CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Information technology has been evolving rapidly during the last helf of the 20th century particularly since the 1960s and 1970s. it has revolutionaries the media and its modes of computing, storing and communicating information. The changes in the collection and distribution of information have affected society in many ways. These of information communication technologies in libraries has tremendously increased because it provides enhanced user satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, ensure faster and simpler programmes, resulting in rapid responses and easier operational procedures. Generally, the use of ICT in libraries includes on-line access to library collection, the use of bibliographic databases, on-line literature searching and the sue of personal computers. Information communication technologies (ICT) makie use of computing, and communications, facilities in support of teaching and learing. Information, communication and technology intail the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of information by means of computers, office machines and telecommunication, (Ehikhamena F. A. 1993). In other world, computer provides the processing, storage and retrieval capabilities while telecommunciaotn on provides the capability, for the transfer and communication of data from one work-station to another. Information communication technology is a term which encompasses the nation of the application of technologies to information handling, generation, storage, processing, retrieval, dissemination etc. (Marghalani M. A. 1987). In an increasing competitive environment the concern of managers of library and information services must not be only with survival of our library and information services, but also with their development within a clear and coherent policy framework. Just as in any other sector of eh economy, library services develop. There needs to be a clear view of the direction that development should take to best meet the developing needs of users. The new information age has permeated all aspects of human existence (spies, 1998). It has brought certain challenges to the academic world (Pinfield, 2001). In Nigeria, this challenge is even more critical today. It is apparent that any attempt to have meaningful academic communication can only be successful through the information and communication technology, which is the application of computer and its peripherals in communicating data within the shortest available time and over geographical spaces. This study is based on the availability and the utilization of ICT facilites used in libraries, since the library is the crux of academic activities, it is seen as an instrument of social change, public enlightment and national progress (Aboyade B. O 1982). It services as repository of information and knowledge that have provides the vital under-pining in the socio-economic, political and cultural sphere. In relating this function of libraries to information technologies, (Tamuno, O. G, 1997) comments that it is one thing to generate as much information as possible, it is quite another thing how ever, to make such information accessible and available when needed, which requires proper storage, processing accessibility and retrieval. The relevance of information communication and technologies in libraries, particularly in special libraries, is in activities concerned with information storage and retreiveal. These activities are concerned with in-house keeping routine such as acquisition, cataloguing, serials control, circulation, of library material and the collection fo management statistics. In libraries, information network has the potential for relieving human kind of many of its burdens. Networking refers to a broad system of computers terminates, video display units, telephone etc. which are use for data communication services. Therefore, to network in the special libraries parlance, involves the interconnection of computer terminals etc. the heart of information networking or connectivity is the issue of telecommunication, linking together libraries, librarian users in LOCAL AREAS NETWORK (LAN) or WIDE AREAS NETWORK (WAN) They endeavor to eliminate many of the repetitive and boring task related to the processing and communication of information. The volume and re of the generation fo information as well as the demand for it has made its conservation and storage and manipulation by electronic means inperative in an information conscious society. Advances in modern technology have naturally led to th de-emphasing of the traditional method of attaining various information processing and transfer objectives hence the introduction of computer and other modern information technologies in the libraies.
THE EFFECT / IMPACT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATON AND TECHNOLOGIES ON DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION IN SPECIAL LIBRARIES The presence and usage of the technological infrastructure in information retrieval and dissemination have helped to have better access to information.  - Encourage information and resource sharing among information institution. - Contribute to industrial bibliographic control. - Facilitates access to international data base. - Leads to efficient and effective delivery of information services. - Also facilitates generation and dissemination of management report. - Gives accurate and up-to-date information. - It enhances the status of the information professionals.