Nigerian Libraries Research Articles

Personnel issues in academic libraries in Cross River State, South-South, Nigeria

This paper assesses personnel issues in academic libraries in Cross River State in South-south, Nigeria. The paper highlights the importance of personnel in Nigerian academic libraries. It further identifies personnel issues and impacts of such issues in academic libraries. The methodology adopted for the study was a survey research design and total enumeration to cover the 56 personnel in three academic libraries involved in the study. The instrument used for gathering data is questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as tables and percentages. The paper concludes that, a well-managed organization views personnel as the root source of quality and productivity gains. Enhanced job performance cannot take place in the absence of personnel motivation, promotion, favorable work environment with the integration of ICT in library services, personnel development/training, especially in this ICT age. Job stress should not be overlooked because work stress could affect the health and well-being of personnel. Recommendations were made for improved service delivery by personnel in academic libraries. Keywords : Academic Libraries, Cross River State, Nigeria, Personnel, South-south

Students’ Experience with Group Assignment in a Nigerian Library and Information Science School

This study explored master degree students experienced with a group assignment at the Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. The study adopted quantitative approach. The students were assigned to groups of 4 – 5 each to work on topics in collection development course and were required to orally present a seminar at the end of the first semester of the 2012/2013 academic session. At the end of the seminar presentation, the students were requested to each list five benefits they derived and five problems they encountered in the course of the group assignment. The responses were collated, analysed, tabulated and used for this paper. Frequency counts and percentages were used to analyse the data. It was discovered that group assignment enabled the students in this study to build team spirit, share ideas; learn information search, presentation, and management skills. However, majority of the students observed that some members did not cooperate in the group assignment. The study provided primary data which could assist lecturers to improve on administration of group assignment. Keywords : Group assignment, Collaborative learning, Group learning, Pedagogy, Nigeria

Competitive intelligence and the operation of smart library system in Nigeria

Smartness happens to be the order of the day in virtually everything that is done in present age and time. This work adapted the use of Smart Office framework to conceptualize Smart Library System (SLS). The work presented Competitive Intelligent (CI) as a concept that could help Libraries in attaining smartness in services and operations. The various principles of CI were looked into to buttress the position of the paper. The study posited that the adoption of the principles of CI in the operations of the library will eventually help libraries in operating a system that could be coined to be “Smart Library System”. The work modelled a SLS for Nigerian Libraries and the roles that are expected to be played by CI on the later (Nigerian Libraries) were enumerated. The work concluded that CI is a key player in the operation of a SLS and Nigerian libraries are imploring to adopt the principles of CI to be able to attain the level of smartness expected from modern day's libraries.

Survey of Drug Use and Crime in Nigerian Libraries: A Study of Public and Academic Libraries in Akwa Ibom State.

Survey of Drug Use and Crime in Nigerian Libraries: A Study of Public and Academic Libraries in Akwa Ibom State. Iboro F. A. Ottu, Mercy Daniel Ebong, Mercy Etukudo Ukpanah, Imaobong A. Etim Abstract Drug use is a menacing problem currently affecting every aspect of Nigeria‟s national life. The clandestine nature of many drug use behaviours-may provide suitable conditions for the development of relative ethnographies, and one of such is the library environment as a secret hideout for drug abuse. Considering the seclusive nature of every library complex, the present study investigated, through a survey, the possible existence and prevalence of drug use network in selected public libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Participants were library users and patrons, including students, library workers and other public users. Results indicate that negligible (low) level of drug use was reported in the library with corresponding low level of related crime. There were also other indicators of drug use comparing respondents‟ reports under several demographic factors including gender, education, marital status of users, residential status of users, recent history of drug use in the library, estimated age of users, estimated financial cost of drug use as well as indices of crimes committed in the library. It was however not clear if reported crimes, which are usual day to day occurrences associated with the library, could in any way be linked to library drug use. Recommendations were made concerning the need and urgency to provide public sensitization on the dangers of drug use not only in the library but also in general, and the need to prevent its consequences through improved security measures in our academic and public facilities. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jlis.v7n1a10

