Framework for Effective Development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy in University Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

ICT is transforming library practices and procedures the world over. The aim of this chapter is to address the access gap to ICT by highlighting the framework for effective development of relevant ICT policy in university libraries in Nigeria. The chapter explores variety of ICT infrastructure/services that are available in university libraries, sources of ICT funding, ICT policy priority areas, key ICT policy issues and strategies for formulating ICT policy. Questionnaire survey was used for the study. The findings of the study indicate that, there is a widespread use of Internet in the 14 surveyed university libraries; and only 5 of these libraries have computerized library services. NUC/ETF, library development fund (LDF) and university management are major ICT funding sources. ICT funding/budgeting, ICT infrastructure procurement/maintenance, ICT literacy/capacity building and ICT use are the highest ranked ICT policy priority areas in the surveyed libraries. And annual budgetary allocation to ICT in university libraries, training/capacity building for librarians, as well as, organization of ICT literacy programme for patrons are the highest ranked key ICT policy issues in university libraries. The chapter recommends that, each university should formulate relevant ICT policy for its library, besides the national ICT policy.