Contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to Providing Access to Academic and Administrative Resources in Federal Polytechnic Library, Bauchi
Chapter One
Objective of the Study
The objectives of this study are as follows:
- To assess the role of ICT in enhancing access to academic resources in Federal Polytechnic Library Bauchi.
- To evaluate the impact of ICT on improving access to administrative resources in the library.
- To identify the challenges faced by the library in implementing and utilizing ICT to provide access to resources effectively.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of key concepts relevant to the study, including the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries, access to resources, and the enhancement of administrative efficiency. It will emphasize the importance of ICT in improving service delivery, resource accessibility, and streamlining administrative functions within academic libraries. The chapter will introduce the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that guide the study. Additionally, it will outline the structure, covering the conceptual and theoretical frameworks, empirical reviews, and the uniqueness of the study, highlighting gaps in existing research.
Theoretical Framework
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), developed by Davis in 1989, is a well-established framework for understanding how users come to accept and use technology. TAM suggests that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are the primary factors influencing the adoption of new technologies. According to Davis (1989), users are more likely to accept a technology if they believe it will improve their performance (usefulness) and is easy to use (ease of use). This model has been widely supported as a framework to examine the acceptance of technology across various sectors, including education and library systems (Venkatesh et al., 2003).
Support for TAM comes from its broad applicability in diverse contexts, particularly in educational settings, where it has been used to examine the adoption of ICT tools and resources in academic institutions (Davis, 1989). The model has proven to be an effective tool for understanding how students, faculty, and staff in libraries, such as those at Federal Polytechnic Library, come to accept and utilize ICT tools like digital databases and Library Management Systems (LMS). Furthermore, TAM provides insights into how these perceptions affect the usage patterns and efficiency of library services.
However, TAM has been criticized for its oversimplification of factors influencing technology acceptance. One common critique is that the model does not account for the role of external factors such as organizational culture, available technological infrastructure, or training needs (Venkatesh et al., 2003). For instance, in settings where ICT infrastructure is inadequate or where users lack training, the model may not fully explain why certain technologies are not adopted or used to their full potential.
Despite these limitations, TAM remains relevant to this study as it helps to assess how perceived ease of use and usefulness influence the acceptance of ICT tools in Federal Polytechnic Library. The basic assumption of TAM—that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are key determinants of ICT adoption—provides a useful lens through which to analyze user behavior about library technologies. However, a critique of the model suggests that it may not fully capture the broader contextual factors such as technological infrastructure, user training, and institutional support, which are crucial for the successful implementation and adoption of ICT in libraries.
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CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter outlines the methodology employed in this study, providing a detailed explanation of the research approach, design, population, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analytical procedures used to investigate the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Federal Polytechnic Library in Bauchi. The chapter begins with an overview of the research methodology adopted, followed by a justification of the research design, population, and sample size. It also discusses the tools and techniques used to gather and analyze data, as well as the measures taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the study. Finally, the ethical considerations associated with the study are presented.
Population of the Study
The target population for this study is the staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic Library in Bauchi. The institution has a large number of stakeholders, including academic staff, library staff, and students. The total population is estimated to be 20,000 individuals, comprising both teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as students enrolled in various programs. The decision to focus on this population is grounded in the desire to assess the integration of ICT from the perspective of those who directly use library services and administrative systems.
The study’s emphasis on a large, diverse group of respondents is crucial for capturing the full range of experiences and opinions regarding ICT adoption. By including both library staff and students, the study ensures that data is representative of all key stakeholders. The 20,000-person target population reflects the scale of the library’s operations, which serves a large number of individuals with varying degrees of exposure to ICT tools.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
Introduction
Chapter Four presents the analysis and discussion of the research findings on the role of ICT in enhancing access to academic and administrative resources in Federal Polytechnic Library Bauchi. This chapter provides a detailed examination of the data collected through surveys, focusing on the effectiveness of ICT integration, its impact on library operations, and the challenges encountered in its implementation. The findings are analyzed about the research questions and hypotheses, offering valuable insights into the influence of ICT on library resource accessibility. The results are also compared with existing literature to contextualize the study’s contributions to the field.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Chapter Five presents the concluding part of this research, providing a comprehensive summary of the study, a detailed interpretation of the findings, conclusions drawn from the results, and practical recommendations for relevant stakeholders. The chapter highlights the implications of the study’s outcomes about the objectives and hypotheses that guided the research. It reflects on the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing access to academic and administrative resources while also addressing the challenges associated with ICT implementation.
