Information Processing in Libraries

Information Processing

• Refers to activities performed by libraries and information centers to acquire, organize, store, retrieve, and disseminate information
• Ensures users can access accurate, relevant, and organized information efficiently
• Crucial for organization, accessibility, efficiency, and preservation of information

Historical Perspective of Information Processing

• Evolved alongside library development
• Traditionally focused on physical organization of books and materials
• Digital technology transformed information processing, moving from manual to automated systems

Early Libraries

• Ancient libraries, such as the Library of Alexandria, focused on physical collection of scrolls and manuscripts
• Information processing involved manual cataloging and simple organization systems

Modern Libraries

• 20th century saw development of more complex classification systems: Dewey Decimal System and Library of Congress Classification
• Introduction of computers in libraries revolutionized information processing, enabling faster cataloging, storage, and retrieval

Digital Era

• Rise of digital libraries brought about new challenges and opportunities in information processing
• Libraries now manage digital assets, ebooks, online databases, and electronic journals requiring advanced techniques

Role of Information Centers

• Information centers, like libraries, archives, and data repositories, play a crucial role in society by managing and disseminating information
• Ensure information is available to those who need it, whether for research, education, or personal use

Functions of Information Centers

• Collection Development: Acquiring new materials and resources to meet the needs of users
• Cataloging and Classification: Organizing information for easy retrieval
• Information Retrieval: Helping users find needed information through search tools, databases, and resources
• Preservation: Ensuring information is stored in a way that remains accessible over time
• User Education: Providing guidance on how to access and use information resources effectively

Significance of Information Centers in the Modern World

• In an era of information overload, libraries and information centers act as gatekeepers helping users navigate vast amounts of data
• They support academic research, lifelong learning, and informed decision-making in fields

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

• Deals with use of electronic computers and software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and retrieve information securely

  Computer

• An electronic machine which can take instructions, and perform computations based on those instructions

• Can be programmed and performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations, assembles, stores and retrieves data, and processes data

Data Processing

• Data: Raw facts, a distinct piece of information usually formatted in a special way
• Information: Meaningful data, a collection of processed data
• Process that involves transformation of data into information through classifying, sorting, merging, recording, retrieving, transmitting, or reporting
• Can be manual or computer based

Capabilities of Computers

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Information storage and retrieval
• Consistency
• Provides new time dimension

Limitations of Computers

• Cannot derive meaning from an object
• Dependent on prepared instructions
• Cannot operate on its own
• Cannot correct wrong instructions (GIGO)
• Cannot generate information on its own
• Lack of feeling and emotions
• Vulnerable to machine malfunctions

History of Computers

• Manual – Mechanical: Devices powered by hand, requires physical effort from the user
• Electromechanical: Devices using a combination of electrical and mechanical parts
• Electronic: Devices using electronic circuits to perform operations

Manual - Mechanical Devices

• Abacus: A counting device for making calculations consisting of a frame mounted with rods, on which beads or counters can be moved