INTRODUCTION:

In the 1970s, information technology "developed. The military and industry collaborated during World War II to create electronics, computers, and information theory, which is where its core idea originates.¹ After the 1940s, the military remained an important source of funding for research and development initiatives aimed at expanding automation and substituting machine power for human labour. ICT for development is generally seen as the technology used to further a greater benefit. Its principles include "development, growth, progress, and globalization.^2,3

"ICT is one of the greatest blessings of modern science and technology that has significantly altered the field of library and information science. It has opened a new chapter in library communication and made it easier for people all over the world to access information regardless of where they are in the world. ICT has a significant impact on the advancement and growth of human civilization. Computer programmes, databases, communication networks, analysis and design techniques, programming languages, artificial intelligence, knowledge bases, etc. are some of the technologies utilized in ICT.³ ICT has a lengthy history of influencing nearly every aspect of human activity. The ICT goods are useful for electronically storing, retrieving, manipulating, and transmitting information. The idea of libraries has undergone a transformation because to information and communication technologies. The function of libraries is also evolving to suit user demand for information retrieval that was previously impossible using standard library methods.⁴ ICT is now viewed as including both tools and services that make it easier to electronically acquire, process, display, and transmit information.

Due to the incredible growth of knowledge, libraries must embrace information and communication technology to enhance their range of services. ICT includes a variety of technologies that facilitate information and communication. Applications and networks are both a part of ICT. Broadcasting networks, wireless and satellite telecommunications, as well as the Internet, database management systems, and multimedia tools, are examples of networks.⁵ ICT facilitates quicker, more affordable, and more efficient library work. The ease with which information may be retrieved through computerized systems aids in managing information overload. Networked systems allow for remote access. Computerization minimizes paper use and frees up space. The term "information and communication technology" refers to a group of technical resources and methods used to generate, distribute, store, and manage information.

Reference and circulation services were the two traditional library services most frequently offered by librarians in the past. But due to the development and usage of information and communication technologies (ICT), libraries today are growing beyond the confines of the building and can now provide information services to users wherever they are in the globe.^6,10

ICT Definition and Meaning:

In simple terms, the meaning of ICT refers to information and communication technology. ICT is not a brand-new concept in modern society. It applies to the multiples technologies used for information collection, coordination, transfer and distribution. The term means different things to different scholars, as defined by Ebijuwa (2005) cited by Sunusi (2020), ICT is a tool for obtaining, processing, storing, transmitting, and disseminating knowledge. Electronic information services including electronic books, electronic journals, CD-ROM libraries, OPAC, online databases, and the internet have brought the world into the information era due to advancements in ICT. To work efficiently and effectively, no agency or entity can still rely on conventional printed information services. ICT is a major advancement for librarians and offer tools to handle the explosion of information that contemporary society produces. ICTs constitute a grouping of similar innovations identified by their practical application in the field of access to information and connectivity, one of which is the internet.⁷

Information and communication technology may thus be summed up as a set of technologies that assist the gathering, processing, distribution, and transfer of data and information, or all of these. ICT thus includes any technology that is used to gather, organize, analyze, store, retrieve, and disseminate information, such as desktop or notebook computers, peripheral applications, networking infrastructure, and internet-connected networks.^8,11

ICT is defined as:

According to the Encyclopedia of Computer Science: “Information Communication Technology (ICT) is an imprecise term frequently fundamental to broad areas of technologies and associated with the use of computers and communications”.

Carter (1987), “The system & devices used for receiving, storing, analyzing & communication Information in all forms and their application to all aspects of our lives including in office, home, factory.”

According to UNESCO: 1 “ICT is a scientific, technological and engineering discipline and management techniques used in handling information and application and social, economical and cultural matters”. 2 “ICT is Combination of informatics technology with other related technologies to process of communicates information. ICT uses newest technologies to process and communication information. It deals with computer and computer software for store protects process and transmits / retrieves information.”⁹

ICT needs for libraries:

The range of recorded information is always growing, and libraries have a restricted quantity of space at their disposal in today's competitive the environment.¹⁰The collection of the library is growing every year, beyond the space that is now available. With conventional library tools like manual catalogues, bibliographies, library records and reports, etc., it is extremely difficult to manage vast amounts of information due to the information explosion. Library activities require a lot of time to do manually because of the possible increase of information. ICT application is therefore necessary in the library setting of today in order to deliver services properly. ICT has grown in importance and demand.

