Information and Communication Technology Computencies of Library Staff in Benue State University Library and Information Services, Makurdi

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate Information Communication Technology Competencies of Library Staff in Benue State University Library and Information Services, Makurdi. The study adopted the descriptive research design with a population of seventy three (73) librarians of the Benue State University Library and Information services. The entire population was used as the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Data collected was analysed using frequency and simple percentage. Findings revealed that: the level of ICT competence among the library staff working in the University library is still very low. They have higher level of skill in basic computing like word processing, storing, copying and retrieving data from primary and secondary devices, but possess low levels of skills in graphics, power-point, digitization, Statistical and multimedia packages. Findings also revealed that although most library staff have knowledge of ICT, their knowledge is limited to performing Microsoft Work related works like typing and printing and carrying out online searches. Most of them lack required ICT competencies to carry out library duties like Scanning, Cataloguing, Acquisition, etc. On method of acquisition of ICT competencies, many of the library staff acquired the competencies they possess though private computer training, personal practice and on-the-job training, though, majority would prefer to acquire training through library school. Major hindrances to library staff competency acquisition stem from lack of fund, lack of training opportunities, inadequate curriculum, the unwillingness of higher authority to release their staff to attend trainings and staff lack of interest in ICT training. To improve the situation, respondents agreed to the suggestions that, staff should first develop personal interests in ICTs, study leave and financial grants should be given to staff to attend ICT training, academic programmes should have more ICT contents, and more ICT facilities should be provided in the libraries. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the University library should dedicate a reasonable percentage of their annual library budget to training. This is because when fund is available more staff can be sponsored further studies, workshops and conference both locally and internationally. Also, the University library should create an internal committee on training that would be responsible for planning training programmes for the library staff. The committee would determine the areas staff need training based on their work schedule. Every staff should from time to time be given training on areas relevant the work he does among others.