No open-access location is known for this record yet.
No open-access location is known for this record yet.
ABSTRACT Information and communication technology (ICT) has changed the world of library such that activities been carried out manually before are now been automated. The work of library staff are now being characterized by information and communication technologies. Academic libraries were observed to be more equipped with information infrastructures more than any other type of libraries, but no library no matter how well equipped that doesn’t require the service of a workforce that is highly competent in the use of ICT tools, as such information infrastructure will remain unused or under-utilized. It is in connection to the above, that this study assessed the ICT competence of library staff in selected universities in Kwara state using a descriptive survey design of quantitative research method, where sample size of one hundred and twenty two (122) were drawn from population of one hundred and ninety one (191). Questionnaire served as instrument for data collection, with one hundred and nine participants (which constitute 89.3% return rate) fully completed and returned the instrument. Result of findings demonstrated a high level of ICT competency on the part of library staff in selected university libraries (University of Ilorin, Kwara State University and Al-Hikmah University), most especially on skills that were considered basic and intermediate ICT skill. Verdict from the study has it that library staff in those universities can effectively deploy ICT tools for operations in the library. They identified library schools, computer training centers, workshops and seminars, personal training, watching demonstrations on YouTube, guidance from friends and relatives as sources from which Library staff can acquirer ICT skills, but more emphases is on having additional qualification in computer science. Constraints to ICT skills acquisition identified include; tight working schedule, lack of motivation, lack of experience, inadequate training, and inappropriate library and information science curriculum. Identified challenges militating against effective utilization of ICT tools in the library for dynamic information service delivery include; lack of adequate information infrastructure, absent of provision for staff training and development, limited and tighter budget for the library, lack of technological know-how, fear of technology on the part of library staff as well as epileptic power supply. Sequential to the above identified challenges and constraints, the study recommends that library management should make available adequate information infrastructure and as well make provision for staff development and training. Experienced staff should as well train the upcoming or new staff in the library. Library schools should revise curriculum and design one that will accommodate development in information and communication technology. Professional associations and regulatory bodies should organized regular seminars and workshops that will improve ICT skills of librarians.
Loading…
Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 20 citations exist upstream.
Imported from OpenAlex (CC0) — nothing here is generated.