Libraries have been part of this world for centuries. Who can forget the Alexandrian library of ancient Egypt, and University libraries of Taxila and Nalanda in India during the fifth and

seventh century A.D. respectively. Nalanda University Libraries were the biggest in Asia at that time and "at its peak of reputation and international glory in the ninth century A.D" (Trehan, 1975). In the words of a seventh century Chinese traveller, Hiuen-Tsang, "The libraries were richly furnished, not only with orthodox literature but also with Vedic and other non-Buddhist works with treatises on the arts and sciences taught in India at that time" (Watters, 1904-05). In the other parts of the world also, such as Greece and England, there were many important and well known libraries which were destroyed due to various reasons including fire, invasions or earthquakes. "Academic libraries have been part of American higher education since its beginning" (Moran, 1984) [in] 1636 when Harvard College was founded. The real growth and development of aca-demic libraries in the United States however, started after the second World War in 1945 and this growth continued through 1960's. The last twenty years have not been very fruitful due to tight budgets of 1970's and 1980's in all types of libraries.

In the last two decades, the advent of new information technologies coupled with the lack of resources forced many libraries to turn to automation and technology applications as a partial solution to their problems in carrying out operations and in finding the most cost efficient way to provide information services. Thus, in the last two decades, new information technology has made a deep impact on all types of libraries in every part of the world.

2. TECHNOLOGY AND LIBRARIES

From my own involvement and experience, I can say that "The emphasis in libraries is shift-ing from collection [building] to access. Providing access to information [is] the principal goal and activity" (de Gennaro, 1984). In this "Information Age", "today's libraries are in transition from manual to electronic systems. The computer has greatly affected libraries and promises to increase that effect" (Moran, 1984) in the nineties. For example, we have witnessed that the card catalog has been replaced by the online catalogs in over fifty percent of the academic libraries. The fully integrated online system has improved the operation of acquisitions, cataloging, serials control, and the circulation activities. CD-ROM technology is taking over the printed indexes, and online searching is certainly common place in most libraries. The local, regional, and state networking is helping the users to find the material much more quickly. In fact, it can be said that libraries are now without walls. The introduction of the fax machine has also brought new life to libraries. It is now possible to transfer the printed material through the help of this technology to the borrowing library within a few seconds.

Historians of library and information science will certainly give high marks to technology for helping libraries to develop and grow into information age during 1960-1990. This revolution has been possible due to telephone lines, data communications networks, computer terminals, and development of telecommunications networks like Tynnet, Telenet, and Bitnet in the Unites States as well as in many other nations. Many of the advances are the result of the entrance of the Com-mercial Sector into the library automation market. At present, there are many commercial vendors helping the libraries to take best advantage of new information technologies. The major and most well known vendors and networks in the United States and Canada, such as OCLC, SDC, BRS, Utlas, NOTIS, ORBIT, RLG and DIALOG, are making great progresses. Unfortunately, many third world nations are quite behind in technology. In this regards, the role of international profes-sional organizations such as IFLA and FID, as well as international organizations such as Unesco and OAS, and international unit of national oroganizations, such as the USIS, in promoting technology through conferences, sponsorships of training courses, and publications cannot be forgotten. Grants to librarians from developing nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops on technology are essential for library development in these regions.
 

3. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS -- RESPONSIBILITY AND SUCCESS

Technology can be expensive, but in the long run its rewards are far greater than expected if used appropriately. As editor of Library Times International, I can relate to you many of my successful experiences of using fax and desktop publishing. In order to have up-to-date information, we have reporters in over fifty five countries and like major newspapers, we get the information and news items from all over the world in a few minutes via Fax.

