[Sigiii-l] "PLAZA"

[Agnes Adjabeng]

The world of information is undergoing rapid changes. These changes are 
in societies, institutions and libraries inclusive. Libraries have seen 
remarkable changes in recent years due to the influx of new technology. 
As the traditional custodians of information, librarians need to be 
aware of the implications of these changes and develop technological 
and managerial skills that will enable them to make effective use of 
information to meet their organization’s changing needs.

However, many librarians lack confidence in the face of increasingly 
sophisticated technology. It is vital that they be kept in touch with 
modern developments and maintain a proactive approach to their work in 
an ever changing information world. The radical changes in my 
professional life as a result of the globalization of the information 
society will be many.

Information professionals are coming in contact with personal computers 
and the Internet while most library schools offer courses in Computers 
and information. The new technology is not confined to Personal 
computers. There are products based on lasers optical storage, and 
other technologies available for library applications such as 
telephones and the Internet.

The role of the professional in the ‘new era’ will change in that 
things will be done differently. The traditional method of performing 
functions such acquisition, processing, circulation, storage and 
dissemination of information/activities and mode of service- delivery 
in the library will change. The activities will be performed using ICTs 
which will bring speed, less cost and efficiency in to the library 
system. The nature of materials in the library will change from paper 
(book)-based to electronic journals. The library will change from book 
collection and storage to access and provision of electronic 
information services.

There are many reasons why the changes will come and this is because 
facilities will be available to effect the changes. Meanwhile it will 
be disastrous if one does not change in the ways/methods of doing 
things-traditional to new era. Better results will be achieved because 
the new era will promote and enhance the socio-economic and political 
status of the people. Information will be available and people will be 
well informed about life around them.

The changes in my profession will be affected by the attributes of the 
globalization of the information society. The attributes are 
characterized by mechanization as against the manual system of doing 
things (speed, coverage and convenience). High technology can 
contribute immensely to the development of the library profession. 
Information and Communication Technology can be integrated within the 
activities in the library to provide an appropriate convergence between 
information and communication. ICT user-friendly equipment hardware and 
software such as computers can be used to create databases for the 
storage and retrieval of information, create book catalogues and union 
catalogues for co-operative cataloguing. In performing administrative 
activities in the library the computer will offer many services. The 
Internet can be used to perform several tasks in the library 
environment. The Internet and cooperative technologies can be used for 
effective information exchange, to develop library consortia and to 
access library resources on the Internet. New forms of library-
information services based on information society technologies such as 
compilation of bibliographic sources, the creation of Web pages and the 
use of CD-ROMs can be introduced in libraries. These are some of the 
benefits that the globalization of information can bring into the 
library profession.

In order to cope with the change the role of the librarian must change 
to conform with the state-of the art. This can be achieved through 
training and must also cultivate the art of creativity. During the 
training period the librarian would have to understand modern 
approaches to information systems analysis, design, implementation and 
management. The librarian should also have understanding and practical 
skills in a wide range of relevant computer applications, including in-
depth knowledge of bibliographic software and an exposure to modern 
developments in library-related planning and management skills. 

The information science and technology community can in various ways do 
many things to help the librarian. 
 The preparation of policies and programmes to support the transition 
into the new era. 
 Availability of cheaper and tailor-made programmes 
 Simplify terminology and making ICTs accessible and useful 
 Translation of programmes into local languages
 Provide regular/less expensive support training services

The role of the new technology in my professional life as a librarian 
cannot be underestimated. Firstly the changes will affect the image of 
the professionals. The image of the professional will be enhanced 
through the promotion and marketing of activities and services globally 
on the Internet. The Internet can provide full employment for the 
librarian for a long time. The librarian can exercise his skills in 
selection, collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination 
and also offer expertise on the human side of information retrieval. 

To be able to cope with the changes the librarian should be able to use 
the facilities on the Internet. The email and the World Wide Web 
facilities are some of the facilities on Internet that the librarian 
can use to his benefit. The librarian can create electronic services on 
a library website whereby documents will be published. The librarian 
can have access to library resources on the Web. Facilities on the 
Internet can also promote electronic networking.


Agnes Adjabeng