Application of information technology to improve the quality of library services

A library or bookstore is a place for a collection of books and magazines. Although it can be interpreted as an individual’s private collection, the library is more commonly known as a large collection funded and operated by a city or institution and used by people who, on average, cannot afford to buy many books at their own expense to buy.

The development of science and technology in the fields of economy, culture, social affairs, entertainment, education, and so on is very fast. The development of education is also experiencing rapid development and with the increasing need for information for the user community, the library is required to provide good and simple services.

The term information technology is frequently encountered both in graphic media such as newspapers and magazines and in electronic media such as radio and television. The term is a combination of two basic terms, namely technology, and information. Technology can be defined as the implementation of science. While information is something that can be known. So, the understanding of information technology can be interpreted as a technology used to store, produce, process, and disseminate information.

Today’s modern libraries offer a full range of information products and services, both printed and electronic. The development of a digital library or e-library for library management staff can help the library work through the function of the library automation system, making the library management process more effective and efficient.

Library service is an activity that takes place in the library, including borrowing, returning, library-free, and information retrieval.

The purpose and function of the library is a place to collect, organize, edit, store, preserve, maintain and make available library materials in various forms. Good printed library materials such as books, journals, research, newspapers, magazines, and so on. Blanks now include CD-ROMs, e-magazines, CDs, floppy disks, and cassettes. Libraries play a much more important role as places of learning and knowledge management.

Information technology applications that can be used by libraries are:

1. Library Automation

Library automation is a technology used by libraries for processing, maintenance, and querying. The program used by the library is the Dynix program.

2. CD ROM

CD-ROM contains information about magazines packaged in the form of a CD and operated by a computer

3. Internet

The use of the Internet in the library aims to provide facilities and infrastructure where both library users and library managers (librarians) can use the Internet. In this case, the library provides several computers as end devices connected to the Internet. The provision of this access service aims to enable library users to obtain information from the Internet on demand.

4. Digital Library

A digital library is a library that stores are written, visual, and audio data in the form of electronic files and distributes it over computer networks using electronic protocols.

5. Electronic Journal

Electronic journals are journals packaged in the form of electronic files to search for information over the Internet.

The benefits derived from the application of information technology in the library are:

1. Fast, easy and convenient service
2. Faster and easier search
3. Save time
4. Save energy
5. Requires little HR (librarian)

Weak points in the application of information technology in libraries are:

1. Electricity dependent
2. If the computer is damaged, the service will be interrupted
3. Lack of computer technicians
The solution to overcoming these weaknesses is
1. There is a need for a generator to anticipate a power outage
2. Recruitment of computer technicians
3. Sending librarians to computer engineering courses
4. Purchase of a new computer

Implementing Information Technology in Libraries in the Future by Building a Network Between Libraries (Online Catalogue)

The definition of a library network is the relationship between one library and another. This connection uses the Internet or cable network. Keeping this network running smoothly requires a mutual agreement on how network and server techniques are serviced, processed, and maintained. One of the libraries has a coordinator who controls and monitors it.

The advantages of the library network are

1. Collections can be used optimally
2. Duplicate collection reduction
3. Fast, easy and convenient service
4. Faster and easier search
5. Save time
6. Save energy
7. Requires little staff

The weakness of the library network is

1. At least one computer technician in the library
2. The majority of computers are still old computers
3. Depends on the internet or cable network
4. If the server is damaged, the service will be interrupted

The solutions needed to overcome these weaknesses are

1. Create your network
2. There is a backup server
3. Computer procurement
4. Hiring of computer technicians
5. Send librarians to computer engineering courses

Information technology applications in libraries include library automation, CD-ROM, Internet, and digital libraries. The next application development program is the library network (online catalog). The advantages for users are that it makes searching for information easier, saving time and effort. It is easier for libraries to process library materials, make work easier, save energy and make better use of library materials.