Concept of ICTs

Concept of ICTs

• Information Technology (IT) was first used in the early 1980s to indicate the convergence of computer technology and communication technologies.
• In the 1990s, the term Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) was more widely used to replace IT, emphasizing the communication aspect.

Definition of ICTs

• ICTs is a field of work and study that includes technologies such as desktop and laptop computers, software, peripherals, and connections to the Internet for information processing and communications functions (Statistics Canada, 2008).
• According to UNESCO, ICTs is the combination of informatics technology with other related technologies, specifically communication technology (UNESCO, 2002).

Uses of ICTs in Various Sectors

• ICTs can be used to facilitate public and private sector activities in areas such as:
• Public Administration (e-Government)
• Transport sector (improving road, air, and rail transportation)
• Health Sector (supporting efficient exchange of information between health professionals and clients, telemedicine)
• Special Needs (for the Physically Challenged, providing access to communication, education, and opportunities)
• Education Sector (facilitating learning, exchange of educational materials, and online learning systems)

Effects of ICT Developments on the User Community

• Increases level of technology literacy
• Increases demand for better and faster access to information
• Aggravates discrepancies between the information rich and information poor

Impact of ICTs on Librarians and Library Education

• Need for ICT knowledge, skills, and tools
• Library schools must integrate ICTs into their curricula and short courses to produce graduates who can cope with the changing work environment
• Need for continuous learning in the context of rapidly changing ICT

Perceived Roles of Librarians/Information Managers

• Creators: developers and producers of information products and services
• Collectors: librarians, archivists, and records managers
• Communicators: information workers, extension workers, subject specialists
• Consolidators: reference librarians, information brokers, analysts

Trends in the Development of Libraries

• Networked libraries
• Libraries with a core collection that is multimedia
• Libraries with access to global information
• Libraries becoming digital and virtual

Mainframe Computer

• A large computer with enormous input, processing, output, and storage capacities
• Hundreds of terminals can be connected, allowing hundreds of users to work simultaneously
• Also known as "Father computer" or Host computer, Central data base server

Mini Computer

• A computer of medium power compared to Mainframes, but more powerful than micro computers
• Also known as mid-range computer or Child computer
• Application: Departmental systems, Network Servers, work group system

Micro Computer

• A small computer that contains a microprocessor as its central processor
• The central processing unit is embedded in a single chip
• Available for only one user at any time
• Also known as Grandchild Computer
• Examples: personal computers, Laptops, desktops

Time-Sharing (Processing Technique)

• A technique that allows multiple users to access the computer simultaneously

Generations of Computers

Third Generation (1964-1971)

• Integrated Circuit (electronic circuit on a small silicon chip)
• Reliability, compactness, and low cost
• High-level languages appeared (Basic)
• Operating systems were first used (MULTICS)
• Networking was introduced
• Introduction of minicomputers

Fourth Generation (1972-1984)

• Microprocessor (thousands of integrated circuits on a single silicon chip)
• The Intel 4004 chip was the first chip to house all the components of the computer processor (1971)