The Needs and Importance of Information - Library & Information Science Education Network (2024)

Information is an essential component of our daily lives, and the need for information is pervasive across various domains. From personal growth to economic development, access to relevant and accurate information is critical to making informed decisions and achieving our goals. The need for information has become even more critical in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. Individuals and organizations need access to the latest research, trends, and ideas to stay competitive and relevant. In this article, we will explore the various information needs and how access to information can help individuals and organizations achieve their objectives.The Needs and Importance of Information - Library & Information Science Education Network (1)

Needs of Information

  1. Decision-making: One of the most significant needs of information is for decision-making. In today’s fast-paced world, decisions must be made quickly and efficiently. Access to accurate and timely information can help individuals and organizations make informed decisions that can positively impact their lives and businesses.
  2. Learning and Education: Information is needed for learning and education. Students and professionals need access to relevant and accurate information to keep up with the latest trends, ideas, and theories in their respective fields.
  3. Innovation and Creativity: Information is a vital component of innovation and creativity. By staying current on the latest research and trends in a field, individuals and organizations can find new ways to solve problems and create value for their customers.
  4. Communication: Information is needed for effective communication. In today’s globalized world, individuals and organizations must communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Access to information can help individuals understand other perspectives and communicate more effectively.
  5. Personal Growth: Information is also needed for personal growth. By accessing the information on topics that interest them, individuals can develop new skills, learn about new cultures, and expand their horizons.
  6. Safety and Security: Information is needed for safety and security. Law enforcement agencies, government organizations, and businesses need access to information to identify potential threats and prevent harm.
  7. Economic Development: Information is needed for economic development. Businesses need access to information on market trends, consumer behavior, and the latest technologies to stay competitive and grow.
  8. Health and Wellness: Information is needed for health and wellness. Individuals need accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
  9. Social and Cultural Development: Information is needed for social and cultural development. Individuals and organizations need access to information on different cultures, histories, and traditions to build understanding and promote social cohesion.

Importance of Information

In today’s knowledge-based economy, information has become one of the most valuable assets for individuals, organizations, and societies. Access to relevant and accurate information can provide significant benefits, from making informed decisions to achieving business objectives. The importance of information cannot be overstated, and it is essential to understand how access to information can impact various domains.

  • Personal Growth: Access to information can drive personal growth by expanding our knowledge and horizons. The availability of resources such as online courses, books, and documentaries can help individuals learn new skills and explore different perspectives. For example, learning a new language or reading about other cultures can broaden our understanding of the world and promote personal growth.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Information is critical for driving innovation and creativity. By staying up-to-date on the latest research and trends in a field, individuals and organizations can find new ways to solve problems and create value for their customers. Access to information can help individuals and organizations identify gaps in the market, explore new technologies, and develop new products and services.
  • Economic Development: Access to information is crucial for driving economic development. Businesses need access to information on market trends, consumer behavior, and the latest technologies to stay competitive and grow. Governments also need access to information to make informed decisions on policies and regulations that promote economic growth and development.
  • Societal Progress: Information is essential for driving societal progress. Access to information on social issues, environmental challenges, and political developments can help individuals and organizations become informed citizens and contribute to positive change. For example, access to information on climate change can help individuals and organizations make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.
  • Communication: Information is crucial for effective communication. In today’s globalized world, individuals and organizations need access to information to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Access to information on other languages, cultures, and communication styles can promote effective communication and reduce misunderstandings.
  • Education and Learning: Information is a vital component of teaching and learning. Students and professionals need access to relevant and accurate information to keep up with the latest trends, ideas, and theories in their respective fields. Access to information can help individuals improve their skills, stay relevant in their careers, and pursue new opportunities.
  • Health and Wellness: Access to information is essential for promoting health and wellness. Individuals need accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Access to information on nutrition, exercise, and mental health can help individuals make healthy choices and improve their quality of life.
The Needs and Importance of Information - Library & Information Science Education Network (2024)

FAQs

What is the need and purpose of library network? ›

The basic purpose of a library network is to share resources and services amongst member libraries. A library network is broadly defined as group of libraries and / or information centres that are inter-connected to form a system with an aim to help each other with information needs of their clientele.

