UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN COLLECTION MANAGEMENT IN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE, NIGERIA

UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN COLLECTION MANAGEMENT IN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study examines the utilization of information communication technologies in collection management in state university libraries in north central zone. The specifically seek to: Identify the Information Communication Technologies facilities that are available in state university libraries in North Central Zone, determine the perception of librarians on the benefits of utilizing Information Communication Technologies in collection management, determine the extent to which Information Communication Technologies are utilized in collection management and identify barriers to effective use of Information Communication Technologies in collection management in state universities libraries. The study will employ descriptive survey research design. Random sampling technique will be used in choosing the sample. The researcher adopted the use of questionnaire as the research instrument while the data obtained were analyzed using tables and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that lack of ICTs information management policies, poor funding in libraries, the lack of skilled human resources to install and manage computer networks which cause slow Internet connection, and shortage of technological literate manpower to manage the ICT facilities are among the numerous challenges limiting the effective use of ICT in library collection management. Finally the study recommended that the required information and communication technologies should be acquired and utilised and management of libraries must ensure that adequate training in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) be given to academic librarians.

Key words: utilization, information communication technologies, collection management, libraries

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in science and technology in general and developments in the field of information technology in particular have vastly influenced the concept of collection management in libraries and have brought in sweeping changes in information collection, storage and dissemination of information. Factors like information explosion, budgetary constraints, complex requirements of users, rising cost of publications and other related factors as well as development of digital libraries, internet, e-mail, CD-ROM, electronic publishing etc., have forced the libraries and librarians to change the style and approach of their functioning. Libraries have slowly started giving importance to “accessing the other library’s collection” rather than mere possessing almost all documents on a given subject i.e., shifting from “owning” to “access” and “sharing” (Oyewusi & Oyeboade, 2019).

Collection development in libraries is tilting towards electronic documents / information sources using network facilities. The trend of printed materials is decreasing and need for accessing electronic information resources is increasing slowly day by day and the concept of collection development which implies building, growing, dealing with selection and acquisition of library materials is changing towards collection management. Combination of both print and electronic information resources like CD-ROM, On-line, internet is the dilemma faced by the libraries and librarians in recent past (Oyewusi & Oyeboade, 2019).

The library acts as a medium of getting the latest scientific and technological information either in print or in electronic form, for accessibility and use of the library patrons, Library resources include not only traditional print-on-paper media like books, journals, newspapers, and maps, but also ‘audio-visual materials like cinematograph film records, audiocassettes, video cassettes, projectors, microfiches, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), computer software, online databases, electronic books and c-journals and other media via the Internet. Halsey (2006) added that libraries maintain collections that include not only printed materials but also art reproductions, maps, photographs, etc. In addition to maintaining collections within library buildings, libraries often offer telecommunications links that provide users with access to information at remote sites. University libraries are often considered the most important resource centres of an academic institution. Hence, they should be sufficient in quality, depth, diversity and current to support the institutions curriculum (Oyewusi & Oyeboade, 2019).

1.1       Background of the study

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has made a significant impact in every human endeavour. The impact has been rather prominent in areas of service activities such as banking, health, transportation, education and libraries. (Chauhan, 2014) posited that the benefits of the utilization of ICT in library services especially collection management can be broadly explained in terms of economy, ease, extension (or expansion) and efficiency. (Devchoudhary, 2017) also observed that ICT has influenced the traditional library services; bringing out fundamental changes in the process of acquiring, processing, storing, retrieving and information delivery.

The term, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as it relates to library and as noted by (deWatteville and Gilbert, 2011), is the acquisition, analysis, manipulation, storage and distribution of information; and the design and provision of equipment and software for these purposes. (Oketunji, 2016) defines ICT as computers and other technologies that are used in the acquisition, organisation, storage, retrieval and disseminating of information in libraries. (Mayer, 2006) added that ICT in libraries is a term that covers the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of information in textual, numerical, pictorial and audio-visual formats. He further stated that the term is restricted to systems dependent on microelectronics; that is the technology and techniques involved in the design, development and construction of extremely small electronic circuits such as computer on a single silicon chip.