Librarians’ awareness and willingness to deploy QR code in libraries: A study of selected Nigerian university libraries

The study investigated librarians’ awareness and willingness to deploy QR code in libraries. Three (3) research objectives were raised to guide the conduct of the study and three hypotheses were also tested in the study. The survey type of the descriptive research design was adopted and a population of 51 librarians from selected universities in Nigeria was used. The total population sampling type of purposive sampling technique was adopted while questionnaire was used as the tool for data collection. Out of the 51 copies of questionnaire distributed, 50 were retrieved and found useable, constituting 98% response rate. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the level of librarians’ awareness of the use of QR code is low. The study further revealed that librarians are willing to deploy QR code in libraries (and in discharging library services). However, there are perceived challenges of lack of technical knowhow, lack of awareness of the use of the technology by library users, non-availability of QR code reader to all library users, and poor internet connectivity. In addition, the study revealed that a significant relationship exists between librarians’ awareness, willingness and deployment of QR code in libraries. Thus, the study recommended that awareness/sensitization/trainings on the use of QR code and other emerging technologies in libraries should be organised periodically for librarians by the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) as this will ensure that librarians are kept up-to-date with the latest technological innovations in libraries.

The Quest for Restructuring the Nigerian Nation: Myth or Reality? The Role of Libraries in Amplifying the Debate

AbstractThe primary duty of library and information professionals is to render information services to their patrons. Although the information provided often shapes public opinion and could help in making informed decisions, librarians and other information professionals often steer clear of politics and the processes that lead to emergence of leaders, even though their activities could be greatly affected by the nature of those who emerge as political leaders. It is against this background that this research sought to take a look at the issue of political restructuring, which has been a burning issue within the Nigerian political space, and what roles Nigerian librarians could play in the realization of the demands of restructuring in Nigeria. This article is of the view that besides being perceived as relevant in the scheme of things in Nigeria, librarians’ engagement could further positively impact on the condition of service of librarians and their public perception.

Publication pattern of Library and Information Science Digest journal: 2007 – 2016: a bibliometric analysis

This study is a bibliometric analysis of Library and Information Science Digest. This is the official journal of Nigerian Library Association, Anambra State Chapter. The journal was launch in 2007 as an annual publication of the Association. The bibliometric analysis covered ten year period from 2007 to 2016. A total of 9 volumes of the journal containing 82 articles were analyzed. Findings showed that half (50%) of the articles published were research articles reporting on original research while the other half (50%) were reviews and feature articles. Majority (76.5%) of the authors was affiliated to universities and highest percentage (35.7%) was from institutions situated in Anambra State which is the place of publication of the journal. Other contributors were from seventeen states of Nigeria. Results of the bibliometric analysis also showed that journals, books and web pages were the highest cited sources in the published articles. Information and Communication Technology / Internet use and school library services were the two major themes of the articles for the period reviewed. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the frequency of publication of the journal be increased and there should be innovative marketing of the journal to create awareness and attract more diverse authors.Keywords: Bibliometric Analysis, Journal Bibliometrics, Library and Information Science Digest, Nigerian Library Association, Citations

Imperatives and Challenges of Resource Description and Access (RDA) Implementation in Libraries in a Developing Country

ABSTRACTIn recent times, information products are becoming more often packaged and repackaged in electronic formats. Cataloguing these resources is a core responsibility of libraries and librarians. A major emerging standardization tool for cataloguing electronic resources is the “resource description and access” (RDA). This article examined the imperatives of RDA implementation among libraries in a developing country—Nigeria. It reviewed global trends and observed the poor RDA implementation level among libraries in Nigeria. It also identified challenges of RDA implementation peculiar to a developing country like Nigeria. The article further outlined strategies that would help to deal with the identified challenges. It concluded that the implementation of RDA is not optional, but mandatory for Nigerian libraries if they must be and remain relevant in the competitive world of librarianship.

