ICTs Competencies for Service Delivery among Academic Librarians in Institutions of Higher Learning in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the ICTs competencies for service delivery among academic librarians in institutions of
higher learning in Yobe state. The objectives of the study is to find out the types of ICTs facilities available for
services delivery among academic librarians in institutions under study, to find out the types of services
provided with ICTs in libraries under study, ascertain the level of competencies/ skills of the librarians, to find
out the sources of acquiring the ICTs skills of the librarians and the challenges associated with the use of ICTs
for service delivery among academic librarians in institutions under study. A cross sectional survey designed
was used for the study. A self-develop questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 133 librarians
selected from seven (7) higher institutions of learning in Yobe state. A statistical tool such as tables,
frequencies and percentages was used. The findings of the study have indicated that the types of ICTs that are
available in higher institutions of libraries in Yobe state are: computer, internet, CD-ROM,
Telecommunication device, emails etc. also ICTs facilities are used at limited level by the librarians in the
circulation, acquisition, serial and reference services units. The findings also show that ICTs competencies of
academic librarians were low. The challenges associated with the use of ICTs in libraries for service delivery
by academic librarians were lack of funds; inadequate professional staffs to handle the ICTs facilities, lack of
staff, training, electricity outage, poor internet connectivity and ways of improving on the above ICTs
challenges were suggested. The recommendations of the study are to improve on the effectiveness of the ICTs
competencies among academic librarians for service delivery in institutions under study. Adequate funding
should be provided, there is need to improve on the ICTs skills of the library staff through the provision of
more opportunities for staff training and development by the libraries.