Open Access
Subscription Access
Open Access
Subscription Access
ICT Related Library Services Verses the Human Capital of Library Staff in Three Public Universities in Ghana
Subscribe/Renew Journal
ICT has transformed the traditional concept of libraries from a store house of books to an intellectual information centre by facilitating global access to information. Thus, most library services are transforming from the manual system to a technologically driven system. As a result, many academic libraries have automated their house keeping functions; thereby using ICT tools to deliver web based services. This paper sought to examine the ICT capacity of library staff at the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast and the University of Energy and Natural Resources Libraries. The study used questionnaires and interviews to solicit for responses from respondents. The findings of the study revealed that, staff from these institutions are being prepared to face the ICT world since most of them were competent in the use ICT to deliver ICT related services. However, they needed more training in order to keep abreast in delivering ICT services since ICT services in libraries is still an evolving phenomenon. It was also brought to light that despite the library staff eagerness to be trained, they were however constrained by some challenges such as lack of funds, permissions to undertake trainings not granted by superiors and lack of the ICT facilities to work with. It was however recommended that, funds for training should be provided by the management of the institutions to enable staff undertake training programmes. Adequate funds must be made available by management of institutions towards the development of their library’s ICT infrastructure. Also, opportunities should be given to senior staff of libraries to partake in seminars, workshops and conferences as a means to build their capacity in ICT, and finally, in-house training programmes on ICT must be frequently organised for library staff to enable them adapt to the constantly changing technological trends.
Keywords
Information Communication Technology (ICT), Natural Resources Libraries, Technologically-driven System
Subscription
Login to verify subscription
User
Font Size
Information
- S. Singh, and S. V. S. Rana, “A study of impact of ICT on library users and library services,” International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET) ISSN: 2278-0882, EATHD-2015 Conference Proceeding, 2015.
- R. Elves, “Innovation in libraries: Report from the Business Librarian Association annual conference,” SCONUL Focus, vol. 68, pp. 88-91, 2017.
- N. Edewor, “Capacity building efforts to develop digital innovation competencies among librarians in Nigeria,” Journal of Library Administration, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 316-330, 2020. Accessed: Apr. 11, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2020.1727281
- S. Adamou, and L. Ntoka, “The impact of digital technologies on academic libraries: A study in Greece,” 2017. Accessed: Apr. 28, 2020. [Online]. Available: http://lnu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1129431/FULLTEXT01.pdf
- D. Rosenberg, “IT and university libraries in Africa,” Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 5-13, 1998.
- W. O. Anyim, “Assessment of ICT literacy skills of digital library users and staff in Salem University Lokoja, Kogi,” Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2018. Accessed: May 22, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1801
- H. R. Asamoah-Hassan, “Transforming traditional libraries into electronic libraries: The contribution of the African University,” 2001. [Online]. Available: http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4176
- D. Oguche, A. D. Lamidi, and P. Gabasa, “Capacity building for library and information professionals,” International Journal of Applied Technologies in Library and Information Management, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 1-8, CREW Colleagues of Researchers, Educators & Writers, 2017.
- S. Y. Bansode, and R. R. Viswe, “ICT literacy among library professionals working in the university libraries in Maharashtra, India: A study,” DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, vol. 37, no. 5, pp. 353-359, 2017, doi: 10.14429/djlit.37.11723.
- L. A. Ogunsola, “Libraries as tools for capacity building in developing countries,” 2011. Accessed: Mar. 12, 2019. [Online]. Available: http://unllib.unl.edu/LPP/
- R. Sarmah, “Capacity building in university library services,” 9th Convention PLANNER-2014, Dibrugarh University, Assam, © INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar, 2014.
- M. U. Ugboma, and N. Edewor, “Use of email in library and information services provision in higher institutions in Delta State, Nigeria,” The Information Technologists, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 42-51, 2008.
- J. Abbas, “The library profession and the internet: Implications and scenarios for change,” Katharine Sharp Review, vol. 1997, pp. 54-62, 1997.
- S. A. Amkpa, and M. A. Obaje, ‘‘The changing roles and challenges for librarians and information professionals in the era of information and communication technology (ICT),” ILM, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 173-189, 2012.
- M. K. Verma, “Changing role of library professional in a digital environment,” International Journal of Library Science, vol. 13, no. 2, 2015. Accessed: Dec. 23, 2019. [Online]. Available: http://www.gdrc.org/uem/capacitydefine
- N. Awamley, “Enhancing employees performance via empowerment: A field survey,” Asian Journal of Business Management, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 313-319, 2013.
- E. E. Yamoah, “The link between human resource capacity building and job performance,” International Journal of Human Resource Studies, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 139-146, 2014.
