ABSTRACT
With the growing recognition of the potentials of Web 2.0 tools, a lot of
academic libraries are adopting the technologies and investing heavily in
training programs for their staffs in order to improve their operations. It is
however not certain whether Web 2.0 tools are actually being used for service
provision and the extent to which they have positively influenced service
provision in academic libraries hence, this study examines the
influence of librarians’ use of Web 2.0 tools on library service provision in
Lagos state tertiary institutions.
The target population employed in this study
consists of all professional and paraprofessional’s library staff in tertiary
institutions libraries in Lagos State. Total enumerative technique was used to
select all librarians in the study area. In all, a total of 196 respondents
both male and female were used for the purpose of this study. Structured
questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information about the topic of the
study. The
questionnaire was validated and the reliability co-efficient obtained was 0.76.
Data were analyzed using descriptive
and inferential statistics. while mean and standard deviation was used to
analyze the six research questions. The hypothesis in the study was analyzed
with simple regression analysis.
Web
2.0 Tools are available and are being used by librarian to provide innovative
services in tertiary institutions libraries in Lagos state.
Librarians used all the web 2.0 tools for various purposes mostly for
communication, research, job enhancement, and for leisure. The extent of use for service provision by librarians is
about average, this is becauseall the web 2.0 tools are not being used to a
very high extent. Web 2.0 tools were mostly used for documenting and uploading
lecture files, harvesting user comments/suggestions, sharing videos and files
and informing users about new items and events. Librarians in Lagos State
tertiary institutions were skilled adequately in the use of web 2.0
technologies. Some of the challenges limiting the use of web 2.0 tools
were technical hitches, erratic power supply, and restrictive institutional
polices. The use of web 2.0 tools has a significant influence on service
provision by librarian in the tertiary institution libraries in Lagos state
with the value of R2 = 0.188 (
=
.433; t = 6.693; p< 0.05).
The study therefore
concluded, that the use of web 2.0 tools has great potentials for library
service provision, however there is need for academic library management in
tertiary institutions in Lagos state to formulate policy statement that will
guide the conduct and use of web base technology, address the current poor
internet connectivity and inadequate power situation in order to explore and use web-based innovations for
innovative information service delivery and draw patrons to the library.
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
to the Study
In the past two decades, Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs) have evolved at an unprecedented pace changing
the way people communicate and search for information. The new information age
has brought about improved information delivery, skill in processing of
information, experience and precision, good time management and improved
network system.Chisenga (2006) defined information and communication technology
as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate and
create, disseminate, store, and manage information. However, Haliso (2011)
define Information Communication Technology as encompassing a wide range of rapidly
evolving technologies but to include telecommunications technologies, such as
telephony, cable, satellite, TV and radio, computer-mediated conferencing, and
videoconferencing, as well as digital technologies, such as computers,
information networks (Internet, the World Wide Web, intranets and extranets)
social sites and software applications.
A recent trend in higher education programme and
services is the increase in the range of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) that all organizations, including the library that has the
required capabilities and resources can tap for their development. This may be
partly explained by the greater emphasis on ICT use in education to integrate
higher education programme into a global village. Libraries have long been
recognized as an indispensable companion to higher education, and the “heart”
of universities. They are meant to support the universities to achieve their
vision and mission (Ogunsola, 2004). To achieve these mission and vision, the
libraries had to adopt and maintain more vibrant information resources into its
functions and services in the easiest, fastest and comprehensive way.
However,
changes in accessing information makes it imperative for libraries; as the
traditional custodians of information to find new ways to better serve their
customers needs in this information age. These developments in web base
technologies have put pressure on libraries to modernise the way they deliver
their services puting their customers need in mind. According to Sadeh (2007)
the authour afirmed also that libraries and librarians now faced with
competition in their duty that suppose to be their eclusive domain because they
are forced to keep looking forvways to adapt to the chaging technology and keep
their services relevant for new information seekers.Pressure on libraries is
now intense and it is primarily because of the experiences people are enjoying
with these provided internet services provider most notably the internet, thus
the internet users simply expect to be able to access any information they want,
from anywhere in the world and at any time.
