ICT Facilities in Libraries

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Learning Content Summary

The ICT Facilities in Libraries learning resource aims to provide librarians and library students with a comprehensive understanding of the essential information and communication technology (ICT) tools and facilities used in modern libraries. This course material is designed to equip learners from diverse academic backgrounds with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize ICT resources to enhance library services, improve user experience, and manage information efficiently.

Goals

At the end of this study, learners should be able to:

• Define ICT facilities and their significance in modern libraries, encompassing various technological equipment that enables access to information through telecommunications.
• Identify examples of essential ICT facilities used in libraries, such as computers/laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras, CCTV, and smart cards.
• Differentiate between the types of ICT facilities based on their functionalities and applications in library operations.
• Understand the role of RFID technologies in library automation and how they facilitate efficient book tracking, inventory management, and theft detection.
• Explain the benefits of barcode sensor readers, scanners, printers, a`nd photocopiers in library services, including document digitization, user convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Definition of ICT Facilities

Mobile software development laboratory in The Estonian Information Technology College

The term "Information and Communication Technologies facilities" refers to technological equipment that enables access to information via telecommunications such as the internet, wireless networks, social media, cell phones, and other communication medium,. Information and communication technology (ICT) is a term used in the library and Information Centres to describe how computers and other technologies are used in library operations such as data collection, storage, organization, and delivery. The integration of ICT into library services has been beneficial because it now allows many librarians to communicate with library clients utilizing their ICT skills .

ICT Facilities in Library Managements

Computers/Laptops

Republika Srpska Wikimedia workshop in East Sarajevo showing computers in a library

The computer itself has a robust storage and data information processing function, which makes it easier to disseminate and circulate books and information over a network. For example, encoding and storing books and materials on computers can, on the one hand, make it easier to add and delete book entries through computer operations,to improve the efficiency and use value of library resource management by processing and disseminating  information in a timely and accurate manner, because manual labour alone will never be able to meet the demands for high capacity and rapid circulation. As a result, only computers with powerful storage and data processing capabilities can ensure that the processes of material collection, filing, searching, and use go smoothly in the library administration process. Simultaneously, the use of computer technology helps to improve the efficiency of document management and the overall impact of libraries. As a result, library resource management has been proven to be more accomplished, assuring the social function and use value of libraries while also delivering more convenient and attentive services to the public. Computer technology reduces the need for human resources in the management of library resources while also enabling the modernisation, automation, and intelligence of library regulation. Borrowers, for example, can use the computer to exactly inquire books and quickly find the book they want among the complex and difficult materials while borrowing books. As a result, the borrowing procedure becomes significantly more time-efficient and convenient. The Desktop computer and Laptops in Libraries facilitate research, collaboration, and consultation. Most libraries nowadays are transitioning away from providing desktop computers and toward replacing them with laptop computers in order to reduce expenses and enhance the availability of flexible campus spaces.

Mobile phones

Mobile phone Evolution

The Internet was created by combining mobile phones and computers using wireless technologies such as GSM, GPRS, 3G (UMTS, HSPA), and 4G (LTE) have transformed people's daily life, and these technologies can help improve library operations.The mobile phones, enable Library Users to readily obtain the information they require without having to visit the library. Nowadays most Academic libraries in Nigeria offer a variety of online interactions, including user-to-library, library-to-user, and user-to-user. User inquiries are answered instantly on mobile phones, which also support SMS, MMS, Voice service, Mobile OPAC, Data service, Digital collections, Library Applications, and audio books, among other features. Mobile phones can also be used to communicate with users about new arrivals, upcoming events, and so on. The telephones enable library personnel to send a single message to all of its users or a portion of its users by using the "broadcast" feature, which allows a single message to be sent to multiple people at the same time .

Digital camera

The term "digital camera" refers to a device that captures images digitally. The digital camera is the most recent research instrument, and it is used by Library staff and researchers in the reading rooms to photograph library resources, which is an important part of the library reference system. Libraries enable academics with limited time record images of library resources during their visit by using digital cameras to capture images for later in-depth investigation.  Digital cameras help support more research in a cost-effective and efficient manner, while also reducing the number of photocopies that leave the reading room in the hands of researchers, reducing checkout time and the risk of theft, resolving competing demands for library resources, and maximizing library staff efficiency.

