ABSTRACT
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought
unprecedented Changes and transformation to academic libraries and information services.
Taking into cognizance the recent trends in ICT and the Nigerian situation,
this work elicits the impact of ICT in Nigerian University Libraries. The
primary Objectives were to ascertain the level of automation; to determine the usefulness
of ICT resources; the effectiveness of ICT resources; the required Skills in
using ICT resources and the factors militating against the effective use of
ICT. John Harris Library, University of Benin and Benson Idahosa University Libraries,
both in Edo State of Nigeria were used as case study. The survey research
design was employed and the instrument used for data collection was the
Questionnaire. Simple tables and percentages were used to analyze the data
collected.
The research work revealed that both University Libraries are Automated/computerized
and that they apply Strategic Library Automation Management (SLAM); only three
divisions of the libraries are Computerized/automated which are Readers
Services Division, Technical Services Division and Collection Development
division; the major reason attached to the use of ICT resources were for
information storage and retrieval; the ICT resources mostly used are CD-ROM,
online database, World Wide Web and the Internet. The study also revealed that
ICT has an enormous impact based on its effectiveness. Inadequate training and
retraining of staff by management; inadequate funding, epileptic power supply
and lack of search skills are the major factors militating against the
effective use of ICT in Nigerian University libraries. Amongst others,
inadequate funding, capacity building, regular power supplies were recommended.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0
INTRODUCTION
With the invention of
Information and Communication Technology, libraries now use various types of
technologies to aid the services they render. Everyday new technological
advances affect the way information is handled in libraries and information
centers. The impacts of new technologies are felt by libraries in every aspect.
Computing technology, communication technology and mass storage technology are
some of the areas of continuous development that reshape the way that libraries
access, retrieve, store, manipulate and disseminate information to users. The
academic library has been from its inception an integral part of institutions
of higher learning, rather than an appendix or adjunct.
Oyedun (2007) defines
academic libraries as those libraries that are mainly found in tertiary
institutions, they are established to support learning, teaching and research
processes. Over the past twenty seven years, academic libraries have been
affected by changes in information and communication technology.
The rate of changes is still accelerating in this area. The
introduction of various information technology (ICT) trends has lead to
reorganization, change in work patterns, and demand for new skills, job
retraining and reclassification positions. Technological advancement of the
past twenty five years, such as the electronic database, online services,
CD-ROMs and introduction of internet has radically transformed access to
information. Rana (2009) opines that ICT holds the key to the success of
modernizing information services. Applications of ICT are numerous but mainly
it is used in converting the existing paper-print records in the entire process
of storage, retrieval and dissemination.
ICT has impacted on every sphere of academic library activity
especially in the form of the library collection development strategies,
library building and consortia. ICT presents an opportunity to provide
value-added information services and access to a wide variety of digital based
information resources to their clients. Furthermore, academic libraries are
also using modern ICTs to automate their core functions, implement efficient
and effective library cooperation and resource sharing networks, implement
management information systems, develop institutional repositories of digital
local contents, and digital libraries: and initiate ICT based capacity building
programs for library users.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought
unprecedented changes and transformation to academic library and information
services, conventional LIS such as OPAC, users services, reference services, bibliographic
services, current awareness services, Document delivery,Interlibrary loan,
Audio visual services and customer relations can be provided more efficiently
and effectively using ICT, as they offer convenient time, place,
Cost effectiveness, faster and most-up-to-date dissemination and
end users involvement in the library and information services process. The
impact of ICT characterized on information services by changes in format,
contents and method of production and contents and method of production and
delivery of information products. Emergence of internet as the largest
repository of information and knowledge, changed role of library and
information science professionals from intermediary to facilitator, new tools
for dissemination of information and shift from physical to virtual services environment
and extinction of some conventional information services and emergence of new
and innovational web based.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE CASE STUDY 1
HISTORY OF JOHN HARRIS LIBRARY
The John Harris library
began with the promulgation of the institute of technology edict in 1970. Clear
provision had been made for the need of a library and the provision of textbook
with the commencement of the first academic year which was scheduled to take
off in October, 1970. The Late Mrs. P. Harris, wife of the first university
librarian who was then a consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria was
secured to draft a program for the university planning committee.
