ABSTRACT
This
study investigated the use of information and communication technology in
academic libraries in Nigeria. Auchi Polytechnic library was used as a case
study in this research. The importance of library as an institution has been
realized. The Objectives of this study were (a) ascertain the extent of use of
ICt in Auchi Polytechnic library (b) to find out the level of utilization of
ICT (c) to identify the problems encountered in the use of ICT in Auchi
Polytechnic library and (d) to give recommendations for effective use of
library. The nature of this study was descriptive. The population of this study
consisted of all the registered users of Auchi Polytechnic library. One hundred
and twenty students were selected randomly as sample. A self developed
questionnaire consisting of 13 items was used as instrument for data
collection. It was concluded that in spite of the huge problems bedeviling ICT
application in the Nigerian academic library setting, the prospects and
possibilities are abundant as academic libraries are experiencing greater
improvements in the areas of teaching, learning, research and communities
activities. It is also indicated that the internet had greater impact on
students’ projects writing as ICT has made it possible for Nigerian academic
libraries to use the internet for search engines. The study recommends that
individuals should be sensitized on the availability of ICT facilities and be
encouraged to use them for their personal and library services. The government must also increase the funding of academic
institutions. This is imperative seeing that some of the private institutions owners
lukewarm attitude is inspired by similar attitude on the part of government. It
is only when the funding of academic institutions is increased that the
academic libraries in Nigeria will have the required funds to increase ICT
applications and support with local infrastructure such as LAN and local data
bases such as electronic cataloguing systems and e-publication.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Layman
tends to equate the application of Information and Communication Technology in
any profession to being online, meaning connected to the internet. Although the
internet is an integral part of the Information and Communication Technology,
it is not all there is to it. This paper seeks to investigate the many opportunities
for the application of Information and Communication Technology in Nigerian
academic libraries. It is hoped that the use of Information and Communication
Technology in academic libraries will assist both the patrons and the library and
information professionals in the libraries.
However,
what is the ICT? ICT is an acronym for information and communication technology
but beyond this acronym, “there is not a universally accepted definition of ICT
why? Because the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are
constantly evolving on an almost daily basis. It’s difficult to keep up with
the changes they happen so fast. A good way to think about ICT is to consider
all the uses of digital technology that already exist to help individuals,
businesses and organizations use information. ICT covers any product that will
store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in
a digital form. For example personal computer, digital television, email,
robots (wwwtutor24.net.2006)
Also ICT is
an umbrella that includes any communication device or application encompassing
radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software,
satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications
associated with them such as video conferencing and distance learning.
From these
definitions, some of the application of ICT has become clear such as video
conferencing and distance learning, both of which can be facilitated by the
academic library. Other applications of the ICT specific to libraries could
include access to online resources on the internet such as e-journals, e-books
and e-magazines, e-publishing, using CD-ROM for literature searches, access to
local or network data bases on LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area
network). The opportunities for the application of the ICT in an academic
library especially in a developing nation like Nigeria seem endless.
The
application or sue of ICT in Nigeria academic library is justified in that it
provides access to learning resources, information and knowledge until now
inaccessible by reason of distance technology.
However,
since according to the European commission the importance of ICT lies in the
technology itself in its ability to create greater access to information and
communication.
It is
obvious that ICT has brought Nigerian libraries into a larger pool of
resources. The use of the internet and its resources being an integral part of
ICT has added values to the services provided by Nigerian libraries.
Acquisition of current and usable information services through the use of ICT
is expected to facilitate community development. That community development can
only be enhanced through the elimination of all inhibitions to and provision of
ICT facilities in all the existing libraries in Nigeria.
The Auchi
Polytechnic Library System was established to serve the then newly founded
Auchi Polytechnic. It coordinates the collections and services of the
polytechnic Library. The administration of the Library System is centralized
under the polytechnic Librarian. The last years have been a period of rapid
growth, with the printed book collection now well stocked. The Library stocks
other items as well as current periodical titles. The virtual Library will be
available to the polytechnic students and staff online 24/7 via the Internet,
regardless of the user’s physical location. It mission is to assist in the
preservation, dissemination, communication and increase of knowledge; provision
of resources and services to support all disciplines of the polytechnic’s
academic programmes, in study and teaching, in research and development, to
meet or to exceed the standards required and expected of a polytechnic of
excellence; and to support and stimulate intellectual growth and academic
development for the institution and beyond.
