**1. Introduction**

## **1.1 Conceptualizing globalization**

The definitions for the word 'globalization' is inexhaustible with no definite consensus as several authors have provided their uniquely diversified perspective based on their field of endeavor and understanding of its distinctive impact on human subsistence, survival and social co-existence in antiquity and contemporary times [1]. For some, globalization is simple the transfer and unhindered relocation of people,

resources, and services across the globe in a manner that it integrates and blends cultures effortlessly, open up trade and interaction between nations and economies. Tonca [2] also opined that concept of globalization is multi-faceted, cutting across different disciplines and that it deals with the integration of economic, technology, educational and cultural aspects of human endeavor. The physical presence of human is now been expanded beyond its limits through a technology-powered globalized world. Misra [3] averred that the globalization which is a cross border integration of people, businesses and capitals was made possible through the flow of information, technology and exchange of ideas. This makes today's type of education easy, where people obtain international degrees from institutions in other continents or countries from the comfort of their bed. Thus, this makes globalization a major tenet of human civilization in the past decades. Summarily, globalization is simply the interconnection of different parts of the world in a concept tagged as '*global-village*'.

### **1.2 Defining libraries, technology and its role in the globalized era**

The library is a training and research center [4] and several technology based functions have been introduced to support this feat. Some of which include the library management system, e-books, mobile technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, the Internet [5] to mention but a few. Libraries are at the center of information utilization in higher education [6], hence are crucial components of any educational system. Library services which are a major tenet of the education sector have become increasingly applicable by virtue of the newly established electronic means of information resource processing which is complimenting the conventional methods of teaching. The basic function of libraries is to broaden the learning, literacy and reading abilities of students and researchers in educational institutions and have successfully moved from a collection institution to connecting educators and learners physically, remotely and effortlessly [7].

The constantly growing evolutionary trends with technology (advancements) in a digitized world (globalization era) is now making it possible for people to conveniently access books and other information resources for any educational course of choice through the library. Libraries - information hubs for researchers and academia have also been greatly hit by the force of technology and globalization. At several levels of interest, libraries have been greatly improved, making learning easier and fluent. Technology has further enhanced the freedom of information usage and research and learning collaborations across the globe. Libraries have aided all educational and research ventures of universities. They give priority in serving the information needs of students and staff and then industries and the general public [8]. Libraries provide a unique opportunity and learning platform for students and staff of tertiary education.

In a globalized world as ours, libraries have stood to become a reservoir for information resources for which information exchange for learning is efficiently managed. The education (service) sector is one which fosters national growth within the auspices of teaching, training, research and development. Libraries (especially in most academic institutions) have become a pavilion for the storage, and distribution of vital information. They support all forms of learning in educational institutions even with the advent of technology. Technology has reshaped the manner with which information is accessed, retrieved, utilized and managed for educational purpose. Technology driven services in libraries have made the following possible for effective learning according to [9];

1.Facilitate remote access to information resources in libraries.

2.Improve the velocity and conditions of access to scholarly information.

*Globalization, Technological Advancement and the Traditional Library System: Implications… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94047*


This paper will deliberate on libraries in tertiary institutions which serve a vast majority of information seekers. The emergence of technology in libraries and its subsequent use for library services are discussed herein.

### **2. Technology, globalization and improved library services**

Although, online stores like Amazon is chasing traditional book stores out of the market place, however, Ross [10] averred that only public libraries may end up like that. Academic libraries have had a better impact of the introduction of technology in modern human civilization. Technology has made services easy for library users e.g. the GPS navigation app that help students and other users locate an information resource in the library. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in libraries has created a novel model for information seekers to strive whilst utilizing library resources, products and services for learning. In [11], it was clearly stated that information technology expanded the access to information which was earlier gotten from television, books, teachers and information professionals and usually in discrete forms or in bits. Timely delivery of information was almost unachievable before the emergence of technology. So many libraries, starting with the academic libraries which are domiciled in tertiary institutions (university, colleges, monotechnics and polytechnics) have enjoyed this innovation.

