Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of integrated library system (ILS) in academic library operations in Edo and Delta states, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Total enumeration was used since the population consisting 88 academic librarians in Edo and Delta states is not large and was considered appropriate to achieve the purpose of this study. Questionnaire titled “Assessment of adoption and use of Integrated Library Software (ILS) for library service provision in academic libraries in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria” was used. Before the administration of the questionnaire on the respondents, face validity was carried out to test the validity of the questions. The questionnaire was given to experts in the Department of Information Resources Management, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State who validated, resolved defects and modified the questionnaire. Findings This study showed that there is a general non-use of ILS in academic libraries in Delta state. Findings revealed that three of the four academic libraries in Edo State adopted library software in their library operations except Ambrose Ali University Library, Ekpoma. Findings further showed that the ILS that were used in academic libraries in Edo State are effective. It also revealed that ILS is effective for accessing books and other library materials, retrieval of materials, bibliographic search and provision of links to external databases. Finding also indicated that among the library software that were used in academic libraries in this study, only Koha ILS has the capacity to link to external databases. Practical implications The use of ILS in academic library operation is critical. Its adoption and use to a large extent positively affect the library and its users. Non-adoption and use of ILS in most academic libraries is a setback to delivery of quality library services to clientele. Originality/value This study is the first that assessed the adoption and use of ILS in academic libraries is Edo and Delta states. It exposed the level of adoption and utilization of ILS in library operations with a view to encouraging libraries to adopt and use ILS for library services.
A lot of literature exists concerning acceptance and utilisation of 'social networking' (SN) tools in academic libraries from different parts of the world. However, only a handful of work has been done on librarians' use of SN in academic libraries in South-East, Nigeria. Therefore, this study tends to investigate librarians' use of SN in academic libraries in South-East, Nigeria. This study adopted a survey design using 173 librarians from the zone. Finding showed that some librarians used SN in libraries for delivery of library services. It also revealed that SN will be beneficial and cost effective for academic libraries to adopt. Some challenges identified in this study inhibiting use of SN in academic libraries are erratic power supply, inadequate skill to manipulate SN and other ICT tools, technophobia, lack of awareness, insufficient bandwidth, apathy in using modern technologies and lack of internet connection. The study suggested that SN can be adopted in academic libraries for library service delivery. It recommended that academic libraries should prioritise training and retraining of librarians in the use of emerging and current internet resources, provision of power supply, ICT facilities and internet connection to enhance delivery of library services.
Like many countries, Nigeria’s library services were affected by COVID-19. This study (conducted in 2020) examined the priorities and barriers for information seeking and use by library and information science professionals in Nigeria, including what type of information was sought, the sources used and how these were evaluated. An online survey, with questions informed by a literature survey, was sent to library and information science professionals in Nigeria with WhatsApp accounts (individual and library and information science group accounts). The responses were automatically collected and saved into Google Sheets for further analysis using descriptive statistics. There were 167 responses (61% response rate). The main information needs were causes of the virus, COVID-19 symptoms, providing library services during physical library closure, the timing of reopening, and staff and user safety measures required for library reopening. The respondents were also concerned about COVID-19 test procedures and transmission mechanisms, treatment (including herbal medicines), vaccines, government policy and restrictions on movement. The main information sources used were the Internet (including government and World Health Organization websites), social media, television and radio. The authority, reliability, currency and relevance of the information were considered when evaluating COVID-19 information consulted, and were using the information primarily to ‘keep safe’ in accordance with government regulations, to provide library services on time and to plan for safe reopening. The barriers to information seeking and use were technical (poor telecommunications), financial (lack of funds to purchase resources) and physical (library closures). One barrier was the volume of information (both reliable and unreliable). Verification was viewed as important but seemingly difficult to do. The respondents were concerned about the safe and effective operation of library services. Library and information science professionals in Nigeria may need advice from health professionals on the most reliable sources of information on COVID-19 and how to use them for themselves and their users.
The study examined the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) skills on job performance among librarians in the university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a self constructed questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was constructed after consulting other related literature in order to ensure that relevant items were included. Five research questions were answered in the study. The population consists of 233 librarians in the six federal, seven state and eight private university libraries in the South-South, Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. The data collected was analysed using frequency, percentages and tables for easy interpretation and understanding of the results. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents in the university library acquire ICT skills through self-sponsorship. It also showed that the majority of the respondents were not skilful in system management, web application and tools such as: system troubleshooting, webinar/digital conferencing tools, Web 2.0, website designing and digital communication. The findings further revealed that there was no policy in place to regulate ICT training of librarians where a majority were yet to attend training once in the last five years, hence there was inadequate training of librarians on ICT skills. There was evidence in the study that training in ICT skill would engender improved service delivery, library administration, efficiency, job performance and reduction in job stress. The findings also revealed that inadequate training, poor planning and implementation, non-sponsorship of librarians, absence of policy for evaluation and assessment are factors militating against ICT skills acquisition. The paper recommended that ICT skills training should be prioritized while internally organized training programmes should be highly encouraged in the university library. The university management should make some financial commitment in support of academic librarians for training and retraining on ICT skills for improved job performance and effective delivery of library services to the patrons while relevant policies should be put in place for continuous evaluation and training of librarians on ICT skills.
Purpose This study aimed to assess the rural libraries and information services for rural development in Delta State, Nigeria. Design methodology/approach The study adopted both descriptive and exploratory research designs. Questionnaire, observation and structured interview guide were the major instruments for data collection. Total enumeration was used to gather data from respondents in 16 functional rural libraries in Delta State. Findings The study revealed the challenges that surround the rural people in accessing information in rural libraries. It showed that only 16 rural libraries were established and functional in 16 communities within the 25 local government areas. Findings also showed that the rural libraries were not able to fulfil their roles. It was evident that the information needs of the rural people which made them to access the library were not adequately met because of some hindrances such as inadequate up-to-date information materials, lack of awareness, illiteracy, language barrier, inadequate skilled personnel and inadequate infrastructure and facilities. Practical implications The important finding in this study is that rural libraries are the most relevant institution to disseminate information about government policies, inculcating reading habits and developing skill and knowledge of people. Therefore, underdevelopment of rural libraries and inadequate information sources and facilities will hinder access to information and development of the people who need them. Originality value This research is the first of its kind to assess rural libraries and information services for the development of rural people in the 16 rural libraries in Delta State of Nigeria.
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