Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be defined as the techniques, methods and tools used to manipulate, manage, access and communicate information. The phrase is equally used to refer to applications of computer and Internet, which are used for collection, processing, storage, and dissemination of information resources. The usage of ICTs can be acknowledged from all aspects of man's life. In supporting the argument, Emmanuel and Sife (2008) presented the positive effects of ICTs in various sectors including business, production, education, politics, governance, culture and other aspects of human life. In the educational sector, ICTs are used for teaching, learning and research purposes. This is possible as ICTs have capacities to create/collect and manipulate data, store and share information resources. The technologies are also used for accessing stored information from electronic storage devices.
ICTs have influenced the way people access information. In the education sector, ICTs are commonly used for instructional activities. For instance, in developed countries these technologies are adopted from primary to higher education. In developing countries, the technologies are mainly accessible and applied in higher education. Moreover, ICTs and information hubs for higher learning institutions in developing countries are libraries. In fact, it is a prerequisite for each of the higher learning institutions to have a library for supporting teaching-learning process to be accredited. In libraries, ICTs are used for acquisition, storage and dissemination of e-resources. Angello and Wema (2010) reported that Libraries in Tanzania’s higher learning institutions have computers connected to Internet, and CD-ROMs as an alternative during slow Internet and/or when offline.
Off-line resources stored in CD-ROMs and databases are common among institutions with limited Internet connectivity, those connected to the Internet use both online and offline resources. In most cases, some of the libraries have databases to meet information needs of the users. Few libraries subscribe to e-resources; others enjoy the national-wide subscription of e-journals through the Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries (COTUL).