Capacity Building Efforts to Develop Digital Innovation Competencies among Librarians in Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the impact of the capacity building effort of a Professional Association on professional services of librarians in Nigeria. The capacity building effort is aimed at equipping librarians/library officers with relevant digital skills as necessary competencies for information professionals in order to drive sustainable development in their communities. A descriptive survey design was employed in carrying out the study. An analysis of the literature was carried out focusing on the relevance and importance of continuing professional development in librarianship. A total of 453 participants who attended workshops held between July 2016 and September 2018 comprise the population of the study. The questionnaire and interview instruments were used to collect data for the study. Data were analyzed using mean scores, percentages, and frequency tables. Findings revealed that respondents showed a higher mean score after the training and were able to engage with technologies hitherto proved difficult. Marketing services, use of social media, library alerts, and QR codes were some of the services introduced by the participants to their institutions after the training. A closer analysis of these services revealed that they are closely aligned with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The article concludes that the participants were generally fast learners that are engaged in life-long learning. They showed great enthusiasm and willingness to learn new skills. It is therefore recommended among others that; libraries should be conversant with the goals and their targets and then identify the actual services and products that can be used to achieve such goals or targets.