NCERTNCERT · Library & Documentation DivisionInnovative & Sustainable Library Practices · NEP 2020
Training Manual 2026–27
Innovative & Sustainable Library Practices
Module07

Technology · ICT in Libraries

Integration of ICT in Libraries

ICT turns libraries into vibrant, technologically enhanced centres with smooth access to digital materials. This module covers the need and components of ICT, library automation, web and AI tools, and a practical, phased approach to ICT integration.

4 learning objectives5 sectionsModule 7 of 11
ICTLibrary AutomationILMSKohae-GranthalayaOPACRFIDRetrospective ConversionOpen Source SoftwareContent CurationPodcastingArtificial IntelligenceChatGPTNotebookLMWeb ToolsBarcode

Learning objectives

Tap each objective as you work through the module to track your progress.

  • Explain the need, components and benefits of ICT in libraries.
  • Select and use suitable software for library-automation functions.
  • Implement web-based and AI-powered tools for efficient library management.
  • Analyse cost, planning and challenges in ICT adoption.
0 of 4 objectives marked
7.1

Introduction

ICT significantly influences how modern libraries function. UNESCO (2009) defined ICT as ‘a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share, or exchange information’. In libraries it means digital tools — computers, the internet and specialised software — used to access, store and retrieve information through online catalogues, e-resources, library systems and digital platforms.

ICT integration increases operational efficiency (automated cataloguing, circulation, user management), provides instant flexible access to digital collections, facilitates resource sharing and networking, extends services to rural and differently-abled users, enhances communication and marketing, and enables user-behaviour analytics. Its main components are hardware (computers, scanners, barcode readers, servers, networking), software (ILMS, OPAC, repositories, web tools), networking, digital resources (e-books, journals, databases, OER) and competent staff.

7.2

Library Automation

Library automation uses ICT to improve service delivery and accuracy by automating acquisition, circulation, cataloguing and serials management. The Encyclopaedia of Library and Information Sciences defines it as ‘the use of automatic and semi-automatic data processing machines to perform such traditional library activities as acquisitions, cataloging, and circulation’.

Open-source and free ILMS

  • Koha: a free, open-source, multilingual ILMS automating cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions and reporting, supported by an active international community.
  • e-Granthalaya: an ILMS developed by the National Informatics Centre, Government of India, to automate and network government libraries; version 4.0 is web-based and cloud-ready.

Stages of automation

  • Planning and assessment (infrastructure, resources, objectives, scope, budget).
  • Selection of software (cost, scalability, usability, support).
  • Retrospective conversion — converting manual records (catalogue cards) into machine-readable digital records.
  • In-house operations — data entry, bibliographic control, barcoding and RFID tagging.
  • OPAC and web-based services, including connecting to external databases.
  • Training and testing of staff and users, with periodic quality checks.

Advantages include operational efficiency and cost savings, optimised user satisfaction (quick searching, self-check, online renewals, notifications) and support for collaboration and resource sharing. Disadvantages include initial cost, dependence on electricity, hardware and internet, and the need for maintenance and online security. Librarians face financial/institutional constraints, limited ICT skills and resistance to change.

7.3

Web Tools and Apps for Libraries

  • Blogging / website builders: Blogger, WordPress, Google Sites — to publish announcements and invite reviews.
  • Content curation: Wakelet and Padlet to gather, arrange and share thematic, curriculum-based digital collections; SoundCloud for audio curation.
  • Podcasting: Anchor and Podbean for book talks, author talks, storytelling and curriculum audio.
  • Audio/video editing: Audacity and OpenShot to record and edit sessions and produce accessible AV content.
  • Graphic design: Canva and Adobe Express for posters, newsletters, bookmarks and social posts.
  • Social media: Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to connect with users, share educational material and promote digital citizenship.
7.4

AI Tools for Libraries

AI is transforming library operations through automation, analytics and content creation. Suggested tools and their applications:

Selected AI tools and their library applications
ToolLibrary application
ChatGPT / Perplexity AIReference queries, report and content drafting, summarising, brainstorming, answering user questions
ChatPDFQuickly extracting answers from library e-books, research papers and manuals
Canva AIPosters, infographics, banners and promotional material for library events
NotebookLMAI note-taking and research organisation — organising notes, managing references, preparing documents
GrammarlyProofing and editing support for librarians and students
MidjourneyGenerating visuals and artwork for displays and presentations
AudioPenTranscribing recorded lectures and interviews and summarising spoken content
Fable FiestaSupporting reading programmes and language-learning activities
7.5

ICT Integration

  • Strategy & planning: a needs analysis based on library goals, with detailed phased scheduling and stakeholder involvement.
  • Cost analysis: budget allocation, funding requirements, institutional support, and comparison of one-time vs recurring spending on hardware, software and training.
  • Challenges: rapid technological change (software obsolescence), limited institutional support and funding, and disparities in digital literacy and inclusion.

Conclusion

Effective ICT integration makes libraries more relevant and technologically up to date, addressing the needs of modern users. Automation software and web- and AI-based tools help librarians handle changing demands and support information search, teaching and learning.

