Application of Information and Communication Technology in circulation operations in sSelected Federal University Libraries in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

This work is designed to examine the application of Information and communication Technologies (ICTs) in circulation operations in selected Federal University Libraries in North Central, Nigeria. The study was guided by Five research questions in line with the objectives of the study. The design adopted for this study is survey  research design and all the circulation staff of University of Ilorin, Federal University Lokoja and University of Abuja made up the population of the study. The population of the three libraries is 12, 9 and 9 circulation staff (Non professional, paraprofessional and professional) respectively. The sample size of the study consists of 30 circulation staff. Data was collected using observation checklist, questionnaire and interview. The data was collected with the use of structured questionnaire from the 30 circulation staff in the university libraries and an observation carried out by the researcher. The entire thirty (30) copies of the questionnaire were correctly filled and returned and were used for this study. Data collected were analyzed using percentage. The results show that ICTs are utilized in circulation operations in the Federal University Libraries; ICT devices are available for circulation operations in the libraries among others. The study recommended that Government should endeavor to provide adequate funds for procurement of ICT facilities for university libraries to enhance automation of circulation operations; the university management should engage the circulation staff on continuous ICT training through organized seminars and workshops; library management and circulation staff should develop maintenance culture as to retain the value of the procured facilities and that the circulation staff should be closely monitored on how they use ICTs in circulation operations to avoid abuse of those facilities.

Keywords: Circulation, ICT, Academic Libraries.