CCTV

CCTV Fixed Camera

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a system in which the circuit is closed and all components are connected directly. The CCTV features an Internet Protocol video system that allows libraries, particularly those that hold community events, author readings, or children's book groups, to position the camera wherever it is most convenient for them. This also enables for remote monitoring and the transmission of surveillance footage over the internet.  It is a vital I.C.T facility in the library that acts as a deterrent, allowing invigilators to be deployed more effectively; assist with post-inspection of the library; assist with entry control arrangements to non-public areas; and provide more information to aid in the management of the premises, particularly when guarded after hours. It's a useful tool for keeping track of what's going on at the site. Every day, people of different ages and backgrounds use libraries. Security cameras strategically installed throughout the library can keep individuals safe while they read, research, or browse. Every part of a library's collection is precious, whether it's a comic book or a punch newspaper, and a video surveillance system combined with a bar code and magnetic book management system could help prevent book theft.

Smart Card

A Smart Card is a credit card-sized piece of plastic with a computer chip placed on or in it. The card can be programmed to both store data and perform certain activities.The smart card is used to authenticate users and books. Every user will be given a smart card, and every book will have a smart card associated with it. The user must insert their smart card into the reader in order to borrow a book from the library. The microcontroller in the library system then analyzes the user's information and authorizes the user to borrow the book if they are permitted. The smart card can also read the details of the books before handing them over to the user. The information about the borrowed books will be saved on the user's smart card. The system will automatically notify the user if the borrowing limit has been exceeded.

Barcode Sensor Reader

CCD Barcode Scanner

It is a gadget that reads barcodes.  It decodes a Barcode by scanning a light source across it and estimating the amount of light reflected back by the white spaces. The primary goal of any library in adopting Barcode technology is to improve library processes, reduce worker injuries, and provide enlightening services to library patrons. A barcode system is most suited for assisting with a library's circulation activities. Library inventory and periodical control may also be carried out effectively and efficiently with the use of Barcode technology; users can submit their identification cards, and library staffs can scan the Barcode on the identity card with a Barcode scanner to obtain the borrowing status. If the Barcode system enables borrowing, the library personnel may scan the document's accession number (Barcode) and issue it to the user easily in a few seconds, with reduced likelihood of error, which is critical for any library.

Printers

A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transmits the information to paper, typically 8.5" by 11" sheets of paper. Libraries employ printers to print library rules and regulations, Handbooks, posters, stickers, and other E-Resources for users who may require them, which generates revenue for the library while also attracting more users.

RFID Technologies

13.56MHz RFID tags

RFID is an acronym for “radio-frequency identification” and refers to a technology whereby digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels (defined below) are captured by a reader via radio waves. It is a cutting-edge automated library system that allows for the automatic identification and tracking of library materials. RFID applications currently vary from book tracking and inventory management to theft detection and automatic book sorting. RFID technology serves as a dynamic link between library users, its collections, and processes, and it is critical in data gathering, identification, and analysis for specialized library activities. RFID is used in automated library as a "self-service station" to automate book handling processes including check-out, inventory control, check-in and anti-theft for least amount of Library  staff involvement in Library daily routines.

Scanners

A scanner is a hardware I.C.T. input device in libraries and information centers that optically "reads" an image and converts it to a digital signal. A scanner, for example, can be used to convert printed Library collections (hard copy) to a digital file that can be modified on a computer in order to preserve library space.

Photocopiers

Fuji Xerox Multi Copy Printer Machine

Photocopying is a common service provided by practically all libraries, with significant benefits for both users and the library. Taking a photocopied document out of the library to read is often preferred by users over checking out the original item or staying in the library to read it. This is a time-saving and thereby cost-cutting move on their part. The benefits to the library include: increased user access to library items since they are not taken out of the library; a potentially useful source of cash to supplement the budget; and preservation of literary materials because theft and mutilation are avoided. As a result, library photocopy services are at least as significant in library operations as reference, inter library loan, online searching, and circulation.

Questions for Practice: ICT Facilities in Libraries

1. What does ICT stand for, and how does it benefit library operations?
2. Name three ICT facilities commonly used in libraries and briefly explain their purposes.
3. How do mobile phones enhance library services and interactions with users?
4. What role does CCTV play in library management, and how does it contribute to security?
5. How does the use of smart cards benefit both library users and staff in the borrowing process?