Collection development in the era of information technology

Yogesh Sharma* and Avantika Singh*

*Correspondence:
Yogesh Sharma,
ms.yogi101@gmail.com
Avantika Singh,
shubhijadon024@gmail.com

Received: 13 February 2024; Accepted: 23 August 2024; Published: 27 October 2025.

License: CC BY 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).

The information society refers to today’s society, which is characterized by an increasing importance of information. ICT is a broad term that covers a wide range of activities related to the collection, storage, transmission, retrieval, and processing of information. Both the traditional role of libraries and the traditional creation process have changed as a result of the ICT trend. Globally, digital resources include encyclopedias, essays, papers, e-books, periodicals, websites, and more. Digitalization has also had an impact on capital achievement and conservation.

Keywords: information communication technology (ICT), information technology (IT), electronic journals (e-journals), information library network (INFLIBNET), compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), library and information science (LIS), University Grant Commission (UGC), electronic books (e-books)

1. Introduction

The effectiveness of the library’s use of technology is directly related to the extent to which it makes use of it. Initially, computer programs were merely capable of storing and retrieving data. With the improvements in technology, libraries are preparing to leverage these technologies to provide information more swiftly for the development, categorization, and cataloging of library collections, as well as for the circulation of library materials and the retrieval of information from the library’s archives and storage facilities. Libraries around the world have understood the benefits of leveraging IT to establish databases to make the knowledge they hold more accessible (1).

It means that the needs of users should be considered when collecting literature through selection. The information society refers to today’s society, which is characterized by an increasing importance of information. ICT is a broad term that covers a wide range of activities related to the collection, storage, transmission, retrieval and processing of information.

The ICT movement has altered both the conventional position of libraries and the conventional creation process. Digital tools around the world include articles, papers and encyclopedias, e-books, magazines and online, etc. The conservation and achievement of capital has also been influenced by (2). There are many explanations in the modern world for the evolving scenario of the selection process:

• Informatics application growth and dissemination

• Increased awareness in all areas of information of the Internet and emerging technologies.

• Modifications in the pattern of publications.

• Explosion of knowledge.

• Budgetary limitations of libraries

• Tremendous production of products for online content (3).

1.1. Methods of collection development

Libraries utilize a variety of methods to develop their collections, including the following:

• Purchase

• Gift and donations

• Exchange

• Deposit system

• Institutional membership

• Cooperative procurement

1.2. Collection development in IT-based environment

Collection development in libraries and other information-handling institutions: What’s in store? This is one of the questions that need to be answered. Collection development and administration functions, including selection, acquisition, preservation, policy formulation, and collection assessment, should be reviewed. One of the finest explanations of collection management is provided by Cogswell’s list of eight functions (4). It is clear that the concept of collection development is more relevant to the early stages of expansion in higher education and academic libraries, and it involves the construction and development of the library’s collection and the selection and acquisition of library materials. One of the most important aspects of collection management is to ensure that all of the pieces in a collection are housed in a manner that preserves them for future generations (5).

1.3. Changing pattern of collection development in libraries in context of ICT environment

To satisfy the demands of today’s students, collection development policies have to reflect changes in information and communication technology, which have led to a transition from printed to electronic literature creation (6). Collection development refers to the selection, ordering, and payment of materials for library consumers’ use. In this way, the creation of a library’s collection helps meet the different informational demands of the institution’s patrons (7).

1.4. Current issues and challenges

Continuing financial constraints (cuts in funding that result in shrinking book funds, fewer staff, and insufficient space, as well as difficulties caused by book and serial prices rising faster than inflation). It would be appropriate to state at this point that information technology is here to stay. While technology can be useful or bad, it does change our nature and must be continuously watched for its long-term impacts (8). Library operations have been significantly impacted by information technology’s qualities of sheer pervasiveness, being both an input and a final result, and lowering cost more rapidly than ever before, notably in the production and distribution of information resources and services (9). Neither a “paperless society” nor an “electronic information center” is the dilemma we face today. The library’s resources will be better managed, nurtured, and optimized with the help of this cutting-edge technology.

