Information technology implementations in libraries and information centres in Malaysia: Impact and pitfalls

Library automation, online access, electronic data interchange, document delivery, CDROMs, multimedia, the Internet and standards are some of the issues that concern libraries and information centres. Evidence shows a positive environment for implementing information technology for both decision‐makers and the IT industry in Malaysia. The application of IT, including the increasing use of Internet and the virtual library concept, has changed users' perceptions and information‐seeking behaviour. It has had a number of impacts on both management and users. Positive government attitudes and the allocation of funds for technological development have enabled an increasing number of libraries to embark on all kinds of IT, all of which have enhanced information storage, retrieval, dissemination and resource sharing. The Tun Abdul Razak Library joined the race by using the only available local software package, and now it is moving fast towards advanced IT applications. This paper attempts to investigate the impact of new technologies on the management of libraries, as well as training in the use of the system. User education is an area that is being undertaken seriously by libraries and information centres. The development in IT and the anticipated setting up of the networking systems are regarded as revolutionary in terms of the actual as well the potential impact on the library management and services.