Disscus the advantages and disadvantages of using computers in libraries?

Answer 1

Advantages and disadvantages of computer technology in the map library

Advantages

Within the map library context, there are important advantages of computer technology across broad functional areas:

A. Processing

The automation of repetitive tasks. Not only quantitative functions, but also textual and (more importantly for map libraries) graphic applications have been dramatically speeded up and simplified. The representation of lines, points, areas, text and symbols as numbers allows tremendous complexity to be modeled and applied.

B. Sorting

As simple but highly effective means of sorting, indexing and searching. The ordering of information is at the heart of librarianship, and sorting functions are widely used within library on-line catalogues, geographic and bibliographic databases, carto-bibliographies, shelf-lists and gazetteers.

C. Integration

Through developments in telecommunications and mass storage, new digital technology has allowed the integration of data from widely disparate sources, and facilitated cooperation and data-sharing. Recent illustrations of this can be seen in the National Spatial Data Infrastructure in the United States (Allen, 1995),

Disadvantages

However, often getting less publicity are the disadvantages of new computer technology within the map library:

A. Expense

The cost of hardware, software, telecommunications, peripherals, accessories, support, consultancy advice, training, maintenance, and insurance, to list just some of the necessary items. For most new technology, the initial capital cost is relatively small compared to the ongoing overheads which may not be anticipated.

B. Complexity

Despite all efforts at user-friendliness, computers are sophisticated machines which very few people fully understand and are not frustrated by (at times) when things go wrong. Compared to non-computer technology, they have much greater disabling effects on staff and can result in potential rivalry between experts and non-experts. Staff without computer skills may experience alienation and uncertainty if a lack of technological knowledge creates the perception and reality of job insecurity.

C. Dependency

The degree of reliance upon external companies created by computing technology. The need for support and maintenance, use of proprietary systems, the need for frequent upgrades, the familiarity of known installed software and the difficulty of learning what is new, price deals and purchase arrangements all encourage a greater dependency upon external organizations, resulting in less control over work within the map library.

D. Staff time

People often believe that computers save time, yet in practice people may seem to spend more time achieving less with computers. The need for training and re-training, maintenance, fixing problems and trouble-shooting require substantial inputs of staff time and often additional computing personnel in the institution. Increasingly we see across libraries, the development of technological rather than curatorial expertise, as time is spent learning how to operate technology rather than engage in traditional library work. The connection of libraries to the internet has resulted in huge new work projects (such as creating and maintaining World Wide Web Homepages), diverting attention from traditional activities, which arguably had a greater long-term value.

E. Health

Negative health consequences caused by computer technology on some staff. For example, Repetitive Strain Injury (an increasingly widespread problem in offices), the potential for eye damage from Computer Monitors, lethargy, electro-magnetic stress from proximity to machinery, and many other direct and indirect health complaints are often attributed (fairly or unfairly) to computers.

F. Resource usage

The growth of computer technology has resulted in vastly increased rates of resource consumption, not only through larger quantities of physical hardware and rapid machine obsolescence, but also consumption of electrical power in their manufacture and use. Computers have also encouraged the use of a wide and expanding range of additional products and accessories (such as vastly increased paper usage despite the image of the paperless office).

G. Altered Values

At a more fundamental and general level, computers have been responsible for changing values in map libraries. For example, the creation of false perceptions by raising the expectations of staff and users but falling short of promises. More problematic is the attitude that perceives the electronic as superior to manual equivalents and assumes automation is progress. The belief that new is better exemplified by those who promote new automated solutions by creating or defining new or unrecognized problems, results in the computerization of effective manual methods. In general new technology comes to be perceived as an end in itself rather than a means to other more important ends. The tools eclipse the task.