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IMPACT AND USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON BITS LIBRARY, PILANI: A STUDY
Vikas Bhardwaj
Research Scholar, Faculty of Department of Library and Information Science OPJS University, Churu, (Rajasthan)
Dr. Yogesh Atri
Assistant Professor, OPJS University, Churu, (Rajasthan) Dr. Devendra Kumar
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Library Sc., Ramabai Ambedkar Government Degree College, Gajraula, Amroha (UP)
Abstract- The study is focused on investigating the influence of information and communication technologies (ICT). The paper adopted a quantitative method and used a structured questionnaire to collect research data. A sample size of 84 technical officers (librarians), professors, HOD'S, technical assistant/research fellow, research associate, support staff and students was selected from BITS, Pilani. Computing, communication, and mass storage technologies are some of the areas of constant development that are reshaping the way libraries access, retrieve, store, manipulate, and disseminate information to users. ICTs have affected all areas of activity of academic libraries, especially in the form of library development strategies. ICT has brought unprecedented changes and transformation to academic library and information services, conventional LIS such as the use of ICT based services, resources, utilities, tools, equipment. The impact of ICT on information services was characterized by changes in the format, content and method of production and delivery of information products.
Keywords: Information communication Technology (ICT) Use, BITS University Library, library services.
1 INTRODUCTION
The technological change and its resultant transition from printing to digital publications have affected how information is managed, processed and used. Once upon a time, library collection was made up of only printed materials, since educational materials were only published in print. Technological revolution has introduced a new way by which information resources are being presented as well as a new infrastructure for information dissemination (Schmidt, 2007). This has enabled library staff to manage, process and disseminate information across the globe. As a result, users can now have access to libraries’
multimedia information remotely from anywhere in the world (Cholin, V.S.
(2005).
The aim of libraries is to provide services that satisfy their users’ needs and wants, and the incorporation of ICT into library services has provided libraries with a great opportunity to do so (Asogwa, et al., 2014). As seen in research by Adanu, T.S. (2006) and (Amekuedee, 2005) the expansion of ICT in libraries has demanded investigations on its use and effect on services. Existing research
mostly focuses on ICT and its effect on Library Services, particularly in the areas of ongoing developments that have transformed how libraries access, retrieve, store, control and disseminate information to users (Khan, 2016).
Related research only examined the different characteristics of digital libraries, their purposes, advantages, and certain key features (More, 2012). In academic libraries, little research has been done on ICT and its effect on library services.
With the invention of information and communication technology, libraries now use different types of technology to help provide services. Everyday new technological advances affect the way information is handled in libraries and information centers. The impact of new technologies is felt by libraries in all aspects. Computing, communication, and mass storage technologies are some of the areas of constant development that are changing the way libraries access, retrieve, store, manipulate, and disseminate information to users. From its inception, the academic library has been an integral part of institutions of
2 higher education, rather than an appendage or supplement.
Oyedun (2007) defines academic libraries as those libraries located primarily in tertiary institutions, established to support learning, teaching and research processes. Over the past twenty-seven years, academic libraries have been affected by changes in information and communication technologies. The pace of change in this area continues to accelerate. The introduction of various information technology (ICT) trends has led to reorganization, changes in work patterns and the demand for new skills, retraining and reclassification of positions.
Technological advances over the past twenty-five years, such as electronic databases, online services, CD-ROMs, and the introduction of the Internet, have radically changed access to information.
Rana (2009) believes that ICT is the key to the success of information service modernization. There are many applications of ICT, but mainly it is used in the conversion of existing hard copy records in the entire process of storage, retrieval and dissemination.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought unprecedented changes and transformation to academic library and information services, conventional LIS such as OPAC, user services, reference services, bibliographic services, current information services, document delivery, interlibrary loan, audiovisual services and customer services relationships can be delivered more effectively and efficiently using ICT because they offer convenient time, place, cost efficiency, faster and most up-to-date dissemination and involvement of end users in the library and information services process. The impact of ICT on information services is characterized by changes in the format, content and method of production and the content and method of production and delivery of information products. The emergence of the Internet as the largest repository of information and knowledge, the change in the role of professionals in library and information science from mediator to facilitator, new tools for the dissemination of information and the transition from a physical service environment to a virtual one and the
demise of some conventional information services and the emergence of new and innovative web-based.
