Impact of Information Communication Technology in the Dissemination of Information in Special Libraries
Chapter One
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is the impact of information communication technology in the dissemination of information in special libraries. But for the successful completion of the study; the researcher intends to achieve the following sub-objectives;
- To ascertain the level of computerization/automation in libraries
- To ascertain the impact of ICT in disseminating information in Nigeria libraries
- To determine the challenges associated with the application of ICT in libraries
- To ascertain the relationship between ICT and dissemination of information in Nigeria libraries
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Review of related literature is conducted to enable the researcher to get a clear understanding about the specific field of study. It also helps the researcher to have an insight into the tested methods, procedures and interpretations of similar studies conducted elsewhere. Considerable amount of literature is available regarding application of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries, professional development and continuing education needs of library professionals. But studies are relatively few regarding the impact of ICT on professional development and educational needs of library professionals. A survey of the literature found that most of the studies are reported from foreign countries and that such studies are not given due importance by the researchers in library and information science. An attempt is made in this chapter to present a survey of the literature available in Nigeria and abroad under the subheadings listed below. The studies are further grouped under national, international and arranged in a chronological sequence.
ICT IN LIBRARIES
ICT has changed the traditional methods of library activities and services providing new dimensions for teaching, learning and research in higher educational institutions. With the help of ICT tools, it is possible to store, retrieve, disseminate and organize information by creating websites and databases. Information is now published both electronically and by print making it accessible to users according to their demands. It is important to assess the ICT applications in library and information centers in the context of changing user needs. This section includes studies related to the application of ICT in libraries both in India and abroad.
National studies
Kannappanavar and Vijayakumar (2001) survey the use of hardware and software facilities in University of Agricultural science libraries in Karnataka. The aim of the study was to evaluate the access of networks, information services and barriers in information technology applications. The survey also covers collections of the agricultural university libraries, In house database, use of IT in administration and the impact of IT applications on libraries. Results reveal that none of the University libraries at the time of study is having databases and full implementation of IT applications in their libraries.. Though the agricultural university libraries are having hardware and software facilities to some extent, the results are not reaching the clientele. It recommends that the librarians should approach the university authorities to train the library personnel on IT application and approach funding agencies like INFLIBNET and ICAR for their library automation and provide IT based information services to their clientele. Jeevan and Saji (2004) present the results of a survey conducted among the premier libraries in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to assess the Information Technology adoption in these libraries. A survey using questionnaire and interview was used for getting information about the different IT components useful for better library organization and comprehensive as well as swift information services. Eighteen scientific, technical and research libraries both under Central and State Governments based in Thiruvananthapuram participated in the survey. All eighteen libraries were of the opinion that IT had a positive impact on the day-to-day work of the library and that IT played a positive role in enhancing services, user satisfaction, meeting users’ demands, and overall library image. Problems faced in IT adoption included inadequacy of funds, shortage of IT skilled manpower, difficulties in periodic up gradation of infrastructural facilities, frequent change and advancement of technology, high hardware and software costs, insufficient training of professionals and absence of hands-on training. Cholin (2005) provides an overview of information technology implementation in different university libraries in India that provides effective access to resources available within universities and elsewhere.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work the choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought to the impact of information communication technology in the dissemination of information in special libraries
Sources of data collection
Data were collected from two main sources namely:
(i)Primary source and
(ii)Secondary source
Primary source:
These are materials of statistical investigation which were collected by the research for a particular purpose. They can be obtained through a survey, observation questionnaire or as experiment; the researcher has adopted the questionnaire method for this study.
Secondary source:
These are data from textbook Journal handset etc. they arise as byproducts of the same other purposes. Example administration, various other unpublished works and write ups were also used.
Population of the study
Population of a study is a group of persons or aggregate items, things the researcher is interested in getting information on the study of impact of information communication technology in the dissemination of information in special libraries. 200 staff from national mathematical center, Abuja state was selected randomly by the researcher as the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of ICT in the dissemination of information in special libraries.
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges ICT in disseminating information in Nigeria libraries
Summary
This study was on naira exchange rate depression and domestic inflation in Nigeria. Five objectives were raised which included; To ascertain the level of computerization/automation in libraries, to ascertain the impact of ICT in disseminating information in Nigeria libraries, to determine the challenges associated with the application of ICT in libraries, to ascertain the relationship between ICT and dissemination of information in Nigeria libraries. In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 staff from National mathematical center, Abuja was selected randomly. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up librarians, library technicians, senior staff and junior staff was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
The role of librarians is continuing to evolve with the adoption of internet and World Wide Web into the profession of librarianship. Therefore, librarians need to play active role in this evolving scenario. This can only be possible through the proper acquisition of ICT literacy skills which in turn influence how librarians can use these new platforms to effectively meet the information needs and services of their clientele.
Recommendation
Arising from the findings and conclusion are the following recommendations.
- More generous financial support should be made available to provide the basic ICT infrastructural facilities,
- Since Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has come to stay, library staff that is not computer literate should take positive steps to remedy their deficiencies so as to flow along with the reforms. By this, library and information services will become ennobled through the acquisition of adequate ICT knowledge/skill and its full application in Nigerian University Libraries or else they will become irrelevant in this era of ICT.
- Effective and efficient power supply supplemented with standby generators should be provided to check the menace of frequent electricity power failure. In the same vein, the government should address the problem of erratic power supply more seriously not through military order but through research and development.
- The assistant of some donor agencies such as Education Trust Fund (ETF) and Open Society Initiative for West Africa must be actively enlisted (OSIWA)
REFERENCES
- Aguolu, C & Aguolu, I. E (2002): Libraries and Information Management in Nigeria. Maiduguri: Ed- Linform Services. 267pp.
- Ani, O. E., Esin, J.E. & Edem, N. (2005): Adoption of information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Academic Libraries: a strategy for Library networking in Nigeria. The Electronic Library Journal, 23 (6), 27-37.
- Aniekwu, A.N and Ogbeide, F.N. (2002): Information Technology and Technological Development in Africa. In Yusufu, A.K. (ed) Journal of Engineering Science and Applications (JESA). Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AAU, Ekpoma. 3 (2), 83pp.
- Anunobi, C.V. (2005): ICT Availability and use in Nigerian University Libraries. Global Review of Library and Information Science.1 (1), 39-51
- Bryson, J. (1990): Effective Library and information Center Management. England: Gower Publishing. 165pp
- Chisenga, J. (1995): The Skills of Information Technology in Zambian Libraries. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science. 5(1)19-24 pp
- Cohn, Z. and Lefolli, S. (1995): Dictionary of Information Technology. London: Claremont Books. 75pp.
- Ebijuwa, A.S. (2005): Information and communication technology in university libraries: the Nigerian experience. Communicate, Journal Of Library and Information Science, 7 (1&2).