THE USE OF ICT FOR SECURITY AND THEFT PREVENTION IN TWO UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

The study investigated the use of ICT for security and theft prevention in two university libraries in Nigeria. Population of the study is made up of 80 library staff of the two universities, 40 library staff from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina and 40 library staff from Al-Qalam University Katsina. Five research questions guided the study. The data was analyzed with the use of simple statistical tools like frequencies and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that maximum security in the libraries will prevent theft mutilation. It also revealed that a video surveillance system working in conjunction with a barcode and magnetic book control system could help prevent book theft and monitor the move of books and other resources as it moves from one user to another. Lack of literate or skilled personnel: libraries and information Centre’s lack skilled personnel that can operate, teach and instruct the use of these telecommunication security systems even when they are made available in the library. Poor power supply: These telecommunication security systems or devices need electricity to power them and due to the poor power supply, these systems often time are not working and as such are incapable of performing their expected task of securing the library and its collection. Hardware and software failure: This is major threat to the use of telecommunication security system in the library. When there is software failure or hardware breakdown that may require the need for an engineer who may not be available to put them in place as at when due, then the library system and its collections is at risk. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the librarian and information experts should take out time to educate their parent organization on the benefits associated with libraries and information Centre’s in the use of telecommunication security systems and devices so that the library parent body can release adequate fund which will be used for the purchase of telecommunication security devices in the librar

Managing smart campus and smart libraries: a look at challenges and the way forward for libraries in developing countries

The paper focused on the challenges faced in creating and managing smart libraries in developing countries. The highlight of the paper are an overview of smart campuses and smart libraries; the justification for smart campuses and smart libraries. The key points for driving a smart campus and smart libraries include deep understanding of smart technological architecture; availability of smart devices and availability of smart platforms; The related technologies for smart libraries in smart campus include but not limited to cloud computing, radio frequency identification (RFID), mobile technology applications, internet of things (IoT) and wireless technology. Several challenges were identified such as unavailability of digital infrastructure, low level of partnership drive, lack of ict skills among library and information science professionals, high cost of maintenance and shortage of smart librarians. Provision of digital infrastructures, engaging in sustainable partnership initiatives, training and re-training of library and information science professionals, organizing of in-house training for library and information science professionals, recruitment of smart librarians, adequate funding were recommended. Keywords: Smart libraries, smart campuses, developing countries, librarie

Influence of age, gender and working experience on librarians’ job satisfaction in university libraries in Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of personal characteristics of librarians on their job satisfactions in University Libraries in Nigeria. The personal characteristics consisted of age, gender and working experience. Survey research design was employed to investigate the influence of these variables on job satisfactions of a sample of 458 Librarians from 31 University libraries in Nigeria. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The questionnaire was adapted from the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaires. Descriptive Statistics and ANOVA were used to analyze the data collected for this study. The findings revealed that the job satisfaction of older librarians was higher than that of the younger ones. It was also found that while gender was not a significant factor, work experience influences job satisfaction of librarians. Recommendations were also made based on these findings.Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Working Experience, University Libraries Nigeri

THE USE OF ICT FOR SECURITY AND THEFT PREVENTION IN TWO UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

The study investigated the use of ICT for security and theft prevention in two university libraries in Nigeria. Population of the study is made up of 80 library staff of the two universities, 40 library staff from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina and 40 library staff from Al-Qalam University Katsina. Five research questions guided the study. The data was analyzed with the use of simple statistical tools like frequencies and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that maximum security in the libraries will prevent theft mutilation. It also revealed that a video surveillance system working in conjunction with a barcode and magnetic book control system could help prevent book theft and monitor the move of books and other resources as it moves from one user to another. Lack of literate or skilled personnel: libraries and information Centre’s lack skilled personnel that can operate, teach and instruct the use of these telecommunication security systems even when they are made available in the library. Poor power supply: These telecommunication security systems or devices need electricity to power them and due to the poor power supply, these systems often time are not working and as such are incapable of performing their expected task of securing the library and its collection. Hardware and software failure: This is major threat to the use of telecommunication security system in the library. When there is software failure or hardware breakdown that may require the need for an engineer who may not be available to put them in place as at when due, then the library system and its collections is at risk. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the librarian and information experts should take out time to educate their parent organization on the benefits associated with libraries and information Centre’s in the use of telecommunication security systems and devices so that the library parent body can release adequate fund which will be used for the purchase of telecommunication security devices in the librar

USERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE FACILITIES, RESOURCES AND SERVICES OF THE MTN DIGITAL LIBRARY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

