The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria A Case Study Imo State Public Library

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-1307-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of Library and Information Science (LIS), Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria (A Case Study Imo State Public Library)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

CHAPTER ONE

  • 1.1 Introduction
  • 1.2 Statement of the problem
  • 1.3 Objectives of study
  • 1.4 Research Questions
  • 1.5 Scope of the study
  • 1.6 Significance of the study
  • 1.7 Definition of operational basic concept

REFERENCES

CHAPTER TWO

  • Literature Review
  • 2.0 Introduction
  • 2.1 Concept of special and the REFERENCES service of library users
  • 2.2 Concept of automation and computerization in library user of REFERENCES service
  • 2.3 History and concept of ICT
  • 2.4 ICT application in REFERENCES service operation
  • 2.5 Manpower and training needs and ICT application in REFERENCES service
  • 2.6 Funding and management attitude and ICT application in REFERENCES service
  • 2.7 Problems and approach to ICT application in REFERENCES service

REFERENCES

CHAPTER THREE

  • Research Methodology
  • 3.0 Introduction
  • 3.1 Research design
  • 3.2 Population of the study
  • 3.3 Sample size and sampling techniques
  • 3.4 Instrument for data collection
  • 3.4.1 The Questionnaire
  • 3.5 Procedure for data collection
  • 3.6 Method of data analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

  • 4.0 Data presentation and analysis

CHAPTER FIVE

  • Summary of findings, conclusion
  • 5.0 Introduction
  • 5.1 Summary of findings
  • 5.2 Conclusion
  • 5.3 Recommendations
  • 5.4 Suggestions for further study

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX I

APPENDIX II

ABSTRACT

The study explores the “The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria, Imo State Public library.

The survey method of research was used in which twenty — four (24) questionnaire containing eighteen (18) questions in two (2) sections were administered on the respondents with a high rate of return. The research was presented in five chapters. The introductory aspect appears in chapter one, with chapter two centered on review of related literature and the methodology used for the research was fully explained in chapter three. The presentation and analysis of data was the focus of chapter four (4) with conclusion, summary of findings, recommendations and suggestions for further study in chapter five (5).

The major findings of the study shows that Imo State Library board is yet to be computerized and the inadequacy of ICT facilities, lack of skilled manpower, erratic power supplies and constant breakdown of equipment remains an impediments to full implementation of ICT in the reference service of library users, however recommendations on training/retraining of personnel and provision of fund were made as means of solving the identified problems.

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria (A Case Study Imo State Public Library)

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

Information and communication technology has been evolving rapidly the last half of the 20th century particularly since the 1960s and 1970s. It has revolutionalize the media and modes of computing, storing and communicating information. The changes in the processing and distributing of information made with enthusiasm and by necessity have affected society in many ways.

The use of information and communication technology in university libraries has tremendously increased because it provides enhanced user satisfaction, cost effectiveness, faster and simpler programmes, the rapid responses and easier operational procedures. The application here connect to internet in library and information organizations and it has some areas including catalog, access, document delivery, searching national and international datowerrise, and the use of personal computers. Ekejiuba, (1993).

Information and communication technology has been define as “the application of computers and other technologies to the acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information.” This definition implies that information and communication technology is restricted to systems dependent on a microelectronics based on combination of computing and communication technology.

It is also means that information and communication technology is broad-based term that encompassed the gathering (acquisition) organization (packaging) storage and retrieval (dissemination) of information data can be in textual and vocal forms (audio visual) or a combination of all the above (multi-media) using combination of computers and telecommunication (telephones). American Library Association (1992).

In as much as information and communication technology is today a widely accepted phenomenon in information gathering and dissemination, it has been observed that it's application in teaching hospitals or reference service has not be fully appreciated. This is so because most of these libraries are neither automated nor computerized, lack of equipment, no skilled technical manpower, no training programmes, inadequate training poor management attitude towards library matters and general environmental problems.

All these are however mere speculations in relation to the issue of the reference service of library users of Imo State University Teaching Hospital. It is therefore the interest of this study to empirically investigate the role of information and communication technology at the reference service of library users of ISLB. Solutions would be proffered to identify problems.

