Academic Libraries In Nigeria Research Articles

English

Academic librarians in many countries have expanded their roles to be advocates and teachers of information literacy. The study examined information literacy practices, skills, level of involvement of librarians and inhibitors to information literacy programmes in universities in the South-east Nigeria. Sample was 76 librarians working in Federal and State University Libraries in South-east Nigerian. Questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Interview was also done to ascertain institutional practices of information literacy education. Results showed that majority of the libraries teach library use skills under the General Studies programme. Results also showed that librarians possess skills on traditional information literacy methods such as locating information physically to tackle users’ queries but are least skilled in some information technology skills such as creating web pages, use of reference managers and Boolean search techniques. There is also low use of ICT tools for teaching of information literacy. Challenges faced include lack of institutional information literacy policy and support to drive information literacy, among others. The study concludes that academic librarians in Nigeria should plan and lobby for effective implementation of information literacy standalone credit bearing course in Nigerian Universities. Key words: Information literacy education, information literacy skills, computer skills, academic librarians, Nigeria.

Evaluation of Reference Services in Academic Libraries: a Comparative Analysis of Three Universities in Nigeria

The major purpose of this study was to evaluate reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria. In carry out this study, 4 research questions were posed. The population of the study consisted of 100 students. (60 students from University of Agriculture, Makurdi, 60 students from Benue State University and 40 students from the University of Mkar). One set of data collection instrument Evaluation of Reference Services in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (ERSAQ) was used. The major findings of the study revealed that reference services provided in the libraries include answering reference queries, provision of referral services and provision digital reference services. Based on the above findings, the following recommendations are presented: provision of adequate reference materials, regular re-training of reference librarians and provision of current awareness services for the library users.

Professionalism in library and information science

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the current trends, needs and opportunities of professionalism in librarianship in Nigeria. The broad purpose of the paper was to investigate the level of professionalism in librarianship and to ascertain the current status, trends and opportunities within the profession among academic librarians in Nigeria. Five specific research questions were formulated which are: to examine how librarians value librarianship as a profession, to elicit the efforts made by librarians with regards to professional development, to ascertain methods of acquiring current competencies within the profession, to investigate the role of professional bodies in promoting professionalism and excellence within the library and information science (LIS) profession and to proffer strategies to enhance professionalism and excellence among librarians in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive survey design was adopted in the study across both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The area of the study was the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State. Population of the study comprised a total of 63 librarians in the two universities. All librarians were sampled because of the small sample size. The instrument for data collection was oral interview and questionnaire which contained 53 items derived from the research questions and built on a four-point scale of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree, (A) Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). The criterion mean was 2.50. Therefore, any calculated mean below 2.50 was adjudged a negative score, while any mean from 2.50 and above was regarded as a positive score. Findings – The study revealed the challenges facing professionalism and excellence within the LIS field as lack of funding for professional development, lack of sponsorship to workshops and conferences, lack of uninterruptible internet facility and a dearth of professional mentors in the South East zone. Other problems gathered from a scheduled interview with some senior professionals in the institutions revealed that most librarians are still facing the challenge of imbibing and utilizing emerging skills in the LIS professions such as digital archiving and data mining skills for their day-to-day activities. Originality/value – Recommendations arising from the study were proffered such as the creation of staff development programmes by management; collaboration and partnership by libraries within the zone; acquisition of training through workshops and conferences irrespective of sponsorship by the institutions; and teaming of academic librarians to enhance their visibility and publication output. International staff exchanges and opportunities for sabbatical leave, which hitherto was not common in the South East Zone, were recommended. Among other recommendations also were building of consortia with libraries in the country; LIS professional bodies helping to create visibility and prestige of the LIS profession; and, finally, to scale up the image of the profession the marketing of library products through profiling of patrons and furnishing them with required information has not only become necessary but critical.

English

This study assessed software selection and seployment sractices for library cooperation and resource sharing among aacademic libraries in South-West Nigeria. The purposive sampling technique was adopted and data collection instruments were questionnaire and interview. All of the 39 universities in the SouthWest zone were chosen and copies of questionnaire were administered to a representative of each academic library. 37 questionnaires were received. The descriptive statistical method of analysis was used. It was discovered that there is no form of cooperation and resource sharing among the academic libraries presently. The study recommends that National Universities Commission (NUC) should make automation a requirement for all academic libraries in Nigeria and recommend particular software(s) for cooperation and resource sharing to be possible among academic libraries among others.

