1. technology and computing

THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON
INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN ACADEMIC
LIBRARIES
By
Norshidah bt. Mohd Idris
98513187
An Independent Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
M. Sc. Information Management
THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON
INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN ACADEMIC
LIBRARIES
By
Norshidah bt Mohd Idris
98513187
An Independent Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
M.'Sc. Information Management
*•»•£
MARA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
2000
ABSTRACT
Information technology has created an interactive and expansive quality to information
not experienced previously thus contributing to information becoming a primary
commodity in the global market today including the academic world. Academic
librarians in academic libraries are challenged to rethink the way they define the
vocation oflibrarianship due to the impact of information technology to their profession.
Thus they are exploring new opportunities and implement change in establishing new
roles, responsibilities, skills and abilities in providing quality services to the community
they serve. Their evolving roles as they move into the 21st century will be determined by
the actions, decisions taken and examples set today. It is vital for librarians to
"embrace" change to ensure the continual growth of their profession in the university.
Keywords: Academic Libraries; Collaborators; Cybrarian; Digital Libraries;
Information Professionals; Information Resource Manager; Information Systems;
Information Technology;; In-House Content Providers; Knowledge Manager; Library
Skills; Library Webmaster; Managers; Researcher: Systems Librarian; Trainer.
n
ABSTRACT
Information technology has created an interactive and expansive quality to information
not experienced previously thus contributing to information becoming a primary
commodity in the global market today including the academic world. Academic
librarians in academic libraries are challenged to rethink the way they define the
vocation oflibrarianship due to the impact of information technology to their profession.
Thus they are exploring new opportunities and implement change in establishing new
roles, responsibilities, skills and abilities in providing quality services to the community
they serve. Their evolving roles as they move into the 21st century will be determined by
the actions, decisions taken and examples set today. It is vital for librarians to
"embrace" change to ensure the continual growth of their profession in the university.
Keywords: Academic Libraries; Collaborators; Cybrarian; Digital Libraries;
Information Professionals; Information Resource Manager; Information Systems;
Information Technology;; In-House Content Providers; Knowledge Manager; Library
Skills; Library Webmaster; Managers; Researcher: Systems Librarian; Trainer.
11
fkl
THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON
INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN ACADEMIC
LIBRARIES
By
Norshidah bt. Mohd Idris
98513187
An Independent Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
M. Sc. Information Management
*
MARA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
i
ABSTRACT
ii
SCOPE OF STUDY
Hi
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
1.1 : The Evolution of Information Technology
1.11: New Information Technology Resources
1.12: Information Management in the 1990s
1-6
CHAPTER 2: What is Information Technology?
2.1: Information Technology Core Concepts
7 -12
CHAPTER 3 : Components of Information Technology Resources
13 -16
CHAPTER 4: New Information Technology (IT) Products
4.1: Most Important Products of the '90S
4.2 : Welcome to the Information Superdom
17 - 25
CHAPTER 5 : Role of Information Technology in Managing
Organizational Change and Organizational
Interdependencies
5.1: IT's Role in Managing Organizational Change
5.2 : IT's Role in Managing Organizational Interdependencies
CHAPTER 6 : The "Change"
26-34
35 - 44
6.1: Forces for Change
6.2 : Why the Need to "Change?"
6.3 : Who are the New Informational Professionals?
6.4 : Critical Characteristics of the New Information Professionals
CHAPTER 7: The Impact of Information Technology on
Academic Libraries
45 - 65
7.1 : The Emergence of Digital Libraries
7.11: Definition of Digital Library
7.12 : Digital Libraries Concepts
7.13 : Technical Requirements of a Digital Library
7.14 : The Roles of Digital Libraries in the Academic Environment
7.15 : Characteristics of Digital Library
7.16 : Workplace Environment in the Digital Era
CHAPTER 8 : The Impact of Information Technology on
Information Professionals
8.1: As Library Webmaster
8.2 : As Systems Librarian
8.3 : As In-House Content Providers
66 -106
8.4 : As Knowledge Manager
8.5 : As Collaborators/Partnerships
8.6 : As Educator
8.7: As Managers
8.8 : As Information Resource Manager
8.9: As Trainer
8.10: As Researcher
8.11: As Cybrarians
CHAPTER 9 : Issues and Challenges
9.1 : Technical Issues
9.11: Cataloging and Capture of Images
9.12: Access
9.13: Encoding Formats
9.14: Technological Obsolescence
9.15: System Capabilities
9.2 : Human Resources
9.21: Constantly Changing Technology
9.22: Leadership for Managing Technology
9.23: Restructuring Job Manual and Library Activities
9.24: Core Competencies
9.25: "Refashioning" Library Patrons
9.3 : Authoritative and Validated Information
9.4 : Collection Development
9.5 : Publisher/Libraries
9.6 : Dealings with Copyright Aspects
9.7 : Cost and Maintenance
9.8 : Vision and Bureaucracy
107 -118
9.9 : Fee for Service
9.10: The Librarian's Image
CHAPTER 10: Recommendations
10.1: Strategic Planning
10.2 : Human Resources
10.21: Communication
10.22: Support for Change
10.23: Staff Development
10.24: Adequate Training Programs
10.25: Professional Education
10.3 : Cooperation with Faculty/Library Schools
10.4 : Innovative Partnerships
10.5 : Innovative Competencies
10.6 : Being in a Continual State of Awareness
10.7 : Ongoing Upgrading of Knowledge
10.8 : "Refashioning" Library Patrons
10.9 : Cost and Maintenance
10,10: Fee for Service
CHAPTER 11: Conclusion
119 -125
126
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX 1: Key Concepts in the Architecture of the Digital Library
APPENDIX 2 : The Role of the Academic Librarian in the Era of Information
Technology
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The most praises goes to God, for giving me the strength and patience in completing this
Independent Study project paper.
