ICT Skills for Information Professionals in Developing Countries: perspectives from a study of the electronic information environment in Nigeria

Abstract

Changes in the provision of information brought about through the emergence of electronic information resources have created subsequent changes in the skills needed by information professionals. Information professionals are now expected to be aware of and capable of using emerging information communication technologies, as well as having essential communication skills. Professional bodies, such as CILIP in the UK and the ALA in the US, recognize the importance of continuing professional development in order to keep skills and expertise up-to-date for all aspects of work. The necessity of ICT skills has a clear impact on reference service professionals, with the emergence of digital reference services. A research project carried out at Liverpool John Moores University into the provision of electronic information in Nigeria identified a significant skills gap amongst information professionals. Collaboration and strategic management of resources may be key to alleviating this problem.

Factors influencing the behaviour of academics towards peer-reviewed electronic journals in Zimbabwean state universities

“…They advise that users should be able to construct effective search strategies, critically appraise information sources, use information sources appropriately, and cite and create references. OndariOkemwa (2004), Ashcroft and Watts (2005), and Oduwole and Sowole (2006) identified problems in the adoption and use of electronic resources in Nigeria. The main problem identified was the lack of adequate ICT skills among academics.…”

A study on the agricultural research scientists’ knowledge in the use of internet resources

“…Their findings revealed that lack of an adequate ICT infrastructure and affordable online access, absence of in-depth ICT skills and information searching skills among library staff and users are barriers to the use of electronic resources. In the same vein, Ondari-Okenwa (2004), Ashcroft and Watts (2005), Adomi (2005) and Oduwole and Sowole (2006) identified problems in the adoption and usage of ICT and electronic resources in Nigeria to include lack of adequate ICT skills among staff and users, low basic information literacy levels in the Nigerian population and prohibitive cost in developing countries to gain access to the Internet. The findings were corroborated by those of Salaam and Adegbore (2010) who studied Internet access and use by the students of private universities in Ogun State, Nigeria.…”

Building a Regional HIV/AIDS Database: Challenges Faced by West African Specialist Physicians and Health Librarians

“…Information professionals are now expected to be aware of and capable of using emerging information communication technologies, as well as having essential communication skills. Research on provision of electronic information by libraries in some West African countries identified a significant skills gap amongst information professionals (13). This was corroborated by Mutula and Van Brakel who indicated that there is an acute shortage of the high-skilled and hands-on personnel necessary for steering the emerging digital setting in developing countries (14).…”