What is the needs of information in library science? ›

'Information Need' is “that needs which library services or materials are intended to satisfy.” (Soper, 1990). According to Paisley “Information need is not a psychological state of mind; rather, it is an objective need oriented towards particular tasks, problems, etc.” (Prasad, 1991).

What is the purpose of library and information science? ›

Library and Information Science (LIS) is an interdisciplinary field of study that centers on the documentation that records our stories, memory, history, and knowledge. LIS professionals serve as custodians of printed materials, records, photographs, audiovisual materials, and ephemera, in both analog and digital form.

What is the cut-off mark for library and information science? ›

2023 JAMB UTME Programme Cut-Off Mark and UTME Subjects
S/NProgrammeCut-off Mark
4Biochemistry170
5Computer Science170
6Economics170
7Library & Information Science170
49 more rows

What are the needs and purpose of library? ›

Library improves student's outcomes. Collection of books enriches reading and learning programmes. 2. Library provides research place to the users.

What are the needs and purpose of library classification? ›

In libraries, classification deals with the determination of the primary subject of a work and the assignment of specific notation. This is used for retrieval purposes, and also for ordering the items in a systematic catalogue and for shelving the item with other items on similar subjects.

What does a library need to have? ›

What is important for libraries to offer
  • Librarians to help people find information they need.
  • Borrowing books.
  • Free access to computers and the internet.
  • Quiet study spaces for adults and children.
  • Programs and classes for children and teens.
  • Research resources such as free databases.
  • Job, employment and career resources.
Jan 22, 2013

How important is the library as an information source? ›

Libraries are major sources of information for society and they serve as guardians of the public's access to information.

What are the essentials of library and information science? ›

This includes: how information resources are organized to serve the needs of selected user groups; how people interact with classification systems and technology; how information is acquired, evaluated and applied by people in and outside libraries as well as cross-culturally; how people are trained and educated for ...

What is the goal of a library? ›

Library Goals

To acquire, provide, and preserve access to books, periodicals, and non-print material that best support and enrich the curriculum. To teach library patrons how to find information and evaluate it effectively. To create an educational environment that encourages and advances learning.

What is the role of information science? ›

Information science is an academic field which is primarily concerned with analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval, movement, dissemination, and protection of information.

Is library and information science a good major? ›

A library science degree often leads to better pay and more job options, like many other careers. For example, most librarians need a master's degree in library science. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for librarians was $61,660 in May 2022.

What are the levels of management in library and information science? ›

They usually work at three levels, viz. Top, Middle and Lower level of the organization. The Managers at top or nearer to the top have broader responsibilities and authority than those at lower levels.

Is library science major hard? ›

The actual degree isn't hard but it's a lot of work, as is any Master's degree. Depending on the type of librarian you want to be and the location will determine how hard it will be to get a job. Academic librarians typically have two master's degrees, one in library science, and one in a subject specialty.

What is the purpose of the library system? ›

The primary objective of any library system is to collect, store, organize, retrieve and make available the information sources to the information users. A library, as a system, is a subsystem of some super-system (an organization in any field, whether education, research or social service).

What are the needs and purposes of library automation? ›

Library automation systems help improve library efficiency, increase circulation numbers, save resources, reduce workloads on librarians, and provide better access to information for patrons, all while creating an improved overall experience.

What is the purpose of library computer? ›

The primary use of library computers is for academic, educational, and research purposes. SPSCC Library's first priority is always to our currently enrolled students. Academic work takes precedence over the use of library computers for entertainment.

Why networking and resource sharing of a library is necessary? ›

Resource sharing is considered necessary due to the following reasons: Recorded information and knowledge should be treated as a human resource to be shared by all - an ideal that can be met only through resource sharing of library system/networks that link "collection in the region, state, nation and the world".

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