A special gratitude to my respected advisor, Dr. Adnan Jamaluddin, Deputy Dean,
Faculty of Information Studies, UiTMfor his invaluable advice, suggestions, comments
and guidance of this paper.
Lastly, to my family for their moral support and understanding throughout the master
program.
ABSTRACT
Information technology has created an interactive and expansive quality to information
not experienced previously thus contributing to information becoming a primary
commodity in the global market today including the academic world. Academic
librarians in academic libraries are challenged to rethink the way they define the
vocation of librarianship due to the impact of information technology to their profession.
Thus they are exploring new opportunities and implement change in establishing new
roles, responsibilities, skills and abilities in providing quality services to the community
they serve. Their evolving roles as they move into the 21st century will be determined by
the actions, decisions taken and examples set today. It is vital for librarians to
"embrace" change to ensure the continual growth of their profession in the university.
Keywords: Academic Libraries; Collaborators; Cybrarian; Digital Libraries;
Information Professionals; Information Resource Manager; Information Systems;
Information Technology;; In-House Content Providers; Knowledge Manager; Library
Skills; Library Webmaster; Managers; Researcher: Systems Librarian; Trainer.
11
SCOPE OF STUDY
This study offers and reports an issue facing one important profession in the value added
information chain, the "librarians" in academic libraries. It examines and outlines the
impact of information technology (IT) has upon the library professionals and further
explores the evolving roles and functions of librarians. It also addresses how IT has and
will continue to affect the information transfer processes and the skills needed by the
Information Professionals.
It is the mission of this study to inform policy makers, strategic planners, top
management, and the community of the library and university on the "state of the art" of
the new roles and challenges faced by the new breed of Information Professionals in the
21st century.
ui
1. INTRODUCTION
The "Information Technology" revolution has brought about impact upon the
society and economy activities. Information has become a significant component of
world economy activity and being recognized as a major economic resource.
Organizations have grown to view their information resources as a strategic asset,
utilizing these resources as an instrument in enhancing the country's competitiveness in
industry and international trade. Traditionally, major organizational assets were
classified as human, financial, material, equipment and management resources.
Khosrowpour (1990: 1) view that during the decade of the 1980s, the technological
advancements of information technology caused many organizations to regard their
information technology resources as the sixth major organizational asset.
Harker (1996: 1) claimed that a tidal wave of change is headed towards the
telecommunication industry, and it will ultimately transform the economic, and social
and political environment for nearly every person in the world. This change has been
referred to as the 3T Wave, "The Information Revolution " by Alvin Toffler, the
"Infocosm"by Anderson Consulting and "Convergence"by Gemini Consulting.
Keiser (1992) added that technological advancements in telecommunications
allowed information users to exchange information more freely and globally. Living
standards have been raised and the problems of everyday living eased considerably.
Much of this change is being brought by technological innovation and the information
revolution - the convergence of computing, communication and information.
Organizations that acknowledge and prepare for this revolution will emerge as winners.
1.1 THE EVOLUTION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Khosrowpour (1990) provide a comprehensive remarks of the evolution of IT
where he claimed that during the 1950s, computer systems were used mainly for
scientific applications, with scientists the primary users and custodians of these systems.
Business use of computers for mainly functional applications, such as accounting, began
in the 1960s. The era of the 60s is known for the birth of Data Processing (DP) or
Electronic Data Processing (EDP), which created a whole new profession. During this
period:
•
the computer was perceived as a number crunching tool.