Casualisation of Labour in Academic Libraries: Experience of Babcock University Library

This paper explored casualisation of labour in academic libraries and its effect on employees. Although casualization of labour is mainly for the unskilled and for those with low educational qualification, it has become a growing concern as persons with skilled and specialized training are being subject to casualization. Academic libraries in Nigeria do not spare the scourge of casual employment. Through the analysis of literature, the paper took a look on casualization of labour in academic libraries, drawing on the experience of Babcock University library. It employed data gathered from questionnaire administered on the 21 casual employees in Babcock University library. Findings show that casual labour is fraught with negative effects. The study also found that Babcock University library is largely casualised. Casual workers at Babcock University library are however satisfied with their work; they enjoy health benefits and have the opportunity for career progression.

ISSUES IN SELECTING APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE FOR AUTOMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

The world is dynamic and information management is also dynamic. As such, one needs to change to the trend of global information management. There is an eagerness on the part of academic libraries and librarians in Nigeria to shift from traditional methods of information to modern information technologies. This has led to the influx of library software into the ICT market to drive automation needs of the academic libraries. There is need, however, for quality and reliable software that can effectively run on the operating systems of computers in academic libraries. This paper therefore, aims at creating awareness on the issues of selecting appropriate software for automation and management of academic libraries in Nigeria, and the existing software so as to enhance quality selection. The paper further portrayed the criteria in making an effective selection of software in academic libraries and provides guiding steps libraries should follow before selecting software. The paper not only discusses problems associated with software selection but also made recommendations for a way forward. It recommended for the library software developers to endeavor to always providing an upgrade that will not wipe out away old data, software that will be compatible with other library software user groups.

Libraries in the information age

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to measure the competencies of libraries in Nigerian universities, identify constraints to their performance and recommend infrastructures and competencies required. Institutional accreditation has compelled academic libraries in Nigerian to improve their quality, competencies and performances for accountability.Design/methodology/approach– A questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The population of the study was all the university librarians in the 89 universities in Nigeria that the author selected from federal, state and private universities. Of the 81 sets of questionnaires emailed, 49 were returned, which represents a 60.5 per cent response rate and provides the working population of the study. Data were analysed using frequency tables, simple percentages and bar charts.Findings– The results indicate that academic libraries and librarians in Nigeria are competent in three key areas – educational roles, professional development and research. However, they are not very effective in the provision and use of library resources in cyberspace, adequate funding, collection development and information technology skills. The main constraints are: poor Internet penetration, low bandwidth, unreliable power supply and weak Internet proficiency. This paper suggests that adequate funding, benchmark performance and multi-skilling can serve as strategies against these constraints in developing regions.Practical implications– This study contributes to library staff assessment because it links strategic objectives to performance measures and associated long-term targets. It broadens issues which affect sustainable performance in academic libraries in Nigeria, as well as in Africa and other developing countries.Originality/value– While performance measurement is well established in developed countries, it is less or not so well established in Nigeria and other developing countries. The current research seeks to develop a performance measurement framework for academic libraries that is testable and expandable to Nigeria and the whole African context.

Adoption of Digital Preservation Methods for Theses in Nigerian Academic Libraries: Applications and Implications

Graduating students of higher institutions in Nigeria usually write and submit theses, as a requirement for the award of diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. This paper examines the importance of students' theses to research, industrial and economic development of the nation and therefore advocates the need to preserve them. It discusses the intricate dimensions of the preservation of theses in academic libraries and notes the urgent need to address the worsening deteriorating state of students' theses in academic libraries in Nigeria. The paper also discusses the current traditional preservation methods practiced among academic libraries and observed that these methods are not adequate. It recommends that academic libraries in Nigeria should digitize theses and adopt the cloud computing preservation model through the operations of institutional repositories. The paper further identified digital divide and poor technological infrastructure, inadequate funding, data security breaches and issues revolving around copyright as challenges of digitization and cloud computing, and made recommendations.

