The Research Library and Scholarly Information; a Future for Librarians?

Abstract

The development of information and communciation technology during the last couple of decades is reminiscent of the invention of the printing press in about 1450. Both have led to revolutionary new ways of disseminating information faster and on a broader scale. While the consequences could not be overseen in 1450, new ways of spreading information was a consequence of the invention. Newpapers started to appear, and the journal made its appearance.

The tempo of change brought about by the introduction of computers and world-wide communication networks in our time is greater than in the 15th century. ICT skills have become as essential to our lives as the ability to read and write, and at the tertiary level, ICT is increasingly playing a major role in research and teaching.

This article deals with ICT, knowledge and information, and the ways in which they are connected. A number of recent developments are surveyed. Communication within research communities and the distribution of research results is then discussed, and the various levels at which this takes place described. The distinctions between the levels are looked at in some detail.

The article then describes ICT’s effect on the the various ways and means by which knowledge and information is communciated. How this is likely to change both the way that knowledge and information is provided within the academic world and the roles of information professionals is also dealt with.