Influence of Information and Communication Technology on the Attitudes and Skills of Academic Librarians in three Selected Polytechnic Libraries in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of ICT in the attitudes and skills of academic librarians in three selected polytechnic libraries in North Central of Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted to identify available ICT applications affect the attitudes and productivity of academic librarians, ascertain the ICT skills possessed by academic librarians, and to determine the extent to which ICT influences the professional skills of academic librarians in the selected libraries. The population of the study comprised twenty seven academic librarians. Structured closed ended questionnaire and checklist were used as instruments for data collection. Frequency counts, percentages and mean scores were used as techquies for data analysis. 27 copies of questionnaires were distributed out, of which 22 were completed and returned; representing 81.5% response rate. The findings revealed that computers, internet connectivity, power point projectors, scanners and printers were the dominant available facilities. It also showed that ICT has enhanced academic librarians’ punctuality to duty, reduced their workloads, improved their zeal and made their work easier and faster. The academic librarians studied possessed ICT skills in word processing, application software, internet navigation, KOHA and E-granary software operations. The findings also revealed that ICT has influenced the professional skills of academic librarians in key areas such as cataloguing, classification, reference services, collection development, library management and public relations. The researchers recommend the need to design a policy for the acquisition of ICT facilities, upgrade the existing ICT facilities, acquire latest cataloguing and classification software, and the need for the production and preservation of local audio-visual contents.