Continuing Education of Academic Librarians in Nigeria: Accessibility Probe

In the fast-changing Library and Information Science (LIS) landscape, continuing education is the only strategy for the continued relevance of the library and information professionals in professional practice. The paper reports the research study, which examined the accessibility of continuing education events by academic librarians in Nigeria. The study adopted the case study method using academic librarians in Imo State, South–East, Nigeria. Data were analysed using percentages and frequency counts. The results show that academic librarians in Nigeria appreciate the value of continuing education, but their access to such events is limited by inadequate institutional sponsorship and insufficiency of personal finances among other factors. To improve access to continuing education events, the study recommends better funding of the institutions by their sponsoring bodies, higher personal sacrifices on the part of the academic librarians, joint organisation of continuing education programmes by cooperating academic libraries and amendment of the restrictive policy guiding access to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention fund for staff development.

An Assessment of Information Brokerage in Academic Libraries in Nigeria: University of Calabar Library in Perspective.

This study is an assessment of information brokerage in the University of Calabar Library in the discharge of its functions to aid teaching, learning and research from 2005 to 2010. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study and the total sampling procedure was used in selecting the seven divisional heads of the study. A checklist of University of Calabar Library Information Brokerage Delivery (IBD) Systems was prepared together with an interview schedule and used to elicit information from these librarians. The results showed that the University of Calabar Library has been engaging in information brokerage activities in the different units of the library through information merchandizing. It was discovered that patronage on brokerage activities and services were disproportionate among the units surveyed. The study showed that brokerage on publication services and system/technical services rated highest between the period covered by the study. The two brokerage delivery systems undertook 113 and 925 transactions and generated a substantial amount of income for the library. The study concludes that the University of Calabar Library is engaging enormously in information brokerage and thereby sustaining Entrepreneurship Education in library and Information Science in Nigeria. It is recommended that subject specialist librarianship be encouraged in academic libraries to facilitate the attainment of financial goals in the specialized services delivery in University Library as well as other tertiary institutions’ libraries in Nigeria.KEY WORDS: Information Brokerage; Information Products and Services; University of Calabar Library; Fee-Based Services; Entrepreneurship Education.

A review of issues in information and communication technology (ICT) planning and implementation in academic libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to take a look at some issues in information and communication technology (ICT) planning and implementation in academic libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe paper highlights ICT planning and implementation, ICT policy guide for academic libraries and the training of personnel for ICT planning and implementation.FindingsThe paper concludes that planning can help the libraries to outline steps that must be taken to implement ICT, which will be binding on all stakeholders and accepted by all, in line with the mission, objective and goals of the library and the university towards provision of information for its community.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was restricted to academic libraries in Delta Central District in Delta State, Nigeria.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how to improve the delivery of library services through planning and implementation of ICT.Social implicationsThe paper increases awareness of the importance of ICT planning and implementation in academic libraries in developing countries.Originality/valueThe paper shows that planning may help the libraries to outline steps that must be taken to implement ICT, which will be binding on all stakeholders and accepted by all in line with the mission, objective and goals of the library and the university towards providing valued information for its populace.

Resource sharing challenges and prospects in Nigerian university libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers to effective resource sharing among academic libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachProfessional librarians from six randomly selected federal university libraries representing the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria were surveyed using a descriptive survey research design. Questionnaires were sent to 124 librarians; 85 were returned and found to be usable, for a response rate of 68.5 per cent.FindingsThe study revealed that the prospect for resource sharing among university libraries in Nigeria is high. However, factors that hinder effective resource sharing include inadequate funding, a dearth of skilled librarians, power outages, an absence of web‐accessible OPACs, uneven development of libraries, and slow progress of library automation. It is recommended that each university library have a specific annual budget allocation for ICT development and maintenance and for training of librarians to pilot resource sharing projects.Originality/valueThis paper presents resource‐sharing challenges facing academic libraries in Nigeria. It encourages information professionals to embark on capacity building for effective resource sharing. This paper was prepared for the 12th Interlending and Document Supply Conference, held in September 2011.

