Issues and challenges of utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources in federal university libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

This study provides an overview on issues and challenges of utilization of information and communication technology resources in federal university libraries in South- South Nigeria. In carrying out this study three research questions were posed A descriptive design was used for the study. The population of the study comprises of 108 librarians. 108 Questionnaires was distributed and 93(86%) were completed and returned. Observation checklist was also used to verify the ICT resources available in the libraries under study. In analyzing the data obtained, frequency counts, simple percentage, and mean score were used as the statistical methods. The major findings of the study revealed that fax (facsimile), projector screen and digital camera were not available out of others ICT resources available in the libraries. Challenges identified includes lack of ICT skills, economic barriers(fund), inadequate space to accommodate many users, poor power supply, in adequate ICT resources, lack of functional ICT policy, inadequate time for its users and attitude of the library staff in ICT section. Besides, many strategies were suggested to enhance maximum use of these resources. Based on the findings, it was recommended that available ICT resources should be accessible to users, power supply should be improved upon; regular ICT programmes should be organized for the library staff; provision of adequate ICT resources, adequate fund should be provided, and more structures should be put in place to accommodate more users.

Keywords: Issues, Challenges; Utilization, Information; Communication; Technology (ICT); University Libraries; South-South, Nigeria