INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ITS USAGES IN COLLEGE LIBRARIES LECTURE IS DELIVERED ON 14 TH OCTOBER 2007 AT DEPT. OF LIB. & INF. SC., V V NAGAR BY MR. UMESH PATEL LIBRARIAN SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL INSTI. OF TECHNOLOGY, VASAD

Information Technology and Its usages in College libraries Information is a dynamic and unending resource that affects all disciplines. Recent technological advances in electronics have caused great impact upon modern society. The exponential growth of Information Technology and communication technology has greatly influenced the methods, media and formats of Information. Technologies especially computer and telecommunication technology have highly revalorized in the field of library and information services.

Information Technology and its coverage IT is a generic term used to denote activities connected with computer based processing, storage and transfer of information. It includes microprocessors, cable access television, fiber optics, satellites, teletext, word processing, electronic mail, video, robotics and such others.

Impact of Information Technology on Library Services: There are several means of modern technology, which brought many services to libraries so as to speed up their activities. They include: Telecommunication Technology, Telephone, Telex, Video Text, Fax, E – Mail, CD – ROM Technology, Online Retrieval services, Library Networks, Internet etc. New technology now available will help to remove barriers of distance, time and drudgery of repeated manual efforts in library routines. The advancement in technology will continue to improve upon the effectiveness of the libraries.

Application of Information Technology on Libraries  Book Selection: Various vendor list may be in database form. Books awaiting for selection can also be in a computer database. A list of books under selection can be generated and circulated among selection committee members by their website. Selected books can be accessioned.  Classification: In this activity classification schedules are available on CD-ROM. Some software can be generated which help on screen classification. Such software can even be saddled with artificial intelligence. Barcode strips can be generated containing accession number and book number.  Cataloguing: Authority control tool can be used for cataloguing. In its new form a library can use the internet to transmit newly catalogued bibliographic records to some agency specializing in authority control that can process the records through its system.

 Book Search, Issue and reservation:Request for a book can be checked for availability on the shelf. When the book is available, the same can be issued to the reader. If not available then it may be reserved. The book can be issued electronically by making use of bar code strip pasted externally on the book.  Periodical control: List of serials can be maintained as a database, subscription renewal, complaint against non-receipt of periodicals, to check availability of back volumes.  Services: A modern library provides internet, intranet and CD-ROM facilities and documentation supply, CAS, SDI services etc. Conti…

 Security: In many library printed materials are theft by the users or tearing of pages by users. To reduce this types of events CCTV Cameras are very useful for library security. By this technology every activities done by any user are caught in the cameras, and by this way we can reduce this types of events.

Advantages of Information Technology in Libraries Libraries are the storehouse for information in the field of education and research. The thirst for knowledge is increasing everyday at various levels and on various subjects. Hence, automation is very much needed in libraries for the following reasons.  To provide efficient and accurate services  To control the rapid growth of information.  Enables new services.  Facilitates co-operation.  Accommodates increased work load.

Problems in Application of Info. Technology in Libraries Though IT has potential for modernizing the library activities, it is only some educational institutions which have made use towards automation. I some private professional colleges the adoption of IT is encouraging. But the main problems facing by the library professionals are:  Installation of computers in libraries is still considered as a costly affair.  Lack of sufficient trained library professional to plan and operate automation in libraries.  The high cost involved especially, for accessing the remote databases and its installation.  Lack of technical skill to develop local in house database.  Lack of long term approach towards automation.  It is difficulties to updated frequent change and advancement of technology.

Conclusion: In adopting IT in libraries they have overcome several problems. But the use of IT is inevitable so as to keep abreast of latest developments. Society has positive response if the libraries provide user services in a most convenient way. Coping with the technology is going to remain a continuous challenge. Fruitful result can be obtained as and when we make best use of developed technologies.

Thank you