Strengthening information provision in Nigerian university libraries through information communication technologies
| Published date | 01 June 2005 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470510603714 |
| Date | 01 June 2005 |
| Pages | 311-318 |
| Author | R.B. Okiy |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Strengthening information
provision in Nigerian university
libraries through information
communication technologies
R.B. Okiy
Delta State University Library, Abraka, Nigeria
Abstract
Purpose – To review the current state of information communication technologies (ICT) application
for information provision in Nigerian university libraries and make suggestions to enable them take
fuller advantage of ICT facilities to provide information more effectively to users.
Design/methodology/approach – Recent library and information science literature on university
libraries and ICT application in Nigeria is reviewed to expose the state-of-the-art and hence the
problems which beset the university libraries in Nigeria as regards ICT application.
Findings – Identified obstacles militating against effective application of ICT in university libraries
to include inadequate funding, inadequate electricity supply, shortage of competent manpower for
operation and maintenance of ICT facilities, lukewarm attitude of the Nigerian government towards
the provision of ICT facilities and low level of computer literacy among Nigerians.
Research limitations/implications – Physical visits were not paid to the university libraries;
conclusions drawn are based on experience and evidence from current librarianship literature on
Nigeria.
Practical implications – A very useful source of information on how to ameliorate the problem of
low level of ICT application for information provision in university libraries in Nigeria.
Originality/value – Provides very useful and practical suggestions to enable university libraries in
Nigeria take advantage of ICT facilities to provide information more effectively to their users. These
include massive infusion of funds into purchase of ICT facilities, provision of constant electricity
supply, greater commitment of university library staff to computerization efforts in their libraries,
training and retraining opportunities for librarians in computer literacy and involvement of libraries in
cooperative acquisition of electronic information resources through consortia.
Keywords Communicationtechnologies, University libraries,Nigeria, Internet, Informationfacilities
Paper type General review
Introduction
The university library is an important agent in the pursuit of academic excellence in
the university system. Its goal is to support the objectives of the university which has
to do with learning, teaching, research and community services. The extent to which
the university is able to carry out its laudable objectives, portrays how the university
library has been supportive to it in the provision of all the essential information
resources. This puts the university library at the centre of academic excellence in the
university system.
The university sets out to carry out its role in the university system by assembling a
wide range of information resources in all formats both book and non-book. In the
present times, these range of resources include the computer and its associated
peripherals aimed at increased access to timely, accurate, relevant and current
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Strengthening
information
provision
311
The Electronic Library
Vol. 23 No. 3, 2005
pp. 311-318
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470510603714
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