No library has been immune to technological changes – whether academic, public, national or even school libraries. This has made it incumbent upon librarians to review their role, giving rise to a new breed of librarians who have become adept at adapting to the digital environment, using modern tools and systems and providing services as intermediary, facilitator and educator in the business of providing information.
As a consequence of technological advancements however,
libraries and librarians have had to cope with the demands of a new set of
users – technology-savvy, expecting nothing less than accurate and speedy
method of retrieval of info, greater access to numerous networks, possessing
skills in coping with the ever-changing technology – resulting in the need to
upgrade their own knowledge, skills and competencies, so as to be fully equipped
to serve the cyber world. This new breed of librarians are confronted with the
need to understand and integrate technology into library practice, function as
catalyst for lifelong education, serve as research intermediaries, and as
facilitators in searching for information and knowledge in cyber space.
It has not been altogether a smooth transition in role from
librarian to cyberarian, with many complex issues confronting libraries and
librarians.
This conference on the topic “Librarians for the Cyber
World” – will highlight issues that are reflected in the sub-topics detailed
below:
Session 1 : Developing Lifelong Learning Skills via Libraries
Session 2 : Developing Competencies for 21st Century
Session 3 : Coping with Technology
Session 4 : Leadership
