Nigeria

Assessment of Soft Competencies Strategies Among Information Professionals’ in Selected Academic Institutions in South West, Nigeria (Published)

The library is a service-focused organization. As a result, in addition to having technical expertise, an information professional heading a library needs soft skills to deliver high-quality services to stakeholders and improve performance. This essay is the outcome of research done in academic institutions in South West, Nigeria, to identify the soft skill attributes that information professionals need in order to efficiently and successfully manage libraries, as well as to look at the soft skill attributes in information professionals. Studying the soft skill performance was done with stakeholders including students, non-teaching personnel, and teaching staff in mind. Questionnaires were distributed in the institutions located in six geographical location which University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. From each institution 5 teaching staff, 5 non-teaching staff and 10 students were identified for the study and were asked to rate soft skill performance of Information professional of their respective institutions. The findings demonstrated that there are no appreciable differences in the soft skill performance of information professionals across the Southwest Nigerian academic institutions. Additionally, the study’s conclusion said that there is a positive association between information professionals’ performance in soft skills as reported by stakeholders and the soft competencies that all stakeholders from the institutions demand. The authors have provided some recommendations to enhance the performance of information professionals in the institutions with respect to soft skills based on the study’s findings.

Keywords: Nigeria, communication competencies, information professional's competencies, leadership competencies, soft competencies

Librarianship in The Era of Digital Divide: Review of Literature (Published)

Librarianship is an evolving discipline having its feet in partially every profession. It is the foundation upon which all other professions in the world over built their structure of existence.  It is no longer news that the application of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) has revolutionized the practice of librarianship. This paper therefore, examined the place of librarians in the digital divide. Furthermore, the assumption that those who have knowledge of ICTs are adequately equipped with functional information than those who do not was also examined. Who librarians are and their responsibilities, effects of digital divide on librarianship practice, factors contributory to the digital divide and the challenges confronting the practice in the digital divide were highlighted. The paper concluded that training and re-training of librarians in the form of capacity building is inevitable if librarians will occupy their space in the digital era.

Keywords: Digital Divide, Information & Communication Technologies, Librarians, Nigeria, librarianship, university libraries

A Bibliometric Analysis of Research in Science and Technology in Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria (Published)

Research in science and technology is a very key component in the development of any country. It helps birth creativity and innovation which are essential for the economic and social progress of the country. The study set out to empirically document the research productivity and impact of research in science and technology, emanating from the Federal University Otuoke. The research adopted a mixed methodology with quantitative and qualitative tools to elicit data for the study and analysis. Researchers engaged in science and technology in Federal University Otuoke- Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Education made up the study population. To elicit data for the study, an online questionnaire was designed and shared on the existing social academic platforms in the university. A qualitative content analysis of the Google Scholar profiles of researchers in these Faculties was also carried out. The study further conducted interview sessions with the Heads of related Departments. Findings reveal that a total of 2,124 publications are visible from 102 science and technology researchers in Education, Engineering and Science. Chemistry is leading with a citation frequency of 5,649 from 500 publications. A significant relationship has been established between publications output and citation frequency/impact.

 

Keywords: Nigeria, Research, bibliometric analysis., science & technology

A Comparative Analysis of ICT Proficiency Possessed Among The Federal University Library Staff in North East, Nigeria (Published)

The study is a comparative analysis of the ICT proficiency level possessed among the Federal University Library Staff in North East, Nigeria. Four objectives were formulated to guide the study: determine which university library staff possesses the highest basic ICT proficiency among the federal university libraries in the northeast, Nigeria; determine which university library staff possesses the highest intermediate CT proficiency among the federal university libraries in the northeast, Nigeria; determine which university library staff possesses the highest advanced ICT proficiency among the federal university libraries in the northeast, Nigeria, and to; determine the overall average of ICT proficiency of library staff of federal university libraries in the northeast, Nigeria. In line with the objectives, four research questions were answered. The study adopted the descriptive research design of the survey. A questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument with a population of two hundred and seventy-six (276) library staff of all federal university libraries in northeast, Nigeria using a purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation displayed in tables. The study found that: Ramat Library of the University of Maiduguri has a mean of 3.55 and a standard deviation of 0.84, and possesses the highest basic ICT proficiency among the federal university libraries staff in northeast, Nigeria; The University of Maiduguri Ramat Library has the highest mean rating of 2.72 with a standard deviation of 0.92 is hereby declared the “highest library staff that possesses intermediate ICT proficiency skills among the federal university libraries in the North East, Nigeria; The University of Maiduguri Ramat library staff having the highest mean score of 2.05 and standard deviation of 0.73 possesses the highest advanced ICT proficiency skills in federal university libraries in the northeast, Nigeria, and, the overall ICT proficiency possessed in all federal university libraries in the northeast, Nigeria as indicated by the cluster mean is fair. It is recommended among others that the stakeholders in library management should provide effective training for their library staff.