Public libraries were not left out in the intellectual transformation powered by technology as self-service, equitable access to public documents and effective assessment can be carried out effortlessly. Self-services like easy check-in and –out and return services using access control technologies, created a more flexible working environment. ICT has continually made impact on information storage, processing, acquisition and dissemination in the modern library in so many ways. Some of the important reformations introduced by the technology-powered globalization for information utilization were listed by [12] to include


Across the globe, specific technology powered innovations have been recorded in different libraries. These innovations have improved and enriched learning through ease of information utilization. According to [13], some of the innovative technologies available in American libraries to support learning and other educational functions as opposed to the traditional library system without technology include mobile applications that help students on a library resources tour, robots for book delivery, GPS (Global Positioning System) to aid in locating materials inside the library and 3-D printing services for hi-tech and dimensional modeling during learning or teaching. Below gives detail of three core library services that have been improved upon by technology.

#### **2.1 Institutional repositories**

Libraries share experiences and integrate policies with international bodies, a feat made possible through globalization. There has been a change in the practice of librarianship from this integration or access to information resources. Two of such apparatus modified by the technology driven globalization are digitization and repository storage of library resources which have defined a futuristic function of the library. The digitization efforts will be discussed later in this text. Specifically looking at the University of Toronto Library, a huge online repository has been developed for students to access dissertations, thesis, digitized books and 5500 past questions (in PDF format). The repository through the library's information technology services, share its resources through the Dspace open source platform [14]. These services were never in the traditional libraries since this web based technology was not in existence. This has been replicated in several other libraries even in developing countries like Nigeria. For example, the University of Nsukka, Nsukka, and the University of Ibadan, Ibadan libraries host a large repository of information resources for students, researchers and faculty. With Internet powered smart device, one can access the materials in the institution's website for free.

#### **2.2 Library solution/RFID technology**

Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology which uses radio waves to identify library items through barcodes is a self-service software developed and adopted for libraries to track students use of library materials, payment of fines, and for the security of books when borrowed to students and other library patrons [6]. One of such development is "*Dootrix"* now in Suffolk Libraries in the United Kingdom. This technology helps libraries and users to effectively work during extended library-open hours in educational institutions and take inventory of readers, and returned books including library staff activities [13]. Most analogue techniques in libraries like classification and cataloging and book returns can be tracked and traced using special technology like the OPAC and RFID technologies.

*Globalization, Technological Advancement and the Traditional Library System: Implications… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94047*

In an interview with Mick Fortune, a Librarian with the British Library and Sirsi-Dynix Company, he mentioned that two of the thing technology has introduced into libraries are the RFID as earlier mentioned and discussed briefly and the Near Field Communication (NFC) [15]. The NFC, a similar radio-frequency technology is an alternative to the RFID in terms of function, application and usage [16]. It allows smart devices to exchange information through a wireless model across small distances of 4–10 cm. It has inherent security codes for activities like ticketing, electronic passport, payment and access control. This has advanced the traditional library system in information utilization to a smart library. Library transactions are performed using student's phone by integrating the NFC technology. Using an application compactable with the library management system (LMS), NFC can be used within the library to scan, search, borrow, return and track information resource use history both for the library and the student. Books in the library are given a NFC tag which is programmed with every search item on the book. All transactions of borrowing or payments are automatically stored in the LMS.

#### **2.3 Library management system**

The new technological interface called 'Enterprise' and 'Symphony' was developed by Sirsi-Dynix Company for libraries for an integrated library system. It is currently available at the Louisiana Library Network of The Louisiana State University [17]. This interface allow students access online catalog across libraries in the network.

#### **3. The traditional library and its technology supported innovations**

Okiy [18] mentioned that globalization has been beneficial to libraries in countless ways. Some of which include a fascinating transformation of the traditional (conventional) library to a modernized multi-purposed civil and technology burdened library. Most of the procedures adopted in the traditional library were modified through the use of information technologies. **Table 1** gives a summary of these changes.

## **4. Technology transformed services and products in libraries**

For students in tertiary institutions, technological transformations in the library have aided learning and research greatly. Vijayakumar and Vijayan [19] opined that technology has played a significant role in the automation of libraries, its management, networking and technical communication patterns. Automation has reduced the level of human intervention in the daily routine of libraries e.g. the use of OPAC allows a student on their own locate a book or material in the shelf without seeking permission or guidance from a library staff. In managing the library, the various means of efficient and prompt communication between library heads, subordinates and students has increased. Mobile phones, e-mailing and virtual conferencing makes such feat possible. Some are discussed herein;

#### **4.1 Acquisition of library materials**

Technology has improved the way students and other users of library acquire information resources for academic or personal need. The list of available books,


#### **Table 1.**

*Modifications in traditional library services with technology intersection.*

journal and other resources for every institution (department, faculty, school and college) can be gotten through e-mails (Yahoo, Hotmail, Google, Rocketmail) reducing the time consuming correspondence and paper wastage whilst improving access to information at the click of a button [20]. There is also provision for reminders, receipts and acknowledgment at the online acquisition platform. Subscription for hard and soft copies of academic journals can be done from the comfort of the home or office.

