervise the
whole activities of libraries. It helps to look after the staffs as well as the users.
Internet:This is the most important component of ICT. It is basically a network
of networks that performs the connectivity among the computers. Internet
provides the medium for communication using different online tools.
Voice mail is the new and innovative emergence of mail technology.We can
also say it as an alternative to email technology. It helps to send the mail
immediately through the voice

Remote ControlTechnology: Remote control provides a platform to work with a
remotely located computer system. It is a great development in the field of technology
This ICT is generally used for remote control, online meeting, desktop sharing, web
conference and file transfer from one computer to others. One example of remote
control software isTeamViewer.
RemoteXsTechnology: Eclat Engineering Pvt. Ltd. (defined RemoteXs as a “single-
window Platform to access all subscribed e-resources anytime anywhere. It has an
ability to provide secure access to scattered e-Resources of the institution, bringing
them under one umbrella, along with subscribed eJournals, eBooks, and all other e-
Content.This technology has empowered institutions in systematically imbibing
research values among faculty .This technology is very much helpful, where students
are outside the campus and wanted to use their institution’s resources for research and
learning.
Library Security:The technology has a great contribution in the security of library
through computer after having been civilized various technological processes. It can
provide great security for the reading material of the library.This security arrangement
is provided by applying RFID technique.

RFIDTehnology: New technology has changed the way of library transaction (check-in
and check-out). Libraries are providing ICT-based library services to increase the
possible ways of fast and user-friendly services. One of the best invention of technology
for library is the ‘Radio Frequency Identification’ (RFID). Nowadays, libraries are
adopting RFID technology to provide enriched and efficient library services.This
technology achieves the fourth law of library science, (i.e. ‘save the time of the users’)
by providing quick and effective services (Ranganathan).
Quick Response (QR) CodeTechnology :QR codes can be used to encode various sorts
of data when used for mobiles, most typically text; uniform resource locators (URLs);
phone numbers (prompting your phone to call the number); text message and number
(prompting your phone to text the number); and contact details (vcard).The QR readers
most reliably work with the text and URL options, particularly as some of the providers
of the software also provide hosting services. In hosted solutions,QR codes generated
through their software link to a re-direction link on their site, providing data on traffic
from a particular code to their customers.
Digital Library:The base of digital library is computer and computer network because
the reading material cannot be processed in the digital material without the computer
and even no published books can be modified to digital form. In digital libraries the
entire reading material like PDF, HTML,Audio, video, and services etc. also depend on
computer and network.

Resource Sharing: ICT can be used for resource sharing among libraries and information
centres. It provides a great prospect for sharing both the human and material resources of a
library with others library.The role of technology is very much significant for cooperative
acquisition, cooperative processing (cataloguing and classification), exchange of
information materials (e-resources), joint publication, networking, joint training of
personnel, interchange of staff for seminars, and workshops.
Use of LibraryAutomation Software: Library automation is the excellent way of reducing
the human involvement for library services.The aims of the current automation technology
is to provide maximum services in minimum time and lowest cost. Library automation is the
application of ICTs to library operations and services. Many library automation softwares
are available for library operation such as Libsys, Koha, SLIM21, etc.
The functions of the software are to automate the library systems which covers acquisition,
cataloguing, circulation, serials management, stock verification, etc. ICT is used in various
library housekeeping operations as well as for different library activities and services.
Archiving, Preservation and Digital Repository: It is a very difficult task in the libraries to
preserve and archive manuscripts and ancient write ups and make those secure for future
use.This work is being carried out with the help of computer, scanners and storage device,
with the help of computer published writes ups can be modified to digital form and then
can be stored in the form of computer hard disk and other media like CDROM, DVD etc.

The use of ICTs are as follows:
Acquisition: With the help of web, acquisition work has become very much simplified. Order placing, duplication checking,
price checking etc. are done very effectively using ICT technique. Receiving suggestions or demands and placing the order
for purchasing library materials have become easy through the online. As publishers and vendors are available through
the website, such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc. the quantity of workload has reduced and due to this the time can be saved
and make it applicable to the other services. Invoices can be downloaded from theWebsites that make service faster and
avoids postal delay. E-mail helps in sending reminders to the publishers, vendors and even to the borrowers of the books.
 Cataloguing: There has always been awareness among librarians that without cataloguing and classification, the goal of
making materials and information resources available would have been difficult.The advent and use of ICT has made it
possible for remote libraries to access the huge databases of big libraries in developed countries for the purpose of
adopting or adapting their bibliographic data for their own library use.With the help of Internet and different web-
sources, the cataloguing and classification work has been stress-free.The organization like Library of Congress has made
the work possible to classify or catalogue a resources in the minimal time.