Collection management is the aspect of the library and information work that is responsible for selecting and acquiring information resources that will enable library and information practitioners to perform their myriad functions to their users effectively (Aina, 2014). Collection management practices are the activities performed by librarians in libraries. These practices involve selection and acquisition of library materials required by the library (Adomi, 2018). ICT application in library operations requires continuing education and acquisition of new skills by the staff in the area of knowledge update. ICT is responsible for the changing roles of handling traditional operation in services in a digital format (Adeleke & Olorunsola, 2010).

Librarians now use ICTs anytime and anywhere for information searching and retrieval. It is becoming impossible to have access to information without the help of ICT, hence, cost implications of use of ICT for processing and resource sharing. For instance, the use of e-mail services like Google mail, yahoo mail, voice mail, and window live mail on collection management practices seems to have reduced the burden on selection practices in libraries. Materials are now being sourced online through sending of e-mails. Publishers and vendors now send e-mails on the available materials they have in stock to be accessed by the university librarians and/or acquisition librarians and approval is given as to the needs of the university before supplies are made. This has improved the relationship between the university libraries, publishers and vendors.

(Singh, 2004) observes that collection development and collection management have been used almost synonymously, although there are differences in meaning. Collection development is the selection and acquisition of library materials, considering users’ current needs and future requirements. Collection management is much more than collection building. It is managing the use, storage, and organization of the collection, and making it accessible to users. (Branin, 1994) notes that the paradigm of librarianship is clearly changing and the librarian’s role is diversifying. Librarians at present are more concerned with collection management than collection development. It is on this note that this study tends to examine the utilization of information and communication technologies in collection management in state university libraries in North Central Zone.

1.2       Statement of the study         

The role of the university library in any institution of higher learning in the area of acquisition, organization, dissemination, information storage, access and retrieval cannot be overemphasized. The present-day university library services are focusing more on deployment of ICT as a result of the changing pattern of information seeking behaviour of information users. Studies have shown that the university libraries in North Central Zone of Nigeria have been totally dependent on manual method of performing their routine functions with its attendant inadequacies such as low patronage of ICT services, lack of interest in utilizing ICT on collection management practices, shortage of skilled ICT manpower and good remunerations to retain the few skilled ones, capital investment on information and communication technology equipment, high cost of library software and database connectivity, maintenance and constant epileptic power supply amongst others. The Nigerian government has made tremendous efforts to ensure that ICTs are available and used in Nigerian universities. In spite of these developments, there appears to be problem of poor collection management practices among librarians in various institutions in North Central Zone. It would seem these lapses are likely to limit librarians in gaining access to and using information resources thereby limiting job effectiveness, efficiency and performance. Whether the utilization of ICT in library operations could remedy the manual system and bring about effectiveness, efficiency and performance in library operations is the concern for this study. The present study put in question is: what is the level of utilization of Information Communication Technology in collection management in state university libraries in North Central Zone, Nigeria?

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to examine the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in collection management in state university libraries in North Central Zone.

The specific objectives of this study are to:

1. Identify the Information Communication Technologies facilities that are available in state university libraries in North Central Zone
2. Determine the perception of librarians on the benefits of utilizing Information Communication Technologies in State university libraries
3. Determine the extent to which Information Communication Technologies are utilized in collection management in state universities libraries
4. Identify barriers to effective use of Information Communication Technologies in collection management in state universities libraries.

1.4       Research Questions

The following research questions guided the study:

1. What are the Information Communication Technologies facilities that are available in state university libraries in North Central Zone?
2. What are the perceptions of librarians on the benefits of utilizing Information Communication Technologies in State university libraries?
3. To what extent is Information Communication Technologies utilized in collection management in state universities libraries?
4. What are the barriers that hinder effective use of Information Communication Technologies in collection management in state universities libraries?

