Now a day’s libraries have deployed the ICT facilities, along with high speed internet connectivity,photo- copiers, and soft copy drop facilities via USB drives, DVD R-W, micro SD drives, fax,scanners and computers. When all such facilities are backed by Government aids, the support of a

trained librarian having good orientation and attitude is very important. The organizational and infrastructural facilities and the service of library professionals are to go hand in hand to fully utilize ICT. The research findings reveal that  lack of awareness and psychological barriers against advance technologies are the hurdles in providing ICT based LIS services

Kuralkar, R.

Sakarkar, Sachin.

English

E-LIS

- 12 -Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ... 9th International  CALIBER 2013Librarian’s Attitude Towards Information Communication Technology in Collegesaffiliated to Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University: A StudySachin D Sakarkar Rushikumar R KuralkarAbstractNow a day’s libraries have deployed the ICT facilities, along with high speed internet connectivity,photo- copiers, and soft copy drop facilities via USB drives, DVD R-W, micro SD drives, fax,scanners and computers. When all such facilities are backed by Government aids, the support of atrained librarian having very right orientation and attitude becomes very important.  Theorganizational infrastructural facilities and the mentality of library professionals are to go handin hand to utilize the ICT applications. The research derives that sometimes unawareness andtechno-phobia about the implementation of advance technologies are the hurdles in providingICT based LIS services.Keywords: Information Communication Technology (ICT), Librarians - Attitudes, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati    University1. IntroductionImplementation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries is totally depend upon theproper attitude of an ICT trained Librarian. ICT media had widened the limits and reach of library services.Now it is confined to library premises only, but gamut of knowledge is open to whole world of knowledgethrough Internet media (Sakarkar, 2011). Further, compilation cataloguing, information retrieval services, useof CD Rom  Databases, USB drives, Micro SD cards, e-mails, SMS, MMS, blue tooth, infrared connectivityhad been helping to touch new horizons Thus, availing such third generation facilities at fascinating speedand affordable costs is no more a mere dream in this 3G ICT era. This article is trying to convey that the mererequirement in this scenario is that, the proper attitude of librarians who can crave with thirst for knowledgeand their dedication to their professional duties.2. Related WorksO.E.L. Eguaroen (2011)  in his study found that librarians from University of Ibaddan, Nigeria have positiveattitude towards the use and implementation of ICT and having knowledge of ICT and training did influencethe positive attitude towards ICT. Muhammad Ramzan (2004) discussed about the factors affecting librarians’attitudes toward ICT application in libraries and found their role in IT-related decision making, their ownershipof IT application in libraries and for success of library IT projects and innovations. Sachin D. Sakarkar (2011)who has surveyed the automation status of college libraries provides some practical suggestion for the useof ICT in college libraries.  9th International CALIBER - 2013, INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat,  March  21-23, 2013                                     © INFLIBNET Centre- 13 -Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ...9th International  CALIBER 20133. Aims and ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to identify general characteristics and patterns that exist with regard to theinnovativeness of librarians as it relates to the adoption of ICTs. Specifically, the study addresses thefollowing questions: How innovative are librarians in relation to their peers in the adoption of information and communicationtechnologies? Do demographic variables affect librarian innovativeness? What implications might the innovativeness of librarians have on the diffusion of innovations withinlibraries?Objective of this study can be describes as below1. To find out professional awareness of librarians towards Information Communication Technologyapplications.2. To study the attitudes of librarians towards the use of Information Communication Technology.3. Methodology:Assuming the nature of the research and to know the facts about the attitude of librarians towards implicationof ICT in their business environment, the researcher has selected a descriptive survey method. As a datacollection tool, the questionnaire was distributed to the respondents. The questionnaire was sent to ninetytwo respondents. However, sixty one respondents have given their opinions which are taken intoconsideration for the present study.The instrument used for the collection of data on this study was a modified version of Igberia and Chakrabarti(1990) used for their study computer anxiety and attitude towards microcomputer utilization (CAATMU)scale and librarians’ attitude questionnaire developed by researcher. This Research tool is in three parts.Part 1: Demographic variables of the respondents: The items included in this part were respondent’sgender, age, highest educational qualification, department/section/division and length of service.Part 2: ICT Perceptions of Librarians: This part contains various items assessing librarian ICT experienceand training relating to queries - languages known, library software packages, operating systems, knowledgeof computerization, network facility, use of databases, collection, computerized activity areas, differentfacilities, constraints faced by librarians, participation in design and implementation of ICT, and method ofacquiring ICT experience.Part 3: Attitude toward ICT: This part of the survey contains ten items measuring librarians’ attitudestoward the use of ICT in libraries. They relate to both positive and negative effects of ICT in automatedlibraries. Respondents were asked to rate their belief about ICT applications to library practices on a 5-pointscale: 5.Strongly disagree, 4.Disagree, 3.Undecided, 2. Agree, 1. Strongly Agree.