As Director of an academic library, I have been successful in introducing integrated online systems at three universities, CD-ROM technology in two universities, joining the state network in one state, and have continuously encouraged librarians of my institution to keep themselves abreast of the new information technology developments including attending conferences on technology. My success has been due to both the personal commitment and responsibility I have to the profession as well as the cooperation of my staff and administrators. Planning, educating, and team work has helped me to achieve most of my goals. I am aware of the fact that the road to success in technology applications in libraries is not easy and the transition to the new type of library is not easy. Yet, with determination, good planning, hard work, and good team work; and being well informed of the developments, one has a greater chance to succeed.

As this intensive 3-day conference is reaching its end, I want to stress the "personal responsibility" which each one of us has toward international development in library technology applications. Well known information specialists like Dr. C.C. Chen have personally committed to educate and train librarians and keep them up-to-date by carrying out many significant activities -- organizing conferences in many parts of the world, publishing, and speaking. Since 1987, Dr. Chen has organized international conferences on new information technology in Asia and Latin America, and is planning one in Eastern Europe. We need more organizers and leaders like Dr. Chen who feel it is their personal responsibility to involve themselves in this type of professional activity.

Personally, I am also organizing the First American/South Asia Conference in New Delhi, India in August/September 1992 with the support of ALA and IFLA. Technology will be one of the main issues in this conference since technology has great implications to libraries everywhere. I know that my commitment and personal responsibility will contribute to the profession.

In the area of technology, the need for more sharing and dialogue is even more strongly felt. "Technology has a strong appeal, but it cannot be adopted willy-nilly only. Much thought has to go into decisions about how technological change can best be implemented and how the promise of technology can best be fulfilled." (Moran, 1984) The role of the library is changing. We are no longer simply storehouses for books, but we are information centers. The challenge is to retool the libraries of the Information Age, but this cannot be done without the needed commitment to finance our new projects: information storage, retrieval and dissemination. Information technology has also helped to enlarge the role, capabilities and importance of libraries in academia (de Gennaro, 1984). Libraries are an essential and a critical link between faculty and students. Therefore, if we "neglect the possible and feasible applications of modern technologies to library and information work, we would soon endanger the usefulness, the reputation and the recognition of libraries and information center." (Lazar, 1990)

4. CONCLUSION

If you have not started to make the transition from a traditional library to an electronic library, it is time to begin to plan such a transition. The addition of a new electronic dimension to the traditional library will increase users' access to both library collections and to other electronic information resources. While making plans, keep in mind the words of Daniel Burnham, "Make

no small plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood. Make big plans and aim high." (de Gennaro, 1984). We must also continue to keep pace with the changes in our profession, to fulfill the needs of our users, and to fulfill our role as the principal providers of information services.

Librarians in the developed countries have an additional obligation and and responsibility; that is, to support the efforts of all librarians in the developing nations to introduce information technology to their libraries. We must provide training, equipment, and financial assistance to make this a truly international effort. The introduction of technology into libraries will help not only libraries and librarians, but also scholar and students who will take full advantage of this tech-nological revolution. To insure our success in this new global environment of cooperation, a per-sonal commitment is a must for all of us.
 
 

5. REFERENCES

De Gennaro, R. "Shifting Gears: Information Technology and the Academic Library," Library Journal 109: 1205-1208 (1984).

Lazar, P. "The Information Revolution and the Library and Information Profession in Developing Countries" in Information Science and Libraries (P. Dhyani, ed.). New Delhi: Atlantic, 1990, p. 17.

Moran, B. Academic Libraries: The Changing Knowledge Centers of Colleges and Universities. Washington, D.C.: Association for the Study of Higher Education, 1984.

Summit, R.K. "Online Information: A Ten Year Perspective and Outlook" in Information Science and Libraries (P. Dhyani, ed.). New Delhi: Atlantic, 1990, p. 41.

Trehan, G.L. Learning and Libraries in Ancient and Medieval India. Chandigarh: Library Literature House, 1975, p. 34.

Watters, T., ed. Yuan Cheng's Travels in India 629-645 A.D. London: Royal Asiatic Society, 1904-1905, pp. 385-386.