Keywords: Comparative Analysis, Federal University, ICT proficiency, Nigeria, and north east, library staff

Digital Library Services in University Libraries in Nigeria: A Literature Study (Published)

Digitization of information resources for making digital library is the process of converting information into a digital (i.e. computer-readable) format. The result is the representation of an object, image, sound, document, or signal (usually an analog signal) obtained by generating a series of numbers that describe a discrete set of points or samples. The result is called digital representation or, more specifically, a digital image, for the object, and digital form, for the signal. On the one hand it can be argued that dramatic changes have been made at academic libraries in response to the new digital information environment. Most academic libraries, including University Libraries in Nigeria, offers a wide range of digital services and resources. But on the other hand, at a closer examination, one will find that these services and resources are mainly organized according to traditional library principles. In this case a guiding principle for the digital library need to be set up to create systematic and well organized general services and e-resources, for example subject specific gateway services. Thus, the digital part of the library functioned as an extension of the traditional library, an enterprise on the side with relatively high priority in this digital age, especially for of e-journals

Citation: Olubiyo P.O. and Olubiyo L.M. (2023)   Digital Library Services in University Libraries in Nigeria: A Literature Study, International Journal of Library and Information Science Studies, Vol.9, No.4, pp.1-12

Keywords: Nigeria, digital library services, university libraries

Strategies for Preservation of Electronic Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria (Published)

Modern academic libraries preserve collections that include not only printed materials such as, books, periodicals, newspapers, and magazines, but also electronic resources such as art reproductions, films, sound and video recordings, maps, photographs, microfiches, microfilms, CD-ROMs, computer software, online databases, and other media. In addition to preserving collections within library buildings, modern academic libraries often feature telecommunications links that provide users with access to information at remote sites. Digital preservation, in this context is the process of giving electronic information resources long life. Preservation of Electronic Information Resources is essentially a way of preserving the functionality of and access to digital information which might otherwise be lost due to technological obsolescence, therefore, migration and other methods of preserving electronic records can be adopted. Migration is a set of organized task designed to achieve periodic transfer of digital materials from one hardware/software configuration to another or from one generation of computer technology to a subsequent generation.

Citation: Olubiyo P.O. and Olubiyo L.M. (2023)   Strategies for Preservation of Electronic Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria, International Journal of Library and Information Science Studies, Vol.9, No.3, pp.50-62

 

Keywords: Academic Libraries, Nigeria, Strategies., preservation of electronic information resources

Assessment of Interpersonal Communication Skills for Provision of Reference Services in Academic Libraries, Kogi State, Nigeria: A Study of Eight Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State (Published)

The study dwells on assessment of interpersonal communication skills for provision of reference services in academic libraries in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study covered eight tertiary institutions in the State.  Five research questions in line with the objective of the study were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consists of all professional and para-professional librarians in tertiary Institutions in Kogi State. However, simple random sampling technique was used in selecting fifteen (15) library personnel each from the eight (8) tertiary institutions in Kogi state to make the total of 120 respondents for the study. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and data collected from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistics of simple percentage, frequency count and mean, which was further presented in pie chat and histogram. The result of the findings revealed that academic library personnel in Kogi State possess interpersonal communication skills to a great extent and these skills are quite effective in reference and information service delivery. The study recommended that academic libraries in Kogi State should be proactive in enhancing various reference services so as to be more committed in assisting the users in satisfying their needs. Furthermore, reference librarians and other library personnel should strive to possess various forms of verbal, non-verbal interpersonal communication skills in order to be able to serve their users with the right information, at the right time and to enhance high patronage.