- 14 -Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ... 9th International  CALIBER 20134. Population and SampleThe study was targeted libraries in colleges affiliated in SGB Amravati University, Amravati. A short structuredquestionnaire was filled up by the researchers through librarians in various institutions in SGB AmravatiUniversity, Amravati.Table 1:  Sample SelectionThe table depicts that the total respondents are 61, amongst them 44 are males and 17 are females. The malelibrarians having Ph. D. are 5 and females are 3 as well as 39 and 14 males and females librarians are postgraduates respectively.       Table 2:   Age wise Distribution of SampleIt is evident from the adjacent Table that number of respondents in group 4, is meager to the tune of 11.43,while as the number of respondents in group 2 is substantial i.e. 44.28 which is fairly indicative of the facts.- 15 -Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ...9th International  CALIBER 20135.     Attitude of LibrariansAnalytical results of the study are as followsThe above table shows that the approach of the librarians under consideration as regards the ICT ispositive, for which experience, expectation and demands of society had provoked the librarian to change- 16 -Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ... 9th International  CALIBER 2013their approaches as well as attitude towards ICT compatibilities of library. It is also noteworthy that co-operation of librarian and providing ICT amenities could make the library better oriented to serve thedemands of the readers better.It was observed that, 90.16 % respondents were agreed that library is important for learning. 78.68 % wereagreed that Information Communication Technology save the valuable time of librarian, while 86.88 % of thelibrarians agreed to that, even in this ICT era, libraries play an important role in learning and teaching, whichmeans librarians have play their roles efficiently. But on the other side, 55.73% respondents mentioned that,computers brought more works and stress on librarians. While 68.85% of respondents mentioned that,computers has made librarians work difficult.This clearly shows the need for more emphasis on improving librarians’ attitudes toward technology.Librarians’ knowledge in IT, experience in computer use, level of awareness of technologies and updates viaICT training are the key factors impacting their attitudes toward information technology. Library administratorsneed to address these factors while planning and implementing any IT based project in libraries.6. ConclusionTrainings play a crucial role in creating an ideal atmosphere for ICT orientation of Librarians to evolve theirattitudes favoring ICT amenities. This would certainly reduce the fear of Digital Divide amongst society andlibrarian could become an ideal guide to all expectant readers to avail broad spectrum of knowledge availableat an affordable time. The ICT implementation is very much safe and progressive to the society under theguidance of a well-trained and positive librarian.References1. Cynthia,Preston.(1998).Perceptions of discriminatory Practices and attitudes : A survey of AfricanAmerican librarians. College and research libraries.59, 433-444.2. Ramzan, M. (2004). Does level of knowledge impact librarians’ attitude toward InformationTechnology (IT) applications? 2nd International CALIBER- 2004, New Delhi, 11-13 February. 21-31.3. Sakarkar,S.D.(2011). A Survey of Library automation in colleges affiliated to SGB AmravatiUniversity Amravati. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the National level seminar on Impact ofinformation Communication Technology on College Libraries(India) Deshmukh, Shyamakanth.(pp.71-75). Jalgaon: Shri. S.S. patil Arts,Shri.Bhausaheb T.T.Salunkhe Commerce and Shri.G.R. Pandit scienceCollege.4. Kristi L.Palmer, Emily. Dill.and Charlene,Christie.Where There’s a Will There’s a Way? Survey ofAcademic Librarian attitudes about Open Access. College and Research Libraries.70 (2009) 315-335.5. Rabina,D.L. & Walczyk, D.J.(2007). Information professionals’ attitude toward the adoption ofinnovations in everyday life. Available at http://informationr.net/ir/12-4/colis/colis12.html (Accessedon 25/10/2009)- 17 -Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ...9th International  CALIBER 20136. Eguavoen, O.E.L. (2011). Attitudes of library staff to the use of ict: the case of kenneth dike library,university of ibadan, Nigeria. Available at http://www.ozelacademy.com/OJSS_v4n1_1.pdf (Accessedon 12/07/2011)7. Adesola,P., Omoba, Rosnold. Ogie., & Tella Adeyinka (2007). Attitudes of Librarians in Selected NigerianUniversities toward the Use of ICT. http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~mbolin/tella3.htm (Accessedon 12/07/2011)8. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0264- 73&volume=28&issue (Accessed on 12/07/2010)About AuthorsDr.  Sachin D Sakarkar, Librarian, R.R. Lahoti Science College, Morshi, Dist - Amravati (MS)E-mail: sachin_sakarkar@yahoo.comMr. Rushikumar R Kuralkar, Librarian, Adarsha Science, J. B. Arts & Birla Commerce Mahavidyalaya,Dhamangaon Rly, Amravati (MS)E-mail: rkuralkar@rediffmail.com