Libraries, Development, and Implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda: A Regional Workshop held in Montego Bay, 16–18 February 2017

COLUMN EDITOR'S NOTES The Global Postcards column is pleased to present a column dedicated to examining ways that libraries are promoting and supporting the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our first article, by column editor Robin L. Kear, provides a look at one of IFLA's regional workshops for their International Advocacy Program that helps libraries understand how to promote their role in development goals. Next, Roseline Bawack from the University of Yaoundé shares how academic libraries in Cameroon are working to achieve the SDGs. Then, Magnus Osahon Igbinovia and James Afe Aiyebelehin summarize the 2017 Nigerian Library Association meeting that addressed ways that libraries can support development goals.If you would like to send a submission for a future Global Postcards column, please contact either of the column's co-editors: Jacqueline Solis, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, jsolis@email.unc.edu, and Robin L. Kear, University of Pittsburgh, rlk25@pitt.edu.

Recap of the 55th National Conference/Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association, Nigeria

Recap of the 55th National Conference/Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association, Nigeria

Survey of Digital Preservation Challenges in Nigerian Libraries: Librarians' Perspectives

This paper investigates digital preservation challenges in Nigerian libraries. In carrying out this study four research questions were posed. The study sample population comprised of 172 participants at the 2nd Conference of Certified Librarians from various libraries and institutions across Nigeria, organised by the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) in Abuja on the 11th – 16th October, 2015. The outcome of the study revealed that digital preservation challenges persist despite the awareness of digital preservation strategies by librarians in Nigerian libraries. The findings revealed major challenges facing digital preservation, such as hardware and software obsolesces, lack of training, lack of backup and standards, lack of strategy policy, lack of funds, lukewarm attitude among the librarians and lack of legal right to preservation of content. Recommendations were made to protect and safeguard digital preservation challenges in the libraries, including the recommendation that the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), University management and Library stakeholders should create a standard policy, provide needed skills for the librarians, lobby government for more funds and ensure that funds allocated to the libraries are properly utilised for effective digitization of library resources for future use.

Library and Information Science Education and Training Curriculum at Institutions of Higher Education in Nigeria: A Content Analysis

ABSTRACTThis paper investigated the current library and information science curriculum used by three Nigerian library schools to prepare librarians for professional practice. The research objective...

Modeling a Software for Library and Information Centers

This study took a giant step in determining the various expectations from the generalities of software adopted and used by libraries and information centers. The paper accords librarians with first-hand information to assess all forms of software before eventual adoption for use. The various types of library software adopted for use by Nigerian Libraries were highlighted. Also, the need to conduct Software Feasibility Study was highlighted. The study argued that software adoption and use could make or mar the operations of any library if necessary machineries are not considered at the point of adoption and or use of the software. The study also presented a model used in describing how library software are expected to operate. The work concluded that software adoption and use are essential in modern day's libraries and it also caution libraries to be weary of software adoption as this is capable of causing more harms than good if appropriate measures are not put into consideration.

Lecturers’ perception of students’ information literacy skills versus students’ actual information literacy levels

The main objective of this study is to determine lecturers' perception of students' information literacy skills versus students' actual information literacy levels in a specialised federal university in Nigeria. Mixed qualitative methods of open-ended written interviews with lecturers and analysis of students' written assignment was employed. Twelve open-ended interview protocols were administered to twelve (12) lecturers in various departments in both Colleges of Science and Technology in addition to two librarians who teach the Use of Library and Study Skills Course. In the same vein, individual assignments of the entire 50, third year student of Electrical Electronic Engineering Departments were examined using a rubric prepared by the researchers (founded on the ACRL information literacy standards). The study presented herein is limited to only one department in the university and may not be used for the purpose of generalisation. It was discovered through the findings that students' information literacy level is quite low even in third year while the lecturers present an elevated impression of students' information literacy levels, rating them as excellent/advanced. The study recommends Quality Education in Developing Countries (QEDC)(2008) strategies and QEDC theory of change to serve as point of evaluation and genuine intervention in teaching and learning. The study also recommends regular information literacy education in-service programmes for the teaching staff to aid in enhancing their teaching capacity. The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) should work to develop an information literacy education policy and enforce it in Nigerian universities. The research unravels the status-quo of information literacy in the particular context and explicates the need for the ideal information literacy education. This paper fulfils the need to study the information literacy levels of undergraduates and the possible intervention programs. Keywords: information literacy, skills, lecturers' perception, students' information literacy, information literacy level