ICT's primary components and tools:

ICT essentials that libraries require include: Technology in the following order: A) computers; B) communications; and C) micrographic and reprographic printing technology. For example, a computer, laptop, printers, a Xerox machine, scanners, library management software, mobile technology, Telephone and Fax, Power Point, Microsoft Word, Internet, A Local Area Network, Consortiums, Online database and CD-ROM, Video and Audio Conferencing, Professionally trained library staff, Web 2.0 technology, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, RSS feeds, and blogs.

Without developing the correct technical infrastructure, which offers the framework for delivering applications and services and accessing them, benefits from ICT cannot be realised. Computers, scanners, digital cameras, library software, CDs, DVDs, flash drives, portable hard drives, the internet, intranets, barcode, RFID, biometric, bibliographic listing, and printing technologies are all frequently used ICT equipment in libraries. Table 1. Displays library activities using various ICT technologies.¹¹

Table No. 1: Shown in Using ICT technologies for library operations

Library operation	ICT Technology
Acquisition: a report, order file, or acquisition list.	Digital cameras, a computer, a keyboard, and a scanner.
Serial Management includes union or holding list, serial check-in and out.	Computer, and Library software
Classification and Cataloguing	Online catalogue, catalogue card, label creation, or retrospective conversion.
Database creation, online database searching, downloading, indexing, and abstracting are all methods of storing and retrieving information.	Internet, intranet, computer, CD, DVD, Pen drive, and portable HDs
Reference and Information services :	Bibliographic listing, library instruction.
Identification and Charging /Discharging :	Barcode, RFID, Biometric, Computer, Keyboard, Scanner,

The Application of ICT in Libraries:

ICT represents an important part of libraries nowadays. ICT has a tremendous impact on academic libraries through application. ICT is necessary for many housekeeping tasks, library management and administration, the use of various electronic and digital media and computer-aided electronic equipment, and the retrieval and dissemination of information through an internet connection and network. ICT plays an important role in the modernizing of libraries.

1. Library Automation: Library Automation is a key component in modern libraries that seeks to reduce human involvement so that a user may readily access information while spending considerably less money. The main benefit of library automation is the increase in productivity.¹²

2. Library Network: By using library networking, an institution or group of institutions can save a significant amount of money, allowing them to advance and make a significant contribution to the field of library science as well as the development of human resources worldwide. Library networking is the interconnection of libraries and information centers for the purpose of information exchange and communication. Consider the Library Consortium.

3. Library management: Library management consists of different kinds of duties, including stock verification, circulation, acquisition, classification, cataloguing, serial control, indexing, and database processing. We can simply carry out the aforementioned operations thanks to the use of ICT. The growth of ICT has a significant influence on the general collection development and services, which must be done carefully in order to conveniently meet the valuable demands of users. We utilize soul and other software for library purposes, such as electronic books, electronic journals, electronic databases, electronic newspapers, audio-visual materials, graphics, and other library items obtained online.

4. Technical communication: Technical writing, editing, publishing, and DTP systems are all parts of technical communication.

5. Digital Library: This relates to the combination of digital computing, retrieval, and communication tools as well as the provision of the data and software required duplicating the resources provided by conventional libraries using paper and other material methods of record collection, cataloguing, location, and dissemination.¹² The main facilities of traditional libraries should be completed with a full-fledge digital library and the well-known benefit of digital access, search and connectivity should also be included. But to sum up the area mentioned above, we hereby posit the following as the area of ICT application in library operations:

a. Reader Service Division(RSD): Technologies like computers, scanners, printers, photocopying machine, RFID, barcode scanner etc. can be applied in this section to ease the reading process of both the library staff and the user.¹³

b. Technical Service Division(TSD): This section includes cataloguing and classification sections and other technical activities of the library. Library Management Software like SOUL, Koha, Virtua etc. can be used to ease the cataloguing and classification process.^14,29

c. Collection Development Division(CDD): In this section, computers, internet connection, library consortia, library management software etc. are the matter of requirement that can be applied for collection development.^10,15

ICT-Based User Services:

Most of library patrons today are developing electronic habits and utilizing advances in ICT, which includes computers, the Internet, the Web, intranets, extranets, and other tools. They require access to the most recent data, up-to-date information sources, and information and communication technologies that they could use for their work. ICT use in libraries improves user satisfaction.^16,30 The usage of ICT has several advantages for its users.

