Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Library (Library Automation)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed library services globally. Most current information are recorded in electronic format, ICT has also contributed immensely to the performance of librarians in the discharge of their duties such as in cataloguing, reference services, circulation management, serials control etc. ICT has contributed to the library in the following specific ways.
Library management softwares
Libraries utilize softwares designed to manage different library routines and processes. Most of these softwares are integrated and have modules for the different activities or tasks carried out in the library like cataloguing, statistics , acquisition processes, serials control etc. Some examples of such softwares are CDS/ISIS, GLAS, ALICE for Windows, X-Lib and SLAM. SLAM is used in the University Library FUTA and stands for (Strategic Library Automation Management).
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.
Office Operations: Word processing, accounting,, database management and communication through e-mail are all enabled in the library through ICT.
Networking: Library users can access information of various types such as online databases, e-journals, e- books, government publications digitally through networked systems. Access may be allowed online remotely through the internet or intranets.
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. Virtual tours can be offered online making user education more convenient for all.
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.
Library cooperation and resource sharing: A central union catalogue can be better managed through ICT, thus libraries can create and share bibliographic records and other information resources in digital format.
Institutional Repositories: Institutional repositories are publications that originate locally from within the university community such as theses, dissertations, reports, conference papers and seminar papers. ICT has made it possible not only to provide better access to these resources but also to ensure the preservation of the resources.
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 Nigerian Virtual Library.
Social Media Networks: Social media networks like twitter, facebbok and linkedIn, are some interactive internet services that are presently serving as communication forum for librarians and their uses. These networks can be deployed for educational uses. Discussion groups, listserves 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
Advantages of Using ICT in the library
• 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.
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