1.5. Pre-study

• In the field of ICT, electronic instruments have given rise to the creation and growth of the e-publishing sector. Digital content is stored in a media that can be formatted, distributed, and examined by a device without the interference of any transfer mechanism (10). The goal of collection development is to identify consumer knowledge needs, select and gather useful records, follow a thorough and sensible document selection process, review the selection on a regular basis, and prune out extraneous items from the collections. Its goal was to build a varied collection that met the university library’s needs. The theoretical description of collection development and electronic information resources is covered in this work, as well as the growing perspectives of collection management functions (11).

• Today’s libraries are global knowledge exchange centers thanks to the internet, which has become an integral part of the institution (12). Searching tools and techniques for academic research have emerged in the library sector in the form of web-based search engines and information portals.

• For all human activity, information is viewed as a valuable resource. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, you have a fundamental right to access to the right information at the right time. Many new library software programs and their use in the library and information science (LIS) area have led to a shift in how libraries manage their collections and services (13). LIS professionals and the environment they work in were the focus of this study. ICT has had a long-standing impact on practically every aspect of human activity.

• In the university libraries of Kerala, the author researched inventory of materials, allocation and spending, infrastructure utilization, library facilities, and customer satisfaction (14). The author said that the university is the nucleus of higher education and learning, and the university library’s main objective is to meet the institution’s educational and research needs and thus requires a full, qualitative and integrated collection of resources with ICT facilities. The author also claimed that university libraries in Kerala spend tremendous sums on the creation of selection or collections (15). If colleges are not reviewed annually to evaluate the importance and usefulness of these university library services for the student population, it would cause a tremendous loss (16).

• Data management and distribution are becoming increasingly important in today’s global economy, which has been transformed into a worldwide community based on the creative management and dissemination of data (17). In terms of promoting information exchange throughout the world, it is a huge boon. The essay emphasized the importance of libraries as a source of knowledge in a globalized world (18). It also illustrates the challenges that India’s library & information service (LIS) sector has experienced as well as the progress made throughout time employing current information technologies.

• The quantity of information resources on the internet is increasing in this dynamic information environment. Information professionals are responsible for managing and coordinating the dissemination of electronic information resources. Every library needs to develop a unique collection development model that considers the needs of each of its patrons. Access to distant and frequently updated materials is becoming more and more popular through the internet. Libraries must take the initiative in e-collection.

1.6. Electronic publishing

The confluence of computer and communication networks in a digital environment has aided the development of electronic publishing, which incorporates all aspects of conventional publishing. The final product of electronic publication can be printed or not printed. A wide range of digital libraries exist to develop, transport, and preserve digital artifacts derived from many kinds of data. Digital objects that have been developed or gathered according to collection development principles are part of this collection management system (19). In addition to providing easy access to digitized content, a digital library also solves the problems of data storage and upkeep. It can simultaneously link several persons from different locations. Electronic journals are full-text journals that are published electronically and accessible over the internet. A free electronic journal or a subscription-based publication can be found. Electronic journals have the benefit of being accessible and often updated, as well as being simple to obtain articles from. When purchasing a print membership, several publishers now offer electronic access to the electronic publication for free (20).

1.7. Delivery of electronic documents

Electronic document distribution does not necessitate the availability of both the sender and the recipient of information at the same time. It can provide a number of options, including the information to create, update, save, retrieve, transfer, and receive data when needed (21). There are a lot of individuals out there that need to collaborate on a large-scale project that spans a broad geographic area. Preparation and delivery costs for electronic information transfer are much lower than for more traditional methods like telex, mail, or courier. Material not found in one system can be retrieved from another and transmitted to the relevant individuals for distribution (22). There are a variety of methods that may be used to distribute electronic documents quickly and conveniently, including videotape, video desk, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, and others. Ordering documents through the internet might take many days because of communication problems. Text and geographic information can be sent through a telecommunications link via telefax and facsimile, two common means of transmitting information (23). In partnership with a number of government organizations, notably the British Library’s Documentation Supply Centre, ADONIS (Advanced Document Over Network Information Services) which is a consortium of major European publishers (24).