Libraries and librarians are rethinking
and exploring new ways to reposition themselves in view of the high
expectations of their various stakeholders so as to be relevant in the
discharge of their duties because users have become more aware of the
possibilities of information technologies and find it easier to go to Google
than drive to the library to serch for information (Stuart, 2010). Thus
librarians in view of the high epectations face immense challenges on how to
effectively meet the needs and preferences of their users especially in this
information age. However, librarians who are not familiar with the use of ICTs are
usually frustrated and anxious and exhibit avoidance behavior; it is however,
imperative that all library staff be skilled in web technology and apply these
skills in assisting users.
Ramos (2007) the contemporary role of librarians is
well captured by the author who sees librarians as partners in information
literacy education; computer literacy mentors, database builders, and excellent
guides in determining and using information sources that are available. The new
environment which the library has found itself has proved that libraries are
not only crucial but librarians' role as knowledge providers has become even
more significant in this age. Precisely, the rise of digitized information is
an opportunity to elevate the role of the librarian leading to the emergence of
a new breed of librarian usually called "The Cyber Librarian" or
"Cybrarian" - a specialist in locating information on the Internet
(Rao & Babu, 2001). Accordingly, librarians are trained to be experts in
information searching, selecting, acquiring, organizing, preserving,
repackaging, disseminating, and serving (Troll, 2002).
Among the tools available to librarians in this
digital age are Web 2.0 tools which are web-based technologies that enable
users to connect, communicate and collaborate with one another, forming on-line
socialites and communities. Such technologies include blogs, wikis, RSS feeds,
audio-podcasting, content syndication, social bookmarking, tagging, social
networking, multimedia sharing, bibliographic reference managers, chat,
messaging and video conferencing (Kim & Abbas, 2010). The Use of these
tools can bring a lot of innovation into library service provision; users will
be fascinated and information will be disseminated through a more attractive
and agreeable medium. According to Habib (2006), the introduction of Web 2.0
tools into library web sites encourages interaction or communication between
users and the library thus expanding library services to users located a long
way from the physical institution.
Swan and Panda (2009) argue that the library users’
attitude to information is gradually shifting from the printed document to
online resources, and to the use of Web 2.0 tools. The use of Web 2.0 tools can
enable the types of library services that meet the expectations of today's
users which are to have access to information wherever and whenever they
require it. Since this is mobile era, it may be fruitless effort stopping or
discouraging users including librarians from using these technologies for
providing services, it should rather be brought to good educational practice or
use in the libraries to facilitate learning instead of forbidden its usage
within and outside schools especially in Nigeria like other countries in the
world. Cooney, (2009) concurred that learners have a natural attraction into
learning tools that will build their knowledge and broaden their perspectives.
Web 2.0 tools have been found to have ability to support learning and promote
services of various kinds including library services. They are useful within
and outside of library, librarians and users can answers users request or
provide assistance and manage information in any place on their own time.
Web 2.0 tools can be used by librarian to promote essential library
services for example chat reference, tagging, personalized social network,
streaming media tutorial with interactive databases, blogs or micro-blogs, can
be used to go straight to the user with news and up to date information related
to new services, materials or service developments.The presence of web tools on
library websites can provide cost effective marketing opportunities of library
services and also provide invaluable public relation service to ask a librarian
with the use of instant messaging (IM), the web tools can be used to raise awareness and promote library services by updating
users and publish instantly. For
example, many librarians now use Twitter to get information about activities
and initiatives going on elsewhere; and to share ideas or ask colleagues for
support thereby expanding their professional networks and drawing on the
experience of their colleagues at the international level (Boateng, Mbarika,
& Thomas, 2010).
Web 2.0 tools such as bookmarking tools,
collaborative writing, news and Blogs, Social Networking Sites (SNS), YouTube,
Real simple Syndication (RSS) Wikis, Instant Messaging (IM) and Podcast, video
sharing tools and photo digital imaging are now being used to provide
innovative library services and also to present new opportunities for
professional collaboration and professional development of librarians.