A Survey of Library automation in colleges affiliated to SGB Amravati University Amravati. Paper presented at the

Attitudes of library staff to the use of ict: the case of kenneth dike library, university of ibadan, Nigeria. Available at http://www.ozelacademy.com/OJSS_v4n1_1.pdf (Accessed on 12/07/2011)

Cynthia,Preston.(1998).Perceptions of discriminatory Practices and attitudes : A survey of African American librarians. College and research libraries.59,

Dill.and Charlene,Christie.Where There’s a Will There’s a Way? Survey of Academic Librarian attitudes about Open Access. College and Research Libraries.70

Does level of knowledge impact librarians’ attitude toward

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0264- 73&volume=28&issue (Accessed on 12/07/ 2010) About Authors Dr. Sachin D Sakarkar, Librarian, R.R. Lahoti Science College, Morshi, Dist - Amravati (MS) E-mail: sachin_sakarkar@yahoo.com Mr.

Information professionals’ attitude toward the adoption of innovations in everyday life. Available at http://informationr.net/ir/12-4/colis/colis12.html (Accessed on 25/10/2009)-

Librarian’s Attitude Towards Information Communication Technology in Colleges Affiliated to Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University: A Study

E-Lis: Research in Computing and Library and Information Science

- 12 -
Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ... 9th International  CALIBER 2013
Librarian’s Attitude Towards Information Communication Technology in Colleges
affiliated to Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University: A Study
Sachin D Sakarkar Rushikumar R Kuralkar
Abstract
Now a day’s libraries have deployed the ICT facilities, along with high speed internet connectivity,
photo- copiers, and soft copy drop facilities via USB drives, DVD R-W, micro SD drives, fax,
scanners and computers. When all such facilities are backed by Government aids, the support of a
trained librarian having very right orientation and attitude becomes very important.  The
organizational infrastructural facilities and the mentality of library professionals are to go hand
in hand to utilize the ICT applications. The research derives that sometimes unawareness and
techno-phobia about the implementation of advance technologies are the hurdles in providing
ICT based LIS services.
Keywords: Information Communication Technology (ICT), Librarians - Attitudes, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati
    University
1. Introduction
Implementation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries is totally depend upon the
proper attitude of an ICT trained Librarian. ICT media had widened the limits and reach of library services.
Now it is confined to library premises only, but gamut of knowledge is open to whole world of knowledge
through Internet media (Sakarkar, 2011). Further, compilation cataloguing, information retrieval services, use
of CD Rom  Databases, USB drives, Micro SD cards, e-mails, SMS, MMS, blue tooth, infrared connectivity
had been helping to touch new horizons Thus, availing such third generation facilities at fascinating speed
and affordable costs is no more a mere dream in this 3G ICT era. This article is trying to convey that the mere
requirement in this scenario is that, the proper attitude of librarians who can crave with thirst for knowledge
and their dedication to their professional duties.
2. Related Works
O.E.L. Eguaroen (2011)  in his study found that librarians from University of Ibaddan, Nigeria have positive
attitude towards the use and implementation of ICT and having knowledge of ICT and training did influence
the positive attitude towards ICT. Muhammad Ramzan (2004) discussed about the factors affecting librarians’
attitudes toward ICT application in libraries and found their role in IT-related decision making, their ownership
of IT application in libraries and for success of library IT projects and innovations. Sachin D. Sakarkar (2011)
who has surveyed the automation status of college libraries provides some practical suggestion for the use
of ICT in college libraries.