Cataloger mentoring a survey of catalogers’ perception on mentoring for skills development in academic libraries in Nigeria: An exploratory study

Library services in the digital age have become user self-explorations while the geometrical growth in information resources continues to task bibliographic control, especially catalogers whose task is not only to provide efficient, and effective bibliographic control, but in addition timely access to all resources. However, the Catalogers’ skills, knowledge and strength continued to dwindle in past decades; this has generated concern to the profession worldwide. Decline in education, unsatisfactory learning/training infrastructure and lowly attitude to cataloging courses by educators and students alike in Nigeria further eroded skill development and proficiency. Consequently, the catalogers are short of skills needed to perform their duties. This in turn may affect library services provisions. This study therefore, seeks to discern what catalogers across university libraries in Nigeria perceived of mentoring for skill development and critical role of mentoring for proficient cataloging skill. The study investigates 1) The state of mentoring in academic libraries of Nigerian Universities, 2) The perception of catalogers on mentoring for cataloging skill development. The research question is specifically directed at 1) What is the state of mentoring in academic libraries of Nigerian universities? a) Do Nigerian university libraries have mentoring programs for catalogers? b) What types of mentoring programs are available and how adequate and effective are the programs? 2) What is the perception of catalogers on mentoring? 3) What is the perception of catalogers on mentoring for cataloging skill development? The study adopted the descriptive survey method. With the use of a questionnaire, fifty catalogers were sampled from five Nigerian public university libraries in five of the six geopolitical zones of the country. The survey conducted in November/December, 2009 used a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire for data collection. From the total sample size, only 35 responses representing 70 percent were found useable for analysis. Findings revealed that the cataloger uses three types of mentoring programs Supervisory (81%), Situational (19%) and Group (13%) mentoring. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the respondents felt mentoring enhances their descriptive cataloging skills and their confidence in using work tools. While another 97% felt mentoring could be used for succession plans and as a stability factor in terms of changes. The catalogers perceived mentoring as a vital tool for skill development, considered it to have organizational benefits and agreed mentoring can be used to address the challenges of skill deficiency for improvement in the profession.

Cataloger mentoring a survey of catalogers’ perception on mentoring for skills development in academic libraries in Nigeria: An exploratory study

Library services in the digital age have become user self-explorations while the geometrical growth in information resources continues to task bibliographic control, especially catalogers whose task is not only to provide efficient, and effective bibliographic control, but in addition timely access to all resources. However, the Catalogers’ skills, knowledge and strength continued to dwindle in past decades; this has generated concern to the profession worldwide. Decline in education, unsatisfactory learning/training infrastructure and lowly attitude to cataloging courses by educators and students alike in Nigeria further eroded skill development and proficiency. Consequently, the catalogers are short of skills needed to perform their duties. This in turn may affect library services provisions. This study therefore, seeks to discern what catalogers across university libraries in Nigeria perceived of mentoring for skill development and critical role of mentoring for proficient cataloging skill. The study investigates 1) The state of mentoring in academic libraries of Nigerian Universities, 2) The perception of catalogers on mentoring for cataloging skill development. The research question is specifically directed at 1) What is the state of mentoring in academic libraries of Nigerian universities? a) Do Nigerian university libraries have mentoring programs for catalogers? b) What types of mentoring programs are available and how adequate and effective are the programs? 2) What is the perception of catalogers on mentoring? 3) What is the perception of catalogers on mentoring for cataloging skill development? The study adopted the descriptive survey method. With the use of a questionnaire, fifty catalogers were sampled from five Nigerian public university libraries in five of the six geopolitical zones of the country. The survey conducted in November/December, 2009 used a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire for data collection. From the total sample size, only 35 responses representing 70 percent were found useable for analysis. Findings revealed that the cataloger uses three types of mentoring programs Supervisory (81%), Situational (19%) and Group (13%) mentoring. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the respondents felt mentoring enhances their descriptive cataloging skills and their confidence in using work tools. While another 97% felt mentoring could be used for succession plans and as a stability factor in terms of changes. The catalogers perceived mentoring as a vital tool for skill development, considered it to have organizational benefits and agreed mentoring can be used to address the challenges of skill deficiency for improvement in the profession.

Acquiring New Competencies Through Continuing Library Education Programmes for Academic Librarians in Nigeria

Information technology has created a new information order that threatens the role of academic libraries and librarians as the main sources of information in their institutions. This threat arises from the fact that many Nigerian librarians fail to re–tool and re – train themselves in order to remain relevant in the new electronic information age. The paper described the impact of the World Wide Web (WWW) and highlighted the opportunities missed by some Nigerian librarians to rebrand themselves. The major findings were that in Nigeria’s days of economic prosperity, nothing was done to make libraries and librarians feel the impact of the new technology, that the 21st professional will continue to remain illiterate if he cannot learn, relearn and unlearn, that unless Nigerian librarians accept the challenge of the new technology and use it as a tool, Nigeria will continue to be information poor and remain as a developing country, and that continuing education programmes are not taken with the seriousness they deserve. The salient recommendations are that the Librarians (Registration etc) Council of Nigeria should, as a matter of urgency, specify core competencies to be acquired by all practicing librarians, that the Nigerian Library Association must take the issue of library continuing education seriously to enable librarians to retain their jobs and global job mobility and that Nigeria Library Schools should lead the way to provide training opportunities to practicing librarians KEYWORDS: Continuing Library Education Librarians - Professional Library Education – Nigeria

