Use of ICT in Thai libraries: an overview

Since the 1980s many libraries in Thailand have used computers and particularly the Unesco‐developed CDS/ISIS for their library operations and many databases have been created in higher educational institutions. In 1987, Chiang Mai University library was the first to introduce a commercial integrated library management system when the URICA software was used for the processes of cataloguing and providing online public access. By 1992 the National Library of Thailand had installed the Dynix Library Automated System software. Nowadays a range of library management software is used including ALICE, Dynix, INNOPAC, TINlib and VTLS, in the libraries of higher educational institutions and some private agencies. The trend for library operations now is for electronic information resources, electronic books and the virtual library. The future goal of the library is how to provide users with access to more and better information with a quicker and easier approach. An overview of these ICT developments in Thai libraries is provided in this paper.