A well-planned, well-executed ICT integration process makes the library more dynamic and functional — and repositions the librarian as a technologically adept professional.

References

  1. American Library Association. (1983). The ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science. ALA, Chicago.
  2. UIS. (2009). Guide to measuring information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. Montreal: UIS.
  3. American Psychological Association. (2025). Artificial intelligence. APA Dictionary of Psychology.

From learning to practice

Apply & Practise

✎Project Work

1.Evaluate the role of ICT in transforming modern school libraries under NEP 2020.

GuidanceDiscuss how ICT tools, automation software, web platforms and AI applications reshape services, engagement, access and information literacy, with examples from national digital initiatives.

2.Conduct a case study on library automation using Koha or e-Granthalaya.

GuidanceDocument the full automation lifecycle — planning, retrospective conversion, cataloguing, barcoding/RFID, OPAC setup, training and challenges — and compare Koha and e-Granthalaya.

3.Design a model ICT-integrated library for a school or institution.

GuidancePrepare a blueprint covering hardware, software, digital resources, networking, AI tools, web services and social media, with diagrams and justification.

4.Analyse the use of web tools and apps for library outreach and user engagement.

GuidanceExamine blogging, content curation, podcasts, graphic-design tools and social media; discuss how they improve communication, digital literacy and visibility.

5.Assess the challenges and opportunities in ICT integration, with reference to developing regions.

GuidanceIdentify financial, infrastructural, technological and human-resource challenges; discuss opportunities from cloud ILMS, AI tools and national platforms; propose a phased plan.

⚒Hands-on Activity · Tool Safari: Mapping Your Library’s ICT Toolkit

Format Small groups (3–5)Time 40–50 minutes

Objective. Participants explore at least three ICT tools (an OPAC/Koha demo, a web tool and an AI tool) and produce a structured profile card for each, with a realistic use case for their library.

Materials
  • Laptops/tablets with internet (offline fallback: printed screenshots of the Koha demo OPAC and the e-Granthalaya homepage).
  • An ICT Tool Profile Card template (Tool Name, Category, URL, Key Features, Stage of Automation it supports, One use case for my library, Challenges foreseen).
  • Chapter 7 handout (Sections 7.2–7.4); two-colour sticky notes; a whiteboard for sharing.
Steps
  1. Assign tool sets (5 min): each group gets one automation/OPAC tool, one web tool (Canva, Wakelet, Blogger) and one AI tool (NotebookLM, ChatPDF, Grammarly).
  2. Explore & document (15 min): navigate each tool for 3–4 minutes and complete one profile card per tool; for the Koha demo, search by title and by subject.
  3. Match to lifecycle (8 min): place a sticky note showing which of the six automation stages each tool supports.
  4. Identify barriers (5 min): on a second-colour note, write one realistic financial/skill/infrastructure barrier for adopting each tool.
  5. Gallery share (10 min): post the three cards; deliver a 90-second walk-through; others add comments.
  6. Whole-group debrief (5 min): surface two or three tools judged most feasible for immediate adoption.
Deliverable. Three completed ICT Tool Profile Cards per group, annotated with lifecycle-stage labels and barrier notes, posted on the gallery wall.
Debrief questions
  • Which category — automation software, web tool or AI tool — offers the quickest win for a budget- and connectivity-constrained library, and why?
  • Resistance to change is a key challenge (Section 7.2.7). What concrete step could you take next week to begin shifting that attitude?

☑Worksheet & Self-check

Tap an option to check your answer instantly. Short-answer model responses are drawn from the manual’s answer key.

Q1.Which organisation defined ICT as ‘a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share, or exchange information’?

Answer: B. This definition is attributed directly to UNESCO (2009).

Q2.Which ILMS was developed by the National Informatics Centre, Government of India, to automate and network government libraries?

Answer: C. e-Granthalaya is an ILMS developed by the National Informatics Centre to automate and network government libraries across the country.

Q3.In the stages of library automation, what does ‘retrospective conversion’ mean?

Answer: B. Retrospective conversion means converting existing manual records (e.g. catalogue cards) into machine-readable digital records per the software’s standards.

Q4.Which AI tool is described as an ‘AI note-taking and research organisation tool’ used to organise notes, manage references and prepare research documents?

Answer: D. NotebookLM is identified as an AI note-taking and research-organisation tool for organising notes, managing references and preparing research documents.

Q5.What are the main advantages of library automation?

Model answer. First, operational efficiency and cost savings — automation reduces manual work by handling repetitive tasks like cataloguing, circulation and inventory management. Second, optimised user satisfaction — quick resource searching, self-checking, online renewals and notifications. Third, support for collaboration and resource sharing among libraries — enabling interlibrary loans and participation in library networks.

Q6.How do content curation tools like Wakelet and Padlet benefit libraries?

Model answer. They enable libraries to gather, arrange and disseminate digital resources in a central location, facilitating user engagement and helping develop thematic, curriculum-based and interactive collections. These visually appealing tools promote collaborative content creation and learning among students and teachers, and let staff maintain and easily share carefully curated, current digital content.