Classification :With the technological development, the classification work has been possible through online
tool.There are many online catalogue records available from where one can get the whole bibliographic record
of the library resources.Along with the record, we can also get the classification number in the catalogue record.
 British Library catalogue,Trove-National Library of Australia’s catalogue, Library of Congress’s online catalogue
can be used to search the catalogue record and data can be copied for own catalogue preparation.These
libraries provide classification details in their catalogue record, but there are also some online resources where
library resources/materials can be classified..
Serial Control: Serials or periodicals are the backbone of the library. Automated serials management gives
quickest information access about the particular resources.
Circulation:The use of electronic gadgets such as computer, barcode scanner and the library management
software helps to perform circulation routine operations in an easiest and quickest way. After the invention of
barcode technology, library transaction has become faster. Nowadays, for any type of communication we
depends on the internet, email, telephone, etc.
 Management
Processing of library materials
Developing online resources
Accessing online resources
 Developing offline resources
Accessing offline resources
Providing service to clients

In the modern knowledge society libraries have a
new role and there are various types of library
models.
• These are as follows:
traditional library as a memory institution
library as a learning and research centre
library as a cultural and communication centre
electronic library
digital library
virtual library as library without walls

Following duties are performed in the
circulation by using ICT:
Issue, returns
Overdue reminder
Renewal
Reservation of books/documents
Membership registration
User guides
Daily check-in and check-out statistics
Stock-taking/Verification:The use of the computer in stock verification is the most
important.The verification of the stock is carried out with the storage of library through
the database in the computer. Stock available in the library is scanned through RFID
reader/barcode scanner and data are collected.

The following library services can be rendered using information
and communication technology (ICT):
On-Line Public Access Catalogue (OPAC): ICT has revolutionized the practice of cataloguing in
the library. Using OPAC users can see the holdings of the library collections. It reduces the cost of
maintaining a library catalogue. It also eliminates pen and paperwork, along with it helps in the
preparation of union-catalogue. OPAC is the easiest way to get the information of collection,
weekly new arrivals and other recent addition to the libraries.
Reference/ ILL Service:By using computer and internet technology, the reference service has
become very simple.Various types of information resources like the encyclopedia, directories,
dictionaries, databases, online library catalogues, maps, biographies, patents and online
information resources are available on the internet which can be used to provide required
information to the users. In the reference section, queries are answered through the telephone.
For ready reference service, library staff uses Internet and E-mail facility.The computer has
provided a great promptness to reference section.

The role of technology in reference services
are as follows:Library staffs fulfill the demands of the users through various electronic resources like
database, library catalogue database, directories etc. • In reference service, services are
also provided to the users regarding information available on the internet after getting
delivered through the computer.
Reprographic Service: Reprographic technology is used for the reproduction of the
documents. Using technology, the photocopy and the reproduction of the documents
has become easy and accessible. In this technology, printed documents are converted
into digital form, then photocopy is prepared. For the same, computer scanner and
software is required.This service is provided to library users for photocopy of some
pages of books, journal articles or other materials.
Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Services: SDI involves the use of the
computer to select from a flow of new documents, those of interest to each of a
number of users.This process may be thought of as the inverse of information retrieval.
In information retrieval, a user precipitates a search of a file of documents. In SDI a
document precipitates the search of a standing file of user interests. As per the need of
the users or area of interest, various online databases, electronic resources and other
materials are viewed and selected; finally required information is sent to library users.

