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Information and Communication Technology Applications

Benefits
Notes Through computer technology and software, library patrons have rapid and more user-friendly
access to the latest information. They are also able to remotely access a library’s collection.
Efficiency
With RFID chips in books, for example, patrons can check themselves out at a self-serve station,
rather than having a librarian do it. Open source software also helps to connect catalogs of separate
libraries and offer web-based searches.
Advantages
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Pattom report of India states that advantages to automation include timely
access to library materials and providing patrons with research skills.
Control
Library automation makes it easier for a library to know the status of its resources at any given
moment. The process also helps to make better use of existing library services and staff.
Skills Building
Marshall Breeding of Vanderbilt University says automation helps librarians to better work with
instructors on lesson plans and helps to produce students with information literacy skills
Need and Purpose
As the use of computers and other technologies continue to be used to enhance services provided
by a variety of industries, information providers, like libraries, are also automating in-house
collections and resources. There are many benefits to automating the information available in
libraries, both for the staff and users alike.
Improved Customer Service
Automation of the library helps take some of the workload off of librarians and other staff members
in the areas of acquisitions, cataloging and circulation, which in turn allows them to better serve
their patrons. This extra time can lead to more programs being facilitated in the library and make
library staff available to answer reference questions and help people who having trouble researching
or finding the right information.
Cataloging Improvements
Automated cataloging standards, such as MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging), allow for quicker
cataloging of library items. Not only does this allow the librarian more time to dedicate to improving
customer service, but it also makes the sharing of materials from location to location much easier
and much more affordable.
Easier Access
Not only does automation of library materials make it easier to find books, buy it also makes it
easier to access journals and some books online from a home computer or elsewhere. The automation
of library collections also allows the library to be more flexible when it comes to any increases in
demand.
Collections
Automation of the library allows for an improvement in the variety, amount and quality of materials
that are available in the library’s collection. It can also help make weeding out old, outdated and
irrelevant books and materials from the collection, which helps keep the library’s collection more
streamlined and easier to find the right item.

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