LIBRARY AND EDUCATIONAL REFORMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

In the past 25 years the emergence of the Internet had transformed information foraging and professional practice in various disciplines which are research-based and largely contributory to national development. The effects of Information Communications Technology (ICT) had been notable in the professions and skills acquisition agencies. It is significant to observe that globally, especially in the developed countries, LIS professionals have engaged in debates on the propriety or otherwise of integrating ICT in Library services delivery for four decades now. There are challenges of varying proportions which have mitigated ICT's full beneficial adoption for use. This problem was no less visible in the strategic frontier of education and training of LIS professionals. Evaluation of use of ICT in achieving quality service delivery in Libraries and Information establishments became necessary at least to re-align with Institutional objectives, vision and mission for well-coordinated positive results in national development. In this perspective, papers have been contributed in this volume indicating actions and various measures needed to fulfill an acceptable level of practice. In doing this, it is natural to engender further debates and valuable exchange of ideas on the propriety or otherwise of the role of ICT in overall Library Development. Professor Olu Olat Lawal Editor-in-Chie