OPAC:This means Online Public Access Catalogue and is the computerized version of
the library catalogue or a database of the library holdings.The advantage of the OPAC
over manual methods is ease of use and the fact that it saves space. It provides access
to the catalogues of a library on the local intranet, extranet or even the internet.
Networking: Library users can access information of various types such as online
databases, e-journals, e- books, government publications digitally through networked
systems. Electronic Document Delivery: Libraries may not rely anymore on postal
services to send documents to users or carry out interlibrary lending. Libraries send
documents through electronic networks that can deliver documents in various formats
e.g. PDF straight to users’ desktops.
Online user education or tutorials: Libraries can use the internet or CD –ROMS to
educate their users or carry out information literacy programmes.
E-reference services: Some services such as SDI (Selective dissemination of
information) or Current Awareness Services (CAS) and virtual reference desks,
announcements of new acquisitions and other reader advisory services can be made
easier through the internet. Users can have online interaction with the reference staff.
Database Search Guide:At present, databases have become the central focus for
exploration of varieties of the research problem. Researchers are using databases
hugely for their research work. Searching and retrieving the online resources or data
from the database has become very easy in the ICT environment. Generally, libraries
provide the database searching guidance through the library website.The search
guidance helps to researchers and faculties for their research and learning.

Bibliographic Service:Through the computer, bibliographic services have become convenient.
Nowadays, libraries and publishers are providing bibliographic service to the library users.
E- libraries: Digital libraries depend on information recorded on digital formats like CD-ROMS.Virtual
libraries are libraries that do not exist in physical space or structure but can be accessed via networks.
E.g.The NigerianVirtual Library.
Social Media Networks: Social media networks like twitter, facebbok and LinkedIn , are some
interactive internet services that are presentlyserving as communication forum for librarians and their
uses.These networks can be deployed for educational uses. Discussion groups, list serves and
communities also assist library services.
E- mails:This is a means of communication between the library and the users.
Library websites: A medium of communication for libraries to their users. It is also used to promote the
library and publicise it.
Online searching: searching of of online databases like AGORA, ERIC. Browsing and surfing the
internet through search engines, metasearch engines and subject directories to supplement library
sources.
Translation Service: Mechanical translation is carried out with the help of ICT. For this purpose, various
online tools like Bablefish translator and Google translator can be used to make translation from
foreign languages to English and vice-versa.
Document Delivery Service:The exchange of library resources such as books, journals, etc. among the
libraries are very much essential.To overcome these problems computer and the internet have got a
great contribution in DDS.Through this medium first document are converted into digital form after
that these can be received at any place by users through electronic mail.

Challenges of using ICT in libraries
Poor funding of ICT infrastructures
Constant change of software and hardware
Erratic power supply
Insufficient bandwidth
Lack of technical IT knowledge by library staff
Copyright and intellectual property rights management

ICT is used in various fields of library activities:
1. Acquisition:
• Acquisition/ Accession list;
• Order file/report
2. Serial management:
• Serial check-in/out and claiming;
• Union/holding list.
3. Cataloguing/Classification:
• Catalogue card/label production;
• Retrospective conversion;
• On-line catalogue. Circulation:
• Indexing and abstracting.

4.Reference/information services:
• Bibliographic listings;
• Library instructions;
• Public access/computer literacy.
• Issuing;
• Inter library loan;
• Reservations;
• Over dues.
5. AudioVisual Management:
• AV acquisition/cataloging.
6. Management:
• Accounting/budgeting;
• Word processing/mailing;
• Scheduling/planning;
• Statistics/report.

7. Information storage/retrieval:
• Database construction;
• Online database searching;
• Downloading/uploading;

IMPACT ON LIBRARY MATERIALS
Due to the invention and use of ICT in libraries, some changes have found on library
materials, which are :
oDigital information can be sent in multiple copies simultaneously over information
networks in fractions of a minute or even a second.
oInformation can be cut, copied or pasted from one document to another easily.
oICT has insured the digital information anywhere, anytime accessible.
oTo capture, store, manipulate, and distribute information; b.To introduce and
provide new services, revitalize the existing services by providing faster access to the
resources, by overcoming the space and time barriers;
oTo provide need-based, browsing and retrospective search services to the users;
oTo have large number of databases in CDs; e.To utilize the staff for providing better
information services; f.To encourage networking and resource sharing at local level;

oTo digitize the documents for preservation and for space saving;
oTo support library functions such as circulation, serials control, acquisition
control, stock maintenance and other routine office works and developing
in-house database; i.
oTo retrieve and disseminate the information in user- defined format;
oTo access library catalogues databases of other libraries through library
networks;
o ICT made networking and sharing of information resources possible;
o Digital information may be free or cheaper than print equivalents
o Digital information can be sent in multiple copies simultaneously over
information networks in fractions of a minute or even of a second.

Use of ict in a library

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