Citation: Agunsoye, F.B. (2023) Assessment of Interpersonal Communication Skills for Provision of Reference Services in Academic Libraries, Kogi State, Nigeria: A Study of Eight Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State, International Journal of Library and Information Science Studies, Vol.9, No.3, pp.10-23

Keywords: Academic Libraries, Kogi State, Nigeria, Tertiary Institutions, interpersonal communication skills, reference services

Factors Affecting the Technology Skills and Job Performance of Library Professionals in Nigerian Universities (Published)

This study investigated the factors affecting technology skills, and job performance of library professionals in selected public universities in southwest Nigeria with the aim of finding out the level of technology skills, and job performance of the library professionals. Twelve public academic libraries comprising state and federal universities were selected for the study, and the total enumeration technique was adopted to examine 376 library staff consisting of academic librarians and library officers. Questionnaire was used for the data collection. Descriptive analyses were employed, and the results were presented in tables using frequency counts and percentages. It was found from the findings that the majority of the respondents were self-efficient in handling the technology facilities while some were just craving self-technology development. Erratic power supply and inadequate funds, among others were factors affecting the technology skills and job performance of the library professionals. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that library management should prioritize the constant acquisition of technology facilities, continuous ICT training be organized for library professionals, adequate funds be allocated to the libraries, and the factor of erratic power supply be resolved by providing stable power supply.

Citation: Olabisi Iyabode Moruwawon and  Shailendra Kumar (2023) Factors Affecting the Technology Skills and Job Performance of Library Professionals in Nigerian Universities, International Journal of Library and Information Science Studies, Vol.9, No.1, pp.12-29

Keywords: Factors, Nigeria, Public University, Southwest, library professionals, technology skills

Library Marketing Indicators on Students’ Patronage of Information Services in Federal Universities in South-South Nigeria (Published)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of library marketing indicators on students’ patronage of information services in federal universities in South-South Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. The population of the study was all the 31273 registered undergraduate library users in federal universities library in the 2021/2022 academic session. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 790 students for the study. A researcher developed questionnaire named “Library Marketing Indicators and Students’ Patronage of Information Services Questionnaire” was used in collecting data for the study. The instrument was face validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and a coefficient of .82 was obtained. Mean was used to answer the research questions while independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings of the study indicated that there is significant influence of library marketing indicators on students’ patronage of information services in federal universities in South-South Nigeria. It was recommended among others that librarians need to acquire marketing skills that will enable them effectively brand their libraries and the information services the library offers as this marketing strategy influences students’ patronage of information services. 

Citation: Obi H.E.  (2023) Library Marketing Indicators on Students’ Patronage of Information Services in Federal Universities in South-South Nigeria, International Journal of Library and Information Science Studies, Vol.9, No.1, pp.1-11

Keywords: Federal Universities, Nigeria, South-South, information services, library marketing indicators, students’ patronage

Frequency and Perceived Enjoyment of the Use of Web 2.0 Tools by Undergraduates of Two Universities in Nigeria (Published)

Many undergraduates in Nigerian universities are faced with problems of nervousness, apprehension and lack of confidence or ability in the use of Web 2.0 tools. Even when some of them have the skill, the ICT infrastructure may not be available, accessible, sustainable, affordable, modern or of top-notch quality. These factors may not allow them to use the tools frequently and/or enjoy using them. It is to this end that this study sets out to investigate how frequent and enjoyable undergraduates in the two first generation Nigerian universities under review are finding the use of Web 2.0 tools for academic activities.Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 290 out of a population of 35,902. Data collected from 281 respondents who duly filled and returned copies of the structured questionnaire given out at the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that the types of Web 2.0 tools that were regularly used by the students include Facebook, GoogleAD, Websites/Blogs, Email Tutorials, Twitter and YouTube. It could be inferred that the students perceived that enjoyment in the use of Web 2.0 tools lies in the fact that the actual process of using Web 2.0 tools is pleasurable, improves social networking, make Online/Internet chatting and learning exciting, satisfying and hence, enjoyable. There was a significant positive relationship (r = .291; df = 280; p < 0.05) between perceived enjoyment and use of Web 2.0 tools by the undergraduates. This implies that the higher the perceived enjoyment, the more they use Web 2.0 tools for academic activities. It is therefore recommended that students be exposed to a wider range of Web 2.0 tools for gainful learning experiences which may lead to good academic achievements. Provision of a very stable Internet connectivity is also advised for a faster, sustainable, more frequent and enjoyable use of the tools. Moreso, since perceived enjoyment is confirmed a factor in the use of the tools, it is suggested that state of the art ICT infrastructure be provided and the environment of the ICT Laboratories be made more conducive for a tireless, gainful, enjoyable and game-changing academic activities using the Web 2.0 tools.

Citation: Mercy Adewoye and  Taiwo Adetoun Akinde  (2022) Frequency and Perceived Enjoyment of the Use of Web 2.0 Tools by Undergraduates of Two Universities in Nigeria, International Journal of Library and Information Science Studies, Vol.8, No.3, pp.1-23

 

Keywords: Nigeria, Nigerian Universities, Undergraduates, perceived enjoyment, web 2.0 tools