Acquisition of information and communication technology competencies by distance learners for effective utilization of library resources in NOUN Study Center Libraries in South East, Nigeria

Abstract

ICT competencies for learners are highly encouraged for enhancement of communication between the instructor and the learner and for information retrieval. The study is aimed at ascertaining the level of acquisition of information and communication technology competencies by distance learners for effective utilization of library resources in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study center libraries in south east. The research was guided by three research questions. The design adopted for this study was descriptive survey. The sample size is 391 but completed and returned questionnaire is 365. Data collected was analysed using frequency table and simple percentages. Findings from the study reveal that learners possess the ICT competencies. Problems militating the effective utilization of library resources were identified and strategies for enhancement. Recommendations include the provision of constant electricity as a basic necessity for the working of ICT tools, organization of workshops/orientations/seminars on the use of ICT in utilizing library resources, among others.

Keywords: Acquisition, ICT Competencies, Distance Learners, Libraries, Library resources