Information Services:

Some of the significant information services which have been evolved as a result of developments in communications are: electronic delivery of documents, online searching of databases, online ordering, electronic directory, teleconferencing, electronic mail, electronic messaging, community information (on TV), news/business information and recreational information. We can categorise the information services provided by utilising telecommunications technology into three groups: library type information services, domestic type information services and business information services. The domestic type information services which provide quick and convenient information for home use, include videotex, teletext and the electronic directory. These services can also be used by the business community. In addition, a number of other specialised services, such as electronic mail and facsimile have also been developed with the business community in view. Some of these services are being adopted for domestic use also. Almost all these services can also be used by libraries for providing information services, but not many are presently doing so in the developing countries. In India, while use of communication technologies is fast picking up. The situation is better in the libraries and information centres attached to research institutions and institutions of higher learning (like the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, University of Roorkee and some universities supported by the Information and Library Network of the UGC). However, more and more libraries are likely to use the communication networks for providing information services in the coming years. Such enhanced use of technologies will be due to the increased demand from the users for network-based information services which will occur, as the public will have more and more easy access to the communication services.