Purpose: This study examined users’ perception of the facilities, resources and services of the MTN digital library at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with regards to the effectiveness and efficiency of the library system. Design/Method/Approach: The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. It was appropriate for this study as a useful method for assessing attitudes or opinions towards programmes, individuals, organizations and events. Four objectives and four research questions were formulated to guide this study.A convenience sampling technique was used and a sample size of 196 registered users of the MTN Digital Library, UNN was evaluated for this study. Instruments for data collection include a well structured questionnaire designed to elicit information from the library’s users and an observation checklist designed to support the results of the questionnaire. 213 questionnaires were distributed to the users of the library with a return rate of 92%. The study employed the use of frequency table, percentages, mean scores and ranking as statistical measures for data analysis. Findings: From the findings of the study, it was concluded that the general perception of users towards the facilities, resources and services of the MTN digital library, UNN is highly satisfactory. Respondents were very highly aware of and satisfied with the availability of e-resources such as the World Wide Web, WIFI and search engines as opposed to online indexes and abstracts, video CDs, CD-ROMs, online databases and portals. Results also showed that services such as online internet search services, e-mail services and online reference services were provided at the MTN library at higher extents compared to other services. It was therefore recommended that the library offer different information access and delivery mechanismsto users to widen the limited scope of the resources and services currently employed to serve them. Other recommendations include the employment of dedicated and willing staff, use of newsgroups and online forums to discuss and consult users, continuous review of the digital library system, training and support of software developers and technicians to enhance digital library services, provision forums where users can lodge their complaints concerning the inefficiency or effectiveness of the library system, provision of a communication and feedback mechanism should between the library and the MTNF to see to the effective maintenance and sustainability of the digital library project etc. Implication: This study has serious implications for libraries in Nigerian higher education institutions as the line between the use of academic libraries and the use of the internet for research is still very obvious. In more developed countries these lines are virtually non-existent, because most academic libraries enjoy full Internet connectivity. Manpower training in the use of technology is another issue that is being raised here. Librarians must be trained in the use of current technologies to aid them in the discharge of their duties. The results of this study have implications for the university management and staff, students, the MTNF and NetLibrary, the university and library administrations, researchers and lecturers. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its examination of the facilities, resources and services of the MTN digital library at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from the users’ perspective. This study identifies critical issues related to the effective operation of the digital library system and the utilization of its facilities, resources and services by clients. Its values relates to its immense contributions to MTNF, NetLibrary and Nigerian universities and students especially in this information age where Nigerian educational institutions face the challenges of globalization and information explosion

Perception, Utilization and Purposes of Using Cyberspace Information Resources and Services by Postgraduate Students

This study was carried out to investigate postgraduate students’ perception, utilization and purposes of using cyberspace information resources and services in five federal universities in southwest Nigeria. The descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 1058 postgraduate students from five federal universities. Instrument for data collection include a well-structured questionnaire. The study witnessed a 95% return rate of the distributed questionnaire. The study used mean score () and Standard Deviation (SD) for data analysis. Results revealed that postgraduate students use cyberspace information resources and services for research purposes. The results also revealed that PG students’ perception of cyberspace information resources and services were positive. Results showed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female postgraduate students on the utilization of cyberspace information resources and services for research in federal universities in southwest Nigeria. Also, it was found that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female PG students on the perception of cyberspace information resources and services used for research in federal universities in southwest Nigeria. Results further revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female PG students on the purposes of using cyberspace information resources and services in federal universities in Southwest Nigeria. The study recommended that university should consider other means of generating funds as the need for further research increase daily, internet connection be improved and extended without limitation

International publishing standards and legal deposit obligations: Awareness issues and national library as a digital nervous system

This paper is an empirical investigation of authors‟ awareness of international publishing standards and their legal deposit obligations which are critical variables for both Universal Bibliographic Control and Universal Availability of Publications. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The area of study was Enugu State in South East Nigeria. Specifically, the institution of the authors was the University of Nigeria Nsukka which historically and population-wise is the oldest and largest institution in the South East. The population was made up of 70 librarians in the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library and the Department of Library and Information Science of the University. The sampling approach was purposive. The data collected was analyzed using frequency counts, standard deviation and mean scores. The basis for decision was 2.50 for both the upper and lower scores. The highest level of awareness of authors of international publishing standard was that „web resources now have DOI‟, followed by ISBN for books, CIP for publications, the importance of CIP, ISMN for music publications, the agency with statutory responsibility to prepare CIP, the agency that assigns ISBN, the requirement for ISSN for journals. They were however not aware of the agency that assigns ISBN. The study revealed that authors play critical roles in the maintenance of international publishing standards. The authors studied agreed they ensured that their publishers use ISSN and process CIP for books. They agreed that they are key players in national bibliographic control practices. They also checked whether online journals containing their works had DOI. Majority of the authors agreed that their awareness levels were very high and high respectively, with respect to their awareness of legal deposit obligations. The study also revealed that the greatest source of awareness came through sensitization/enlightenment programmes, followed by publishers, librarians, conference participation in that order. While the authors were aware of their publishers‟ obligations, they were not aware of the provisions of the legal deposit provision. A digital nervous system of shared responsibilities for the maintenance of international publishing standards and the implementation of legal deposit provisions in Nigeria, and indeed any other country is proposed. This is the mainstay of the paper‟s originality. It is argued that a functional identification and integration of the burgeoning stakeholders into a digital nervous system define the future from the foreground for improved international publishers‟ standard and compliance with the extant depository law, for Nigeria and indeed, for most developing countries.&nbsp

