A Study of the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools by Librarians

Introduction The world is undergoing a transition from a paper to a digital economy. It is essential for libraries in countries in the developing world to take part in this changing scene. Developing countries are being encouraged to invest in their national information infrastructure so that they can participate in knowledge-based development. Advances have brought many changes in libraries. Information and communication technology (ICT) has provided libraries with new opportunities to improve their resources and services. This study looks at the use of ICT tools by a population of library professionals in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, exploring the use of various tools, cross-tabulated by gender and age, and compiling a list of uses for these tools in professional settings. Literature Survey The literature on this topic is voluminous. This survey focuses on recent works about the developing world. Bilawar (2004) looks at the nature of communication technology and modes of mass communication that have had an impact on library services. Wijayasundara (2005) reports on a research study on Sri Lanka, finding technological, managerial, infrastructure, human, political, social barriers to automation. Igun (2005) identifies the challenges faced by the libraries and information centres in Africa in the establishment of electronic publishing, finding that apart from information sources that can be downloaded online, acquisition of electronic books is not possible. Krishnamurthy (2005) shares the experience of designing a digital library. Ani, Esin, and Edem (2005) investigated the adoption of ICT in university libraries in Nigeria. The major obstacles that influence effective adoption of ICT in were found to be inadequate funds and the limited electric infrastructure in Nigeria. Present Study This study explores information literacy in use of ICT among library professionals in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 175 questionnaires were distributed with 170 responses (97%) received. Objectives of the Study 1. To study the choice of ICT media among library professionals in Tamil Nadu; 2. To find and examine the patterns of use of ICT by the respondents in their professional activities; 3. To analyse respondents' perception of the appropriateness of different ICT tools; 4. To investigate respondents' evaluation of a spectrum of currently-available tools; and 5. To offer suggestions for the effective management of emerging tools. Hypotheses 1. Library professionals use different ICT tools in their scholarly communication. 2. There is a difference among the respondents in the selection of tools. 3. There is a significant gender relationship in the choice of ICT tools. 4. There is a significant difference in the age of respondents in using ICT tools. Use of ICT Tools Table 1 shows the use of various ICT tools. Table 1 and Figure 1 show that nearly all of the respondents use e-mail (94.12%), mobile phone (92.35%), and Internet (90.6%). The use of mobile phones is highly significant, because it is a fast and easy way to communicate without much infrastructure. Tables 2 and 3 show the use of ICT tools by gender. Table 2 is a cross tabulation of ICT tools and gender and shows that male professionals are using mobile phones more than other media and female respondents use less videoconferencing. [FIGURE 2 OMITTED] [FIGURE 3 OMITTED] Uses of ICT in Professional Settings Ten variables regarding the utility of ICT in day-to-day work were analysed using a five-point Likert Scale from "Strongly Agree" (1) to "Strongly Disagree" (5). Most respondents use ICT in a professional setting to update their knowledge. Conclusion The results of the study indicates that all respondents use some kind of ICT tools, particularly the Internet and mobile phones. …