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Libraries and ICTs: a review of global trends and the state of the art in Africa
Abstract
The fast pace at which information and communication technology (ICT) is changing requires those who are responsible for the provision of information services to closely monitor the changes in order to apply the new technologies to improve the provision of information services and adapt to the changing information needs of information users. Library and information professionals in Africa are not exempt from this. In the light of the above, the main objective of this paper is to provide participating institutions of the African Virtual Library and Information Network (AVLIN) (UNECA 2001) with a clear understanding of the current trends regarding: the use of ICTs in libraries; the changing role of libraries and librarians; the major concerns and challenges that are emerging in the digital information environment; the future developments in library automation; and the possible services they could offer as a result of the new developments. To achieve this, the paper reviews the current global and future trends in the use of information and communication technologies in libraries and their impact on the delivery of library and information services. It also gives an overview of the current ICT scenario in African libraries.