Digital librarianship practice and open access technology use for sustainable development in Nigeria
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-01-2021-0007 |
| Published date | 10 December 2021 |
| Date | 10 December 2021 |
| Pages | 318-331 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
| Author | Omorodion Okuonghae,Edwin Iroroeavwo Achugbue |
Digital librarianship practice and
open access technology use for
sustainable development in Nigeria
Omorodion Okuonghae
University Library, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Nigeria, and
Edwin Iroroeavwo Achugbue
Department of Library and Information Science, Delta State University, Cleveland,
Mississippi, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The continuous advancementin technology has disrupted practicesin many sectors, including
education. Thus,this study aims to examine digital librarianshippractice and open access technology use for
sustainabledevelopment in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach –The survey type of descriptiveresearch design was adopted in this
study while the population of the study comprised librarians in universities in Delta State. A total of 38
randomly selected librarians from four universities in Delta State were used for this study, and the data
collectedwere analysed using descriptive statistics.
Findings –This study revealedthat the level of digital librarianship practice in university librariesin Delta
State for sustainable developmentis low; just as social media tools, open source integrated librarysystems
and Google Cloud Platforms are the most commonly used open access technologies in the libraries.
Furthermore, this studyshowed that perennial factors such as poor funding ofeducation, inadequate quality
educational infrastructure, mismanagement of education fund among others are hindrance to sustainable
developmentin the country’s educational sector.
Research limitations/implications –This study is limited in its use of only one state(out of 36 states
and the Federal CapitalTerritory, Abuja) in Nigeria for this research. Also, social desirabilitybias on the part
of the respondentscould have influenced the pattern in which therespondents reacted to items in sectionD.
Practical implications –This study has practical implications for the sensitization and training of
librarians towards leveraging on the various open access technologies in delivering effective library and
informationservices required in the Fourth Industrial revolution.
Originality/value –This study seeks to pioneer a new area of focus by examining digital librarianship
practiceand open access technology use as enablers of sustainable development.
Keywords Digital library services, Digital librarianship, Open access technology, Open source technology,
Sustainable development, Educationaldevelopment, Sustainable Development Goal
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Education is widely considered a potent tool for transformation and development in any
society. As a result, qualityeducation and educational system leads to quick development in
The authors are grateful to God Almighty for the grace to conduct this study despite the current global
health crisis. The authors are also indebted to their employer (Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, and
Delta State University, Abraka) for giving them the time and support to conduct this study.
Funding: The authors received no direct funding for this research.
DLP
38,3
318
Received28 January 2021
Revised27 March 2021
18June 2021
15September 2021
Accepted27 October 2021
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.38 No. 3, 2022
pp. 318-331
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-01-2021-0007
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