The Abia e-Library and its prospects. Amongst the legacy projects of the government of Chief T. A. Orji is the electronic library. It has been mentioned severally in write-ups and commentaries elsewhere, but because of the novelty of this IT hub; it deservedly becomes germane to study its prospects in-depth. The elegant e-library complex symbolises an epicentre for information and cultural revival. The e-library, also known as digital library, is a heterogeneous system of organized and focused collection of electronic materials and objects. It utilizes methods of access and retrieval, selection, creation, organization, maintenance and sharing of collection of materials, which include printouts, magnetic tapes, discs, videodiscs, CD-ROMs and online sources. Abia State e-library complex gears towards redefining the information reproduction, storage and retrieval systems of the state, bringing to bear the educational and cultural uniqueness of the state. This information and communication materials centre will reposition the state as cultural nucleus of the country. The architecture of e-library of course epitomises the state governments amenability to technological revolution as this legacy project will be a convergence of information sources. The regime of information technology simply warns that those who do not join now will lose the early benefits, but definitely must be compelled to tag along. Just like computers phased out typewriters, and the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionised the information and communication technology, clearly e-library will mark a turning point in educational system and cultural development. Quick access to information is indispensable for real-time capture of breaking news and most current research information. This resource complex when operational will have the capacity to feed the research institutions within the state and beyond with no limitations. Equally, the media houses, in Abia State and its environs will plug into this digital reservoir for information and archival materials. The benefits of e-library are indeed enormous: others include, improved and wider access, improved information sharing and information preservation. Additionally, the attributes of IT management of profitability, decreasing cost, revolutionary capacity and standardization will hold sway. More people will have access to materials and pictorials, simultaneously and from different locations. Linkages with similar resources centres across the world, including universities abroad, are prime benefit of an e-library. And of course, the capacity of information preservation and storage is more efficient with the system of E-library. Rural networking is another important prospect of e-library. e-library most probably will spark rural networking, because the rural dwellers will desire to key into dividends of democracy of right to information. Rural communities will thereby hook to the networks. By so doing the cultural heritage of the people will be preserved and energized for increased results. The increased results are assured because our culture melts into the way we do things, including agriculture, architecture, social security and hospitality. These will be expanded with the operation of the e-library. The world is evolving speedily, the practise of e-learning and e-research is plugged into the e-library system. Needless to say that digital library defies the constraints of space, time and distance. The library which operates round the clock has materials which can be accessed from any distance, regardless of number of users per time. Again, compliance with government policies, such as the cashless regime, will be kindled, due to acclimatization through constant use of the system. It is pertinent to note that most institutions and corporations hire or conduct examinations electronically. Abia State is amenable to this trend as evidenced by distribution of computer sets to students in the state school system by the state government. Also, e-journals have emerged as fulcrum of journalism and research efforts. This emergence has increased knowledge which has been likened to the renaissance of 14th to 17th century that metamorphosed to industrial revolution in the western world. Renaissance is sine qua non for cultural movement; hence the IT revolution in Abia State will spark renewed cultural development for advancement and growth. Culture is described as values, attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions people share about themselves and others, and about the world in which they live. It includes the institutions, customs and communication patterns people have created to meet their needs. The Abia State government, under the leadership of Chief T. A. Orji has assiduously developed the traditional institutions in the state which has engendered the required impetus for sustainable development and cross-pollination of cultural values which enhance industry, learning and development. The norms and customs of Abia State have endured over the years. These comprise material and non-material forms of culture. The agricultural and architectural practices, for example, in Abia State reserve cherished affinity with the cultural practices of the people. The e-library will transform these rich potentials of Abia State for maximum prosperity for the people. The e-library will anchor in the huge cultural reserves to optimize its successes, knowing full well that IT renaissance is pivotal in excellence in the arts, technology, agriculture, science, literature, music, technocracy, architecture and handicrafts. The renewed dexterity in sporting activities and rarefied show of hospitality will receive additional impetus through e-library. The e-library will also develop the contemporary arts and tourism potentials.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:24:39 +0000