PRACTICING LIBRARIANSHIP IN AN INFORMATION AGE

Abstract

The advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed the way librarians as information managers cum scientists acquire, process, store, retrieve and even provide information to the users. What this means is that those not versed in this global trend will be left behind or unable to perform their duties to the satisfaction of their various clientele. This paper through analytical method takes a look at information as a concept, its importance in national development and librarianship as a profession. Also discussed are the challenges facing the profession and the need to keep pace with the information explosion. The paper also examines the transition that has impacted on librarianship as a profession due to the advent of ICTs. Finally, the paper advices that for librarians to fit into the changing trend, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) should incorporate ICT training into the academic curriculum of all institutions training library and information scientists.