INFLUENCE OF ICT LITERACY SKILLS ON ITS APPLICATION FOR LIBRARY USE AMONG ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the influence of ICT literacy on its application for library services by academic librarians.  The study was guided by six research questions. Descriptive survey design was adopted in carrying out the study. The population of the study was made up of 93 librarians in 4 federal Universities in South East Geo-political zones of Nigeria. Out of the 93,56.9% were from University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),9.8%were from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (NAUA),(25.8% from Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and 7.5% from Federal University of Agriculture Umudike (FUAU). A questionnaire was used for data collection, “Influence of ICT Literacy on its applications by Academic Librarians” (IILAAL). Percentages and mean scores were used to analyse the data generated.  The results for the analysis showed that more than 75% of the respondents agreed that most of the ICT facilities are available and functional.  It was also found out that the ICT literacy skills among the academic librarians are high. Furthermore, it was found out that formal and informal education, colleagues, self study, training at work place, attending IT programme and workshops/seminars are methods of acquiring ICT literacy skills.  It also revealed that ICT literacy is required to effectively utilize the ICT  applications in the library. Financial problems and poor ICT infrastructure are the most serious hindrances to the acquisition of ICT literacy skills as revealed by the study.  It equally showed that the use of public awareness platform, applied ICT literacy, NGOs and Government collaboration enhance ICT literacy skills acquisition.  Based on  the findings it was recommended that individuals should be sensitized on the availability of ICT facilities and be encouraged to use them for their personal and library services.  Academic librarians should constantly use computer system and the internet in order to attain ICT literacy proficiency, they should also be sponsored abroad for ICT literacy training, library management software should be acquired and installed for efficient and effective library services; funds, ICT infrastructure and training opportunities should be provided by the government, NGOs and other stakeholders .