· Remote access of information.

· Information may be retrieved more readily and easily.

· Information is accessible to everyone, anywhere, at any time, and on users' desktops.

· Information is simple to collect, store, alter, and spread.

· The creation of digitally encoded information.

· Emailing information to one another.

· The removal of all distance, time, and barriers to communication.

· Internet-based file sharing and online access.

· Facilitates the exchange of information.

· Faster, more effective library services to a wide range of users.

· The most effective utilization and distribution of resources among institutions.

· Simple and prominent collection development on the World Wide Web.

· The homepage may provide a link to the information.

· Online book purchases and publisher websites help in the development of high-quality collections and save time, money, and labor.¹⁷

· Downloading from websites and placing orders online save mail delays.

· Emails can be used to send reminders.

· ICT attracts users in this way and reaches them in ways they have never been reached before. In academic libraries give quick services to their users with the help of ICT¹⁸.

The effects of ICT on library:

ICT has made it possible to provide information services such as the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), Current Awareness Services (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), bibliographic services, and indexing and abstracting. ICT may be used to deliver additional services like document transmission and resource sharing more effectively and affordably.^19,32 ICT is having the following impacts on libraries:

a. The development of OPAC: OPAC is a computerized library catalogue that provides a list of the library's holdings. It is easy to use, has a high storage capacity, and can link to catalogues from other libraries.

b. Networking: ICT enables libraries to access material from several online databases, in a variety of subjects, online periodicals and newspapers, e-journals, and e-books with the use of LAN or WAN networking.²⁰

c. Resource Sharing: The establishment of a central union catalogue, which enables libraries to exchange their resources, can be aided by ICT.

d. Institutional Repositories: Institutional repositories hold theses, dissertations, conference and seminar papers, information on FDP events attended, inauguration addresses, and any other writings produced by academic institution professors, students, and researchers.

e. Library Electronic Security System: Using Radio Frequency Identification Detectors (RFID), ICT improves library security. The newest technique for detecting theft in libraries is called RFID, which combines microchip and radio frequency technology.²¹

f. Establishment of a Virtual Library: ICT encourages the establishment of a Virtual Library. Without regard to a feasible Space or area, a virtual library exists and is made possible by ICT^8,22.

Challenges of using ICT in Libraries: The inclusion of Information Communication Technology in library services has raised some challenges worldwide. These are:

· Information Access: Libraries allow access to selected information resources. This restricts the ability of users to identify, retrieve and use of information effectively.

· Library Funding: The subscription costs of Books and Journals are very high. Libraries are challenged to find different ways to have enough funding to keep up to date on the newest technologies. The amount of funding that many libraries receive is directly to be utilized to give quality of services to users. Proper and sufficient funds are needed to maintain and upgrade the libraries other equipment and software. Software license fees, internet connection fees, electronic journals and databases annual fees are very high to pay the libraries.²³

· Maintenance and security issues in the library: Everyday maintenance of ICT facilities is critical to sustainability of any ICT services. It is a pre requisite to have qualified technical personnel for administration and maintaining ICT facilities and networks that the library organization runs.³⁷

· Insufficient bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the amount of data in sequence that can be carried in a given time period over a wired or wireless communication link, articulated as bits per second. Insufficient bandwidth is a most common problem. The internet connectivity in the libraries is extremely low. The need of bandwidth in the library is must without which users cannot download information through the internet.^24,34

· Unpredictable power supply: ICT facilities depend on electricity for their functioning. Everyday power cut is a constant problem in certain places especially, in small cities, towns and villages. Most of the libraries are in a need to request the university/management to purchase a generator to combat the problem of unpredictable power supply.

