INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION INSTITUTIONS

 Have an overview of Library & Information Science (LIS) Professions

 Provide a broad understanding of the field of library and information science
 Understand the meaning of Information Age Origins and Causes of Information
Society.

Library & Information Science (LIS) Professions:

Library & Information Science (LIS) is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the
organization, management, dissemination, and preservation of information resources.
Professionals in this field are responsible for facilitating access to information,
conducting research, managing collections, and developing information systems.

Some key professions within LIS include:

Librarians: Librarians work in various settings such as public libraries, academic

libraries, special libraries, and corporate libraries. They assist users in finding
information, curate collections, organize resources, and often provide educational
programs.

Information Scientists: These professionals focus on the study and application of

information systems, information behavior, and information technologies. They work to
design and improve systems for managing and accessing information.

Archivists: Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing historical records,
documents, and artifacts. They ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of these
materials.

Records Managers: Records managers oversee the creation, maintenance, and

disposal of organizational records to ensure compliance with regulations and efficient
information management.

Digital Asset Managers: With the rise of digital content, these professionals handle the
organization, preservation, and accessibility of digital resources such as images, audio,
video, and other multimedia content.
Metadata Specialists: Metadata specialists create and manage metadata, which are
descriptive data that help users locate and understand information resources. They play
a crucial role in enhancing search and retrieval processes.

Information Literacy Instructors: These professionals teach individuals how to

effectively find, evaluate, and use information resources. They are often found in
educational institutions, helping students develop critical information skills.

Broad Understanding of LIS: Library and Information Science is concerned with the
effective organization, retrieval, dissemination, and utilization of information resources.
This includes physical resources like books and documents as well as digital resources
in the form of databases, websites, and other digital content. The field places a strong
emphasis on promoting access to information, ensuring its accuracy and reliability, and
adapting to the ever-changing landscape of technology and user needs.

Information Age: The Information Age, also known as the Digital Age or the Computer
Age, refers to the period in human history characterized by the rapid
proliferation/production of information and the widespread adoption of digital
technologies. It is marked by the transformative impact of technology on various
aspects of society, including communication, economy, education, and culture.

The Information Age is characterized by:

Digital Revolution: The development and widespread use of digital technologies,

including computers, the internet, and mobile devices, have drastically changed how
information is created, stored, and shared.

Global Connectivity: The Information Age has connected people around the world
through the internet and digital communication platforms, enabling instant sharing of
information and ideas.

Data Abundance: Massive amounts of data are generated and collected daily, leading
to the rise of big data analytics and data-driven decision-making processes.
Knowledge Economy: Information and knowledge have become key drivers of
economic growth and innovation, leading to the emergence of a knowledge-based
economy.

Social and Cultural Changes: The Information Age has reshaped social interactions,
cultural norms, and modes of communication, influencing everything from how news is
consumed to how people form relationships.

Origins and Causes of the Information Society: The origins of the Information
Society can be traced back to the development of computing technologies and the
gradual transition from an industrial economy to a knowledge-based economy.

Key factors that have contributed to the emergence of the Information Society include:

Technological Advancements: The invention and development of computers, the

internet, and communication technologies have played a pivotal role in facilitating the
rapid exchange of information.

Globalization: Increased international connectivity and the ease of sharing information

across borders have contributed to the global nature of the Information Society.

Economic Shifts: The shift from manufacturing-based economies to service-based and

knowledge-based economies has elevated the importance of information as a valuable
resource.

Knowledge and Innovation: The ability to access and leverage information has
become a critical factor in driving innovation and economic growth.

Digital Literacy: As the Information Society evolves, the ability to navigate, evaluate,
and utilize digital information effectively has become a crucial skill for individuals to
participate fully.

Societal Expectations: People's expectations for instant access to information and the
ability to communicate globally have fueled the demand for information technologies
and the information-based services they provide.
The Information Society represents a significant shift in how information is produced,
shared, and utilized, impacting various aspects of human life and societal structures.

TYPES AND FUNCTIONS OF LIBRARIES

 Identify the different types of libraries and information centers

 Know purposes and functions of libraries and information centers
 Have understanding of activities of libraries

Types of Libraries and Information Centers:

Libraries and information centers come in various types, each serving specific purposes
and user groups.

Some of the common types include:

Public Libraries: These are accessible to the general public and offer a wide range of
materials, including books, magazines, and multimedia resources. Public libraries often
provide community programs, educational events, and spaces for studying or reading.

Academic Libraries: Found within educational institutions like universities and

colleges, academic libraries support the research, teaching, and learning needs of
students, faculty, and researchers. They offer academic resources, research
assistance, and often house specialized collections.

Special Libraries: These libraries serve specific organizations, industries, or

professions. Examples include law libraries, medical libraries, corporate libraries, and
government libraries. They focus on resources relevant to their specialized field.

National Libraries: National libraries preserve a country's cultural heritage by collecting

and archiving significant publications and documents. They often house legal deposit
collections and serve as repositories of national literature and history.

Digital Libraries: Digital libraries offer electronic resources, such as e-books, digital
archives, online databases, and multimedia content. They provide remote access to
information and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
School Libraries: Situated within primary and secondary schools, these libraries
support students' learning by providing age-appropriate resources and teaching
information literacy skills.

