Covid-19 and quality service delivery of academic libraries in Oyo State

Abstract

The outbreak and subsequent spread of COVID-19 to the West African sub-region have brought significant changes to the different aspects of our lives and grounded educational system and also, the quality of service delivered in the various academic institution libraries. The main thrust of the study is to examine covid-19 and quality service delivery of academic libraries in Oyo State. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study. A sample size of 80 librarians was selected through the simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was the instrument used for collecting data for the study which was titled ‘COVID-19 and Quality Service Delivery Questionnaire’ (C-19QSDQ)’. Three research questions were raised in the study. The research questions were analysed using descriptive statistics of simple percentages, Mean and Standard Deviation. Results revealed that some of the library service delivered in the covid-19 era include; reference service by e-mail or the web technology, virtual reference utilities, Instant messaging applications and Instant messaging applications. lack of awareness of new library resources due to the covid-19 pandemic, suspension of all book loans, Information services are suspended and o access to some electronic information resources were the effect of covid-19 on quality service delivery. Poor information literary skills and digital literacy, insufficient communication skills among library personnel and lack of trained and skilled manpower were some of the challenges encountered by librarians in service delivery. It could be concluded that covid-19 has effect on quality service delivery and if necessary steps are not taken, it could further inhibit the quality of services delivered in the library. Consequently, it was recommended that librarians should also be trained more on how to use ICT more effectively in this pandemic period as this would enhance their service delivery even if some of the staff would be working from home.