The state of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in research institute libraries in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Research Institute libraries occupy prominent place in the creation, communication, consumption and dissemination of knowledge, data and information. Use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is gaining ascendancy in libraries in Higher Institutions of learning in Nigeria, particularly in the south western Nigeria. Little attention has been paid to ICTs use at the level of libraries in Research Institutes in south western Nigeria. This study supplies insight into the current state of ICTs in libraries of Research Institutes in south-western Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design, due to its extensive nature. The study population consisted of libraries in Research Institutes in south western Nigeria. The simple random sampling technique was adopted to select Research Institutes libraries Questionnaire and in depth interview methods were adopted to collect data on availability of ICT facilities, automation of library activities and the challenges of ICTs use in these libraries. Returned data were analysed to answer the formulated research question using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed evidence of use of ICTs in these libraries. Automation of library activities is slow and is at different stages of development. Challenges of ICT use in Research Institute libraries include: inadequate funding, irregular power supply, poor infrastructure, absence of good electronic networks and inadequate staff with ICT skills. It is essential for libraries in Research Institutes to have special grants from agencies to facilitate ICTs development and efficient service delivery to their clients.

Keywords: Library, Automation; Research, Institute, libraries; Nigeria; ICT, infrastructure