1.5       Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will be significant to the following: librarians in state universities libraries and other academic libraries, state governments, and researchers.

In specific terms the findings will be useful to librarians in state universities libraries in the sense that they can apply the recommendations in improving the collection management and services to library users. It will also enable them be up-to-date with current practices in academic librarianship, thus fully equipping them to render efficient services to library patrons.

The findings of this study will serve as a reference document or tool for the library managers in educating the state governments on the need to adequately fund state universities libraries in respect of providing Information Communication Technologies services and facilities to enhance collection management.

The findings of the study will be useful to researchers in the field of librarianship and information science by allowing them identify the gap (s) that need filling. It will also afford researchers the opportunity to see the link or relationship of this study with other studies that have been conducted in the area and enable them identify the areas that need further investigation.

1.6       Scope of the Study

The study covered the utilization of Information Communication Technologies in collection management in state university libraries in north central zone. The scope of the study is further limited to Nasarawa state University Library to enable the researcher have elaborate examination of the research topics as it will be impossible to cover all the state university in the North Central Zone of Nigeria.

1.7       Operational definition of the terms

1. Information: Information is a data that has been processed. It is also referred to data that have a particular meaning within a specific context, or data that have been processed in such a way to be useful to the recipients. (Ayatse, 2005).
2. Communication: This is the transfer of information from one point to another either electronically or non-electronically, with the information being understood by the receiver.

1. Technology: According to the oxford advanced learners dictionary (7th edition) “technology is a specific knowledge used in practical ways in industry”. For example, designing new machines which are made to meet up the demand of current and future situation/trend.
2. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Stands for “Information and Communication Technologies.” ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. … This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums
3. Library: A library is a social institution charge with the responsibilities of selection, acquisition, organization, interpretation, conservation, retrieval and dissemination of information by trained or professional librarians and para-professionals.
4. Academic Library: Any library attached to a post-secondary or tertiary institution or libraries attached to universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of educations, colleges of agriculture etc.        
5. Collection Management: Collection management is the term most commonly used to describe the area of librarianship that deals with collections. Collectionmanagement incorporates the variety of functions involved in selecting, acquiring, storing and maintaining collections in a cost-effective manner.

IMPACT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN MONOTECHNIC LIBRARIES

IMPACT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN MONOTECHNIC LIBRARIES

A CASE STUDY OF COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Organizational efficiency and effectiveness simply imply the need for establishment of organized structures for higher productivity and the achievement of the stated objectives of such organization. One method of organizing higher productivity is for the human resources to be strengthened by the way of workforce to acquire skills (Armstrong 2016). This underscores the need for training as well as manpower development. Human resource development is undertaken in order that human potentials may be realized and utilized to the maximum advantage of the organization. This can also be utilized more fully to the mutual benefits of the individual organization, its immediate community and the world at large (Armstrong, 2016).

Human resources development plays a critical role in contributing to the overall productivity and strength of an organization. Human resources development helps to build a stronger workface through better recruiting, training and retention. The workface helps drive the efficiency of the organization as a whole and more efficient, productive and agile organization with well equipped operating managers who provide support on all human resource matters (Gelade, 2013).

Human resources development also provides a variety of employee’s services ranging from research to time and leave reporting to the interpretation of the board of regent’s code state classified rules and related regulations (Gregory 2018). But many human resources organization struggle to allocate their resources, they are often hindered by a multitude of manual based process and benefits information’s that are costly, prone to errors and time consuming to manage, this factors can make it difficult for human resources organizations to focus on higher value initiative that helps to drive profitability, efficiency and contribute to the organization bottom-line, many human resources administrative units are transforming to an E-human resources task tools and processes into internal intranets via the internet, organizations are seeking E-human solutions that can help automate tasks and streamline workflow and improve efficiency of the workforce  by providing self service tools, training and information. By automating processes human resources can better align itself with the organizational services and employees needs such training and development (Armstrong 2016).

