Library Implications of the Growing Power of Information Technology to Transform the Means of Research, Teaching, and Scholarly Communication
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain the level of computerization/automation in libraries
- To ascertain the efficiency and effectiveness of using ICT in the libraries
- To ascertain the impact of information technology aid in capturing, processing, storing and communicating information in library
- To ascertain the challenges associated with the application of ICT in libraries
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Review of related literature is conducted to enable the researcher to get a clear understanding about the specific field of study. It also helps the researcher to have an insight into the tested methods, procedures and interpretations of similar studies conducted elsewhere. Considerable amount of literature is available regarding application of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries, professional development and continuing education needs of library professionals. But studies are relatively few regarding the impact of ICT on professional development and educational needs of library professionals. A survey of the literature found that most of the studies are reported from foreign countries and that such studies are not given due importance by the researchers in library and information science. An attempt is made in this chapter to present a survey of the literature available in Nigeria and abroad under the subheadings listed below. The studies are further grouped under national, international and arranged in a chronological sequence.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The term ‘Information and Communication Technology’ (ICT) first appeared in the mid1980s and was defined as “All kinds of electronic systems used for broadcasting telecommunications and mediated communications”, with examples including personal computers, video games, cell phones, internet and electronic payment systems and computer software. The ICT is made of computer and communication technology. The computer technology is the tool for storing and processing information in digital form while communication technology helps us to transfer and disseminate digital information. Additionally, ICT means a variety of technological applications in the process and communication of information. The word ICT is a combination of two words information, communication and technology. Information means knowledge and technology means use of computer and communication. The term ICT can be defined as “the integration of computing, networking and information processing technologies and their applications” (Riyasat & Fatima, 2008). Thus, ICT means a combination of computer applications’ and communication technology for gathering, processing, storing and disseminating of Information. The exponential growth of these resources has caused socio-cultural, political, educational, and economic change in the world. The paradigm shift from traditional to multi-disciplinary librarianship has increased the quantity of information passing through the library and other field of human endeavor, notable example as cited by Okore and Ekere, (2009) is that it has led to the improvement in the services of industries, administration, management, education, and other services of human endeavor. Focusing on the indispensability of information and communication technology to the students of Niger Delta University Etebu, (2010) says that ICT is part and parcel of the entire system of the institutions, as a learning resource to the students and teaching aids to their lecturers. Comparing the use of ICT Resources between developed and the developing nations Komolafe-Opadeji (2009) observed that ICT resources offers opportunities for developing countries like Nigeria to narrow the development gap between her and developed nations. Looking into the future of computerizing of library services in Nigeria, Ani, (2007) reported that, “it is hopeful that majority of University libraries in Nigeria (Africa) would have effectively computerized their library services by 2020 for the provision of efficient library services”.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work the choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought to Library Implications of the Growing Power of Information Technology to Transform the Means of Research, Teaching, And Scholarly Communication
Sources of data collection
Data were collected from two main sources namely:
Primary source and Secondary source
Primary source:
These are materials of statistical investigation which were collected by the research for a particular purpose. They can be obtained through a survey, observation questionnaire or as experiment; the researcher has adopted the questionnaire method for this study.
Secondary source:
These are data from textbook Journal handset etc. they arise as byproducts of the same other purposes. Example administration, various other unpublished works and write ups were also used.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Library Implications of the Growing Power of Information Technology to Transform the Means of Research, Teaching, And Scholarly Communication.
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of ICT in in Nigeria libraries
Summary
This study was on Library Implications of the Growing Power of Information Technology to Transform the Means of Research, Teaching, And Scholarly Communication. Four objectives were raised which included; To ascertain the level of computerization/automation in libraries, to ascertain the efficiency and effectiveness of using ICT in the libraries, to ascertain the impact of information technology aid in capturing, processing, storing and communicating information in library and to ascertain the challenges associated with the application of ICT in libraries. In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 staff from National mathematical center, Abuja was selected randomly. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up librarians, library technicians, senior staff and junior staff was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
From the report and discussions above on the need for the use of ICT in libraries in Nigeria, it is certain that there is need for improvement. More progress is required if Nigerian academic libraries will be relevant within the global academic community. The attitude of librarians and funding are major factors that can affect the deployment of ICT in the libraries. These are surmountable factors that can be transformed into productivity with the right motivation. In spite of the huge problems affecting ICT application in libraries, the prospect and possibilities are abundant. Therefore, there is a great need to improve ICT facilities in these libraries in order to facilitate the clerical processes (acquisition, cataloguing and classification, circulation and serial) including the administrations in the libraries and also promoting effective research.
Recommendation
Effective and efficient power supply supplement with standby generators should be made available to solve the problem of epileptic power supply which has become a thorn in the flesh of an average establishment or act as a breakdown to computers.
Since Information and Communication Technology has become the order of the day with its advancement, all library users (staff) should be trained to be computer literates so as to flow along with the reforms and posses competent search skills.
REFERENCES
- Aguolu, C & Aguolu, I. E (2002): Libraries and Information Management in Nigeria. Maiduguri: Ed- Linform Services. 267pp.
- Ani, O. E., Esin, J.E. & Edem, N. (2005): Adoption of information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Academic Libraries: a strategy for Library networking in Nigeria. The Electronic Library Journal, 23 (6), 27-37.
- Aniekwu, A.N and Ogbeide, F.N. (2002): Information Technology and Technological Development in Africa. In Yusufu, A.K. (ed) Journal of Engineering Science and Applications (JESA). Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AAU, Ekpoma. 3 (2), 83pp.
- Anunobi, C.V. (2005): ICT Availability and use in Nigerian University Libraries. Global Review of Library and Information Science.1 (1), 39-51
- Bryson, J. (1990): Effective Library and information Center Management. England: Gower Publishing. 165pp
- Chisenga, J. (1995): The Skills of Information Technology in Zambian Libraries. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science. 5(1)19-24 pp
- Cohn, Z. and Lefolli, S. (1995): Dictionary of Information Technology. London: Claremont Books. 75pp.
- Ebijuwa, A.S. (2005): Information and communication technology in university libraries: the Nigerian experience. Communicate, Journal Of Library and Information Science, 7 (1&2).
- Ehikhamenor, F.A.(1993): Information Technology and scientific and technological information in Nigeria: revolution and evolution”. Africa Journal Of Library, Archives And Information Science. 39 (2) 113-123
- Eyitayo, S.A. (1998): Relevance Of The New Information Technologies In Cataloguing. A paper presented at the Annual Cataloguing and Classification Seminar/Workshop, Ilorin (25th-30th October).
