Extent of library staff, ICT competence and knowledge of library automation in Osun State University

Abstract

The computerization of academic library operations and services has become imperative in the current era, especially to guarantee a global outlook. Hence, there is the need for library personnel to be technologically skilled to operate in their space. The study assessed the extent of library staff ICT competence and knowledge of library automation in Osun State University. The survey research design was adopted using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. Population of the study comprised of all the 30 library staff of the University library. All 30 questionnaires distributed were usably retrieved. Findings revealed that 76.6% of library staff have necessary ICT skills, 80% indicated that they enjoy working with computer and automation software in use, while 63.33% have sufficient knowledge of library automation. However, only 30% agree that the automation software (KOHA) provided enabled easier and faster information search and retrieval, and 40% agree that there was regular access to available information. It was recommended that up-to-date and continuous training and retraining of library staff in the area of ICT skills acquisition and on use of library automation software being used should be a part of academic library policy.