The Extent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Integration in the Public Libraries

The Extent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Integration in the Public Libraries

Chapter One

Purpose of the Study

The general aim of the study is to determine the extent of information and communication technologies (ICT) integration in the public library in Anambra State.

The specific purposes of this research are to:

Determine the extent to which ICTs are integrated into various public library operations.
Examine the hindrances to ICT integration in libraries in Anambra State public library.
Proffer strategies that will help to boost the effective integration of ICT in public library services in Anambra State.

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The review of related literature was done under the following sub-headings:

Concept of ICTs and ICT Facilities for Library Services.
Integration of ICT Facilities for Library Services.
Hindrances to ICT Integration in Library Services.
Strategies to Overcome Barriers to ICT Integration.
Summary of Review of Related literature

Concept of ICTs and ICT Facilities for Library Services

The Information and communication technology (ICT) has been defined by various scholars from different perspectives. Ayodele cite by afolabi and Abidoye (2012) defined ICT as electronic based technology generally used to retrieve, store, process and package information as well as provide access to knowledge. Aluko (2004) also described ICT as enabling technologies (both hardware and software) necessary for delivery of voice/audio, data (high speed and low speed) video, fax and internet services from point A to point B using wired and wireless media protocol (IP) and non IP networks. To Nwachukwu cited in Afolabi et al. (2012) information and communication technologies (ICTs) is the application of computers and other technologies to the acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information. Also, Aina (2010), define ICT as the use and application of computers, telecommunications and microelectronics in the acquisition, storage, retrieval, transfer and dissemination of information to a wider and dispersed audience. However, in this context, information and communication technology is the use of electronic devices such as computers, telephones, internet, satellite system, to store, retrieve and disseminate information in the form of data, text image and others to library users. Aina et al. (2010) noted that the development and availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in libraries have today not only increased and broadened the impact of information resources at their doorsteps, but also placed more emphasis on effective and efficient services. Their applications in libraries, commonly known as library automation, have in deed continued to ease and promote quick and timely access to and transfer of information resources that are found dispensed round the globe. According to Afolabi and abidoye (2012) The following are some of the ICT facilities or resources that can be used for effective library operations and services:

Computer: Computer can be referred to as the backbone, nucleus or hub of ICT application. In virtually all ICT applications, the computer is interfaced with another device in order to function effectively. Computer on its own can be used to perform the following function in the library: Ordering / acquisition, Circulation, Library data base, Inter library loan by two or many libraries that are connected, Documentation and administration, Desktop publishing, Budgeting, Cataloguing and classification, Serial management.

Internet Facility: Internet is described as a worldwide network of computer and people. Built upon state of the art technology, the internet makes it possible for thousands of dissimilar physical networks that are not connected to one another and that use diverse hardware technologies to connect and operate as a single communication system. There are locations of various types of information on computer system linked to the internet. It is an important tool for global on line services.

Video Conferencing: Through video conferencing, people at different locations in the world could be allowed to hold meetings. Offorma cited by Afolabi et al. (2012) describes video conferencing as a means of linking up two or more remote computers, all of which have a small camera attached which enables the participants to see each other, to speak to each other and in some systems, to be able to start, send documents through the linked computer. Some libraries use this medium to source for information that not available in their own libraries and at the same time use this great medium to create awareness to users who are ignorant of the available of information resources in the library.

Electronic Mail (E-mail): This medium can also be used to send and receive mails. This is commonly and widely used with the internet facilities. E-mail is very useful for sending messages to and from remote areas with enhanced network.

Networks: This is a system of interconnected computers for sharing information and resources (Olusanya and Oloyede) this may involve two or more computers in a single office or several computers in different units across an organization or across the country. The networks include the local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN). With computer network, libraries can access and share information in different locations and download for user’s needs.

Expert System: Vast amounts of information may be gathered, synthesized and manipulated before decisions are made or conclusion arrived at the some of the complex area of human knowledge. According to Burton cited by Afolabi (2012), expert systems encapsulate the knowledge and experience of the human expert and make them available to a wider audience. Within information work, expert systems have been applied in the area of cataloguing, classification and information retrieval. Some others include video conferencing, electronic mails, networks and expert systems and DVD-ROMs (Mishra and Mishra, 2014). When users consult these applications they may have access to a range of resources and services including: bibliographic databases, e-books, e-journals and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Some libraries have managed to have thesis and dissertation electronic databases. In most cases these are locally generated resources which are important for research and learning purposes.

