Technological applications used in Algerian public libraries between reality and expectations: The main library for public reading, Mustapha Natour, Constantine, as a model

Abstract

This study dealt with the Algerian public reading libraries’ problematic application of information technologies that became a necessity for libraries, so that they could cope with the information era’s requirements as a result of technological progress in the field of information. This progress became the principal ingredient for providing services in developed libraries. This study aimed, on the one hand, at identifying the degree of application of information technologies in Mustapha Natour main public reading library – Constantine; that is to say the various technological means and tools, and their use at work, and, on the other hand, at highlighting the real situation of this library from the administrative, human, material and service point of view, and identifying the observed lacks, in addition to specifying the challenges that faced this library which endeavored to adapt itself to the necessary requirements, so that it could evolve to developed libraries. The descriptive approach was adopted in the theoretical side of the study, as it included information related to the conceptual aspects, in addition to the advantages and specifications of the library concerned with the study. As for the practical aspect, it depends on the statistics and measurements that appear in the responses of the employees included in the field study, which were collected by means of a questionnaire that was distributed to a sample of all levels and specializations of the library under study. We were able to obtain significant results, such as the availability of a set of technological products in the library which, when exploited, could offer a variety of services and activities with speed, efficiency and quality. They could also help in promoting the library and in assuring users’ information profiles. Although there were several benefits in this library, one could notice a set of obstacles that faced the