Gichora and Kwanya (2015) carried out a study
on impact of web 2.0 tools in academic libraries in Kenya. The studies revealed how Web 2.0 tools are
being used to enhance the delivery of effective library services (Bradley,
2007; Huffman, 2006). The Libraries and Social Software in Education (LASSIE)
project report (2007) gives an overview of how Web 2.0 tools have influenced
the delivery of services which include increased user generated content in the
catalogue, and improved information sharing and communication. Other notable
impact was improved communication among librarians and between librarians and
patrons. Web 2.0 has deepened communication among library communities due to
the fact that the tools are not too formal thus reducing the restrictions
associated with traditional communication. The other impacts of Web 2.0 on
academic libraries in Kenya included improved searching and exposure to more
information resources and increased usage of library resources among others
impacts. The other identified impacts are increased interest in the library,
enhanced indexing and search relevance, improved timeliness of information,
increased efficiency and effectiveness of outreach activities, increased
collaboration and customization of communication, increased learning and
knowledge sharing.It also reduced costs of library operations and training, improved
flexibility of library services because users can access them from anywhere,
any time with much ease, and Reduced information overload as users only access
what they need and depend on the communities to filter or recommend credible
information and sources.
Some negative
impacts were also identified. These included reduced confidentiality of
information especially in wikis since there was little trace or proof of
ownership and authenticity of the authors’ skills and knowledge level in those
fields they were contributing on. Similarly, there were doubts about the
reliability of tools; standardization challenges; and increased occurrence of
insecurity incidents; as well as the emergence of sophisticated legal and moral
issues pertaining to the use of Web 2.0 tools in academic libraries. There were
also difficulties arising from relying on inadequate infrastructure and
technical skills as well as restrictions on access of certain Web 2. 0 tools to
certain users. These difficulties hampered the effective use of Web 2.0 tools
amongst both librarians and users.
Emmanuel, Evelyn, and
Vera (2013) in their research asked a germane question to find out the
usefulness of web 2.0 technology for library services, and found out in the
study that, there are numbers of potential advantages of web technologies. They equally highlighted some limitations,
and finally suggested that web tools represent some of library resources that
can be used to promote innovative service worthy of further investigation.
Chinwe, and Andrew, (2002) “The growth and opportunities for providing services
in the library are linked to the ubiquity as it is easy to use, reliable, and
attractive and its mobile networks have far greater penetration than broadband
internet, thus users are already so familiar with one form of web 2.0
technology and interfaces of the devices that there are no barriers or learning
curves.”
He added that, use of web 2.0 tools for library
services if adopted is a reflection of interactivity with librarians and
information resources can be delivered. They also argue further that web 2.0
tools apart of from engaging users it also improve users confidence as users
can practice the application within their comfort zones.” Taking an advantage
of the benefits of web 2.0 technologies, web 2.0 tools will enable the library
to reach out to potential audiences wherever they are without visically
visiting the library (Casey & Savastinuk 2006). However, these kinds of
services cannot be provided without improvements in the competences, skills and
attitude of library workers. Thus, implementation of Web 2.0 technologies
implies a challenge for librarians. Precisely, the knowledge of computers and
information retrieval techniques is needed to use these resources
effectively.
The purpose for which patrons want to use available
web 2.0 resources is an important determinant of use. Patrons needs for
electronic resources range from provision of solutions to assignments given to
them by lecturers, successfully carrying out research/project, personal study
for knowledge and for leisure purposes. In addition to using library web base resources
for intellectual and technical developments, tertiary institution students can
use web 2.0 resources for leisure, research, job enhancement, and online
chatting, and relaxation.
Another important construct for librarian’ use of
web 2.0 resources is the intensity of use. This can also be referred to as the
level of use of web 2.0 resources. Intensity of use is the time rate of
frequency of use. According to Ojo and Akande (2005) in a survey of 350
respondents, the authors examined users’ access, usage and awareness of web
based electronic information resources at the University College Hospital (UCH)
Ibadan, Nigeria. The finding revealed that the level of usage of the electronic
information resources is not high. A major problem couple with was lack of
awareness, and lack of information retrieval skills for exploiting electronic
resources, thus making the level of usage of resources very low. As person
forms beliefs about an object, he automatically and simultaneously acquires an
attitude or perception toward that object.