Summary of the Study
The study aimed to explore the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing access to academic and administrative resources at the Federal Polytechnic Library, Bauchi. The research focused on three key objectives: to assess the role of ICT in improving access to academic resources, to evaluate its impact on administrative resources, and to identify the challenges faced by the library in implementing and utilizing ICT effectively.
The study employed a quantitative research design using a survey approach with a total of 392 respondents, including students, staff, and faculty members. The data collection was done through a structured questionnaire that included both closed-ended and Likert scale questions to gather responses on various aspects of ICT use in the library. The study aimed to gain insight into how ICT affects the accessibility of both academic and administrative resources and the challenges that hinder its optimal use.
The findings revealed that ICT plays a significant role in enhancing access to academic resources in the library. A majority of the respondents affirmed that ICT tools have made academic resources more accessible and have improved the speed of locating these resources. Additionally, the availability of e-resources was considered a significant factor in supporting academic research and learning. These results showed that ICT has positively impacted the academic experience of students and faculty by providing better access to information.
On the administrative side, the study found that ICT has improved the efficiency of managing library tasks such as registration, cataloging, and circulation. The integration of ICT has made it easier to track and manage administrative records, and it has streamlined library operations, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the library staff in performing their duties.
However, the study also highlighted several challenges in the implementation of ICT at the library. These challenges included insufficient training for staff on how to use ICT tools effectively, technical issues such as system downtimes that disrupted access to resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of funding for the maintenance and upgrade of ICT systems. These challenges limit the full potential of ICT in improving library services and accessing resources.
Summary of Findings
In this study, the primary goal was to assess the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing access to both academic and administrative resources at the Federal Polytechnic Library, Bauchi. The research also sought to identify the challenges faced by the library in implementing and effectively utilizing ICT tools. Through a quantitative research approach, utilizing surveys among a total of 392 respondents, the study provided valuable insights into the impact of ICT on the library’s resource accessibility and highlighted several key findings.
The first objective of the study was to determine how ICT affects access to academic resources in the Federal Polytechnic Library, Bauchi. The findings revealed that a significant majority of respondents recognized the positive role of ICT in making academic resources more accessible. A high percentage of participants strongly agreed (38.27%) and agreed (30.61%) that ICT has made academic resources more accessible to both students and faculty. The ability to locate academic resources more quickly was also cited as one of the key benefits of ICT use. This finding is consistent with the modern trend of digitization in libraries, where ICT tools such as digital catalogs, online databases, and e-resources improve the speed and accuracy of information retrieval. 35.71% of respondents strongly agreed, and 33.16% agreed that ICT has enhanced the speed at which academic resources can be located in the library.
Moreover, the availability of e-resources was another significant factor contributing to the improvement in academic research and learning. The study found that 45.92% of respondents strongly agreed and 30.61% agreed that e-resources have played a vital role in supporting academic research. This finding aligns with the growing importance of e-resources in contemporary educational settings, where access to scholarly articles, journals, e-books, and other academic materials is crucial for research and learning. By providing easy access to these resources, ICT tools have contributed to improving the academic environment at the library.
The second objective of the study focused on evaluating the impact of ICT on the accessibility of administrative resources in the library. The findings from the study indicated that ICT has had a significant impact on the management and accessibility of administrative resources. A majority of respondents agreed that ICT has enhanced the efficiency of managing administrative tasks in the library. Specifically, 40.82% strongly agreed, and 30.61% agreed that ICT has streamlined administrative tasks. These administrative tasks include processes such as registration, cataloging, and circulation. The integration of ICT tools into these processes has made the overall functioning of the library more efficient, allowing staff to manage resources more effectively and in less time. Furthermore, 38.27% of respondents strongly agreed, and 33.16% agreed that ICT has improved the accessibility of administrative records for both staff and students. This improved accessibility is essential for the smooth running of the library, especially in managing student records, library membership, and resource circulation.