#### **4.2 Cataloging and classification**

Apart from acquisition services, the Internet and web based technology has aided correspondence with book sellers, publishers and authors, which was originally carried out through hardcopy mailing services. Other improvements include, reminders for scheduled meetings, ordering of library resources, access and download of bibliographic records and creation of online book stores like *Amazon*. Manuel classification of information resources was upgraded to networking of

*Globalization, Technological Advancement and the Traditional Library System: Implications… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94047*

resources now available online, creation of an online classification scheme, and use of search engines like Yahoo for Dewey Decimal Classification. Collection development has been enhanced using online subscription for print and e-forms for research journals, quick delivery for orders and online pay-per-use services. There are online catalogs like the WebOPAC, and WorldCat for easy search and retrieval of information. With these improvements, students and researchers (library patrons) can have unlimited access to e-books, e-journals, preprints, directories, films, patented documents, encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers and letters [21]. OPAC, which is the acronym for Online Public Access Catalog, is an online database for library materials stocked for its users to access from one library or another. In this platform, the library catalog is made available online. OPAC is a new technology that has helped library users to have remote and immediate access to teaching, research and learning materials. With a single keyword search on authors, title, date of publication or publisher can fast track retrieval of archived materials from an online database or catalog. This feature has enhanced access to information by students in the library, saving time and stress of rigorous physical search.

#### **4.3 Reprographic technology**

Four important technologies that have been engaged the libraries are printing, duplication, photocopy and facsimile. Due to the increase in the number of students and dependence on the limited information resources in the library, library materials frequently gets damaged in the form of wear and tear. The advent of reprographic technology has helped in the preservation and duplication of limited information resources for students and staff. The medium has also helped to generate revenue for the funding of libraries [22]. Manuscripts, textbooks, reports and graphic files can be reproduced. The xerography machine is a good example.

#### **4.4 Internet and web technologies**

The Internet is a vital substratum and facilitator for a series of technology driven services in libraries in this period of globalization. Since its invention in the late 1980s or early 1990, it has powered so many library services (cataloging, classification, information resource acquisition, circulation, reference services, document delivery, and dissemination of information and technical services) expanding it beyond the physical boundaries and four walls of the library in a bid of appreciate knowledge acquisition [21]. Information is stored in the Internet in different formats and can be transmitted in the speed of light from one platform to another, and from one location to another. The Internet aided the formation of information search and retrieval tools like Google, and Wikipedia at the blink of an eye.

#### **4.5 Information retrieval system**

Students who use information resources domiciled in libraries can now retrieved information remotely, through what is regarded of a digital/virtual library. The digital library is a collection of information resources and devices stored in a local or remote reserve and can be assessed through a computer network. Details of this library are further discussed.

#### **4.6 e-Library**

In America, 14% of students who do not have Internet access in their homes, can comfortably access the Internet at their school libraries, the Internet powered section of libraries with computers is referred to as the e-library. Others get free WiFi to network to improve the learning performance [23]. This library provides e-journal and e-mailing services to student and faculty in their bid to get more information or data for research in higher education institution [6].

## **4.7 Digital/virtual libraries**

Since the introduction of technology into the education sector, libraries have evolved from being traditional book collection houses to online store of information resources. The development of digital or virtual libraries has made it also possible for one to access the store of resources in a United State University library from a Nigeria library. The virtual libraries do not need a physical building but a remotely accessible store of e-books. In the University of Utah Marriot Library, a digital library was created for the collection of digital scholarship to enable students and faculty of the institution have open access dataset for research in a project called "*Digital Matter*" [24]. This newly developed digital library has hosted several workshops, conferences and reading programs at the University to enable the creation of a viable community of cross-disciplinary researchers in a synergistic manner. In 2016, the digital library started an amazingly robust program to make available digital newspaper repository for students, digital asset management system which now olds over 765,000 objects, 2.5 million files, 4 million newspapers and 20 million articles.