1.8. Impact of IT on collection

To suggest that IT has had a significant influence on library operations would be an understatement. For example, the selection and acquisition of information items, resource sharing and networking, collecting and assessment have all been significantly impacted by information technology (25).

1.9. Impact of ICT on collection development and management

Information communication technology (ICT) has had a significant impact on collection development, particularly in college libraries. As users’ preferences shift toward e-resources, college libraries follow suit in order to meet the needs of a larger user base (26). The following are examples of the impact of ICT on collection development and administration:

• Impact of CD-ROM

• Impact of internet

• Impact of digital library

• Impact of technological implementation in university libraries.

1.10. Collection development in digital world

Today’s and tomorrow’s generations can access the knowledge and epochs preserved in libraries’ collections of recorded information and data. Storage of information on paper or other old methods was problematic for decades, but digital storage has made the process much simpler and more enjoyable. Collection development has evolved from strictly technical work into a hybrid role that encompasses both public and technical services (27). The traditional librarian’s primary duties no longer include document selection but have been replaced by website maintenance or the creation of new websites in recent years. Jobs that blur the distinctions between these sorts of roles may be difficult to evaluate (28).

2. Conclusion

Information and communication technology, or ICT, has significantly influenced the progress of our society. The variety of services provided to the public expands in response to the requirements of the general population as technology develops and becomes more accessible. Since its introduction, it has had an enormous impact on the way people interact with information. Development of information resources is directly linked to economic growth, which is why policymakers place a high priority on this issue when formulating policies. The Internet has evolved into a vast treasure trove of information in the form of databases, images, movies, and multimedia, as well as interactive displays. Many academic and research organizations, as well as prominent universities throughout the world, update their own homepages to highlight their educational aims, academic activities, great training programs, and groundbreaking research findings. As a result, the operation of academic libraries evolves over time to keep up with the ever-changing information environment. In school and college libraries, change is sluggish, but college libraries have made steady progress in implementing ICT in their housekeeping and information retrieval activities, thanks to the help of INFLIBNET, a UGC Inter University Centre. College libraries are putting in a lot of effort these days to improve their information infrastructure so that they can provide a fast and efficient information highway for their users to share and access information from all over the world. Users can readily receive new information, fresh knowledge, and solutions to their problems by the provision of a fast, efficient, and easy way to access and search for information via online pages and resources linked to other websites. In India, the way college libraries operate has been revolutionized. Indeed, it has incorporated several new technology-based features to keep its users up to date on world events.

Websites

(1) https://www.toppers4u.com

(2) https://www.ed.ac.uk

(3) https://www.scibbr.com

(4) https://en.wikipedia.org

(5) https://www.researchgate.net

(6) https://www.sciencedirect.com

(7) https://www.egyankosh.ac.in

(8) https://egnited.in

(9) https://digitalcommons.unl.edu

References

1. Saylor JM, Minton-Morris C. The National Science Digital Library: an update on systems, services and collection development. Sci Technol Lib. (2007) 26:61–78.

Google Scholar

2. Hussaini S, Haruna M, Muhammad A. Application and use of ICT in University Library Services: a panacea for conventional library services. J Inform Technol Sci. (2020) 7:1. doi: 10.46610/JOITS.2021.v07i01.001

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

3. Hussaini A. Challenges and opportunities in the management of collection development policy in libraries. J Lib Inform Sci. (2020) 18:11.

Google Scholar

4. van Dyk G. Interlibrary loan purchase-on-demand: a misleading literature. Lib Collect Acquisit Tech Serv. (2011) 35:83–9.

Google Scholar

5. Chowdappa N, Ramasesh CP. Grey literature collections in the libraries of engineering colleges recognised for research in Karnataka: an analytical study. SRELS J Inform Manage. (2011) 42:215–30.