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Mahmood and Khan (2007) noted that in recent years, work for the library and information profession has been characterized by rapid changes and new skill requirements. ICT applications in library operations require professional motivation for further education and acquisition of new skills in LIS; training and retraining by practicing librarians.Krubu and Osawaru (2011)find out the impact of ICT on Nigerian academic libraries. The research paper highlights the advantages or benefits associated with ICT on academic libraries in Nigeria. The inescapable conclusion reached by the researchers in this study is that as ICT has fulfilled its promise in academic libraries, there has been a remarkable increase in the use of ICT.
This led to the acceleration of library operations. ICTs have also helped to solve the problem of information explosion in this information era. Sequist (2007) the main findings of the study were the overall response rate was 56% of respondents, 66% believed that the implementation process was positive.
One-third (35%) felt that improved the overall quality of care, with many (39%) feeling that it reduced the quality of the patient-physician interaction. A majority (87%) of physicians believed that information technology could potentially improve quality of care in rural and underserved settings through tools such as online information resources, telemedicine programs, and electronic health records. Adebayo; Ahmed; and Adeniran (2018) examine the key roles of information and communication technology (ICT) in the management and delivery of library services and their implications for sustainable development in Nigeria. Despite the availability of wide opportunities offered by the advent of ICT, it has been observed that the application of ICT to library services in Nigeria appears to be insufficient, possibly due to various challenges. Using a simple literature review methodology, the paper sought to review related literature on ICT resources and ICT-based services in libraries, the benefits of ICT and the role
3 of libraries in the sustainable development of Nigeria. The paper further identified the challenges of ICT application in libraries. Among other things, it was recommended that the capacity and level of ICT implementation by libraries should be improved.
2.1 Objective of the Study
The overall objective of the study is to explore the applications of ICT in University Library, BITS, Pilani, (Rajasthan)
3 METHODOLOGY
The present study was conducted on BITS University Library, Pilani. Questionnaires were distributed 89 among the users of these libraries out of which only 84 filled
Questionnaires were received back from the users. The data collected from the Questionnaire from source data for the present study. In actual, questionnaire is a format of questions related to the topic concerned which is to be filled up by the related personally & according to their own views.
3.1 Data Collection Procedure
The investigator visited the University Library, BITS, Pilani, (Rajasthan)and approached the principal seeking permission to distribute the questionnaire to the Libraries and collected back. The investigator interviewed the librarian as well the other staff. Besides this the observation methods was also used in overall services staff, future plans.
3.2 Data Analysis and Interpretation
Table 1 Category of User Responded
S. No. Staff Questionnaire Percentage
Distributed Received
1 Technical officer (Librarian) 3 3 100.00
2 Professors 9 9 100.00
4 HOD’S 6 6 100.00
5 Technical Assistant / Research Fellow 12 12 100.00
6 Research Associate 9 9 100.00
7 Supporting Staff 20 15 75.00
8 Students 30 30 100.00
Total 89 84
Table-1 shows that technical officer (librarian), professors, HoD’s, students, etc have responded questionnaire 100%, and supporting staff 75% responded questionnaire.
