The State of ICTs in Nigerian University Libraries

Abstract

There can be no better time to discuss the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in university libraries in Nigeria. In the last few years, there has been a revolutionary growth in the use and deployment of ICT in research, learning and teaching. It has gone beyond the deployment for educational purposes to active use in business, governance, health, and general life circumstances, normalizing the internet of things. The advent of COVID – 19 pandemic further entrenched the use of ICT in daily living, especially in libraries. In a recent Delphi study of the impact of COVID-19 on libraries, it was discovered that “While offering a physical space to read and study will remain important, current events have already triggered a significant shift towards off-site working and study, making online access to information crucial” (Baker & Ellis, 2021, p.336). The study also suggested that “Libraries need a clear strategy and a vision for rapid technology variation” (Baker & Ellis, 2021, p. 321). In a more explicit statement, Atkinson (2021, p. 314) postulated that “Edelivery, not just of lectures, is likely to increase in all types of institutions. Libraries will need to reflect on the changing university environments they operate in”. The question, therefore, is whether university libraries in Nigeria have, in their present state demonstrated “a clear strategy and a vision for rapid technology variation”. In other words, how readily have Nigerian university libraries responded and adjusted to the emerging digital learning environment? Are we able to deliver on-site and off-site services amidst disasters? Even though a study (Akintunde, 2021) shows that only 9% of a representative sample of Nigerian undergraduate students from 38 institutions were able to access the library during the COVID- 19 pandemic . In an earlier study of the state of ICTs in libraries of tertiary education institutions in the country, key statements of conclusion in the study are: “Some modest steps have been taken by some institutions. More progress is required if Nigerian academic libraries will be relevant within the global academic community. The attitude of librarians and funding are major factors that can affect the deployment of ICT in the libraries” (Akintunde, 2006, p. 17). So, fifteen years after, what is the outlook? And how does this affect the prestige of the librarian in Nigerian universities. These are what this present study is all about. Methodology The present study involved the administration of questionnaires to University Librarians using online social media WhatsApp platform and electronic mail, using the group platforms of the Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) and the Academic and Research Libraries Section (ARL) of the Nigerian Library Association. There were 53 responses received, and 48 were considered valid because of duplicate responses from five institutions. The study was supported by participant observation and role playing for over 35 years in the introduction of ICT into library services.