  9th International CALIBER - 2013, INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat,  March  21-23, 2013                                     © INFLIBNET Centre
- 13 -
Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ...9th International  CALIBER 2013
3. Aims and Objectives
The purpose of this study is to identify general characteristics and patterns that exist with regard to the
innovativeness of librarians as it relates to the adoption of ICTs. Specifically, the study addresses the
following questions:
 How innovative are librarians in relation to their peers in the adoption of information and communication
technologies?
 Do demographic variables affect librarian innovativeness?
 What implications might the innovativeness of librarians have on the diffusion of innovations within
libraries?
Objective of this study can be describes as below
1. To find out professional awareness of librarians towards Information Communication Technology
applications.
2. To study the attitudes of librarians towards the use of Information Communication Technology.
3. Methodology:
Assuming the nature of the research and to know the facts about the attitude of librarians towards implication
of ICT in their business environment, the researcher has selected a descriptive survey method. As a data
collection tool, the questionnaire was distributed to the respondents. The questionnaire was sent to ninety
two respondents. However, sixty one respondents have given their opinions which are taken into
consideration for the present study.
The instrument used for the collection of data on this study was a modified version of Igberia and Chakrabarti
(1990) used for their study computer anxiety and attitude towards microcomputer utilization (CAATMU)
scale and librarians’ attitude questionnaire developed by researcher. This Research tool is in three parts.
Part 1: Demographic variables of the respondents: The items included in this part were respondent’s
gender, age, highest educational qualification, department/section/division and length of service.
Part 2: ICT Perceptions of Librarians: This part contains various items assessing librarian ICT experience
and training relating to queries - languages known, library software packages, operating systems, knowledge
of computerization, network facility, use of databases, collection, computerized activity areas, different
facilities, constraints faced by librarians, participation in design and implementation of ICT, and method of
acquiring ICT experience.
Part 3: Attitude toward ICT: This part of the survey contains ten items measuring librarians’ attitudes
toward the use of ICT in libraries. They relate to both positive and negative effects of ICT in automated
libraries. Respondents were asked to rate their belief about ICT applications to library practices on a 5-point
scale: 5.Strongly disagree, 4.Disagree, 3.Undecided, 2. Agree, 1. Strongly Agree.
- 14 -
Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ... 9th International  CALIBER 2013
4. Population and Sample
The study was targeted libraries in colleges affiliated in SGB Amravati University, Amravati. A short structured
questionnaire was filled up by the researchers through librarians in various institutions in SGB Amravati
University, Amravati.
Table 1:  Sample Selection
The table depicts that the total respondents are 61, amongst them 44 are males and 17 are females. The male
librarians having Ph. D. are 5 and females are 3 as well as 39 and 14 males and females librarians are post
graduates respectively.
       Table 2:   Age wise Distribution of Sample
It is evident from the adjacent Table that number of respondents in group 4, is meager to the tune of 11.43,
while as the number of respondents in group 2 is substantial i.e. 44.28 which is fairly indicative of the facts.
- 15 -
Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ...9th International  CALIBER 2013
5.     Attitude of Librarians
Analytical results of the study are as follows
The above table shows that the approach of the librarians under consideration as regards the ICT is
positive, for which experience, expectation and demands of society had provoked the librarian to change
- 16 -
Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ... 9th International  CALIBER 2013
their approaches as well as attitude towards ICT compatibilities of library. It is also noteworthy that co-
operation of librarian and providing ICT amenities could make the library better oriented to serve the
demands of the readers better.
It was observed that, 90.16 % respondents were agreed that library is important for learning. 78.68 % were
agreed that Information Communication Technology save the valuable time of librarian, while 86.88 % of the
librarians agreed to that, even in this ICT era, libraries play an important role in learning and teaching, which
means librarians have play their roles efficiently. But on the other side, 55.73% respondents mentioned that,
computers brought more works and stress on librarians. While 68.85% of respondents mentioned that,
computers has made librarians work difficult.
This clearly shows the need for more emphasis on improving librarians’ attitudes toward technology.
Librarians’ knowledge in IT, experience in computer use, level of awareness of technologies and updates via
ICT training are the key factors impacting their attitudes toward information technology. Library administrators
need to address these factors while planning and implementing any IT based project in libraries.
6. Conclusion
Trainings play a crucial role in creating an ideal atmosphere for ICT orientation of Librarians to evolve their
attitudes favoring ICT amenities. This would certainly reduce the fear of Digital Divide amongst society and
librarian could become an ideal guide to all expectant readers to avail broad spectrum of knowledge available
at an affordable time. The ICT implementation is very much safe and progressive to the society under the
guidance of a well-trained and positive librarian.
References
1. Cynthia,Preston.(1998).Perceptions of discriminatory Practices and attitudes : A survey of African
American librarians. College and research libraries.59, 433-444.
2. Ramzan, M. (2004). Does level of knowledge impact librarians’ attitude toward Information
Technology (IT) applications? 2nd International CALIBER- 2004, New Delhi, 11-13 February. 21-31.
3. Sakarkar,S.D.(2011). A Survey of Library automation in colleges affiliated to SGB Amravati
University Amravati. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the National level seminar on Impact of
information Communication Technology on College Libraries(India) Deshmukh, Shyamakanth.(pp.71-
75). Jalgaon: Shri. S.S. patil Arts,Shri.Bhausaheb T.T.Salunkhe Commerce and Shri.G.R. Pandit science
College.
4. Kristi L.Palmer, Emily. Dill.and Charlene,Christie.Where There’s a Will There’s a Way? Survey of
Academic Librarian attitudes about Open Access. College and Research Libraries.70 (2009) 315-335.
5. Rabina,D.L. & Walczyk, D.J.(2007). Information professionals’ attitude toward the adoption of
innovations in everyday life. Available at http://informationr.net/ir/12-4/colis/colis12.html (Accessed
on 25/10/2009)
- 17 -
Librarians’ Attitude Towards Information ...9th International  CALIBER 2013
6. Eguavoen, O.E.L. (2011). Attitudes of library staff to the use of ict: the case of kenneth dike library,
university of ibadan, Nigeria. Available at http://www.ozelacademy.com/OJSS_v4n1_1.pdf (Accessed
on 12/07/2011)
7. Adesola,P., Omoba, Rosnold. Ogie., & Tella Adeyinka (2007). Attitudes of Librarians in Selected Nigerian
Universities toward the Use of ICT. http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~mbolin/tella3.htm (Accessed
on 12/07/2011)
8. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0264- 73&volume=28&issue (Accessed on 12/07/
2010)
About Authors
Dr.  Sachin D Sakarkar, Librarian, R.R. Lahoti Science College, Morshi, Dist - Amravati (MS)
E-mail: sachin_sakarkar@yahoo.com
Mr. Rushikumar R Kuralkar, Librarian, Adarsha Science, J. B. Arts & Birla Commerce Mahavidyalaya,
Dhamangaon Rly, Amravati (MS)
E-mail: rkuralkar@rediffmail.com


Librarian’s Attitude Towards Information Communication Technology in Colleges Affiliated to Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University: A Study

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