Table 2: Opinion Use of ICT Based Services/Resources/Utilities/Tools/Devices S. No. Tools / Utilities / Devices / Services No. of users Percentages
1 Cloud 22 73.33
2 Pen Derive 20 66.66
3 Hard Disk 8 26.66
4 Memory Card 4 13.33
5 CD-ROM 11 36.66
6 DVD 3 10
7 Digital Repository 30 100
8 Printer 25 83.33
9 Scanner 25 83.33
10 Smart Card 26 86.66
11 Laptop 22 73.33
12 CD-Net Server 15 50
13 RFID/Barcode Reader 30 100
14 Bibliographic Database 24 80
15 Full Text Database 20 66.66
16 E-books 28 93.33
17 E-journals 28 93.33
18 E-mail 30 100
19 WWW 28 93.33
20 FTP 28 93.33
21 Telnet 13 43.33
22 Delnet 26 86.66
23 Usenet/Newsgroup 14 46.66
24 OPAC 30 100
25 Web OPAC 30 100
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Table-2 that 100% of users use OPAC, Web OPAC, and 93.33% of users use E-Journals, E- Books, www, ftp, and 100% of users use the CAS,SDI, DDs services. Minimum Percentage of users are Hard disk-26.66%, Memory card-13.33%, CD-ROM36.66%, DVD 10% and Bibliographic Database -80%.
Table 3: Opinion to use the following ICTtools and resources in Library
Table-3 shows that the users useRFID / Barcode Reader every day 90%, e-books 65%, e- journals 60%, e-mail 73%, OPAC 72%, WEB OPAC 65%, Online Reservation Services 48%, News Paper Clipping Scanning Services 45% used by the users.
Table 4: Opinion to rate the following in Library or Information Centre S.No. Tools / Utilities / Devices /
Services/Resources Nearly
once in a month
Two or three
times in amonth About once
in a week Two or three times in a week
Almost
every day No Use
1 CLOUD - - - 11%
2 Pen Derive - - - - 22%
3 Hard Disk - - - - 5%
4 Memory Card - - 2% - - -
5 CD-ROM - 2% - - - -
6 DVD - 1% - - - -
7 Digital Repository - - - - 40%
8 Printer - - - - 70%
9 Scanner - - - - 70%
10 Smart Card - - - - 60%
11 Laptop - - - 20%
12 CD-Net Server - - - - - √
13 RFID/Barcode Reader - - - - 90%
14 Bibliographic Database - 40% - - - -
15 Full Text Database - - - - 45%
16 E-Books - - - - 65%
17 E-Journals - - - - 60%
18 E-Mail - - - - 73%
19 WWW - - - - 70%
20 FTP - - - - 60%
21 Telnet 40% - - - - -
22 Delnet - - 80% - - -
23 Usenet/Newsgroup - - - - - √
24 OPAC 15.38% 30% 35% 25% 72%
25 Web OPAC - - - - 65%
26 CCTV Camera - - - - √
27 WI-FI Router - - - - √
28 Modem speakers/Head Phone - - 15% - - -
29 Inter Library Loan - - 29% - - -
30 CAS - - 16% - - -
31 SDI - - 15% - - -
32 Document Delivery Service - - 40% - - -
33 News Paper Clipping Scanning Services - - - - 45% -
34 Online Reservation Services - - - - 48% -
S. No. Tools / Utilities / Devices / Services/Resources Very Good Good Poor
1 Cloud 5% 15% 10%
2 Digital Repository 60% 38%% 2%
3 Printer 70% 29% 1%
4 Scanner 70% 28% 2%
5 Smart Card 75% 20% 5%
6 RFID/Barcode Reader 80% 18% 2%
7 Bibliographic Database 75% 22% 3%
8 Full Text Database 80% 19% 1%
9 E-Books 85% 15% --
10 E-Journals 95% 4% 1%
11 E-Mail 90% 19% --
5 Table-4 shows that user’s opinion to rate the OPAC, WEBOPAC, E-Books, E-Journals, CAS, SDI, etc.80 to 99% as very good, and 2% to 38% of users have good opinion to rate the speed of the Internet &computer infrastructure in the library or 38% Digital Repository, 5% document delivery service etc.
