ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ACADEMIC LIBRARY: LIBRARY VISITS, REFERENCE SERVICE AND CIRCULATION

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ACADEMIC LIBRARY: LIBRARY VISITS, REFERENCE SERVICE AND CIRCULATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the study

The traditional library consists of information resources in printed form. Its task has been to collect, process, and store and disseminate information for the purpose of reading, teaching and consultation. The information, largely in print form, has been the most widely accepted format for providing information and library services to satisfy the needs of library users. Today this is being replaced by electronic or digital resources that meet the needs of researchers and information seekers. In this light, Dahi, et al (2006) posited that libraries that cling to traditional service models in an era of new information technology, rising costs and flat budgets cannot thrive.

At a time of ever increasing demand for information, libraries must keep abreast of developments in information technology and advanced communication to enable them provide services that today’s society both expect and need. It was in recognition of this that Iljon, (1998) observed that the convergence of computing and communication technologies impact significantly on the way in which information resources are created, managed and used; therefore, libraries need to plan and implement systems which will take advantage of this development. Rosenberg, (2005) opined that the changing academic environment and the recognition of the role of electronic resources in libraries has brought about a transformation which includes an investment in electronic infrastructure and connectivity and electronic learning, which calls for new approaches in providing library services to enhance the quality of higher education.

According to International encyclopedia of information science (2003). There is some of confusion over the concept of information resources, mainly as a result of the inclusion of technological resources in concept. Information resources are the procedures, equipment, facilities, software, and data that are designed built, operated, and maintained to collect, record, process, store, retrieve, display, and transmit information.