APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
Abstract
The study looked into the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in selected libraries in Kwara State. The descriptive survey design was used for the study, with the population consisting of seven (7) academic libraries in Kwara State.
Purposive sampling was used in the study to collect data from selected academic library staff in Kwara State. There were a total of 83 academic librarians in the selected academic libraries.
To reach all academic librarians, a census method was used. To collect data, a self-created questionnaire titled survey questionnaire on the application of information and communication technology on academic library services (SQAICTSAL) was used. To answer the research questions, data were analyzed using percentage and frequency count.
According to the study’s findings, the majority of academic libraries in terms of ICT facility provision, Kwara State is at a developed stage. Despite this, the study found that the majority of the surveyed academic libraries lacked a computerized security door (0.0 percent) and a smart board (9.6 percent),
while the availability of all other ICT facilities was rated high, particularly computer system, CD/DVD, internet connectivity, and slide projector (100 percent), CCTV camera (95.2 percent), electronic database (92.8 percent), library automation software (91.5 percent), and barcode scanner (91.5 percent).
According to the study, providing adequate ICT facilities in academic libraries will revolutionize effective information service delivery, and advancements in the use of ICT in day-to-day operations in academic libraries will dramatically improve information provision to library users.
As a result, the relevant library Authorities should provide adequate support to library professionals in their use of ICT, as well as opportunities for staff development in the use of ICT through attendance at seminars, workshops, and shot courses to improve their technical skills for proper implementation and provision of effective and efficient services to library users. Keywords: ICT, Library services, Information services, Academic libraries, Kwara State. Nigeria
INTRODUCTION
Information and communication technology (ICT) is the use of computers and other technologies to facilitate the acquisition, organization, storage, accessibility, retrieval, and dissemination of information. ICT is one of humanity’s greatest inventions, playing an unprecedented role in changing the landscape of human and organizational activities around the world, including libraries. ICT is also used.
a revolution that provides a platform and technical means for managing information and communication for the benefit of humanity The impact has been critical in all human activities such as banking, health, transportation, education, and libraries. ICT has drastically altered the system of traditional library services, which were previously laborious, repetitive, and boring.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is defined by Obotu, Chukwuka, and Gambo (2019) as the acquisition, analysis, manipulation, storage, and distribution of information, as well as the design and provision of equipment and software for these purposes.
Omosor and Nelson (2017) defined ICT as computers and other technologies used in libraries for the acquisition, organization, storage, and dissemination of information. Without a doubt, ICT is a driving force in the generation, processing, storage, and dissemination of information daily activities in the library, such as selection, ordering,
classification, cataloguing, charging, and discharging of information resources in the library’s various divisions Omini and Esin (2019) identified ICT-enabled library operations such as acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, serials control, selective dissemination of information services, and management information preparation.
According to Sokari, Olayemi, and Abba Haliru (2019), using technologies on library operations has improved efficiency in resource organization, service delivery, and information dissemination, making them effective and simple while eliminating repetitive and routine tasks in the library.
According to Ogunsola and Aboyade (2015), librarians have begun to adopt new titles to reflect their new roles, such as information scientists and system librarians, digital librarians, and information managers, among others.
According to Uzohue and Yaya (2016), the common theme behind ICT application in libraries is to improve library functions and make service delivery such as selection, acquisition, arrangement, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information relevant to users. The library is the hub of information activity; it is a vital resource
knowledge repository containing diverse and useful information in a variety of formats. Acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, serials control, interlibrary loan, management, and delivery of information in both electronic and traditional formats are all core functions of all types of libraries.
They help their parent institutions achieve their goals and objectives by providing current and relevant information resources that are required for the institutions’ learning, teaching, research, and other functions and activities.
The advancement of library services through the use of ICT has dramatically altered the information delivery system (Afolabi & Abidoye, 2011). The use of ICT facilities in the acquisition, organization, management, and preservation of library resources, among other things, has facilitated the tasks of these libraries.
According to Oketunji (2012), the library tasks have not been fully exploited due to numerous challenges such as power failure, insufficient funds, computer system failure, staff attitude toward use of ICT, lack of ICT policies, and a shortage of competent staff to manage the ICT facilities, all of which impede the application of ICT in many Nigerian academic libraries.
Okiy (2015) asserted that libraries, as centers for learning, teaching, and research, can no longer manage information using traditional methods; where the process of acquiring, processing, and organizing information resources can take up to six months before patrons use them. According to Igun and Adogbeji (2017), human capacity building is critical to the success of ICT use. Even where funds are limited
Libraries are expected to upskill their staff in order for them to perform better now that resources are readily available. The study intends to investigate the use of ICT in selected academic libraries in Kwara State based on the identified gaps.
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The Study’s Objectives
The study’s overarching goal is to evaluate the progress and challenges of information and communication technology in selected academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria.
The study’s specific objectives are as follows:
1. determine the types of ICT facilities available in selected academic libraries in Kwara State; and
2. investigate the extent of ICT use in selected academic libraries in Kwara State.
3. to identify ICT operations performed in selected academic libraries in Kwara State
4 Identify the challenges of ICT use in Kwara State academic libraries.
APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
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