•
attention was focused on the power of these modern tools to compute, with much less
emphasis placed on the overall value of information as a resource.
In the 1970s, more organizations moved toward the use of computers to provide
management with information. This concept soon became known as Management
Information Systems (MIS), Although MIS concepts were considered to be a major
breakthrough in the use of computer systems to process information, organizations still
emphasized the computer itself rather than focusing on the data and information as major
components of the systems. Many other concepts evolved during this period, examples:
•
Database Management Systems (DBMS)
•
Decision Support Systems (DSS).
The domination of mainframe computer systems gave way to the introduction of
minicomputers. This new generation of computers became instrumental in the
development of Distributed Systems (DS). The introduction of personal computers or
microcomputers was another landmark development of this period.
The technological advancements of the 1970s paved the way for a new era in the
1980s, which became known as the Information Age. The significant phenomena of this
era include the greater recognition of information as a major organizational asset and its
importance in a competitive world economy. Another important characteristic of this era
is the emphasis on the management of information and related resources utilized to
maintain information resources. Furthermore, greater participation by users of
information services (end users) became a major fact of this age.
The new generation of end users are more knowledgeable than their counterparts
of a few decades earlier, and they created many networks of information systems sharing
the vast powers of computers, data, information, and knowledge. In addition,
technological advancements in telecommunications allowed information users to
exchange information more freely than ever. The old dream of developing computer
systems that could think intelligently, learn, and make recommendations to decision
makers came closer to reality through many new applications of Artificial Intelligent (Al)
and its component Expert Systems (ES).
1.1.1 New Information Technology Resources
There are several developments which have lead to a new perception and
assessment of the use and management of information technology resources. These
include:
•
Recognition of information as a major organizational resource
•
Greater emphasis on utilization of information as a major driving force in achieving
effective strategies
• New integration of telecommunications and information processing systems
•
A vast array of components comprising information technology resources.
Today, information technology resources consists of all types of information,
representing various functional entities (marketing, production, personnel, accounting,
and inventory) of organizations. Organizational information now can appear in all forms
(data, voice, text, and image), which are processed by a conglomeration of computer
machinery, examples:
•
mainframe,
• minicomputers,
•
microcomputers,
•
reprographics, and
•
video discs
It is communicated through the use of communication systems (telephone
network satellite systems, facsimile, local and wide area networks, and electronic mail).
The information is generated through the use of many information processing and
management systems (Transaction Processing Systems, Management Information
Systems, Decision Support Systems, and Expert Systems) in diverse organizational
structures (centralized, distributed, departmental, and end user computing).
In addition to mechanical, procedural, and technical components of information
technology resources, one must also consider the human elements. These human
elements can be divided into three categories:
»
Those individuals who are involved in different activities of generating information
(programmers, systems analysts, database designers, etc.)
»
Those who are the primary users of information (clerical staff, administrators,
managers, etc.)
•
The management team (systems managers, director of information center,
information systems executives, Chief Corporate Information Officers, etc.)
responsible for the overall management planning functions of information technology
resources.
One can argue that the role of the information technology resources management team
has become more important to the overall success and growth of many organizations. In
addition, the task of managing these resources is far more complex and sophisticated in
the information age. Information technology resources are no longer viewed by many
organizations as number crunching "black boxes," but rather as vital resources for
identifying new opportunities and developing strategies.
1.1.2 Information Management in the 1990s
The cost of computing has dropped drastically in the past two decades. There is
considerably more advanced information and communication devices available. As a
result, organizations of all sizes and types have been employing this technology to
increase their competitive advantages.
With the rapid evolution in information technology, the effectiveness of the
traditional management techniques to the management of this technology has been the
subject of much speculation by both researchers and practicing managers. Clearly, this
changing technology is in need of an evolution in its management as well:
•
a management approach that is as dynamic as the technology itself,
•
keeping pace in its methods and strategies as the technology matures,
•
making drastic shifts in direction when necessary, and
•
always providing new opportunities for growth, is the essential ingredient for
strategic management of information technology resources.
As information technology resources become more important to the overall
success of the organization, its management may not only be limited by technical
planning and execution as was true in the past. With the current number of end users and
their demands for information technology services, successful organizations will utilize
the expertise of their information technology personnel to provide needed support for the
end user in order to obtain the necessary competitive edge.
2. WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOL03Y?
Darnton (1992: ] 58) review information technology (IT) as:
"A systematic study of artifacts that can be used to give form or description to facts in
order to provide meaning or support for decision making (that is, origination of
information), and artifacts thai can be used for the organizationf processing,
communication, and application of information."