Despite the positive impact of ICT on academic and administrative resource accessibility, the study also identified several challenges that the Federal Polytechnic Library faces in implementing and utilizing ICT effectively. One of the most prominent challenges identified was the insufficient training for staff on how to use ICT tools effectively. The findings showed that 45.92% of respondents strongly agreed, and 30.61% agreed that the library staff lacked adequate training. Staff training is crucial in ensuring that ICT tools are used to their full potential, and the lack of proper training can result in the underutilization of available technologies. Furthermore, the study found that technical issues, such as system downtimes, are a significant obstacle to efficient ICT usage. A substantial portion of the respondents (40.82% strongly agreed and 33.16% agreed) stated that system failures or interruptions often disrupt access to academic and administrative resources. These technical challenges negatively affect the smooth operation of library services and hinder users from benefiting from ICT-enhanced resource access.
Another critical challenge identified in the study was the inadequate ICT infrastructure in the library. The study found that 43.37% of respondents strongly agreed, and 30.61% agreed that the library’s infrastructure is insufficient to support the growing demand for academic and administrative resources. This finding highlights the need for continuous investment in upgrading ICT infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of the library’s users. Furthermore, 38.27% of respondents strongly agreed, and 33.16% agreed that there is a lack of proper funding for maintaining and upgrading ICT systems in the library. The lack of financial resources for regular maintenance and upgrades leads to outdated systems, which in turn affect the functionality and reliability of the library’s ICT tools.
Additionally, the study found that library staff faces challenges in adapting to new ICT technologies introduced for managing resources. About 35.71% of respondents strongly agreed, and 30.61% agreed that staff members encounter difficulties when new ICT tools are implemented. These challenges include a lack of familiarity with the new technologies and a reluctance to adopt changes, which can undermine the effectiveness of ICT in the library.
Conclusion
Based on the results from the hypotheses tested, the study concluded that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) significantly enhances access to both academic and administrative resources at the Federal Polytechnic Library, Bauchi. The one-sample t-test revealed that respondents overwhelmingly recognized the positive role of ICT in improving resource accessibility, with all three hypotheses being rejected. The first hypothesis, which stated there is no significant relationship between ICT usage and access to academic resources, was rejected, indicating that ICT plays a key role in academic resource access. Similarly, the second hypothesis was also rejected, showing that ICT integration greatly improves access to administrative resources and contributes to efficient library operations. The third hypothesis, which assumed that the library does not face significant challenges in ICT implementation, was likewise rejected, confirming the presence of notable barriers such as insufficient infrastructure, inadequate training, and technical issues. These findings confirm that while ICT adoption brings substantial benefits to the library’s functionality and user satisfaction, overcoming persistent challenges is essential to maximize its potential. Therefore, continuous investment in infrastructure, staff capacity building, and system upgrades is necessary to sustain and enhance the effectiveness of ICT in academic library services.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following five recommendations are made:
1.Improve ICT Infrastructure: The management of Federal Polytechnic Library, Bauchi, should invest in upgrading and expanding the existing ICT infrastructure to support increasing demands for both academic and administrative resource access. This includes acquiring up-to-date computers, servers, internet connectivity, and power backup systems to reduce system downtime and ensure reliable access.
2.Organize Regular ICT Training: Regular training and workshops should be conducted for library staff to enhance their skills in using various ICT tools. This will not only improve their efficiency in managing library operations but also help them adapt to evolving technologies with confidence.
3.Increase Funding Allocation for ICT: The institution should prioritize adequate funding for ICT-related projects in the library. Sufficient budgetary support will ensure timely maintenance, software updates, and procurement of new technologies necessary for efficient service delivery.
4.Implement a Technical Support Unit: A dedicated technical support team should be established within the library to address ICT-related challenges promptly. This will help minimise disruptions caused by technical faults and enhance the overall user experience.
5.Promote User Awareness and Engagement: Awareness campaigns and user orientation programs should be introduced to educate students and staff on how to effectively utilize ICT facilities and services available in the library.
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