Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
4-2011
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to examine the Network Literacy Skills of Academic Librarians in the University of Nigeria, library system. This research is based on primary data. The survey design was used for this study and the area of the study was the University of Nigeria, library system which comprises the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library Nsukka; The Enugu Campus library and the Medical library both at Enugu. A structured questionnaire containing the five research questions posed for the study was used in eliciting data from the all the academic librarians that comprised the sample. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Librarians in the Nnamdi Azikiwe library system are in tune with the traditional surfing skills of sending e-mails; downloading information from the Internet, and often use the Internet on a daily and weekly basis. A vast majority use many browsers such as Google Chrome; Moxilla Firefox to surf the web even though the Internet explorer was adjudged the browser of choice by the respondents. However, a limited number can surf the 'deep' web as only few can use web 2.0 tools effectively for scholarly communication and for the effective delivery of professional duties. Library 2.0 a user-centred approach of information delivery was also explored and findings revealed that Selective Dissemination of Information(SDI) and Current Awareness (CA) methods were also used online for effective delivery of information to library patrons. Library Consultancy to the various faculties was a method commonly used as a feedback technique. Network literacy is one of the very important skills needed by librarians for the effective discharge of their duties. It is usually referred to as the 21st century core enabling skill for librarians .Knowledge of this skill will help librarians to be knowledgeable in globally recognizing and serving networked information and services. Librarians also need to be knowledgeable in different subject fields to be able to match patrons with desired information. To achieve this, librarians need to deploy the use of emerging tools such as web 2.0 and library 2.0 for effective services delivery.This paper is an original work that fills a gap in literature in a relatively under-researched area of librarianship. The paper is of value to library practitioners and researchers in Nigeria and beyond while the Library and Information Science department can use the results of this study to improve their curriculum.
Comments
Published in Library Philosophy and Practice (2011) 5 p.