Computer literacy and libraries

Computer literacy is defined. Reasons are given why computer literacy is required by librarians/information officers and some of the computerised library tasks are listed. Problems such as computer fear/anxiety and computer resistance, the clash of computer software methodologies, and miscellaneous problems such as the acquisition of unknown, often unsuitable software programmes for libraries, ‘user‐friendliness’ of programmes, ‘home made’ library programmes, training and the unwillingness of a few staff members to become computer literate are named and discussed. Some solutions to overcome these problems are discussed: communication, training, the use of manuals, hardware and software support and user groups.