Volume 17, No.1, 2021
Title Page
Contents
Contributors
Editorial Comment
TRAINING NEEDS FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS IN DIGITAL LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA
Abstract
This study focused on the training needs for Academic Librarians in Digital Library
Environment. The research objective set for this study is to identify the training needs for
academic librarians in Nigeria. The study utilized the library research approach which relied on
secondary data sourced from articles, journals and publications for analysis. Findings showed
that the training needs for Academic Librarians in Digital library Environment include
interpersonal communication, management knowledge, professional (traditional core skill of
Librarianship), Technical skills, Information Technology (particularly on Computer and
Communication Network Technology) and acquisition of digital facilities in the library. Finally,
it was recommended that academic librarian should have up-date knowledge to meet with the
current library trends on digitalization in order to enable effective delivery of digital services to
clients in the libraries and also library management should mandate all Academic librarians to
undergo ICTs Digital training particularly in computer and communication network technology.
Keywords: Academic Librarian, Digital Library Environment, Training Needs
ADEJO, Alhaji Augustine (Ph.D)
ATTITUDE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER- LIBRARIANS TOWARDS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) FOR EFFECTIVE INFORMATION DELIVERY IN ENUGU STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Abstract
This paper investigates the attitude of secondary school teacher librarians towards
information technology (IT) for effective information delivery in Enugu State. A descriptive
survey research design was adopted to gather information from fifteen (15) teacher librarians
from fifteen Secondary Schools in Enugu State. The research questions were analyzed using
frequency counts, percentages and mean scores. Findings reveal that there is a remarkable
availability of information technology resources in the secondary school libraries
investigated. The findings also showed that there are a good number of training programmes
available for teacher librarians. In addition, it was gathered from responses that the audio
visual skills and multimedia skills are not available for training programmes. The attitude of
teacher librarians towards information technology is quite positive and encouraging. Lack of
confidence was reported as a major problem teacher librarians face in information technology
training. Other challenges include epileptic power supply, insufficient support, and
inadequate supply among others. It was recommended that the school management should
empower the teacher-librarian to develop their knowledge and skills both individually and
collectively and also encourage teacher librarians to mentor and guide students in learning
process rather than simple presenter of knowledge and keeper of libraries.
Keywords: Attitude, Teacher- Librarians, Information Technology
Eze, Monica E. Ph.D, CLN, FNLA & Akpom Chinwendu.C (CLN)
INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS AND SEEKING STRATEGIES OF POSTGRADUATE LAW STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES OF NORTHERN NIGERIA
Abstract
The paper examined the information literacy skills and seeking strategies of postgraduate law
students in federal universities in northern Nigeria with specific focus on the availability of legal
information resources in the faculty of law libraries. The study employed quantitative research
method using cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study comprised of
seven heads of law libraries and 1,348 registered postgraduate law students for 2016/17
academic session in the seven faculties of law of the universities studied. Simple random
sampling equation (SRS-Equation) was used to calculate the sample size which consisted of 308
postgraduate law students. Thus, a total number of 308 copies of questionnaire were
administered, and 271 were returned and found useful. Data collected was analyzed using
descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that the postgraduate law students under
study possessed skills such as: the ability to define their information need, the ability to locate
and use primary and secondary sources, and the ability to evaluate legal and non legal sources.
The finding also shows that the postgraduate law students seek the resources of their libraries
by asking the library staff, by checking the catalogue cards and OPAC, by asking
colleagues/course mates and through Wireless Student’s User ID. Some recommendations
include: the need for postgraduate law students of federal universities of Northern Nigeria to
have both computer and information literacy (IL) skills in order to effectively use the rapidly
growing and changing legal information resources of their libraries.
Keywords: Information literacy Skills, Information Seeking Strategies, Postgraduate Law
Students, Law Libraries.
Dr. Hadiza umar & Dr Hauwa Sani Ahmed
POSITIONING NIGERIAN LIBRARIES AS AGENTS OF CHANGE THROUGH INNOVATION, ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION
Abstract
The theoretical paper examines the value of libraries in the society and the role of various
types of libraries especially public and academic libraries as agents of change. The strategies
that could better position libraries in Nigeria as agent of change are considered from the
perspective of innovation, engagement and communication. Challenges that face libraries in
Nigeria in performing the expected roles as agent include lack/low marketing of library
services library advocacy among others. The paper ends by making some recommendations
and advancing the United Nations‟ 17 Sustainable Development Goals as action plan through
which libraries in Nigeria can further express their relevance in the area of innovation,
engagement and communication.