1.1 Background of the Study

Historical Background of Imo State Public Library

The imo state library board, owerri was founded in June 1986 alongside other institution that were founded that time. Formerly the institution was temporally located at Okigwe road secretariate Owerri before it was located to federal secretariate at port-harcourt road, in September 1996, under the leadership of Mr. E.I. Nsoro, who was its pioneer archivist On its establishment in 1986, imo state library board, owerri was under the ministry of Education. Later it was attached to ministry of youths, sports and culture before it finally found itself in the ministry of information and culture later in year 2001, “culture was remove from information and it comes known as ministry of information and National orientation.

The Imo state library board, has the following sections

  • Administrative Section
  • Account Section
  • Search room Section
  • Repository Section
  • Library Section
  • Binding Section

The History of Imo State Library Board

Imo state archives was established by Imo state government in 1981. However, it did not commence operation immediately as a result of delay in re lease of logistics and infrastructure formely, the institution was under the ministry of education, information, culture youth and sports until when information and culture was carried out as a suppurate ministry, Imo state archives because of this development the become a division under culture department. It remained so until year 2001 when the department of archives was carved out from culture, department of Imo state archive then became a full fledged department.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Information and Communication Technology has greatly been acknowledged to influence the operations and activities of man and his organizations. But its acquisition has been so greatly slow in most of the institutions needed, hence the foot dragging in its application to the operations of organization including reference service.

In as much as there are difficulties in the effective realization of the desires of ICT application as a result of the non-automation/computerization of libraries, manpower need and training programme, that of Imo State Library board has not been ascertained.

Yet to be ascertained also are the contributions of funds and management attitude to ICT application in reference service in Nigeria. Hence the imperatives of the present study to investigate on the application of ICT to the operations of ISLB The reference service of library users and the problems that could militate against it and proffer solutions accordingly.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

  1. To effectively carryout this research, the following objectives are formulated.
  2. To identify whether Imo State Library board is automated/ Computerized.
  3. To ascertain whether ICT equipment are provided for Imo State Library board operation.
  4. To find out whether Imo State Library board has the skilled technical manpower for ICT application.
  5. To determine whether there is standing ICT training programme at Imo State Library board for ICT application.
  6. To find out whether Imo State Library board is adequately funded for ICT application.
  7. To determine attitude of management towards Imo State Library board matters and ICT application.
  8. To identify the general problems of ICT application at Imo State Library board.
  9. To proffer solutions to identified problems of ICT application at Imo State Library board.

1.4 Research Questions

  • Is Imo State Library board automated / computerized?
  • Are ICT equipment provided for ABSUTY library operation?
  • Has Imo State Library board got the skilled technical manpower for ICT application?
  • Is there a standing ICT training programme at Imo State Library board for ICT application?
  • Is ISLB adequately funded for ICT application in its operations?
  • What is the attitude of management towards ABSUTY library matters and ICT application?
  • What are the general problems of ICT application at Imo State Library board?
  • What are the solutions to identified problems of ICT application at Imo State Library board?

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study is basically on the role of information and communication technology in references services of library users in Nigeria The reference service of library users Services, Abs. It covers only a particular library.

The study will reflect on the progress of ICT application in Imo State Library board and to have an in-depth study of the technologies available for the library operation.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is to provide the readers with a critical analysis of the present situation of information and communication technology application in libraries particularly the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Library (ISLB).

It will also be relevant to ISLB for the information technological studies in general and their library in particular. This study will stimulate library students to freely undertake research work in the academic libraries in Nigeria and the role they play in development of information in the country.

In addition, the study will tend to examine the problems associated with computerization of libraries, benefits derived from computerized service by both library users and their staff and also suggests to the library authorities meaningful ways of the improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the information and communication technology service in libraries.

1.8 Definition of Operational Basic Concepts

Application:

It is a Programme that enable the computer to do specific jobs in different fields of human endeavors. (Akukwe, 2003).

Information:

The meaning a human being assigns to data by means of the conventions applied to that data. (Drubbel, 2003).

Communication:

The flow of information from one point (the source) to another (the receiver). (Drubbel, 2003).

Technology:

The application of Science to practical human ends particularly to increase productivity and availability of leisure and to improve the quality of life. (Drubbel, 2003).

…

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

Summary Headlines for The Role of Information and Communication Technology in References Services of Library Users in Nigeria