The Fate of Intermediary Library Staff in the Era of ICTs in Nigerian context

Abstract

The paper explained how the traditional or analogue libraries have transformed into a digital library with the advent of information and communication technologies (ICTS). The concept of ICT based on libraries were highlighted as electronic library, virtual library, digital library, community library, library without walls, the library of the future etc, ICT facilities available for the library and information center were also provided such as computers, printers, email, UPS, CDROMs, Scanners, Printers, Satellites, Internet, Intranet, connectivity, V-SAT, online databases, Websites, etc and the advantage of using them were highlighted such as provision of remote access information to users and access to unlimited information from different source. Challenges of ICT in the library were also highlighted such as; lack of adequately trained manpower in the use of IT. The service provided by library and information with ICT was also provided such as remote enquiry services, interactive services, catalog on web, the services of the intermediates or paraprofessional staff may not be undermined, because they are also very important in the modern-day library. They assist the professional staff in the library such as register users online, transform the physical form of catalog into the online public access catalogue (OPAC), answering users queries online, charging and discharging and giving online literacy instructions to users as part of digital reference service. Also, the paper concludes that, intermediary library staff must acquire all the requisite skill through training and retraining for capacity building in the area of ICTs in the library.