Current status of digital reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria

Reference and information services have always been the main component of library services, providing personalized assistance to library users in accessing suitable information resources to meet their needs. The ever-changing digital environment has had significant impact on the scope and nature of reference work. This paper investigates the extent of the application of digital reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria, highlighting the emerging formats and models of digital reference services, to include email and web forms, Ask A librarian services, online chat reference, video conferencing, digital robots, and collaborative digital reference. The paper adopted the descriptive survey design and document analysis to collect data. Data from the official websites of the 27 Federal Universities in Nigeria were used in this study. These data were analyzed using simple percentages. The study reveals that thirteen (48%) of 27 Federal University libraries in Nigeria are offering some form of digital reference services to their users. Twelve (92%) of these libraries are linked to subscribed databases while none had interactive services. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for more academic libraries to digitize their reference services which will be contingent upon the development of new models to deal with staffing and other relevant issues.

Gender Influence On Managerial Efficiency Of Academic Librarians In Nigeria

This study discusses the influences of gender on managerial efficiency of academic librarians in Nigeria. The rationale for the study was to investigate if gender grouping has an influence on the managerial competence of librarians in Nigeria. The total enumeration sampling technique with a questionnaire instrument was used to collect data from 105 respondents and 89 questionnaires were found usable for the data analysis. The questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS. The study revealed that there were more male than female librarians in the libraries used for the study while there were more academically qualified female librarians. Despite this, there were more male heads of unit and those in decision-making positions than their female counterparts. The study discovered that gender was not a factor used in getting to decision-making positions in Nigerian libraries rather qualifications and paper publications were used as determinants for getting into positions. The paper also provides the justifications for the education of females in Nigeria and that the government should educate parents and guardians on the need to allow their children and wards to take the career of their choice.Gender link is not a determinate of getting into managerial cadre in Librarianship in Nigeria. This article is of value to those interested in studying gender inequality.

An Assessment of the Library Application Software Packages in Selected Academic Libraries In Nigeria

The study was conducted to evaluate the library application software packages in use in six (6) academic libraries in Nigeria. Using a 53 item structured questionnaire, the study examined the adopted softwares' security, compatibility/capabilities, user-friendliness, indexing and searching abilities and other such features considered necessary in the assessment of the effectiveness of an ideal library application software package. The study found that most application packages available in the Nigerian automation market place are effective since they are usually packages that have been fully tested, thoroughly de-bugged and well supported by vendors. The Information Manager Vol. 7 (2) 2007: pp. 21-27

The application of Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.) in Nigerian academic libraries prospects and problems

Academic libraries play a prominent role in providing information services in various forms to researchers, scientist, policy makers, planners etc. A well organized academic library should have I.C.T. to assist both patrons and information professionals in the libraries. This paper highlights the prospects and problems of I.C.T in Nigeria academic libraries. Recommendation for functional I.C.T. in Nigerian academic library has also been given. The Information Manager Vol. 6 (1&2) 2006: pp. 35-39

Theft and Mutilation of Library Materials in Nigerian Academic Libraries

ABSTRACT The survey discussed in this article investigated the prevalent rate at which book theft occurs, especially in academic society and with special interest in Nigerian academic institutions. The main objective was to evaluate the level at which book theft and mutilation are plaguing academic libraries in Nigeria and to proffer some measures for curbing the menace. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to professional librarians, library officers and library porters (security staff) in four academic institutions in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo, Oyo state, Nigeria. Seventy-eight copies were returned and found useful (a response rate of 65 percent). Reference materials and periodicals such as journals, newspapers, and magazines are mostly affected. The results from the analysis of responses showed that most of the academic libraries investigated agreed that book theft and mutilation are serious problems facing their collections. The study, however, concludes with suggestions on the use of some co...