INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN SPECIAL LIBRARIES

The monopoly libraries have had on information provision is over. Today libraries are shifting their role from the custodian of traditional information resources to the provider of service-oriented digital information resources. This study was conducted to investigate the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in special libraries in Kerala, India. The analyses revealed that though the libraries had hardware, software, and communication facilities to some extent, ICT-based resources and services were not reaching the users to the expected extent. Most of the libraries were hampered by lack of funds, lack of infrastructure, and lack of skilled professionals to embark on automation of all library management activities and application of ICT. A good number of the library users were not satisfied with the application of ICT in their libraries and indicated ‘‘inadequate ICT infrastructure'' as their major reason for dissatisfaction. The study provides recommendations to enhance library automation and effective and efficient application of ICT.