Page 127 - DLIS105_REFERENCE_SOURCES_AND_SERVICES

Reference Sources and Services

Notes Consider, for example, DNA. The sequence of nucleotides is a pattern that influences the formation
and development of an organism without any need for a conscious mind. Systems theory at times
seems to refer to information in this sense, assuming information does not necessarily involve any
conscious mind, and patterns circulating in the system can be called information. In other words, it
can be said that information in this sense is something potentially perceived as representation,
though not created or presented for that purpose.

In 2003, J. D. Bekenstein claimed there is a growing trend in physics to define
the physical world as being made of information itself (and thus information
is defined in this way).
See the article on physical information. When Marshall McLuhan speaks of media and their effects
on human cultures, he refers to the structure of artifacts that in turn shape our behaviors and mindsets.
Also, pheromones are often said to be “information” in this sense.

Define the term information. Discuss the needs and purpose of information.

11.2 Information Services

Information is one of the basic needs of human beings and it is unlimited in scope.
People seek information from different sources and formats for undertaking a variety of tasks.
Tremendous growth in knowledge, technological advancements have led to an increased awareness
of the importance of information in all aspects of life. Academic institutions play a key role in
society by preparing future generations to use the acquired knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities
more effectively. Libraries are considered as a nucleus of academic activities in all academic
institutions. Where librarians of these institutions serve a variety of users such as students, faculty,
staff and administrators with diverse information needs.

11.2.1 Impact of Information Technology

Developments in information technologies and advances in telecommunications have revolutionized
the worldwide information society. New techniques have facilitated rapid transformation of data,
information and knowledge into digital form. As a result, there have been significant changes in the
ways in which documents and information are being stored, organized, accessed, retrieved and
disseminated. These developments have further resulted in the change of approaches followed by
the libraries which now have to be more innovative and user oriented. The libraries are being
transformed with the development of their electronic and digital collections. With the development
of hybrid and virtual libraries, the librarians have to acquire new skills and competencies. The
reference librarian’s relationship with its users becomes more important as the needs of the users
also getting changed with the technological developments. Libraries are providing full support and
training to the users and also facilitating them with authentic information resources using all the
available technologies. Information is now being supplied electronically using e-mail, image
processing, online databases and e-journals.
The invention of computers and telecommunication technologies are landmarks in the history of
Library and Information Science. In the present times, librarians are exploring ways of supporting

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