Impact of ICT on the Changing Roles of the Librarian, Other Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals, and Managerial Change

Major Challenges Of 21St Century Librarian

In a fast-changing, expanding diverse global digital information environment, libraries are facing a variety of complex challenges from multiple sectors of knowledge society in the 21st century. The major challenges are:

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  Information explosion.

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  Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

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  Growth and usage of web resources.

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  Use of digital resources.

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  User’s expectations.

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  Virtual learning environment.

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  Virtual educational institutions.

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  Development of digital, virtual, and hybrid libraries.

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  Online bookshops and information services.

These challenges have called for orientation, reengineering, transformation, and great changes in the information environment, library functions, and the roles of library and information service professionals.

The functions of a modern library include:

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  Application of new technologies in libraries.

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  Computerization and networking of all library operations, resources and services.

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  Build both print and electronic information resources.

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  Providing a access to the content of local and global resources and services.

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  Provide guidance and training in the usage of digital resources.

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  Provide responsive products and services to meet the user needs and expectations.