He added that IT consists of the following elements: Hardware; Software; Networks;
Workstations; Robotics and Smart chips
2.1 Information Technology Core Concepts
An example of an Information Technology Core Concepts as listed by the Smart Force,
an e-Learning Company are as follows:
Managing Information Systems
Internet and fntranet infrastructure
Systems and Database Design
Application Development and Programming
Computing for Beginners
About the Curriculum
*
•
•
*
•
*
*
•
•
*
•
*
*
*
•
Q Managing Information Systems
Managing Information Systems
Software'
Management
Enterprise IT
Concepts
Principles
Enterprise ft
Architecture
Management
Practices
Open Systems
Software Package
Selection
and Integration
Standards I
Open Systems
Standards (t
ClienVServer
Fundamentals
Client/Server
Technology
Client/Server
Implementation
internet, (itf anet
and Extranet
Technologies
Requirements
Engineering
fundamentals
SmartRjrea
Q Internet and Intranet Infrastructure
Internet and Intranet Infrastructure
PC and Network
Fundamentals
Network-centric
Computing
r
^^^^^
interne! and
Inlranei
i
.
Internet aneHntranet
Basic Concepts
Understanding and
Applying internet
Concepts:
•
I
^j^^J
T DesklopOperating
L
Sy*t*mi
A
|
Data Com munkationi:
Network* and
Standards
v
Data Communications;
SiftnuU and
T
fnl«rprne
1
f-nterpriie
Windows 95
Operating System
Principles
•v
Microsoft Windows 58
New Features -
Enterprise
Operating System
An Overview
Technologies
Connecting to the Met
Systems
Web Authoring and
Publishing:
HTMl Documents
internetworking
Overview
and Windows NT
£ -commerce;
An Introduction
Telecommunications
UNIX: Overview
w
Essentials
Internet and
UN IX, OS/2
Microsoft
Intranet Skills:
Setting up a Web Site
Windows NT;
Essentials
Internet and
Intranet SkiEli;
Weti Sit*
Administration
Windows NT:
Microsoft
Upgrading
Internet and Intrnnet
Novell NetWare 5
Administration:
Introduction
Web Site Security
Internet and Intranet
Skills: Designing
Interactive web
Applications
Microsoft ActiveX
Smartfonee
T
1 0(>eraling $v^'e"li J
Q Systems and Database Design
Systems and Database Design
Data Analyiis
arid Design
Systems Analysis
Fundamentals
Retatiottal
Principles
SQL Programming:
Object- Relationa I
Data Flow
Database
fundamentals
Charattorislki
EntityRelalionsbip
Diagrams
Fundamentals of
Mechanisms and
(mplementation
DaU Dictionaries
Database Design
Normatinatmn and
Physical
Database Design
Completing the
Logxal Model
Wet and Database
Integration
Smartforca
10
Database Queries
SQL Programming:
Data Handling
Techniques
Q Application Development and Programming
Application Development arid Programming
Profjrarmnmg
Fuioamentali
Getting Started
Designing Programs
dis
ANSfC
foe UNIX Develop*r$
Archftecture
programmim
introducing I
Principles of OOP: t
Microsoft Visual
Baste J.o
AtUveX
Fundamentals:
Principles of OOP: II
flask Concepts
Application
Development
C++Programming:
Structured
Programming
Obiecl-Orienled
Analyst:. - Objects
andClaisei
The Porting Process
Getting Started
with (avaScript
OWect-Oriented
Analysis - Dynamic
Modeling
An Overview
of )ava
MUraoft
Window!
Architecture
Curriculum
Component
Principles And
Techriotogies
Design
GUi Design
Fundamentals
Web-Based
interface Design
Smartfwcet
11
Technologies
Java Beans
Q Computing for Beginners
Computing for Beginners
Bask IT Concepts I
Basic IT Concepts II
Windows NT 4.0 ^1
^H
Microsoft
Windows 93
Oultook 97 lor
Microsoft
Exchange
Getting Started
Sraartfwca
The tr-ttmtMy Cornpflny
Source: SmartForce (The e-Learning Company)
12
3. Components of Information Technology Resources
Figure 1 illustrates a summary of Information Resource and Technology Components.
o Processing Hardware
Mainframe-based Systems
Mini-based Systems
Micro-based Systems
Word Processing
Micrographics
Reprographics
Video Disks Processor
Desktop Publishing Systems
o Telecommunications
Private Branch
Exchange (PBX)
Broadcasting Systems
Local Area Networks
Telecommunication Access
Systems
Facsimile Systems
Satellite Communications
On-Line Processing Systems
o Information
Marketing
Production
Personnel
Financial
Strategic
Intelligent
Accounting
Legal
Economy
Government
Trade
Publication
Public
13