Effect of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on Library and Information Science Curriculum in Higher Education in Africa: A Literature Study (Published)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)— characterized by the fusion of the digital, biological, and physical worlds, as well as the growing utilization of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, and advanced wireless technologies, among others—has ushered in a new era of economic disruption with uncertain socio-economic consequences for Africa. However, Africa has been left behind during the past industrial revolutions. Will this time be different? The fourth industrial revolution is associated with a lot of changes that intends to enforce digitalization, network and virtualization in every aspect of life. It has to do with library automation and data exchange in technologies which are based on digital technology. Several studies have revealed that fourth industrial revolution has started in Africa. It is an era that is using both digital and human element in the workforce. Report indicates that 4IR will create disruptions to future jobs and skills but will also simultaneously open new opportunities. There will be a demand for professionals with a blend of traditional and digital skills of subject knowledge. Thus, for LIS graduate to fit into the fourth industrial revolution, curriculum that has to do with modern practice has to be put in place. The emergence of the 4IR will have an effect on education with particular emphasis on curriculum development. The innovative technologies and socio-economic developments of the modern society was discussed and how it will affect the library education agenda, policies and the way forward. The implications of responding to 4IR with respect to curriculum development of Library and Information Science is of particular interest because it is training students for within the emergent 4IR milieu. Therefore, Fourth Industrial Revolution has both negative and positive effect on Library Science Students.
Keywords: Library, fourth industrial revolution (4IR), information science curriculum
Challenges and Strategies to Enhance Staff Development for Effective Library Services in Special Libraries in Benue State – Nigeria (Published)
The study was designed to examine the challenges as well as to find the remedies to staff development for effective library services in special libraries in Benue state of Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions in line with the objectives of the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for this study was 25 library staff from the 2 special libraries in Benue state. Data were collected using questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using percentage and mean scores. The findings revealed that, Lecture method, Job Rotation, Coaching Method, Mentorship, mention among others were accepted as methods used for staff development in special libraries The result also shows the problems associated with staff development in the special libraries to include lack of fund for developing library programmes, poor budgetary allocation to special libraries, lack of more sponsored programmes for staff development, discrimination against library staff by the management of parents’ organizations and lack of due process in staff selection for trainings. The study also recommended establishment of a well written staff development policy, placement of non-qualified personnel to head libraries should be checkmated by regulatory bodies, discrimination against library staff by parent organizations should be discouraged and provision of adequate training facilities. The study concluded that staff development may not be the magical approach for enhancing effective library services even though the attitudes of staff is significant but special libraries in Benue state need to improve their services to meet the growing demand for information in the modern era despite all odds.
Keywords: Library, Library Programme, Library Service, Nigeria, Staff Development