Relationship between digital skills and access on the ease-of-use of open source library management software among librarians in university libraries of North-Central States, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between digital skills and access on the ease-of-use of open source library management software among librarians in university libraries of North-Central States, Nigeria. The study covered a population of 301 librarians and used the total enumeration sampling technique, employing a descriptive survey research design and copies of the self-developed structured questionnaire which was adopted as the research instrument on the librarians. Analysis methods include Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, and multiple regression. The findings revealed that digital skills have a considerable influence on the ease-of-use of open source library management software among librarians in North-Central Nigeria. Also, the results indicated a significant association between access and ease of use of OSLMS in university it was concluded that there is a significant relationship between digital skills, access and ease-of-use of open source library management software. The paper recommended that library management needs enhanced training programs tailored to equip librarians with advanced digital skills and the ability to curate digital collections effectively through seminars, workshops, and conferences. Furthermore, librarians, library associations, and stakeholders should advocate for increased funding for libraries, emphasising the critical role that modern library technologies like OSLMS play in enhancing education and research. Additionally, there is a need to continue upgrading the hardware and software to perform tasks effectively, safely, efficiently, engaging error tolerance, and easy to use.