Effect of Computerisation of Library on Students Academy Performance
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The Main Objective of the study is to appraise the effect of computerization of library on students’ academic performance; The specific objectives include
1 To determine the relevance of computerization of library.
2 To determine the level of students’ academic performance.
3 To determine the effect of computerization of library on students’ academic performance.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
Technology has greatly enhanced library and information service delivery. That technology has undergone various level of development is an understatement. Today, the library goal of providing information services and access to information resources is greatly improved by the use of information communication technology (ICT). With ICT library services are taking on new meanings and constructs. There exist different views, perceptions and opinions of librarians in relation to the use of technology. A search of the literature revealed different studies. Palmini (1994) investigated the impact of computerization on staff in academic libraries in Wisconsin. Findings showed that 62% perceived that discontentment with job in libraries is computer related. This reflects in lack of computer systems, and slow network response, while 38% are of the opinion that dissatisfaction with job is people related as evidenced in misunderstanding and meddlesomeness amongst staff. Shaw (1986) assessed the Indiana State University library staff perceptions of automation’s impact. Findings of her study indicate major changes in terms of involvement and assessment of automation’s impact on staff attitudes, though reactions to automation in general remains positive. Jones (1989) surveyed perceptions and opinions of academic staff at three university libraries in the United States. The questionnaire was her main instrument of data collection. Specific areas addressed were personal reactions to new technologies, staff training and management issues. The results revealed that majority of the participants had a positive perception toward technology. Other respondents in her study also indicated some level of stress occasioned by technology which is often referred to as techno stress. Techno stress is not a new concept. Over the years several writers had defined techno stress in different ways. According to Weil and Rosen (1997), techno stress is any negative impact on attitudes, thoughts, behavior or body physiology that is caused by technology. This could happen as a result of prolonged use. In Davis-Mills (1998) opinion, techno stress is a condition resulting from having to adapt to the introduction and operation of new technology, particularly when the equipment or support is inadequate. A popular and concise definition of techno stress was given by Brod (1984) as ‘’a modern disease of adaptation caused by an inability to cope with new technologies in a healthy manner’’ Techno stress is viewed as a problem of adaptation to technology. Hence the inability to adapt to changes associated with the introduction of technology could be a source of techno stress. However Brod’s classification of techno stress as a disease is a subject of disagreement among many scholars. Techno stress is a disorder that may occur as a result of technology use in the workplace. There are quite a number of existing empirical literatures on techno stress in academic libraries. Kupersmith (2005) investigated techno stress among library staff. The questionnaire was the data collection instrument used. Findings revealed that 65% of the respondents suffered some level of techno stress in the last five years, while 27% reported not to have had any serious level of techno stress. Kupersmith (2005) reported major causes of techno stress to include: information overload, networking problems, computer hardware, and ergonomics. Ennis (2005) highlighted the following as causes of techno stress in libraries: pace of technological change, lack of proper training of the librarians and users, increased workload, lack of standardization of hardware and software as well as changing role of librarians.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine effect of computerization of library on students’ academic performance. Students from selected secondary schools in Uyo form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain effect of computerization of library on students academic performance. 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 computerization of library on students academic performance
Summary
This study was on effect of computerization of library on students academic performance. Four objectives were raised which included: To determine the relevance of computerization of library, to determine the level of students’ academic performance and to determine the effect of computerization of library on students’ academic performance. The study adopted a survey research design and conveniently enrolled 80 participants in the study. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from students from selected secondary schools in Uyo. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
There is a general positive feedback that technologies make their work easier, with increase speed of accomplishment and accuracy. This is in consonance with Ennis (2005). However, Librarians believed that technology had added more responsibility to their jobs. There is great enthusiasm amongst librarians with technology as they looked forward to learning new technologies. Inadequate staff, inadequate training and lack of equipment emerged as items causing librarian’s stress in the workplace. As affirmed by the study, insufficient professional library staff in the workplace is a major source of stress. This will in no doubt affect overall work output. Dearth of technical staff is a cause higher stress levels. The availability of qualified librarians (system specialist and trouble shooters) is crucial to effective library and information service delivery in academic libraries in recent times. Lack of equipment such as computers, scanners, printers, barcode readers etc is a major cause of stress; when these equipment’s are absent, efficient services are hampered thereby causing frustration and disenchantment among the workforce. Notwithstanding these inadequacies, technology has brought about great efficiency in library and information service delivery.
Recommendation
Recruitment and retention of technical support staff in academic libraries. The availability of technical staff helps to maximize systems accessibility and efficiency
Provision of relevant equipment for library and information service delivery. Inadequate workstation and printers to meet patron needs causes discontentment for the users, thereby creating tension for librarians. Academic libraries must take practical measures to constantly provide and upgrade equipment and software.
References
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- Brod, C. (1984). Techno stress: the human cost of the computer revolution. Reading: Addison Wesley.
- Davis-Mills, N(1998). Techno stress and the organization: a managers guide to survival in the information age, 67th annual meeting of the Music Library Association, Boston. Available at http://web.mit.edu/ninadrn/www.mla.htm. accessed October 25th 2014.
- Ennis, L.A (2005). The evolution of Techno stress. Computers in libraries,25(8)10-12.
- Grace J. Kenny C and Quiang Z (2004). Information and communication technologies and broad based development: partial review of the evidence. World Bank working paper, no. 12
- Isiakpona, C and Onyeronke A. (2011). The Impact of Techno stress on Libraries: a Survey of Covenant University Library. The Information Manager. 11(1&2) 56-61.
- Jones D. E. (1989). Library Support Staff and Technology: Perceptions and Opinions. Libarary Trends 37 (4): 432- 456.
- Kupersmith J. (2005). Library Technostress survey results. Available @ http://www.jkup.net/stress-survey.2003.html. Accessed October 25th 2014.
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