English

This paper looks at the relevance of archiving to legal education; especially in the area of case laws, differentiation of issues in a case, legal precedents and critiquing skills. It addresses the method of imparting legal knowledge which teaches law without including the indigenous background surrounding issues and principles of law; for a proper connection between the past and the present. It shows that legal education can never be complete if there is no recourse to indigenous historical background that connects legal precedents, using it to explain and differentiate legal principles; thereby portraying the essence of Archives as evidential by-products that provides precedents that could show when an issue in the past has re occurred; and thus provide information on legal steps to follow in the present. This, in effect, show that archives has the prospects of providing a new paradigm to legal education in the area of legal precedence, review of laws, foreknowledge of effects of laws and societal norms. Thereby producing a well educated lawyer who is able to handle confidently issues in any case and challenge extant laws based on its effect on the indigenous society. This paper shows how the principles of provenance, original order, access and appraisal of information could be applied in Nigerian legal education. Key words: Archives, Law archives, Nigerian Law Library, legal records, legal services, legal education and legal precedent.

Bibliometric Analysis of Publications in <i>Nigerian Libraries</i>: 2005-2014

A ten year bibliometric analyzes was conducted from 2005-2014 to examine patterns of publication in Nigerian Libraries , a frontline national journal in library and information science (LIS) research and publication in Nigeria, published by the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), a professional body of LIS researchers in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the most productive authors and institutions, extent of research collaboration and trend in keywords/themes/research areas. The results of the study revealed the 7 most productive authors that published in Nigerian Libraries with minimum of 3 papers. In terms of the most productive institutions, the University of Benin, the University of Nigeria, and the University of Ilorin topped the list of the most productive institutions that published in the Nigerian Libraries , while there was a balance between single authorship (50.0%) and joint authorship (collaboration) (50.0%) in published papers. The dominance major keywords/themes/research areas in the study were information technology/information and communication technology, library and information services, and library automation/computerization. The paper concluded that, LIS researchers in Nigeria would in the nearest future join their counterparts in the world to embrace research collaboration. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that, there should be increased funding of LIS research by stakeholders towards increased in productivity among LIS researchers and institutions in Nigeria.

Management and usage of open access scholarly online resources in university libraries in Nigeria

Purpose The purpose of this research is to ascertain from academic librarians in Nigeria their knowledge of open access online resources (OASOR), how their libraries manage these resources and how they are used by their readers. This is an alternative source of resource provision which librarians needed to adopt, in view of dwindling budgets. Design/methodology/approach A survey design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted during an annual general meeting/conference of the Nigerian Library Association in June 2014. Interview and eye witness accounts were also used to complement the questionnaire. Random sampling technique was used to select 312 librarians from the 720 attendees from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data were analyzed using the weighted mean on a Likert scale. Findings The result of the finding revealed that some of the academic libraries sampled have access to limited open access (OA) resources from AGORA, HINARI, OARE and EBSCOhost databases. The management procedure adopted included downloading of relevant resources for their readers; providing hard copies of some of the downloads; and giving their readers access to the databases via their University websites. Others include offering consultancy services to academic departments and organizing training seminars to their users for direct access to the databases. The OASOR received adequate utility rate by users. Originality/value Dwindling economies and coping with current trends of information management in the contemporary world necessitated the use of information communication technology to avail OA resources to anchor education, research and human capital development in Nigeria. This will enable the country attain the Millennium Development Goal.

