Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
6-2022
Abstract
This study assessed the level of availability of ICT facilities and hindrances to the adequacy of ICT facilities for the provision of e-resources services in university libraries in Southwest Nigeria. Information and Communications Technology facilities are indispensable tools in the new information and digital environment and e-resources services provision are hampered in academic libraries without them. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire administered to 12 seasoned librarians drawn from 12 public university libraries, 11 usable responses to the questionnaire were received. Findings revealed the availability of most ICT facilities was varied and to a high level. Computers, internet and server, access to alternative supply of power using a power generator, electronic databases, library software, WIFI, LAN, e-journal, e-mail and CD-ROMs are some of the facilities that were available to a high level. Technological factors that hinder adequate ICT facilities include, low Internet connectivity bandwidth, unreliable telecommunication network, expensive hardware and software, expensive ICT facilities, unstable power supply and inadequate ICT facilities for networking. Managerial factors causing hindrance include, insufficient funding, poor policy on ICT adoption, inadequate ICT budgeting and lack of good maintenance of ICT facilities. The study concludes that there is need for authorities in charge of the concerned university libraries to revisit the policies being put in place and come up with better measures that can ensure high level of ICT facilities provision sustainability in the university libraries. It was recommended that priority attention should be given to adequate budget allocation for the proper funding of ICT facilities in university libraries especially since they are highly beneficial but capital intensive.