Libraries and mobile technologies: an assessment of the deployment of mobile technologies in libraries of Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, the researcher examined the views of library users and professional regarding the deployment of mobile technologies in libraries. The researcher tested five hypotheses to achieve the study objectives. The survey research design was used for the study. A total of 250 librarians and 250 library users in Nigeria constituted the sample for the study. The sample was purposively selected. The librarians were from Federal and state University owned libraries in Nigeria. The library users were undergraduates from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. A self-developed questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. It was decided that a questionnaire was appropriate for the study because it aided the researcher to gather primary data in large volume. The response format for the questionnaire instrument was multiple option for the demographics and a four-point Likert scale for the psychographic response. Therefore, the questionnaire was divided into part A and part B. While the former sought demographic data, the later sought psychographic data. A total of three experts from the Federal University Otueke validated the questionnaire. The researcher requested the experts to examine the instrument with specific considerations on clarity, appropriateness and logicality of presentation. The test retest approach was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the results of the study. All the five assumptions were not supported (p>0.05). Therefore, the researcher conclude that both library users and professionals are aware of mobile technologies, ready to apply them in library services, and are influenced by perceived ease of usage and perceived usefulness. These results offer strong support for the Technology Acceptance Model. The results also have implications on the delivery of library services in the 21st century library environment by implying that both library users and professionals will be willing to support any policy and programme aimed at promoting the application of mobile technologies in library practice and patronage. The basic contribution of this study is that it has offered empirical insights regarding the views of library users and professionals on library practice. This knowledge could guide policy advocacy monitoring and implementation. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that libraries in Nigeria should fully integrate mobile technologies in their services and practice. It is also recommended that libraries should carry out studies that offer them insights into the mobile technologies preference of their target patrons so as to serve them better. Also, further studies are recommended to examine the level of implantation of mobile technologies in academic libraries in Nigeria. Finally, studies should be expanded to provide insight into the challenges against the implementation of mobile technologies in libraries in Nigeria. The practical and theoretical implications of the results have been explored.