[Sigiii-l] More Plaza

[Nadia Caidi]

What in your opinion will be radically changed in your professional life 
and in your personal life as a result of the globalization of the 
information society?

Distance education represents various ideals to different people. It is 
a prime example of the information society globalization, as it is most 
relevant to me. I’ve often thought of myself as a life-long distance 
education student. My education experience has included many forms of 
“distance education”, whether it was via snail mail, the Internet or a 
lengthy commute to an educational facility. As a working professional, 
it enabled me to balance both work and educational achievements. It is 
foreseeable that I will continue to learn and improve upon my personal 
and professional skills in this manner. Without the benefits of distance 
education there would not have been the opportunities to develop and 
exchange concepts and information. Distance education, in whichever 
shape or form, allows students and instructors to interact with and 
learn from one another, and to share their views.

Globalization of the information society has opened doors to the wealth 
of information once inaccessible because of distance. Research has been 
enhanced and complimented by the ability to access resources digitalized 
by locations in order to share knowledge. The wonders of interactive 
learning have opened the once secular world to immeasurable 
possibilities. As a professional in a library environment and continuing 
student, there is the constant awareness – even pressure – to be on top 
of the skills required to perform daily tasks. The opportunities 
available via the global network of resources are far-reaching and the 
ability to access this network is demanding.


Therefore, the information science community needs to be continually 
aware and understanding of the intricacies and challenges that are 
facing both staff and public alike. To help itself cope with this 
ever-evolving change, there will be the need to provide up-to-date 
services, which are consistent and future in outlook.