Information and communication technologies, libraries and the role of library professionals in the 21st century: With special reference to Bangladesh

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) facilitate the process of identification, collection, storing, processing and disseminating of information. The library and information science professionals are utilizing ICT to keep pace with the problem of information explosion. The benefit of instant access to digital information is the most distinguishing attribute of the information age. In this paper, the authors tried to highlight the libraries/information centers in the 21st century, the different components of providing digital information services, and Information and Communication Technology's role in modernizing libraries. In Bangladesh, the use of ICT is yet to take off. In absence of strong telecommunication the Internet facility is not spread out successfully. Financial constraints are the major hindrance for its growth at the national, local and organizational levels. As a result, the implementation of ICT facilities for libraries is not receiving adequate support from their parent body. Most of the libraries in Bangladesh do not have computer facilities. The print media is still a major source of information in libraries. However, the situation is changing, and the library professionals should be ready for everything to cope with the new ICT used in libraries/information centers. In this paper, the authors intended to emphasize the expected change in libraries/information centers in respect of user services and how to cope up with. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004.