· The function of the librarian and libraries is changing in the digital age: The conventional role of the librarian and libraries is shifting to the digital age. Software for digital libraries is now widely available for free. For library professionals, sharing information via digital library collections has become attractive and hassle-free.^17,25,31

· Challenges facing LIS Professionals: ICT has posed complicated problems for LIS professionals, forcing them to rewrite their roles to meet evolving needs. Professionals have to adopt the most recent ICT to manage change and improve productivity. They need to improve the skills and knowledge of the new technologies to provide quality library services.^12,26

Benefits of ICT:

The way libraries offer services has been completely transformed by information and communication technology (ICT). The advantages of ICT in delivering value-added library services, including better information accessibility, search efficiency, and user experience, are evaluated here.

1. Simple access to information resources: ICT enables libraries to provide users with remote access to digital information resources including e-books, online journals, and databases.

2. Personalized services: ICT enables libraries to provide users with personalized services including tailored suggestions based on usage patterns, email alerts for new resources, and individualized research support.

3. Enhanced collaboration: ICT makes it easier for librarians, their colleagues, and other organizations to work together effectively. This might involve exchanging materials, taking part in online forums, and hosting online conferences.

4. Improved user engagement: Using ICT, users may have more enjoyable and interactive learning experiences. Examples include virtual reality, gratification, and other digital tools that make learning entertaining and participatory.

5. Improved library management: ICT may simplify library procedures, making it simpler for librarians to oversee their holdings, monitor usage, and offer data-driven insights. Reservations, late fees, and book check-out are all simple processes that libraries can handle.

6. Remote access to library resources: Thanks to ICT, libraries may now offer remote access to their materials, facilitating users' access to information from any location. This is crucial for people who are unable to physically visit the library.³⁵

7. Increased visibility: By using ICT to advertise library materials and services, users will have easier time learning about what the library has to offer. This can involve targeted advertising, email newsletters, and social media marketing.

8. Data analytics: Through the use of ICT, librarians may gain data-driven insights that will enable them to better understand the preferences and behaviors of their users. This might contain details about the most popular materials, the search phrases people use, and how they engage with library services.

9. Improved accessibility: ICT can assist libraries in making their facilities more accessible to patrons with impairments. This can include assistive devices like screen readers and text-to-speech software as well as digital content created to be more accessible.

10. Cost savings: By eliminating the need for physical storage space, printing costs, and other expenses related to traditional library services, ICT can help libraries save money.

11. Improved reference services: ICT can assist librarians in providing better reference services, such as online chat, email references, and virtual reference desks.

12. Greater security: By offering user identification, access control, and security monitoring, ICT can improve library security.

13. Preservation of cultural heritage: By digitizing cultural heritage resources through ICT, future generations are guaranteed access to the contents.⁹

Disadvantages of ICT:

· Blackmail: Using the internet to threaten damage with the intent of extorting money or other things of value from someone.

· Unemployment: Employers save a significant amount of money by using computers in place of human resources, but people lose their jobs since they are no longer required.

· Privacy: While information technology may have speed up and improved communication, it has also created issues with privacy. Regarding their formerly private information becoming public knowledge, from mobile phone signal interception to email hacking.

· Computer viruses: including worms, Trojan horses, malware, and spam, may cause havoc and interfere with our daily life.

· Social media: They lost sight of outside activities and social interaction as a result of their addiction to their phones, iPods, and gaming consoles.^27,36

CONCLUSION:

Thus, information and communication technology provides the opportunities for quick access to information and improves the effectiveness of the library system. Libraries may now provide users with digital resources and services that are simple to access from anywhere at any time due to the integration of ICT in libraries. Greater information access, better educational opportunities, and improved service delivery are all benefits of ICT in libraries. However, libraries face several challenges and maintaining ICT enabled services, including Information Access limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and infrastructure limitations. Despite these challenges, libraries must continue to invest in ICT to cater to the evolving demands of their users and stay relevant in the digital era. Libraries can effectively utilize ICT to improve their services and achieve their mission of providing access to information and knowledge for everyone by employing appropriate planning and implementation strategies.

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Received on 13.07.2023 Accepted on 27.05.2024

Int. J. Tech. 2024; 14(1):38-44.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-3915.2024.00005

Yashwant S Chaudhari1, Hemant S Bhoye2

31. Santu Ram Kasyap (2016) xzaFkky; foKku if=dk : ,d xzUFkfefr v/;;u (Granthalaya Vigyan Journal : A Bibliometric Study) International J. Advances in Social Sciences, 4(1): 1-6p.

Yashwant S Chaudhari¹, Hemant S Bhoye²