Human resource development in academic libraries requires adequate attention due to the recent continuous application of information technology in almost all facets of librarianship. Also, patrons of academic libraries recently prefer electronic resources to print resources and a greater aspect of service provision in libraries in the developed world are undertaken electronically. Librarians in Africa, particularly Nigeria need to be trained and retrained to cope with the changes to be able to manage information equipment, package and repackage information, market, digitize and adapt to the current trend of organizing library materials (Mabawonku, 2015). Alemna (2012) indicates that, for libraries to function effectively and efficiently, training is very essential to increase productivity, reduce supervision and improve performance.

Therefore, accomplishing the human resources goals of an organization requires close coordination between the human resources administration and operating managers (Richard, 2017). This research work examines the impact of human resources development in Monotechnic Libraries with particular reference to College of Agriculture Lafia, Nasarawa state.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

          Human resources development is faced with some problems in the course of carrying out their obligation which serves as a detriment in contributing their quota effectively to the organizations building. These problems are as follows:

Inadequate provision of funds to the administration poised a great obstacle to the organization in ensuring efficiency.

Improper selection and employment of staff affects the productiveness and effectiveness of the organization. When employees undergo the required training in order to put their acquired knowledge into practice and management do not place them on merit, it mega test the principles of efficiency in the organization.

Change in government policies makes it difficult for organization to operate steadily. Social-cultural values and beliefs of the areas where organization is operating may hinder effective and efficient utilization of human resource. When the management have a wrong preconceived notion that anybody other than a specialist can mount the responsibilities and therefore, when it is not accorded the proper place it deserves, it posed a problem to the organizations development.

1.3     Research Objectives

The general objective of this study is to examine the impact of human resource development in Monotechnic Libraries a case study of College of Agriculture Lafia, Nasarawa state.

The Research Objectives are as follows:-

1. To find out the implication of the methods of employment and its impact of job efficiency
2. To identify the process of appointment into key offices with the use of employees’ qualification.
3. To establish the link between human resource development and organizational productivity.
4. To examine the impact of human development on organizational performance

1.4     Research Questions

1. What are the implication of the methods of employment and its impact of job efficiency in Monotechnic libraries?
2. What are the processes of appointing officer into key offices with the use of employees’ qualification?
3. What is the link between human resource development and organizational productivity?
4. What is the impact of human development on organizational performance?

1.5     Significance of the Study      

The findings of this study will be great significance to the following stakeholders:

1. To proffer a solution to the problems of human resources development in an organization especially the College of Agriculture Lafia, Nasarawa State.
2. To help in educating the human resources manager in ensuring that the organizational aims and objectives are met and the operational activities of the organization is run smoothly, effectively and efficiently.
3. The research work will also help the management in proper decision making especially in areas of incentives eradicating of redundancy and novice in the organizational settings and structures. 
4. The study will also assist students and other researchers who may come across it in the library on further impact of human resources administration on organizational efficiency, by providing them with some basic and necessary information’s.

1.6     Scope and Limitation of the Study 

The scope of this research work is centered on the contributions as well as the roles played by the human resources development on organizational efficiency. Arising from the foregoing, this study focuses on the activities of human resources development in Monotecnic libraries especially in college of Agriculture Lafia.

1.7     Definition of Terms 

Every originated work has its own peculiarities and this research work is no exception. Therefore, these terms have been assigned specific meaning irrespective of their other meaning and have been employed in this research solely on these specific meaning for easy explanation and understanding especially to the readers.

Human Resources: Is the set of individuals who make up the workforce of an organization, sector or economy. They are responsible with employing suitable individual that fit a job.

Management: The organization and coordination of the activities of a business in order to achieve defined objectives.

Efficiency: Efficiency is the quality of achieving something which takes the organization nearer to their goals.

Goals: Goals is a desired result a person or a system envision, plans and commits to achieve a personal or organizational desired endpoint in some sort of assumed development.