The
polytechnic Library strives to provide all its users with a variety of services
that meet their information needs. Such as assistance for clients with special
needs, Borrowing / requesting library material, E-learning centre,
Inter-library loans, Information/Help desk, Photocopying, Renewing library
material, Returning library material, Study areas / facilities, Internet
facility, Binding
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
There are
copious studies and opinion on the use of ICT facilities for library functions
in general. In Nigerian university libraries, ICT facilities were primarily
used for serials functions and are still in use.
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 and
efficient use of the ICT resources in the library. Today, ICT acquisition and
implementation of ICT in Nigerian academic Libraries is facing a lot of
problems. Among the militating factors hindering the use of ICT in Nigerian
academic Libraries are
i.
a lot of
capital investment to buy hardwares, softwares and standby generators for the
library.
ii.
lack of search skills, automation at infancy level,
epileptic power supply, and
iii.
technical know - how are some of the problem
encountered by the academic libraries.
However not
much has been found in literature as regards the areas of functions they are
used and the facilities is use. Hence the survey tends to address this gap by
identifying the extent of ICT use in the academic libraries operations.
1.3
OBJECTIVES
OF THE STUDY
The broad
objective of this study is to examine the use of information and communication
technology in academic libraries in Nigeria, using Auchi Polytechnic library as
a case study. The specific objectives are
To find out
the level of existence of ICT in Auchi Polytechnic library.
To
ascertain the extent of use of ICT in Auchi Polytechnic library.
To find out
the level of utilization of ICT in Auchi Polytechnic library.
To show the
advantages and benefits of the use of Auchi Polytechnic library.
To identify
the problems encountered in the use of ICT in Auchi Polytechnic library.
1.4
RESEARCH
QUESTION
The following
research questions will be used to guide the study.
i.
What are the reasons for using the ICT resources by
the students?
ii.
How often does the student use the Library
iii.
What are the inhibiting factors against the usage of
ICT resources?
iv.
Does a student feel better in making use of the ICT
facilities?
1.5
SCOPE OF
THE STUDY
This
research topic is wide both in scope and study; therefore it cannot be
adequately covered. For this reason the research will be limited to the Auchi
Polytechnic library and the librarians, staffs, and students within the
institution to gather their views on the use of ICT in academic library in
Nigeria. The researcher is also going to find out how staff and students make
use of the digital facility as well as the challenges facing the use of ICT in
the Polytechnic library.
1.6
SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
The result
of this survey will help academic libraries which do not apply ICT facilities
in their library to know their importance in the use of ICT in the academic
library. And the areas of the library in which ICT can be used, and the ICT
they can use, with that they can strategize on their use.
For
libraries using ICT facilities for various operations, they will be acquainted
with other areas ICT can be employed in the Library operation and the institutions
applying such. Donor agencies will also be aware of the state of ICT facilities
application in Nigeria’s Academic library operation and decide on the areas to
assist such institutions.
1.7
OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION OF TERMS
INFORMATION: The oxford advance learner’s
dictionary 7th edition defines information as facts or details about
somebody or something.
COMMUNICATION: The oxford advance learners
dictionary 7th edition defines communication as the activity or
process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information.
TECHOLOGY: oxford advance learners dictionary
7th edition defines technology as scientific knowledge used in
practical ways in industry for example in designing new machines.
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: Academic libraries are
libraries attached to tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnic
institutions, colleges of education, colleges of agricultures, colleges of technology
and also research institutes (Apkorhonour, 2005).
REFERENCE
Aina, L.O. (2004). Coping With the Challenges of
Library and Information Services: The Need for Institutionalized Professional
Development. Nigerian Library Association Conference Proceedings 2004, p.4.
Alhasan, J.K., & Adepoju, S.A. (2007). An
Evaluation of Internet Connectivity of Information Technology Firms in Minna Metropolis.
Information Technologist 4 (1),
96-103.
Alison, A.K. (2007). The effect of information
literacy on the utilization of electronic information and resources in selected
Academic and Research Institution in Uganda. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.httm?
.
Bappah, M.A. (2010). Availability and use of
Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) in six Nigerian University Library Schools. Available at www.webpages.University Library
Schools. Available at www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~mbolin/bappah-abubakar.htm
Ilo, Promise and Ifijeh, Goodluck (2010). Impact of
the Internet on Final Year Students Research: A Case Study of Covenant
University, Ota, Nigeria. Available at http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~mbolin/ilo-
ifijeh.htm.
Iwu, J., & Yusuf, Felicia. (2010). Use of Academic
Library: A Case Study at Covenant University, Nigeria. Available at www.white-clouds.com/iclc/cliej/cl30YI.pdf
Kamba, M.A. (2008). The Changing Role of Researchers
in Nigeria: The Internet as an Alternative Future Modernity. Available at
digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/view context.
cgi?article=1231&context=libphilprac
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