Jagboro (2003) had emphasized the emerging reliance and attitude of
users to electronic resources.
Therefore, a comprehensive national information
policy is important to the survival of any country in today’s information Age.
This is because every sector of the society is influenced by the application of
information and communication technology, this is a key factor in an
information society. A national information policy will help ensure proper
packaging of information by determining the nature and format of information
resources to meet local needs. Web resources that violate local content
specifications will no longer be allowed. Internet service providers could no
longer expose young Nigerians to inappropriate knowledge and content. Information-sharing
and collaboration among libraries and information centers in the country may be
greatly jeopardized if there is no policy to regulate it in the face of easy
flow of resources across borders. A national information policy will help to
streamline both the nature and format of information resourcesand also
specifying how web resources will be organized, managed and made available to
Nigerians.
Lagos State is located in the south-western geopolitical
zone of Nigeria. Accordingly to the world population revision, Lagos State
population was estimated at 21 million in 2014 making it the largest city in
Africa. Lagos state is considered to be diversely populated due to heavy
migration from other parts of Nigeria and surrounding countries. There are over
250 ethnic groups’ refugees in Lagos state including the Yoruba’s, Hausa, Igbo
and Fulani’s international citizens such as Americans, British, east Indians,
Chinese, Zimbabweans, Greeks, Sierra Leone, Lebanese and Japanese are also
present in the state. Until December 1992, Lagos was the capital city of
Nigeria. It still remains the economic nerve centre of the country with the
largest concentration of industries, financial institutions and major sea
ports. Lagos state is referred to as the centre of excellence. The choice of
Lagos state for this study is apt in view of the states divers’ population and
its unique economic position in the country, Nigeria.
1.2
Statement of the Problem
Available literature has established the potency of
web 2.0 tools and their transformative influence on services and
operations. They are essential
applications of the learning materials needed to achieve academic excellence.
These web2.0 application resources are available both within and outside the
tertiary institutions libraries. A growing number of academic libraries are starting
to adopt and implement these tools to their advantage. It is not surprising
that different organizations in Nigeria, including academic libraries have
invested heavily on ICT and in training their staff on how to use these
technologies. It is however not certain whether Web 2.0 tools are actually
being used for service provision and the extent to which they have positively influenced
service provision in academic libraries. This is evident by the
differences in the literature reviewed on the usages and perceptions of
academic librarians on use of web 2.0 tools in academic libraries. According to
Habib (2006b) librarians are struggling to understand their relationship to a
new development of web 2.0 technology, because these tools operate like
libraries in connecting users with the information they need. Therefore, this study aims to investigate
librarians’ use of web 2.0 tools and service delivery in tertiary institutions
libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria.
1.3
Objective of the Study
The main objective of the study is to investigate
the influence of the use of Web 2.0 tools on library service provision in
selected public tertiary institutions libraries in Lagos State. The Specific objectives are to:
- find out the types of web 2.0 tools that are
available for use in tertiary institution libraries in Lagos State;
- examine the purpose
of use of web 2.0 tools for library
services delivery in Lagos State tertiary institution libraries;
- find out the extent
to which academic librarians use web 2.0 tools for library services delivery in tertiary
institution libraries in Lagos State;
- find out the services provided using web 2.0
tools in tertiary institution libraries in Lagos State;
- determine the perception of librarians on the relevance of web 2.0 tools for
library service provision;
- ascertain the level of competence of librarians
at using web 2.0 tools for library services provision in Lagos state
tertiary institution libraries;
- identify the major challenge/constraints to the
use of web 2.0 information
resources for service delivery in
tertiary institution libraries in Lagos state and
- determine the influence of web 2.0 tools use for service delivery by librarians in the public tertiary institution libraries in Lagos state.
1.4 Research
Questions
The study is to provide
answers to the following research questions.
1.
which type of Web 2.0 tools are used in the public
tertiary institution libraries in Lagos State?
2.
what purpose do librarians use web 2.0 tools
in the tertiary institution libraries in Lagos State?
3.
what extent do librarians in the study area
use Web 2.0 tools for service provision?