Table 5: Opinion about the library professional’s help in using ICT based
resources and services Opinion No. of Users Percentage
Adequate 7 23%
More than adequate
18 60%
Inadequate 5 16.66%
Table-5 shows thatthe library professional’s help in using ICT based resources and services. A majority of 60% users rate the more adequate about professional’s help in using ICT based resources and services in the library.
Table 6: Opinion about the existing ICT facilities in your library are under-
utilized
Opinion No. of Users Percentage
Yes 1 3%
No. 28 93.33
Table-6 shows that only 6.66% users think positive and 93% of users think negative about the existing ITC facilities in their library are under-utilized.
Table 7: Opinion about significant change of speed in academic/research
work by using ICT
Opinion No. of Users Percentage Highly Significant 7 23%
Significant 22 74%
Not Significant 1 3%
Table-7 shows that a majority of users have an opinion 74% about significant change in speed.
Table 8: Opinion to satisfy with the application of ICT in library and
information centre
Opinion No. of Users Percentage
Very satisfied 4 23%
Satisfied 25 74%
Slightly satisfied 1 3%
Not satisfied 0 0
Table-8 shows that 74% users are satisfied, 23% of users very satisfied, and only 4% users very satisfied with the application ICT in the library or information centre.
Table 9: Opinion to skill and expertise to use ICT based resources and services
Opinion No. of Users Percentage
Yes 10 33%
No. 20 67%
Table-9shows that a majority of 84%
users rate the opinion for skill and expertise are inadequate to use ICT based resources and services, whereas 33%
opinion adequate.
Table 10: Need for a workshop orientation program in ITC based resources and
services
Opinion No. of Users Percentage
Agree 27 90%
Disagree 1 3%
Not Sure 2 7%
Table-10shows that 90% of users are agree to need for a workshop/orientation program in ITC based resources and services 7% of users are not sure.
4 RECOMMENDATIONS AND
CONCLUSION
The aim of the study was to determine the impact of ICT use on the provision of library services. The study was based on quality literature, on the basis of which
12 WWW 92% 8% --
13 FTP 90% 10% --
14 Telnet 85% 10% 5%
15 Delnet 95% 5% --
16 Usenet/Newsgroup 90% 7% 3%
17 OPAC 98% 2% --
18 WEB OPAC 98% 2% 1%
19 Modem speakers/Head Phone 75% 20% 5%
20 Inter Library Loan 99% --- --
21 CAS 98% 2% --
22 SDI 99% 1% --
23 Document Delivery Service 95% 5% --
24 News Paper Clipping Scanning Services 97% 3% --
25 Online Reservation Services 99% 1% --
6 the research instrument was developed.
Proper methodology was also adopted in the analysis and presentation of the results. After analysis, it was concluded that reference, digital, loan services, but social media were effective in providing services at both universities. It was also revealed that lack of trained library staff, poor internet connectivity and irregular power supply were some of the biggest challenges faced by the UG library in using ICT. Finally, the result on the effect of ICT use on library services showed that the level of ICT use in library operations significantly affected the level of library services. In ICT era of multiple and vibrant social media, institutions use these media to target clients. For for-profit businesses, social media presents fewer opportunities to market their products to customers. Although libraries are non- profit enterprises, they could also use the prospects of social media to promote their services to their target audience (academic community). Second, it is also recommended that libraries focus on social media as a viable way to promote library services, as social media is mostly patronized by young people, who make up a larger portion of library clientele.
Today's libraries have outgrown the stage of passive and archival institutions to become effective service institutions.
Evidence from other studies has shown that one way that this success has been achieved is through an effective referral service. Therefore, it is recommended that libraries can create an environment where users feel comfortable asking questions.
Again, user queries should be accompanied by timely responses. It is also recommended that university libraries, especially those in developing countries seeking to improve their library performance, invest in ICT. So it could significantly increase the performance of their libraries.
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