Training in the use of information and communication technology and its impact on searching skills among research officers in the council for scientific and industrial

Abstract

This study looked at training in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its impact on searching skills among research officers in six selected institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The libraries of the various institutes are responsible for providing training for research officers in ICT skills. The objective was to determine the extent of ICT training provided to the research officers, the level of skills acquired, and impact of the training on searching skills. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire and interviews. The findings of the study revealed that the research officers were given training in the use of computers, the Internet, and databases. It also showed that generally, the level of skills acquired in the use of ICT was high. The research further revealed that the use of ICT enhanced work performance of the research officers. The basic conclusion of this study is that training in the use of ICT facilities among research officers has impacted positively on their searching skills.