- what services are provided with web 2.0 tools In tertiary institution
libraries in Lagos State
5.
do librarians in tertiary institutions
libraries in Lagos State perceive the use of web 2.0 tools for library services
delivery?
6.
how competent are librarians in using Web 2.0 tools for service provision
in public tertiary institution libraries in Lagos State?
7.
what constraints do librarians encounter with respect to the use of Web
2.0 tools for service provision in the study area?
In realization of one of the objectives of the study, the only null hypothesis of this study was stated below and to be tested at 0.05 level of significance
1.5
Hypothesis
Ho1: Librarians use of Web 2.0 tools will not
have any significant influence on service
delivery
in public tertiary institutions libraries in Lagos State.
1.6
Significance of the Study
The study would help to establish the status of the
institutions under study in terms of service provision with Web 2.0 tools.
Recommendations that would be made as a result of the findings would hopefully
help the librarians and tertiary institutions under consideration improve their
service delivery with the use of web 2.0 tools. It is equally hoped that such
recommendations could be generalized as to make them relevant to other tertiary
institution libraries in Nigeria. This study would also shed light on the
perceptions of academic librarians, which is necessary for library managers and
librarians planning to implement Web 2.0 in their libraries. The findings could
help determine the competencies and potentials of academic librarians to
support Web 2.0-based services in academic libraries. Finally, the result of
this study would be a significant addition to existing literature on
librarians’ use of Web 2.0 information resources for innovative electronic
library service delivery.
1.7
Scope of the Study
This study is limited to academic librarians and
para-professional staffs in government funded tertiary institutions libraries
in Lagos State. This includes four universities namely, University of Lagos,
National Open University, Pan-African University, Lagos State University, five
colleges of education: Federal College of Education Akoka, Federal College of
Fisheries and Marine Technology Victoria Island Lagos, Yaba College of
Technology, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Micheal Otedola College of
Education Epe, and five polytechnics : Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos City
Polytechnic, and two monotonic tertiary institutions namely, Lagos State
College of Health, and Lagos Business School. The twenty tertiary institutions
are owned and finance by either private owned, state or federal government of
Nigeria.
In this study, the focus is on the use of web tools
for service provision. Web 2.0 information resources that can be adopted for
service provision in academic libraries include Blogs, Wikis, RSS,
Social-Bookmarks, Instant Messaging, Photo Sharing Tools, Social Software, you
tube, and Face Book. Types of Web tools use, the purpose of use, the extent of
use, the perception of Web 2.0 tools by librarians, as well as the limitations
to the use of Web 2.0 tools in library operations will also be discussed.
1.8
Operational Definition of Terms
Information
Communication Technology (ICT) - An umbrella term that includes any communication
device or application as well as various services and applications including
Web 2.0 tools
Web 2.0
tools - These are web applications for
example, instant messaging, social networking site, blogs, video sharing tools
etc that facilitate information sharing, and collaboration. Examples include
blogs, wikis, social networking sites e.g. Face book; video sharing tools etc.
Competency
level – This has to do with qualification or
ability to perform a specific task. In this study, it is used with relation to
ability of librarians to use Web 2.0 tools for library service provision.
Academic
Librarians - Academic librarians are professional
who are certified with bachelor degrees, master, and PhD certificates in
library and information science. They are employed to work in higher education
and research institutes.
Para-professionals – These are people who also work in the library
with varying qualifications apart from library and information science
certificates. They assist the professional librarians to manage, organize,
evaluate and disseminate information, and provide support to members of an
academic community including students, researchers and lecturing staff.
Academic
library - An academic library is a library that
is attached to a higher education institution which serves to support,
teaching, learning and research of the faculty and students.
Library
service provision – |This includes
offering of services like E-Referencing Services, Selective Dissemination
Service (SDI), personalized Information Services, Current Awareness Services,
Document Delivery Services, Communication Services, and Information Sharing
service using Web 2.0 technology like blogs, wikis, RSS, podcast, video sharing
tools, instant messaging, SNS and twitter etc.
Tertiary
Institution - These are
post-secondary institutions owned by the federal or state government or private
individuals. They include colleges of education, polytechnics and universities.
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