Archives: While not always called "libraries," archives store and manage historical
records, documents, and artifacts of enduring value. They are essential for research in
history, genealogy, and other disciplines.

Preservation Libraries: These libraries focus on preserving rare and valuable

materials, including manuscripts, ancient texts, and fragile documents, to ensure their
long-term survival.

Mobile Libraries: Also known as bookmobiles, these are libraries on wheels that reach
underserved communities, rural areas, or locations without access to a stationary library
building.

Purposes and Functions of Libraries and Information Centers:

The purposes and functions of libraries and information centers are diverse, but some
common aspects include:

Information Access: Libraries provide users with access to a wide range of information
resources, both physical and digital, to support education, research, and personal
enrichment.

Education: Libraries contribute to formal and informal education by offering resources

for learning, research assistance, and educational programs.

Research Support: Academic and research libraries offer specialized resources and
services to support scholarly research and academic pursuits.

Community Engagement: Public libraries play a vital role in fostering community

engagement through programs, events, and spaces for meetings and activities.
Cultural Preservation: Libraries and archives help preserve cultural heritage by
collecting and maintaining documents, manuscripts, and other materials of historical
and cultural significance.

Information Literacy: Libraries promote information literacy by teaching users how to

find, evaluate, and use information effectively and responsibly.

Technology Access: Many libraries provide public access to computers and the
internet, bridging the digital divide and enabling digital literacy.

Activities of Libraries:

The activities of libraries encompass a wide range of tasks and services:

Collection Development: Selecting, acquiring, and managing a diverse collection of

resources that align with users' needs.

Cataloging and Classification: Organizing and categorizing resources to facilitate

efficient retrieval and access.

Reference Services: Assisting users in finding information, answering questions, and

guiding research.

User Education: Providing workshops, tutorials, and training to improve users'

information literacy skills.

Digital Services: Managing digital resources, offering online databases, and

maintaining digital repositories.

Interlibrary Loan: Facilitating the borrowing and lending of resources between libraries
to expand users' access.

Outreach Programs: Organizing events, workshops, and community programs to

engage users and promote library services.

Archiving and Preservation: Storing and protecting materials to ensure their long-term
accessibility and usability.
Collaboration: Partnering with other institutions and organizations to enhance
resources and services.

Innovation: Staying current with technological trends and adopting new tools and
services to meet users' changing needs.

These activities collectively contribute to the role that libraries and information centers
play in connecting individuals and communities with valuable information and resources.

SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATION OF LIBRARY

The social and historical foundation of libraries is deeply rooted in the evolution of human
societies and the need to gather, preserve, and share knowledge and information. Libraries have
played a critical role in shaping cultures, disseminating ideas, and advancing education
throughout history. Here's an overview of the social and historical foundations of libraries:

Ancient Libraries: The origins of libraries can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The
Library of Alexandria in Egypt, established in the 3rd century BCE, is one of the most famous
examples. It housed a vast collection of scrolls and manuscripts from various cultures and was a
center of scholarship and research. Ancient libraries in Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and China
also contributed to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.

Monastic and Medieval Libraries: During the Middle Ages, monasteries and religious
institutions played a significant role in preserving written knowledge. Monastic libraries
collected and copied manuscripts, including religious texts, philosophy, and classical works.
These libraries were often the only repositories of written knowledge during this period.

Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance marked a revival of interest in classical

learning and culture, leading to the establishment of public and private libraries in Europe. The
invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized the
distribution of written material, making books more accessible and affordable. The
Enlightenment further emphasized the importance of reason, science, and education, driving the
growth of libraries as hubs of intellectual activity.
Public Libraries and the Industrial Revolution: The 19th century saw the emergence of public
libraries as a response to the growing need for accessible education and knowledge. The Public
Libraries Act of 1850 in the United Kingdom paved the way for the establishment of free public
libraries. The industrial revolution and urbanization also fueled the demand for libraries as
centers of self-improvement and social advancement.

Modern Libraries and Information Science: The 20th century brought significant changes to
libraries with the advent of new technologies. The development of library science and
information science disciplines led to more systematic approaches to organizing and managing
information. The rise of digital technologies transformed how information is stored, accessed,
and shared, giving birth to digital libraries and online resources.

Social Functions of Libraries:

Throughout history, libraries have served various social functions:

1. Preservation of Knowledge: Libraries have preserved written knowledge across

generations, safeguarding cultural heritage and intellectual achievements.
2. Dissemination of Ideas: Libraries have facilitated the spread of ideas, fostering
intellectual growth and cultural exchange.
3. Education and Literacy: Libraries have been crucial in providing access to education,
promoting literacy, and supporting lifelong learning.
4. Community Engagement: Libraries have served as community hubs, hosting events,
workshops, and programs that bring people together.
5. Democratization of Knowledge: The establishment of public libraries has democratized
access to information, ensuring that knowledge is accessible to all regardless of social or
economic background.
6. Research and Innovation: Libraries have supported research, innovation, and scientific
progress by providing resources and research assistance.
7. Cultural Identity: Libraries have helped shape and maintain cultural identity by
preserving local languages, literature, and traditions.
In essence, libraries have evolved from humble collections of scrolls to dynamic centers of
information, education, and community interaction. Their social and historical foundation
underscores their enduring importance in shaping societies and nurturing intellectual growth.