Keywords: Public Libraries, Academic Libraries, Librarians, Change Agent, Sustainable
Development Goals
Ibegbulam, Ijeoma J. (Ph.D) Uzoagba, Ngozi C. & Enem, Fidelia N.
A REVIEW OF THE TRENDS AND ISSUES IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
Abstract
This paper reviews the growth of Library and Information Science Education in Nigeria from
inception. The study reviewed what has been readily available and captured on the trends and
issues in Library and Information Science Education in Nigeria. Library and Information Science
has become an integral component of tertiary education and now acts as catalyst for
transformation in education. Challenges and issues were examined. The paper recommends that
LIS curriculum must be re-structured keeping in view the new technological trends in the
profession and demand of job market in digital era; that workshops and laboratories in Nigerian
library schools should be upgraded to acceptable standard with necessary facilities put in place;
efforts should be made to promote collaboration opportunities in LIS education, and the problem
of shortage of manpower in the LIS schools should be addressed by appointing qualified Library
science Educators to improve the staffing level in the LIS schools. The paper concluded that if
proper management of human, financial and material resources was achieved then the librarians
will be relied upon for national development.
Key words: Library and Information Science, LIS Education, Library Schools.
Hamza Mohammed Mustapha Idris & Hasiya Salihu Yusuf
ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN PROMOTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION FOR ADDRESSING HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to describe the role of libraries in health information promotion for addressing
health emergencies in our communities. Public health events that may endanger community health
are classified as public health emergencies and often deserve the attention of health experts. The
paper expresses a personal view on how community libraries can partner with the health agencies in
addressing and combating health emergencies. Strategies for positioning the libraries as valuable
tools in health emergency and disaster crisis were also highlighted. In times of community health
crisis (pandemics or epidemics) people need access to public health information. Access to
health emergency information is paramount to community people especially now that we have
myriad of daunting health problems such as Lassa fever, Covid-19 and other natural disasters
(hurricane storm and flooding) that often ravage most communities and towns. The paper
recommends that communities should be equipped, prepared and ready to manage and combat
health emergencies and disasters which often occur without signs.
Keywords: Libraries, Community, Health emergency, Diseases, Natural disasters
Paper type: Conceptual
Obidike, N.A. Igbokwe, J.C. & Mazah Deborah
THE INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN CROP FARMERS ON THE ACCESS TO AND USE OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION IN BADE AND JAKUSKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF YOBE STATE
Abstract
The study investigated the influence of demographic characteristics of women on the access and
use of Agricultural Information in support of their efforts to attain food security in Yobe State.
The study applied quantitative methodology using survey research design. The design used
questionnaire to collect information from the respondents. A sample of 388 women crop farmers’
was used to obtained data used for this study. The study revealed that majority of the women
crop farmers were within the age of 20-30 years. This finding reveals that these categories of
ages are in their active ages and will access and use agricultural information effectively and
contribute too immensely to the food security and economic development of the State. The
findings further indicated low literacy level among the women crop farmers. The findings further
revealed that less than half of Women Crop Farmers in Yobe State have the experience in
farming, most of the women Crop Farmers in Yobe State are poor, women Crop Farmers
additional occupation was low. The study then established that there is a statistically significant
correlation between the demographic characteristics of women crop farmers and their use of
agricultural information. The study recommends the need for more support from Government
and relevant agencies to strengthen women’s crop farming activities. They also need up-tp-date
information in order to address the challenges of modern crop farming to achieve effective food
security.
Laraba Kagana Muhammed & Auwalu Dansale Yahaya
LIBRARIES AS CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS: ISSUES FOR LIBRARIANS
Abstract
This paper examines libraries as cultural heritage institutions and the roles of librarians as
managers of cultural resources in contemporary time. It discusses the nature of cultural
heritage resources and the concept of cultural heritage institutions. It also explains the roles of
libraries as cultural heritage institutions and presents the public libraries and museums as
partners for collaboration in the management of cultural resources. It further highlights the
challenges facing the management of cultural resources in cultural heritage institutions which
include the fact that cultural resources involve rich and highly heterogeneous collections that
are challenging to achieve and convey to the general public; the issue of digitization,
technical, financial and organizational obstacles; continuous destruction of cultural resources
through vandalism, exportation of cultural resources, looting etc. Finally, some of the
strategies for promoting the management of cultural resources in cultural heritage institutions
include need to digitize materials as quickly as possible; identifying and prioritizing local
resources that are unique, making their collections accessible, and digital technologies such as
Portals, Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube etc should be used in cultural heritage
institutions for easy access and effective utilisation of cultural resources.
