Academic libraries Trends in Management of Information: Issues and Challenges

Abstract: The challenge in most of the establishments including library and information systems in developing countries like India is the collection, organization, dissemination and management of information. Information management focuses on improving the effectiveness of academic institutions by managing information as a hub, providing access to relevant information resources in a timely and most cost-effective manner. Effective information management systems enable institutions to have meaningful, reliable and accessible information when needed and providing mechanism for ensuring accountability and managing risk. There has been concern for educational institutions in a country like India to overcome this problem arising from insufficient storage, funding, infrastructure, flow and utility of information. Inadequate access to/or gaining relevant information has negative impact on the effectiveness of decision-making of knowledge stakeholders. Librarians and other information managers must identify the dynamic user community and their need of information, engaging competent professional staff to administer the information management systems, nurture the informational and knowledge professionals, automate the library and adopt proper information management strategies to improve the efficiency of information in higher educational institutions.

Keywords: Information, Information management, Information professionals, academic libraries, strategies