Real case study: The impact of I.C.T. on Libraries

Application of I.C.T. in Libraries

Computers are used in libraries all over the world to provide access to a range of electronic information resources and to manage materials (books, journals, videos, and other media) held in particular collections.
traditional vs modern library
Now, the Libraries not only offers access to printed materials via their reading rooms but also makes available a wide range of electronic information resources. Many libraries digitize material in their collections so that anyone in the world who has access to the Internet can explore the wealth of these collections.

Electronic Library Catalogs

Many public and academic libraries use computer systems to help manage and control the basic processes of acquisition, cataloging, and the circulation of items (both books and journals) in their collections. There are a number of organizations that offer integrated software and hardware packages using the minicomputers.
Many libraries come together to form cooperatives and to develop shared databases records so that individual libraries did not have to create their own catalog records.

Networks

Computer networks have been used in libraries to link workstations in remote branches to centralized systems, allowing multiple sites to share facilities such as CD-ROM / DVD drives and printers. Networks are also used to access external services.

Intranet

Usually all information and digital information is saved on to a central database or server. Computers in different parts of the libraries could be attached to it through cables or wireless. These individual computers are known as clients and the main computer is known as Server. This setup is known as Local area network (LAN).

Internet

The central server could be connected to Internet through a gateway. Readers can access internet on their individual computers through the server. Librarian can control the websites which are viewed and restrict the website which they don’t want to be accessed in the libraries.

These are all some of the features that have appeared because of the use of I.C.T. in libraries along with digital devices to accommodate this era of technology.