Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 11-3-2020
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This study examines strategic information access tools for dissemination of information in academic libraries in a digital era in Nigeria, using the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Library, Abia State, as a case study. The study was guided by four (4) specific research objectives. The descriptive survey design was adopted with a population of forty-six (46) library staff; comprising academic librarians, para-professional staff and library assistants. The complete census sampling technique was used due to the size of the population. A-4 point structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions was adopted to generate data for the study, and out of the forty-six (46) copies of the questionnaire distributed, 43 copies representing 96% were completed and retrieved with valid information. The data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics to determine the mean scores and frequency counts in accordance with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS Version 23). The criterion mean of 2.50 was used to ascertain the level of agreement or disagreement in each case. The finding reveals that strategic information access tools for dissemination of information in academic libraries in a digital era include: library catalogue, indexes, abstracts, bibliographies, Internet search engines, online databases/CD-ROMs, etc. It also reveals that strategic information access tools assist in the acquisition of information resources, the speed of disseminating information, promote accuracy in the dissemination of information, enhances effective management of information resources, and facilitates convenience in the dissemination of information. The findings also points out that inadequate trained staff to handle technical services, lack of current digital information access tools such as: OPAC, MARC 21, Dublin Core, etc., inadequate computers and related ICT facilities, epileptic power supply, poor Internet connectivity, etc. are the problems confronting strategic information access tools for dissemination of information. Based on the findings of this study, some measures such as: adequate training of staff on technical services, including ICT training on how to handle web-based access tools; provision of adequate funding to academic libraries, provision of adequate functional computers and related facilities, provision of effective internet connectivity, provision of constant power supply in academic libraries, etc., were recommended. Finally, this study concludes that academic libraries and librarians need to rise up to their responsibilities by ensuring that strategic information access tools are not only acquired but effectively put to use, through improved skills, in order to enhance timely dissemination of information to users.
Comments
Strategic Information Access Tools for Dissemination of Information in Academic Libraries in a Digital Era in Nigeria, is carried out by these scholars to examine the changes witnessed academic libraries in the dissemination of information as a result of the digital transformation.
These scholars are seasoned researchers with diverse interest in librarianship. For instance, INEMESIT U. UDOH, is a First Class Honours Graduate of Library and Information Science, and he is currently undergoing a Masters Degree studies in the same discipline, where he is focusing on "Technology Literacy of Librarians as a Correlate to the Provision of Electronic Information Services in University Libraries in the South-Eastern States of Nigeria. Victoria N. OKAFOR, Ph.D, is a practicing Research Librarian, and serves as the Head, Information and Documentation Section, Research Library, National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. She is rooted in Librarianship. Glory E. EKPENYONG, is also a practicing Librarian cum Library Educator, with interests in the management of academic library.