Components of Information Technology

Technological change is becoming a driving force in our society. Information technology is
a generic term used for a group of technologies. James William (1982) has identified the following
six major new technologies as most relevant in modern library and information system.
• Processor, memory and input/output channels,
• Micro. Mini and Large scale computers,
• Mass storage technologies,
• Data communication, networking and distributed processing,
• Data entry, display respond, and
• Software
These technologies can also be grouped into three major areas:
• Computer Technology,
• Communication Technology and
• Reprographic, Micrographic and Printing Technologies

A. Computer Technology
The wide spread use of computer technology has made dramatic developments in the
information transmission process in very field of human life. Highly sophisticated information
services ranging from elaborate abstracting and indexing services to computerized data bases in
almost all scientific disciplines are in wide use all over the world. The current developments in
computer technology include mini computers, microcomputers, personnel computers, portable
computers, super computers, speaking computer with IQS, microchip technology, artificial
intelligence, software developments, C-ROM technology, machine-readable database, etc.
B. Communication Technology
1 Audio Technology
Due to tremendous improvements and inventions, older gramophone records are now
dwindling and much sophisticated cassettes and tape records are emerging. The outmoded AM
(Amplitude Modulated) radio receivers are being received by the modern FM (Frequency
Modulation) receivers. Thus, the new audio technology can be used in libraries and information
centers for a wide variety of, recreation, etc.
2 Audio-Visual Technology
Motion pictures, Television, Videodisc are the main contributions of this technology.
Videodisc is a new medium containing prerecorded information, which allows the user to reproduce
this information in the form of images on the screen of a television receiver at, will. Videodisc
technology offers high quality storage, image stability and speed of recall.
3 Facsimile Transmissions (Fax)
Facsimile transmission has been boosted by the adoption of methods of data compression
made possible by compact, reliable and inexpensive electronics. During the initial stages, the
average speed of facsimile transmission was found to be 3.4 minutes per page. This technology
was slow and it was replaced by micro facsimile. Satellite communication and fiber optics have
increased the potential of facsimile transmission.
4 Electronic Mail
E-mail is the electronic transmission and receiving of messages, information, data files,
letters or documents by means of point-to-point systems or computer-based messages system.
C. Reprographic, Micrographic and Printing Technologies
The technology of reprography made a big impact on the document delivery system. Most
of the research libraries have reprographic machines and provide photocopy of any document on
demand. Using reprographic and micrographic techniques, we can condense the bulky archives
and newspapers and solve the storage problems. They also serve the purpose of preservation. They
help in resource sharing and save the time of users.
1 Micro Forms
Microforms is a term for all type of micro-documents whether they are transparent or
opaque or in roll or sheet form. The verities of microforms are microfilm, microfiche, ultra fiche,
micro opaque, cards, computer about microfiche / micro film (COM).

2 Roll-film (microfilm)
It is a continuous strip of film with images arranged in sequence. It is available in 100 feet
roll with 35mm width.
3 Microfiche
It is flat film having large number of images arranged in rows and columns. Standard sized
microfiche of 4x6 inches accommodated 98 pages.
4 Printing Technology
Thousands of years ago, people recognized the necessity of keeping records of their daily
activities. Paper was invented and the art of writing and record keeping came to be defined. At
present, lasers and computers have entered the field of printing. Computer printers are three
categories; line printers, dot matrix printer, and laser printers. Laser printers are popular today.