Key Words: Cultural Heritage Institutions, Public Libraries, Museums, Library Management,
Cultural Resources
Ogbu,Kate Nkechinyere, Ph.D & Oche, Nathaniel Agbo, Ph.D
INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF RETIREES FROM CIVIL SERVICE IN NIGERIA
Abstract
This paper discussed the information seeking behaviour of retirees from civil service in Nigeria.
The paper was introduced by a brief description of eligibility for retirement in Nigerian Civil
Service. It brought to light various forms of retirement, theories of retirement and went further to
highlight the information needs of the retirees. The retirees demand for information to meet their
needs. The factors militating against the accessibility and availability of information
infrastructure and resources were discussed and they include; high cost of internet usage, lack of
maximum ease to access the library, inequality in the provision of reading materials, lack of
adequate large print publishers, personal factors such as the nature of disability and inadequate
finances. Recommendations were proffered and they included that the government should
encourage large print publisher or establish such printing establishments; internet services should
be rendered at a cheaper rate; programmes that will interest the elderly should be included in
daily broadcast over the radio and television, newspaper and magazines, prompt payment of
pension allowances to enable the elderly purchase information equipment or gadgets needed.
Finally, the paper recommends that government and organizations should embark on compulsory
counselling for pre-retirees and retirees.
Ajie Ifeoma Abigail & Omotunde Oluwatobi Iyanu
INFORMATION NEEDS AND SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF USERS IN DR. ALIYU OBAJE LIBRARY, KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA.
Abstract
This study examined the Information Needs and seeking behavior of Users in Dr. Aliyu
Obaje Library, Kogi State University, Anyigba. A descriptive survey method was used
for the study. The population of the study comprises of 30 staff and 50 users of Dr. Aliyu
Obaje Library, Kogi State University, Anyigba. A simple random technique was used to
select the sample size. A total number of 80 copies of questionnaires were administered
and retrieved. Six (6) research questions were formulated to guide the study in line with
the purpose of the study. Tables, mean score and frequency percentage were used in
analyzing the data. Major findings of the study revealed that the vital information needs
required by the users are the information on education, agricultures, economic, political
and business. The purposes for which the users seek for information in the library are for
general reading, assignment, examination, and research. The search strategies adopted by
the users are use of subject catalogue, shelves, library staff internet, references, CD ROM
etc. The major challenges faced by users in information seeking in the library are lack of
recent information, lack of search skills, poor organization of information resources, and
poor library orientation. Suggestions were put forward by the users on the strategies for
enhancing the information needs and behavior which are acquisition of updated
materials, adequate funding, proper search skills and trained library staff.
INFORMATION NEEDS AND SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF USERS IN DR. ALIYU OBAJE LIBRARY, KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA.
PERCEPTION OF LIBRARIANS ON IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR ENHANCING JOB PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA
Abstract
This study examined the perception of librarians on in-service training for enhancing job
performance in federal university libraries in North-West, Nigeria. Three research questions
guided the study in line with the objectives. Descriptive research design was used and the target
population of three hundred and twenty-one librarians in three selected federal university
libraries in North-West, Nigeria was used for the study. A close ended structured questionnaire
was designed and used. Frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation were
statistical tools used for data analysis. Results showed that most of types of in-service training
listed were available, most of the university libraries do not organise regular training for their
personnel or sponsor librarians for training on annual basis and among others. The study
recommended that university libraries should organise regular training and re-training for
librarians and implore them to utilise other ways of training such as short courses, virtual
conferences, workshops and seminars which are more effective and less expensive. There should
be good and flexible existing training policy; conditions and requirements attached to training by
the universities management should be made flexible, and staff should be motivated by regular
promotion as at when due and best performing staff should be rewarded.
Keywords: Enhancement, University libraries, In-services training, Job performance, Librarians,
Perception, North-West Nigeria
Adamu, Mohammed Saba (CLN, MNLA, CTN), BABALOLA, GIDEON A. (Ph. D), Udoudoh, Samuel J. (Ph. D) & Yusuf, Fatima Ladan
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS IN LIBRARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU STATE
Abstract
This paper evaluates the entrepreneurial skills acquired by students of library
schools in Enugu state after undergoing a course of study in the schools. Data
were collected from final year students of the school who are considered as the
target population. The analyses of data were carried out using a statistical
package. The result shows that students that passed through the school did not
acquire entrepreneurial skills commensurate with the thought courses in the
library schools.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Skills, Assessment, Students, library school.