Influence of Factors in Provision of Networked Services: An Empirical Study in India

Abstract

Today, we live in a knowledge society, and knowledge is the most democratic source of power (Toffler, 1991). It is the main characteristic of future societies (Repanovici, 2006). Knowledge has been described as a fluid combination of actual experiences, values, and practical information (Dastgerdi,2009). A knowledge society is one where knowledge is a cognitive asset and the primary source of production. Knowledge-based activities are the production, targeting, and orientation of knowledge (Reich, 1991). Education is the key for generating knowledge to sustain the social, political, and economic prosperity of a nation. Libraries have always existed at the juncture between knowledge consumption and knowledge creation (Kaser, 2009). Libraries exist to serve as many people as possible, disseminating information, preserving culture, and contributing to intellectual and social life (Iwhiwhu, 2008).

Education and libraries are inseparable. They are indivisible concepts, working for knowledge production, promotion, and dissemination. Education is a process of providing knowledge, skill, or competence to learners through optimal use of libraries and information services (Magara and Batambuze, 2009). As an integral part of academic institutions, the libraries are a hub of knowledge and information services ( Mirza and Mahmood , 2009). The primary function of the academic library system is to serve students, researchers, faculty, and staff. Technology has created a host of opportunities for libraries to improve their services (Maddern, 1998). Technology has changed the entire concept of libraries from storage to access (Khalid, 2000). Moreover, technological change is not only in the way information is packaged, processed, stored, and disseminated, but also how users seek and access information (Anunobi and Okoye, 2008). A network is a conduit for information (Sawhney and Parikh,2001). In the 1990s, the Internet connected networks to create a remarkable technology and it continues to transform higher education (Rosenberg, 2001). The academic community has long appreciated the potential of the Internet to expand access to information, facilitate communication, and promote human development (Dempsey, 2007) . Libraries have a role in helping people become masters of the technology that surrounds us (Kaser, 2009).