The paper sets out to provide a critical overview of the contribution of information technology to the current shift from information to knowledge processing. It situates that…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper sets out to provide a critical overview of the contribution of information technology to the current shift from information to knowledge processing. It situates that shift in the context of the management challenges for librarians from the developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach adopted was to review the development challenges of developing countries, the in‐trends information handling and the transition from information to knowledge management systems. The next approach was to examine statistically, the internet usage status and information and communication technology facilities in Africa. Based on the data provided and discussed the final approach was to draw up critical roles for developing countries' librarians in the knowledge age.
Findings
The findings indicate the abysmal state of internet usage and ICT facilities in Africa in particular and the rest of the developing countries in general.
Research limitations/implications
Librarians will be called upon to provide authentic and reliable information, evolve strategic alliances, participate in network activities and contribute to the bridging of the digital divide. They will emerge as technology experts, guides, scouts, researchers, analysts, knowledge engineers, editors, navigators, gatekeepers, brokers and asset managers. Conclusively, librarians will need to acquire new skills to access net resources, and develop new strategies and services to meet the challenges of the knowledge age.
Originality/value
The results and discussions imply that it is critically important for information professionals from developing countries to begin to re‐evaluate their roles in terms of how they contribute to the management of technology and information in the knowledge age. They must participate in information and knowledge creation, undertake information resources documentation, provide an information identification service and evolve new means of resource preservation.
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Charles Obiora Omekwu and Uwem Eteng
To map out routes along which the library and information profession can chart its future development.
Abstract
Purpose
To map out routes along which the library and information profession can chart its future development.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature‐based opinion piece which looks at “roadmaps to change” in library and information work from the historical, knowledge economy and information technology perspectives.
Findings
Change is inevitable for organizational survival and the maintenance of professional relevance.
Practical implications
Librarians and information professionals are by training positioned to continue to make a difference in information handling and management both now and in the future. The paper recommends the forms of repositioning that are vital for them if they are to continue to be relevant in information service delivery.
Originality/value
New and emerging roles for the profession are highlighted from various authors and authorities in the field.
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The central objective of this work is to examine internet sources, resources, and strategies, with particular reference to legal research.
Abstract
Purpose
The central objective of this work is to examine internet sources, resources, and strategies, with particular reference to legal research.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach adopted was to preface web‐based definitions of the internet and draw some features from the definitions. The next approach was to examine legal research resources on the internet. A web‐based survey and subject analysis of legal resources was then conducted.
Findings
The findings reveal the existence of diverse web resources on all subjects of law.
Research limitations/implications
Draws implications for legal research based on empirical data presented. Internet legal research is not simplistic; nor are all the web‐accessed materials to be accepted hook, line and sinker. It is, however, critical to state that to a large extent the internet would continue to create distributed research community for scholarship and research on a global basis. It concludes that, for legal research institutions, the need to install IT‐driven legal research facilities is no longer at the crossroads of policy tinkering but at the threshold of fundamental technological shift. Internet connectivity is the most critical need of legal research institutions of developing countries.
Originality/value
Probably a first in emphasizing unequivocally that IT activity and expertise are an absolute necessity for the pursuit of legal research in the future.
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Jonathan C. Ogugua and Nancy Emerole
To share the conference themes and presentations from the 2006 Nigerian Library Association National Conference.
Abstract
Purpose
To share the conference themes and presentations from the 2006 Nigerian Library Association National Conference.
Design/methodology/approach
Gives a brief review of the main events of the conference.
Findings
Serious concentration on library technology and ICTs in general to promote open access and encourage better skill sets and competitive advantages in world’s information marketplace.
Originality/value
Illustrates that innovation and technical expertise are the general themes that were impressed upon by most speakers in order to achieve goals.
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Saturday U. Omeluzor, Gloria O. Oyovwe-Tinuoye and Uche Emeka-Ukwu
This study aimed to assess the rural libraries and information services for rural development in Delta State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to assess the rural libraries and information services for rural development in Delta State, Nigeria.
Design methodology/approach
The study adopted both descriptive and exploratory research designs. Questionnaire, observation and structured interview guide were the major instruments for data collection. Total enumeration was used to gather data from respondents in 16 functional rural libraries in Delta State.
Findings
The study revealed the challenges that surround the rural people in accessing information in rural libraries. It showed that only 16 rural libraries were established and functional in 16 communities within the 25 local government areas. Findings also showed that the rural libraries were not able to fulfil their roles. It was evident that the information needs of the rural people which made them to access the library were not adequately met because of some hindrances such as inadequate up-to-date information materials, lack of awareness, illiteracy, language barrier, inadequate skilled personnel and inadequate infrastructure and facilities.
Practical implications
The important finding in this study is that rural libraries are the most relevant institution to disseminate information about government policies, inculcating reading habits and developing skill and knowledge of people. Therefore, underdevelopment of rural libraries and inadequate information sources and facilities will hinder access to information and development of the people who need them.
Originality value
This research is the first of its kind to assess rural libraries and information services for the development of rural people in the 16 rural libraries in Delta State of Nigeria.