ASSESSING INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY (IT) SKILLS OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA
ASSESSING INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY (IT) SKILLS OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA
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Date
2015
Authors
GANI, E.
Whong, F.M
Esew, M.
Barua, M.M.
KASA, M.G.
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Abstract
The paper assesses the state of, and requisite information technology skills that are necessary for academic librarians to be responsive, effective and efficient in the harnessing, acquisition and dispersal of information and services in digital environment. To undertake the study four research questions were raised to ascertain the qualifications of academic librarians, skills requirements, avenues for acquisition of skills and challenges to the acquisition of the requisite skills. Survey research method was adopted for the study to drawn sample randomly and purposefully for the administration of the instrument for data collection (structured questionnaire). A response rate of 83.9% was achieved and the data collected were analyzed descriptively using frequency distribution counts and percentages. The results reveals that academic librarians entry qualifications varied among universities, primarily BLIS and first degree in computer science, in addition higher degrees especially Masters of Library Science were also recorded. Skills acquired and utilized effectively by librarians comprise of website maintenance, system application and networking, whereas training were acquired from numerous avenues that comprise workshops, conferences and sandwich trainings. The skills lacking include use of web 2.0 technologies and software/system development. The study concluded that academic librarian play significant roles in facilitating and supporting teaching, learning and research. It is recommended that librarians participate in regular and sustain participation in trainings that can improve their competences as well as provide them with current and relevant digital information resources to administer effective and efficient services.
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ASSESSING INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY (IT) SKILLS,, ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS,, EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY,, NORTHWEST NIGERIA