Assessment of ICT Competencies of Library Staff in Selected Universities in Kwara State, Nigeria.
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Date
2018
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), Published by Libraries at Universities of Nebraska –Lincoln.
Abstract
Information and communication technology (ICT) has changed the world of library such that
activities been carried out manually before are now been automated. The work of library staff are
now being characterized by information and communication technologies. Academic libraries
were observed to be more equipped with information infrastructures more than any other type of
libraries, but no library no matter how well equipped that doesn’t require the service of a
workforce that is highly competent in the use of ICT tools, as such information infrastructure will
remain unused or under-utilized. It is in connection to the above, that this study assessed the ICT
competence of library staff in selected universities in Kwara state using a descriptive survey design
of quantitative research method, where sample size of one hundred and twenty two (122) were
drawn from population of one hundred and ninety one (191). Questionnaire served as instrument
for data collection, with one hundred and nine participants (which constitute 89.3% return rate)
fully completed and returned the instrument. Result of findings demonstrated a high level of ICT
competency on the part of library staff in selected university libraries (University of Ilorin, Kwara
State University and Al-Hikmah University), most especially on skills that were considered basic
and intermediate ICT skill. Verdict from the study has it that library staff in those universities can
effectively deploy ICT tools for operations in the library. They identified library schools, computer
training centers, workshops and seminars, personal training, watching demonstrations on
YouTube, guidance from friends and relatives as sources from which Library staff can acquirer
ICT skills, but more emphases is on having additional qualification in computer science.
Constraints to ICT skills acquisition identified include; tight working schedule, lack of motivation,
lack of experience, inadequate training, and inappropriate library and information science
curriculum. Identified challenges militating against effective utilization of ICT tools in the library
for dynamic information service delivery include; lack of adequate information infrastructure,
absent of provision for staff training and development, limited and tighter budget for the library,
lack of technological know-how, fear of technology on the part of library staff as well as epileptic
power supply. Sequential to the above identified challenges and constraints, the study recommends
that library management should make available adequate information infrastructure and as well
make provision for staff development and training. Experienced staff should as well train the
upcoming or new staff in the library. Library schools should revise curriculum and design one that
will accommodate development in information and communication technology. Professional
associations and regulatory bodies should organized regular seminars and workshops that will
improve ICT skills of librarians.
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Main article
Keywords
ICT Competency, Library Staff, Academic Library, Library Automation, Library Education, Kwara State