Discuss the impact of IT on libraries, information systems and services. Justify how Indian society is drifting into an information and knowledge society.
The impact of information technology (IT) on libraries, information systems, and services has been significant in recent years. Some of the key ways in which IT has impacted libraries and information systems include:
Digitization: IT has made it possible to digitize and preserve large collections of books, manuscripts, and other materials, making them more accessible and easier to search and retrieve.
Automation: Libraries and information systems have been able to automate many of their traditional functions, such as cataloging and circulation, which has improved efficiency and made it easier for users to access materials.
Networking: IT has made it possible for libraries and information systems to connect and share resources with one another, and to provide remote access to users.
Virtual libraries: IT has also enabled the creation of virtual libraries, which are accessible over the Internet, which increases accessibility to information and knowledge.
Digital learning: IT has made it possible for libraries and information systems to provide digital learning resources and e-books, which is especially useful in the current scenario where libraries have been closed due to the pandemic.
In India, the society is increasingly becoming an information and knowledge society, with the increasing adoption of IT in various sectors of the economy and society. The Indian government is investing in IT infrastructure and digitalization of various public services, which has led to an increase in access to information and knowledge. Additionally, the widespread availability of the internet and smartphones has made it easier for people to access and share information. The increasing number of educational institutions and universities are also providing an environment for the development of an information and knowledge society. Furthermore, the Indian government's vision of Digital India, aimed at providing digital infrastructure and services to all citizens, is also contributing to the drift of Indian society towards an information and knowledge society.