Google Scholar

6. Banateppanvar K, Biradar BS, Kannappanavar BU. Citation analysis of doctoral theses in botany submitted to Kuvempu University, India: a case study. Collect Build. (2013) 32:12–21.

Google Scholar

7. Whong F. Application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to library operations and routines in selected Nigerian Federal University Libraries. Inform Manager. (2014) 14:2.

Google Scholar

8. Okeke IE, Oghenetega LU, Umeji EC. Availability and Uses of ICT facilities among students in faculty of social science, Madonna University. Int Res. (2014) 4:2.

Google Scholar

9. Shukla A, Sialai S. ICT application in academic libraries. Proceedings of the Conference: National Seminar on Future of Academic Libraries: Issues and Challenges, Allahabad: (2015).

Google Scholar

10. Anup S. ICT and its impact on library and information services: a case study of Kendriya Vidyalaya Libraries. Int J Sci Res. (2013).

Google Scholar

11. Biplab R. Study on collection development and electronic information resources. J Adv Schol Res Allied Educ. (2019).

Google Scholar

12. Devi AI. Role of Personal Collections in Promoting Intellectual Heritage in Manipur. Manipur: Manipur University (2014).

Google Scholar

13. Shastri D, Chudasma P. The perception of ICT skills and challenges of usage of technologies among the library professionals of the Gujarat State during the COVID 19: a comprehensive study. Qual Quant. (2022) 56:1093–120.

Google Scholar

14. Ackerman M. J, Filart R, Burgess LP, Lee I, Poropatich RK. The impact of information technology on library management: a marketing perspective. Arab J Bus Manage Rev. (2014).

Google Scholar

15. Himanish R. Knowledge management and the role of academic libraries. Int J Res Lib Sci. (2015).

Google Scholar

16. Deepa R. A Study on Library Collection Development in University of Kerala in the Information Technology Environment. Chennai: Alagappa University (2018).

Google Scholar

17. Sharsti C. An Evaluative Study of E-Journal Collection Management Transition Trend and Technology. Delhi: University Libraries of Delhi (2016).

Google Scholar

18. Bhoi N. Use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Library Operation: An Overview. Bangalore: Indian Statistical Institute (2017).

Google Scholar

19. Levenson H, Nichols Hess A. Collaborative collection development: current perspectives leading to future initiatives. J Acad Librariansh. (2020) 46:102201.

Google Scholar

20. Choudhury TA, Rahman M, Barooah PK. A Scenario of Special Libraries and ICT Application in the State of Assam: A Study. Lincoln, NE: Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2018).

Google Scholar

21. Stephen G. Usage of ICT Resources in Academic Libraries With Special Reference to Engineering Colleges. Kolkata: St. Xavier’s University (2020).

Google Scholar

22. Arun Kumara TS, Shilpa BS, Santhosh Kumar KT. ICT application to next generation libraries. J Adv Lib Inform Sci. (2018) 7: 227–31.

Google Scholar

23. Odionye C. Uses and applications of ICTs in Nigerian University Libraries: the case of UNN. Res J Mass Commun Inform Technol. (2016) 2:3.

Google Scholar

24. Chaudhari AV. The role of ICT in rural area libraries. Int J Sci Res Multidiscip Stud. (2018) 4:1.

Google Scholar

25. De-Graft Johnson D. Assessing adoption and implementation of mobile technology-based library services in academic libraries. Int J Innovat Technol Explor Eng. (2020) 9:2278–3075.

Google Scholar

26. Rajasekharam D. A survey on collection development of NAAC accredited Government degree college libraries affiliated to Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana state. Int J Adv Res Ideas Innovat Technol. (2018).

Google Scholar

27. Dibyajyoti M. ICT infrastructure and information services provided by the Amity University Kolkata central library: a study. Int J Next Gen Lib Technol. (2018).

Google Scholar

28. Quadri GO, Garaba F. Perceived effects of ICT on knowledge sharing among librarian in South-West Nigeria: a UTAUT theoretical approach. J Balkan Lib Union. (2019) 7:38–46.

Google Scholar


© The Author(s). 2024 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.