Project – ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries have become increasingly important in the Cross River State (CRS) of Nigeria. The integration of ICT in library services has revolutionized the way information is stored, retrieved, and disseminated (Aina, 2004). It has also enhanced the efficiency of library operations and services, making it easier for users to access and use information resources. However, the level of ICT skills among library staff and the extent of access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS is a subject that requires further exploration.

Several studies have been conducted on the use of ICT in libraries, but few have focused specifically on academic libraries in CRS. A study by Oduwole and Akpati (2003) found that the use of ICT in Nigerian libraries was still in its infancy, with many libraries lacking the necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel to effectively utilize ICT. This suggests that there may be a gap in ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS.

The lack of ICT skills among library staff can significantly hinder the effective use of electronic operation resources. According to Aina (2004), library staff need to be proficient in ICT to effectively manage and use electronic resources. This includes skills in computer operation, internet use, database management, and electronic cataloguing. Without these skills, library staff may struggle to provide efficient and effective services to library users.

Access to electronic operation resources is another critical factor in the effective use of ICT in academic libraries. These resources include electronic databases, e-books, e-journals, and other digital materials. A study by Oduwole and Akpati (2003) found that many Nigerian libraries lacked access to these resources, which significantly limited their ability to provide quality services to their users. This suggests that access to electronic operation resources may be a challenge in academic libraries in CRS.

However, it is important to note that the situation may have improved since these studies were conducted. Recent advancements in technology and increased investment in ICT infrastructure may have enhanced the level of ICT skills among library staff and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS. Further research is needed to ascertain the current state of ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in these libraries.

In conclusion, ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources are critical for the effective operation of academic libraries. While there may be challenges in these areas in academic libraries in CRS, there is potential for improvement with increased investment in ICT infrastructure and training. Future research should focus on assessing the current state of ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS is a multifaceted issue that has been the subject of numerous studies. The first issue is the lack of ICT skills among library staff and users. According to Ajuwon (2003), many library staff in developing countries lack the necessary ICT skills to effectively manage and use electronic resources. This lack of skills hinders the effective use of these resources, leading to underutilization and inefficiency.

The second issue is the lack of access to electronic operation resources. Despite the proliferation of ICT and the increasing digitization of information, many academic libraries in CRS still lack adequate access to electronic resources. As noted by Ojedokun and Owolabi (2003), many libraries in developing countries do not have sufficient electronic resources, and those that do often face issues with internet connectivity and power supply.

The third issue is the lack of training and support for library staff and users. According to Ocholla (2007), many libraries in developing countries do not provide adequate training and support for their staff and users in the use of ICT and electronic resources. This lack of training and support further exacerbates the issues of lack of skills and access.

The fourth issue is the lack of policies and strategies for the integration of ICT and electronic resources in libraries. As noted by Mutula (2008), many libraries in developing countries do not have clear policies and strategies for the integration of ICT and electronic resources. This lack of policies and strategies hinders the effective integration and use of these resources.

The fifth issue is the lack of funding for ICT and electronic resources. According to Aina (2004), many libraries in developing countries lack the necessary funding to acquire and maintain ICT and electronic resources. This lack of funding hinders the acquisition and maintenance of these resources, leading to their underutilization and inefficiency.

The sixth issue is the lack of research on the use of ICT and electronic resources in libraries in CRS. According to Okello-Obura and Magara (2008), there is a lack of research on the use of ICT and electronic resources in libraries in developing countries. This lack of research hinders the understanding and improvement of these issues.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS. The specific objectives are:

1. To assess the level of ICT skills among library staff in academic libraries in CRS.
2. To evaluate the availability and accessibility of electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS.
3. To identify the challenges faced by library staff in utilizing ICT skills and accessing electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS.
4. To examine the impact of ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources on the service delivery of academic libraries in CRS.

1.4 Research Questions

The research questions are stated below:

1. What is the level of ICT skills among library staff in academic libraries in CRS?
2. How available and accessible are electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS?
3. What are the challenges faced by library staff in utilizing ICT skills and accessing electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS?
4. What is the impact of ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources on the service delivery of academic libraries in CRS?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Level of ICT skills has no significant impact on library staff in academic libraries in CRS

H₁: Level of ICT skills has significant impact on library staff in academic libraries in CRS

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of studying ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS is multifold.

Firstly, understanding the level of ICT skills among library staff can provide insights into the current capabilities of the workforce. This can help in identifying gaps in knowledge and skills, which can then be addressed through targeted training and development programs. This is crucial as the effective use of ICT is key to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of library services.

Secondly, evaluating the availability and accessibility of electronic operation resources can shed light on the resources that are currently available and how easily they can be accessed by library staff. This can help in identifying areas where resources may be lacking or where access may be difficult, which can then be addressed to ensure that library staff have the resources they need to perform their duties effectively.

Thirdly, identifying the challenges faced by library staff in utilizing ICT skills and accessing electronic operation resources can provide valuable information on the obstacles that need to be overcome. This can help in developing strategies and solutions to address these challenges, thereby improving the overall performance of the library.

Fourthly, examining the impact of ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources on the service delivery of academic libraries can provide evidence of the importance of these factors. This can help in making the case for the allocation of resources and the prioritization of initiatives aimed at improving ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources.

Fifthly, the findings of this study can contribute to the body of knowledge on the role of ICT in academic libraries, which can be useful for other researchers and practitioners in the field.

Lastly, the results of this study can be used to inform policy and decision-making in academic libraries, thereby helping to improve the quality of library services and the experiences of library users.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS. The study is limited to selected institution in Nigeria.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

ICT: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It includes the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.

Skill: A skill is the ability to perform an action with determined results often within a given amount of time, energy, or both. Skills can often be divided into domain-general and domain-specific skills.

Access: Access refers to the ability or right to use, approach, or enter something or somewhere. In the context of ICT, it often refers to the ability to use and benefit from digital or electronic resources.

Electronic Operation Resources: Electronic operation resources refer to digital tools, platforms, and systems that aid in the operation and management of an organization. In the context of libraries, these could include digital databases, online catalog systems, e-books, and other digital resources.

Academic Libraries: Academic libraries are libraries that are attached to a higher education institution which serves two complementary purposes to support the school’s curriculum, and to support the research of the university faculty and students.

CRS: CRS could refer to a number of things, and without specific context, it’s difficult to provide a precise definition. In the context of libraries, it could potentially refer to a “Collection Reference Service,” which is a service that helps users find and access the resources they need. However, without more information, I can’t provide a definitive answer.

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Project – ICT skills and access to electronic operation resources in academic libraries in CRS