CHAPTER THREE

METHODS

This chapter discusses the various methods used by the researcher for collection and analysis of data. They are listed under the following headings;

Research Design
Area of Study
Population of Study
Sample and Sampling Technique
Instruments for Data Collection
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis

Research Design

The research design used for this study is descriptive survey design. The descriptive survey in the words of Nworgu (2006), are those studies which aim at collecting data and describing in a systematic manner the characteristics, features or facts about a given population. This design is deemed suitable for this study because only a portion of the population will be studied and findings from this study are expected to be generalized to the entire population.

Area of the Study

The area used for this study were Onitsha, Nnewi and Abagana divisional state public library, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Population of the Study

The population of the study comprises of all the professional librarians in the 11 divisions of the public library in Anambra state. The total population of professional librarians in the 11 divisions of the library were 22 librarians.

CHAPTER THREE

METHODS

This chapter discusses the various methods used by the researcher for collection and analysis of data. They are listed under the following headings;

Research Design
Area of Study
Population of Study
Sample and Sampling Technique
Instruments for Data Collection
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis

Research Design

Area of the Study

The area used for this study were Onitsha, Nnewi and Abagana divisional state public library, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Population of the Study

CHAPTER FOUR

ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

In this chapter, the analysis and presentation of data shall be carried out.

Research Question 1: What is the extent to which ICT is integrated into Library services?

Table 1: mean ratings on the extent to which ICT is integrated into library services.

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, IMPLICATIONS OF STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The findings, implication of the study and recommendations shall be discussed in this chapter.

Findings of the study shall be discussed as follows;

Extent to which ICT is Integrated into Library Services
Hindrances to ICT integration in the library
Strategies to overcome barriers to ICT integration

Extent to which ICT is Integrated into Library Services

The findings from the study shows that the extent of integration of ICT to library services were very low. In other words, even though some ICT facilities were available they were not being used for library operations such as library management and administration, Processing of library materials, developing online resources, accessing online resources and Provision of regular library services to users or any other library services for that matter. According to Afolabi and abidoye (2012) The various services provided in the libraries are complimented by available facilities, some of which are technology driven. In modern library, technology application in the provision and performance of library services provided by libraries to patrons are imperative. The utilization of emerging technologies in recent times in libraries worldwide has proved beyond reasonable doubt, that a library, whatever its services can perform better when facilities are adequately utilized to enhance access to the content of the library.

Furthermore, according to Olulobe (2006), ICTs are indispensable and have been accepted as part of contemporary world especially in the industrialized societies, in fact, culture and societies have adjusted to meet the challenges of the knowledge age. Unquestionably, ICTs has impacted on the quality of library services to teaching, learning and research in all discipline. Therefore, ICT integration for library service provides opportunities for users to communicate with one another more effectively during formal and informal teaching, studying, and learning process; therefore, should be given a serious thought by any kind of library that wish to remain relevant in this age.

Hindrances to ICT integration in the library

According to findings from the study, some of the hindrances to ICT integration in the library were Poor infrastructural facilities, lack of ICT facilities, lack of/poor funding, inadequate technical skills and technophobia. These and many more are some of the barriers to integration of ICT to library operation. Most importantly is the lack of funding and inadequate technical skills by the parent institutions of the library and librarians respectively are the major hindrances. Osunde and Omoniyi (2005) noted that in Nigeria, the need for well qualified ICT skilled librarian has gained pre-eminence, it is considered that ICT education is a means of not only providing the librarians with the necessary skills and knowledge of ICT needed to adequately carry out their librarianship job, but as well as for professional growth. Also, according to Olulobe (2006) Many Nigerian librarians and library users have been unable to find effective ways to use technology in their libraries or any other aspects of library services for their teaching, learning and research purpose in life. The possible explanation for this lack of success by patrons and librarians is that the use of technology based library services has not been encouraging and librarians are not well trained in using ICTs in handling library services as a means for educational sustainability.

In addition, Other barriers to ICT integration in public libraries according to Afolabi and Abidoye (2011) includes; Poor infrastructural Facilities: The problem of poor infrastructural facilities especially erratic power supply have been the major cause of setback in the integration of ICT in library services. also, there is low Level of ICT Compliance: Many users and members of the library community require knowledge of ICT. To meet this challenge, libraries and librarians can help make ICT knowledge available by creating electronic learning centre within the libraries. Such creation will go a long way to satisfy knowledge thirsty citizenry whose only handicap is lack of opportunity. And finally, Cost: Despite the fact that ICT is applicable to library service, high cost of ICT equipment could not make it to be widely utilized by most libraries. Adidoye, Aderele and Adelokun (2010) stress that most library users and librarians could not afford the cost of common personal computer.

Strategies to overcome barriers to ICT integration

From the findings some of the strategies to overcome the barriers to ICT integration were that government should provide monetary support for ICT development, Training. This is a very important step in overcoming the barrier to ICT integration into the library services, the reason is because without funds both the equipment and the training of library staff that will manage these facilities will not be possible. according to Afolabi and Abidoye (2011) Government should endeavor to vote huge amount of money for ICT infrastructural development in libraries; There should be training and retraining for library staff at all level in respect of use of ICT. Other strategies were, the concept of e-library should be revitalized in Nigeria libraries, all taxes on ICT resources should be removed. Also where possible their prices should be subsidized and ICT equipment should be serviced regularly by expert, fault should be promptly and government monitoring of ICT policies.

Conclusion

In this age of information explosion, every information industry is up grading their services in other to maintain their client and remain competitive. Public libraries shouldn’t be left out, because they are part of the information industry, therefore must also upgrade if they must maintain their customer base and their relevance. They issue of integrating ICT to their services is a of paramount importance if they must survive and in other for them to successfully integrate ICT to their services; their parents institutions needs to provide sufficient funds both for the purchase of necessary facilities and the needed man power to operate them. It is on this note that this study was conducted to ascertain the extent of integration of ICT to public library operations. Without the use of ICT in library services, the library may never service their clients effectively and efficiently and would eventually be relegated to the past as the world is becoming more digitized.

Implications of the Study

The integration of ICT to library services will ensure that public libraries and other kinds of libraries remains relevant and continues to meet the information of their users. It will also ensure that the library is prepared for the future generations both in terms of technological changes and in user’s needs

Recommendation

Based on the findings from the study the following are the recommendations

There must be adequate planning and survey by any library before the introduction of ICT in order to forestall frequent change in the use of the hardware and software;
Libraries in their zeal to provide qualitative service should open an electronic library where users and library community who do not have the knowledge of the use of ICT can be trained so as to develop the skill on how to exploit the information available for them in the ICT media.
Adequate funds should be provided by the government and all stakeholders in education sector. This is necessary to enable libraries acquire and procure all ICT equipment that can improve the quality of their services.
Librarians should equally partake in ICT utilization in the educational enterprise as a developer and not an operative. This they could do by seeking appropriate training, consulting teachers and always considering curricula related educational needs and involvement. However, it is important that in the enthusiastic embracing of the introduction and application of ICT in the library, librarians should not neglect basic tasks like shelf tidying, stock editing and overdue recall.
There is need for complementary efforts by different stakeholders (librarians, governments etc.) to support effective ICT revolution in Nigeria. Appropriate training should be given to librarians in order to improve the qualities of their services.

REFERENCES

Aderele, S.O. and Adelokun, A.K. (2011) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Teacher Education Programme in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Teacher Education and Teaching Vol. 9, No 1, pp. 92-99
Afolabi, A.F. & Abidoye, J.A. (2012) The integration of information and communication technologies in library operations towards effective library services. African Society for Scientific Research (ASSR)
Aina, A. J. (2010). Information and communication technology resource support availability, utilization and proficiency skills among university libraries: the Lagos State University experience. Asian Journal of Information Technology, 9(4), 248-253.
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 Africa” The Electronic Library, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp 701 – 708
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Global Information Technology Report (2004). The networked readiness index rankings 2005. http://www.weforum.org/pdfrGlobal_Competitiveness_Reports/Reports/GIT R_2004_2005/Networked_Readiness_Index_Rankings.pdf
Gould, E. and Gomez, R. (2010). “New challenges for libraries in the information age: a comparative study of ICT in public libraries in 25 countries”. Information Development. 26(2) 166–176

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