Limitations to the use of Information and Communication Technologies for Research in Nigerian University Libraries

Abstract

This study examined the problems the University library users encounter in the use of ICT facilities for sourcing information for research. The research design adopted for this study was survey type. A total of 12 university libraries drawn from the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria were involved as sample for this study Questionnaire with structured and open-ended questions were used as instrument for data collection. The result showed that inhibitors to the use of ICT facilities for research in our university libraries include: irregular power supply, lack of skilled library staff to assist users, frequent breakdown of equipment, difficulty of access, poor support infrastructure, etc. It is recommended that University libraries and government should encourage public-private partnership to promote ICT implementation in the libraries, and to form consortia at various levels in order to share resources.

Key word: Limitation, information utilization, ICT, Research, University libraries, Nigeria.