Professor John Harris was appointed the first institute’s
librarian. While the temporary building was yet to be completed two classrooms
were provided for the assembly of furniture and equipment, preliminary training
of staff and books. The library was officially opened during the foundation day
of the institute which harked its official opening. The University Library as a
center of study performs a support function i.e. to support learning, teaching
and research process in the university. The library can only play this pivotal
role by stock building-acquiring, processing, organizing and making available the
needed materials. This requires the principle of management in providing the expertise
for planning, organized and welding human materials and human resources for the
attainment of desired
1.2 BACKGROUND
OF THE CASE STUDY 2
HISTORY OF
BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Benson Idahosa University
library occupies a three-storey circular building situated apposite the central
administration building the library is provided with ceiling fan and the first
floor is rugged wall-to-wall to enhance maximum comfort for serious academic
work.
The library serves as the hub around which the academic activities
in the university revolve. The library commended in 2002 proper after the
appropriate endorsement of the Nigerian Universities commission.
The library has a stock of over 43,000 volumes of textbooks and
reference books. It subscribes to about fifty currently Journal titles. There
are also back files of Journals for some of the current files. The books
acquired and shelved in the Library cover virtually all the courses offered at
both undergraduate and post graduate levels in the university.
1.3
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Considering the enormous
benefits that are experienced in the impact of ICT in
Nigerian University Libraries, the Nigerian academic libraries still
experience some obstacles or hindrances in the effective ad efficient use of
the ICT resources in the library. Today, ICT acquisition and implementation is
facing a lot of problems. This research work is being conducted to expose some
of the inhibiting factors that are hindering the impact of ICT on Nigerian
academic Libraries. Among the militating factors hindering the impact of ICT on
Nigerian academic Libraries are a lot of capital investment to buy hard wares, softwares
and standby generators for the library. Lack of search skills, automation at infancy
level, epileptic power supply, and technical know - how are some of the problem
encountered by the academic libraries.
1.4
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To ascertain the level of computerization/automation of
academic Libraries.
2. To determine the usefulness of ICT resources in academic
libraries.
3. To determine the efficiency and effectiveness of ICT in
academic library.
4. To determine how skillful and knowledgeable the staff are in
the use of ICT resources.
5. To determine the challenges associated with the application of
ICT in Nigerian academic libraries.
1.5
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. To what extent has information and communication technology
been employed in Nigerian university libraries?
2. What is the usefulness of information and communication
technology in Nigerian academic libraries?
3. How efficient and effective is the use of ICT resources in
Academic
Libraries
4. Do the staff of the academic Libraries have the required knowledge
and skills in using ICT resources?
5. What are the factors militating against the application of ICT
in academic libraries?
1.6 PURPOSE
OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study is
to ascertain the impact of ICT on Nigerian academic libraries. The research
work highlights the advantages or merit associated with ICT on academic
libraries in Nigeria.
1.7 SCOPE
OF THE STUDY
This research work is on the
impact of ICT on Nigerian University Libraries using John Harris Library
(Benin- city) and Benson Idahosa University Library (BIU) as a case study.
1.8
JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
Base on the impact of ICT in
Nigerian university libraries, it is been justified to ascertain the level of
computerization/automation of academic Libraries and also to determine the
usefulness of ICT resources in academic libraries. It also comprises the
determination of the efficiency and effectiveness of ICT in academic library
and the determination of how skillful and knowledgeable the staff are in the
use of ICT resources, also with knowing the challenges associated with the application
of ICT in Nigerian academic libraries.
1.9
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Although conscious efforts
have been made to ensure that the data was valid and findings are reliable,
nevertheless there could be some errors. These include the use of a sample of
two university libraries in Nigeria. The short coming among others in the
design and the execution of this research work lies on the scarcity of
resources in the form of financial constraints, time constraint and materials
needed for the project work. They were not easy to come by.
1.10
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
i. This study is expected to provide a basis for comprehensive
information on information and communication technology procurement and application
in Nigeria University Library.
ii. The study will established the existing gaps in the adoption
of information and communication technology in the operations of academic
library in achieving their statutory functions.
iii. The out-put of this study will serve as a blue-print for
libraries, information managers/information scientists, researchers, lecturers,
students and teachers to chart the right course of action for the use of information
and communication technology in furthering education through policy formulation
and implementation.
1.11
DEFINITION OF TERMS
INFORMATION: This is data that have been shaped (processed) and formed into
meaningful and useful form.
LIBRARY: this is a building or a place of collection of sources of
information and similar resource made accessible to defined community for
reference or borrowing.
TECHNOLOGY: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purpose,
especially in industry.
COMMUNICATION: is the purposeful activity of information exchange between two or
more participants in order to convey or receive the intended meanings through a
shared system of signs and semiotic rules.
ICT: This is an acronym which stands for information communication
technology; is also used to refer to the convergence of audio-visual and
telephone network with computer network through a single cabling or link
system.
AUTOMATION: The use of machines to perform the routine functions formally
done manually or by people.
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