Utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and library operations in state university libraries in south-south Nigeria

Emmanuel Ubi Omini,Jacob E Esin

doi:10.4314/gjedr.v18i1.6

Abstract

This study examined utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) and library job operations in state university libraries in South-South Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was used. The population for the study constituted 143 librarians (professionals and paraprofessionals). A sample of 93 librarians was selected using purposive sampling technique. The instrument was validated by experts. The research data was analyzed with descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (One-Way ANOVA). All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was a significant influence of online databases services on library job operations, (f=4.447*, P<.05, df=2,728, F-critical=3.00) and there was a significant influence of CD-ROM services on library job operations, (f=2.671*, P<.05, df=2,728, Fcritical= 3.00).From the result of the study, it was recommended among others that librarians should utilize more ICT tools to facilitate their job operations in the library. Keywords: Utilization of ICT, Online databases Service, CD-ROM Service, Library job operations, State University, Libraries, South-South Nigeria

Highlights

The switch from conventional to modern tools has changed the ways routine library operations like cataloguing, circulation, assigning of core numbers to new arrivals, indexing, etc. are carried out in terms of productivity and efficiency
Librarians perform their library operations utilizing Information and communication technology which offers fast and increased alternatives to information resource gathering and research orientation bringing about accuracy and efficiency in university libraries and the entire library environment
It was discovered that the duration of subscription of these resources range from 2- 3 years, while some of these databases were free

Summary

Introduction

The switch from conventional to modern tools has changed the ways routine library operations like cataloguing, circulation, assigning of core numbers to new arrivals, indexing, etc. are carried out in terms of productivity and efficiency. It is becoming impracticable for librarians to perform their job operations without carrying out these practices Librarians perform their library operations utilizing Information and communication technology which offers fast and increased alternatives to information resource gathering and research orientation bringing about accuracy and efficiency in university libraries and the entire library environment. This development as observed by Ani, Esin and Edem (2005) has created a shift from traditional information environment to electronic environment such as computer use, internet use, online services as well as online databases to library operations.

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion