Information and Communication Technology in Academic Libraries

Abstract

Information technology refers to mosaic of technologies, products and techniques combined to provide new electronic dimensions to information and retrieval activities. The term information technology represents convergence of three strands of technologies, namely computer, microelectronics and communications. It is used to describe products and services that came-up with rapid changes in computer and communication technologies and their fusion. The libraries and information centres have always been quick to find applications of new information technologies in their libraries. Today’s modern libraries perform most of their functions using software packages that are now available off-the-shelf. It has their catalogues available on the Internet with a web-based search interface along with links to resources either acquired through external agencies or created in-house. Most such libraries are on the Campus network with CD ROM networks put-in place to serve the information requirement of their academic community. Several libraries have taken-up small-scale digitisation projects for part of their collection. The librarians and information professionals are required to develop skills that are required to use, develop and maintain IT-based services and products used by today’s libraries. Rapid changes in information technologies and their adoption in libraries during past three decades have drastically changed the functions and activities of information professionals in libraries. The article deals with new information technologies, their applications in libraries and their products and services. It describes webbased library services that are modified versions of existing services and technology-driven new web-based library services.