New Paradigms in Cataloguing in the 21st Century: A Review of Implications and Adoption of New Strategies for Nigerian Libraries

The purpose of this paper was to discuss new paradigms in cataloguing in 21 st century and its implications and challenges for libraries in developing countries like Nigeria. The authors recommended the adoption of new strategies. The paper adopted four dimensional approaches in the discussion of issues. In the first part, the paper introduces the concept of 21 st century library. The second approach focused on the role of information and communication technology in cataloguing and recent cataloguing practices. In the third approach, the paper compared cataloguing practices in developed countries with Nigeria. The fourth and final approach discussed implications, challenges and strategies for Nigerian libraries to adopt. The paper listed some challenges and strategies that Nigerian libraries and other developing countries should adopt, such as funding, training of staff, provision and maintenance of infrastructure, eradication of corruption, and so on. While there is numerous literatures on the challenges of application of ICT to library operations in Nigeria, very few recommend practical and workable strategies to solving the problems. This paper proposes the adoption of new and workable strategies to efficient and effective application of ICT to cataloguing operations.

Libraries as Vehicle to Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs): Nigerian’s current status and outlook

Purpose This paper aims to examine the progress made by Nigerian libraries towards the actualization of sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) and to review possible opportunities for better actualisation. The resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 25, 2015, resulted in a 2030 agenda for sustainable development with 17 goals and 169 targets, a transition from the millennium developmental goals, which should stimulate action over the next 15 years. Design/methodology/approach In view of this agenda, sessions at the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Conference were held in 2015 in Cape Town to focus on the post-2015 development agenda available at http://www.ifla.org/node/9727. Session 103 of the 2015 IFLA Conference was on the contribution and mission of libraries and information services or sustainable development. Findings The Registrar of the Librarian’s Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) during the 6th Induction Ceremony for librarians held on September 13, 2015, stated that the profession will focus on making sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) a reality. In line with this, libraries and librarians in Nigeria have been doing a great deal, especially in the area of creating awareness about the goals by all stakeholders. Originality/value The aim of this paper is to examine the current status of Nigerian libraries toward meeting the SDGs as an example for developing countries and to propose recommendations for meeting these goals.

Digital Divide

This paper discussed digital divide, issues and strategies for intervention in Nigerian libraries. It defined digital divide as the gap that exist between countries, within countries, individuals, families and so on in their access and usage of Information Technology facilities such as the internet, computers, laptops, various handheld devices, application software etc. The paper also discussed the causes of digital divide comprising finance, level of education, location of the individual and language as well as discussing the effects of digital divide to encompass inequality in access to information; ineffective services to users, libraries being unable to satisfy their clientele. The paper went further to discuss the present state of ICT facilities adoption and use by Libraries in Nigeria, compared to their equals in developed countries. The paper pointed out that most Nigerian libraries are far from full automation and Internet connectivity; the staff lack technical skills to build and maintain ICT for enhanced service delivery; libraries in rural areas of these developing countries are more neglected as available ICT facilities and internet connections are mostly available and accessible in the urban areas thus, those leaving in the rural areas are cut off from the numerous benefits of ICT. The paper concluded that Digital divide is a menace that affects information availability and access; growth and development in between countries and within countries and has led to inequality in access and use of ICT facilities as such, Nigerian libraries should wake up to their responsibilities by providing the required infrastructure needed to bridge the gap to prevent the escalation of digital divide. The paper finally recommended the formulation and implementation of ICT policy, adequate funding of libraries by those concerned, education and training of human resources to build and maintain ICT facilities, curriculum innovation by library schools so as to inculcate ICT courses for skills acquisitions of the professionals, improvement of maintenance culture and eradication of corruption in the entire system to enable developing countries take advantage of ICT facilities, make progress and move along with modernity and global sophistication.