Challenges and Innovations in ICT Adoption for Library Cataloguing

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Author: Dipanwita Mandal

Keywords: ICT adoption, library cataloguing, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, metadata management, interoperability challenges

Abstract: The adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in library cataloguing has transformed how libraries organise and share books and digital items. This review examines the main challenges and innovative solutions in this field. It synthesises studies, examples, and frameworks from 2015 to 2025 to provide a comprehensive overview. Traditional cataloguing methods, such as manual metadata entry on cards, now encounter difficulties in integrating diverse digital systems. In many regions, particularly under-resourced libraries in developing countries such as India, financial limitations and unreliable internet access pose significant barriers. Staff often lack adequate training, and concerns over data security intensify these issues. The rapid influx of online content, including e-books and videos, requires efficient automation while maintaining bibliographic precision. Innovations offer promising pathways forward. Machine learning tools, a form of intelligent software, automate metadata creation in platforms like Koha or Alma. Blockchain technology provides secure, decentralised tracking of catalog records, enabling tamper-proof sharing in collaborative networks. In India, initiatives like INFLIBNET leverage linked data to enhance interconnections among libraries. These developments combine human oversight with technological support to improve efficiency and searchability. This review suggests that effective ICT adoption depends on enhanced training programs, equitable policies, and collaboration among librarians, technologists, and policymakers. It compares global and Indian contexts to identify gaps and opportunities. Ultimately, robust ICT integration can position libraries as vital gateways to knowledge, benefiting diverse users—from students to everyday readers—in a digital era. The findings advocate for adaptive strategies to navigate evolving technological landscapes.

Article Info: Received: 09 Oct 2025, Received in revised form: 06 Nov 2025, Accepted: 10 Nov 2025, Available online: 16 Nov 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijtle.4.6.6

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