Information and communication technology (ICT) literacy among the staff of Nigerian university libraries
Abstract
Purpose
To ascertain the levels of ICT literacy among library staff in a range of Nigerian libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted among the professionals, paraprofessionals and “other” members of staff of 18 Nigerian university libraries.
Findings
Analysis of the data showed that, on a self‐assessment basis, out of about 268 professional librarians, only 87 (approximately 32 per cent) were ICT‐literate, implying that the remaining 181 (approximately 68 per cent) of professional librarians were ICT‐illiterate. Of the 358 paraprofessionals in those libraries, only 28 (approximately 8 per cent) were ICT‐literate, while the vast majority, some 330 (approximately 92 per cent), were ICT‐illiterate. Of the 1,133 “other” staff members in the survey, a minimal 69 (6 per cent) staff were ICT‐literate, while 1,064 (approximately 94 per cent) were ICT‐illiterate.
Research limitations/implications
The questionnaire basis of the investigation gives room for subjective distortions in assessment of levels of literacy; the investigation only considered two categories of skills, “literacy” and “illiteracy”, without gradations between these categories.
Practical implications
The conclusion reached was that Nigerian university library professionals and paraprofessionals should acquire an enhanced level of ICT literacy: both staff training and an adequate ICT infrastructure were recommended.
Originality/value
The paper gives a representative overview of the attainment level of library staff in an important area of professional competence, and shows the importance of addressing the gap between the desired levels of ICT literacy and the actual levels.
Keywords
Citation
Olu Adeyoyin, S. (2005), "Information and communication technology (ICT) literacy among the staff of Nigerian university libraries", Library Review, Vol. 54 No. 4, pp. 257-266. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530510593443
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited