Impact of ICT in libraries over the last 25 years Essay

Impact of ICT in libraries over the last 25 years - Essay Example In past few years the operational structure of each area of life has transformed and emerged as more organized, disciplined, managed, and easy to handle structures. Influence of the new technology emergence can also be seen on the traditional structures of library system. New technology at libraries (public, academic) has offered a better way of knowledge handling, management. The vital transportation is about the widening the knowledge and information access. The aim of this research is to assess and examine the main technological changes which have occurred in the library environment over the past twenty five years. In this paper I will examine the two main kinds of libraries (public and academic libraries). The main concentration in this research will be given to the effect on the library services in respect to the following areas, materials circulating, library budgets, library infrastructure, and staffing and library security. Before we start our discussion about implementation of ICT in library we should know the basic concepts. ICT (information and communications technology - or technologies) is a collection or combination of two terms, one is information and while other is communication technology. ICT consists of any communication device or application, encompassing: television, cellular phones, radio, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and many more, also there are diverse services and applications connected with these devices, for instance videoconferencing and distance learning. ICTs are normally spoken of in a specific perspective, for example ICTs in education, health care, or libraries (TechTarget, 2004). However this paper will concentrate on libraries. Oliver (2003), has outlined the emergence of ICT technology in our life. (Oliver, 2003), stated that Information and communication technology is a force that has