- Z. Mohammed, and N. Bot, “Capacity building for library and information centre personnel in ICT environment,” Samaru Journal of Information Studies, vol. 1, no. 9, pp. 9-13, 2009.
- I. Mabawonku, “Providing information for capacity building: The role of an NGO library in Nigeria,” Journal of Information Development, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 100-106, 2001.
- C. Claussen, “Capacity building for organizational effectiveness,” Literature Review: The Journey of High Performance, United Way of Calgary and Area, 2011.
- S. Bhattacharjee, and S. Bhattacharjee, “Capacity building through training program in library and information science professionals: A survey on various libraries in Barak Valley (Assam),” 9th Convention PLANNER-2014, Dibrugarh University, Assam, © INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar, 2014.
- E. Magara, “Challenges of library and information science capacity building in Southern Sudan: A situational analysis in conference proceedings IST-Africa 2010,” in P. Cunningham, and M. Cunningham, Eds. IIMC International Information Management Corporation, 2010, pp. 1-12.
- J. O. Dada, “Human capacity building: Challenges towards improved service delivery in Africa,” 2004.
- C. Raymond, “Improving publicly funded human services: Incorporating capacity building into the
- contracting relationship between children’s services councils and non-profit organizations,” A doctoral dissertation, Florida International University, Miami, Fl. (UMI Dissertation Publishing No. 3447789), 2010. Accessed: Aug. 31, 2019 from Digital Commons at FIU database.
- S. Doherty, and S. E. Mayer, “Results of an inquiry into capacity building programs for nonprofit programs,” 2003. Accessed: Sept. 21, 2019. [Online]. Available: www.EffectiveCommunities.com
- E. T. Lwoga, A. S. Sife, L. S. P. Busagala, and W. Chilimo, “The role of universities in creating ICT awareness, literacy and expertise: Experiences from Tanzanian public universities,” Directorate of ICT support, Makerere University Uganda, 2016.
- A. Saidu, Y. Takur, and S. H. Adamu, “Promoting sustainable development through ICT in developing countries,” European Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, vol, 2, no. 2, pp. 24-29, 2014.
- M. K. Verma, “Information communication technology (ICT) challenges for library professional: A professional approach,” 2014.
- O. A. Adebayo, Y. O. Ahmed, and R. T. Adeniran, “The role of ICT in the provision of library services: A panacea for sustainable development in Nigeria,” Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2018. Accessed: May 30, 2020. [Online]. Available: http://digitalcommonns.unl.edu/libphilprac/1951
- P. Coopers, “Capacity building: Investing in not-for-profit effectiveness,” Canada, Pricewaterhouse Coopers,” 2011.
- G. Psacharopoulous, and M. Woodhal, Education for Development: An Analysis of Investment Choice. New York: Oxford Printing Press, 1997.
- J. W. Creswell, and V. L. Plano Clark, Designing and Conducting Mixed Method Research, 2nd ed. Los Angeles: Sage Publications, 2011.
- G. Tachie-Donkor, C. K. Filson, and Opare-Adzobu, “Motivation and performance of the middle level man power in academic libraries; The case study of University of Cape Coast library, Ghana,” Journal of International Academic Research for Multidisciplinary, vol. 4, no. 7, 2016.
- S. Thanuskodi, “ICT literacy among library professionals in the engineering college libraries of Tamil Nadu: An analytical,” International Journal of Digital Library Services, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 131-141, 2011.
- E. E. Adaomi, O. N. Alakpodia, and B. A. Akporhonor, “Conference attendance by Nigerian library and information professionals,” Journal of Information Development, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 188-196, 2006. [Online]. Available: http:l/dx.doi.org/10.1177/0266666906068819.
- J. Idiegbeyan-Ose, H. Ohaegbulam, and O. Osayande, “Conference/workshop attendance by librarians: Benefits, challenges, and prospects,” An International Electronic Journal, vol. 39, 2014. Accessed: Mar. 5, 2021. [Online]. Available: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl39100.pdf
- G. O. Quadri, “Impact of ICT skills on the use of e-resources by information professionals: A review of related literature,” Library Philosophy and Practice (e- journal), Paper 762, 2012. [Online]. Available: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/762
- S. T. Seena, and K. G. Sudhier Pillaiw, “A study of ICT skills among library professionals in the Kerala university library system,” Annals of Library and Information Studies, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 132-141, 2014.
- O. C. Fatoki, “Library automation in Nigeria: The Kenneth Dike library experience,” Lagos Journal of Library & Information Science, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 111-118, 2004.
- G. Hallam, and R. Ellard, “Our future, our skills: Using evidence to drive practice in public libraries,” Evidence Based Library and Information Technology, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 113-131, 2015.
Abstract Views: 153
PDF Views: 0