Page 246 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Unit 13: Computerization in Information Services

operation, but if a computer is used to perform some processing operations, an automated Notes
library results”. Bierman (1980) in Madu (2002) defined library automation as “the use of
computers and associated technology to do exactly what has been done in libraries with the
justification of reduced cost and or increased performance. Thus, automation helps in the
acquisitions, organization, storage and dissemination of information in libraries. Generally, IT
applies to library services in a number of ways, which include: Acquisitions, Cataloguing,
Circulation, Serials and User Services.

Task Make a report on the use of computer in library administration.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. In the library and information centres, …………………… can be used for performing
efficiently all sorts of jobs.

2. The …………………… bibliographic record service has opened up a new vista in both
cataloguing and bibliographic database that can be used as a book selection tool.
3. A computer based …………………… system is being experimented at the Documentation
Research and Training Centre.
4. …………………… are continuing publication having reasonably permanent titles and
appearing usually at regular intervals.

13.2 Impact of IT on Libraries

“Computers are forcing us into an age in which we may have to take action before we understand the
consequences of action”

—Jacques Vallee
Information technology (IT) has become pervasive in all walks of life; as such libraries and
information centres are no exception. The most important component of IT is information
rather than technology. Information has come to be seen as the fundamental currency of human
activity. For libraries and information services, information is their reason for existence so it is
all the more important that they should treat information as their most strategic asset. Information
technology can no longer be seen simply as an addition to the existing range of services but
must be viewed as the central backbone of the library services. An IT strategy is thus viewed
essential for making the most effective use of information assets in the library.

It is said that more information is being generated than consumed. This being the situation,
many important sources get by-passed, if efficient data management systems are not in operation.
Secondly, the economics of information has also creeped up. The spiralling cost of publications
necessitates the application of efficient data management systems. The automation of libraries
for effective data management, and their networking for resource sharing have become an
indispensable task. One cannot really survive for long and shall become history if active
participation and changes with the change are not brought out in the library system.

In order to realize the vision of effective library management systems, good software besides
the hardware is a pre-requisite to automate day-to-day functions and participate in networking
projects.

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