Competencies Required by Teacher Librarians for Improved Primary School Library Services in Enugu State of Nigeria

School libraries are central to learner-centred and inquiry-based education. However, the services of teacher librarians are required to make the school library functional. To function effectively, teacher librarians require competencies in teaching, literacy promotion, librarianship, administration and advocacy. This paper explores competencies possessed and required by primary school teacher librarians in Enugu State of Nigeria for improved library services. The study is a survey research. With a purposive sample of sixteen primary schools with more developed school libraries, the researchers collected data through three instruments:  an observation checklist assessing school libraries on accommodation, collections, personnel and services; a  structured questionnaire with five clusters on competencies possessed, as well as open questions on factors inhibiting performance and strategies for improvement; and an interview guide. Data were analysed using frequency and percentages; and narrative description.  Findings revealed that the personnel factor was crucial in effective library services; that while none of the teacher librarians had qualifications in both education and librarianship, they did possess some competencies, especially in the areas of literacy promotion and teaching while lacking others such as library skills. Among recommended actions to increase competencies and strengthen the performance of teacher librarians were: establishment of a clear career ladder for teacher librarians, continuing professional education leading to dual qualifications, inclusion of library periods on the timetable, development of a curriculum to guide teaching of library and information literacy skills, and advocacy to create a more supportive working environment for teacher librarians. Only such actions can improve school library services, since only well qualified teacher librarians can deliver effective school library services.Keywords: Teacher librarians; School libraries; Library service

Extent of provision of library and information service delivery to researchers in agricultural research institutes in north central Nigeria

This study investigated the extent to which Current Awareness Services (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), Internet Services (IS), Inter-Library Loan Services (ILLS), Reference Services (RS) and Circulation Services (CS) were provided by the Agricultural Research Institute Libraries in North Central Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. One objective and one research question were formulated to guide the study. The entire population of four (4) heads of libraries (Institute Librarians) from all the Agricultural Research Institutes in North Central Nigeria was used for the study. Instrument for data collection was a wellstructured questionnaire. Four copies of questionnaire were distributed to the library heads of the institute libraries with a return rate of 100%. The study used mean scores and standard deviation ranking as statistical measures for data analysis. The results revealed that Agricultural Research Institutes Libraries in North Central Nigeria to a high extent provide current awareness services (2.95± .53), selective dissemination of information (2.75± .41), internet services (2.67± .49), inter  library loan services (2.70± .90), reference services (2.55± .84) and circulation services (3.10± .58) to their researchers to increase their scholarly communication outputs. Furthermore, the study revealed that, circulation service delivery (3.10± .58) is the highest services provided to the researchers in the libraries studied while reference services (2.55± .84) are the least service delivery provided. Suggested solutions to challenges in the provision of library and information service delivery to agricultural researchers include the institute library administrators putting in more financial, human and material resources to enhance the already existing services as the main objective of any library is to provide the right information in a right medium and at the right time, among others. It was recommended that the libraries should intensify their efforts towards adequate provision and access reference services so that the researchers will be aware of their existence and effectively utilize them towards their research practices for enhanced research outputs, among others.Keywords: Library, Information, Service, Delivery, Librarianship, Information, Science, Agriculture, Researcher, Institute

Utilization of Modern Technologies for Service Delivery in Special Libraries in South-East Nigeria

Modern technologies are part of the tools that can help to provide efficient and effective service delivery in libraries. For librarians to perform their jobs effectively, they have to fully utilize modern technologies. The aim of the study therefore, is to examine the utilization of modern technologies for effective service delivery in selected special libraries in South-East, Nigeria. Specifically, two objectives and two research questions guided the study .The study adopted descriptive survey design. Responses to a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers were received from 30 librarians. The questionnaire was entitled,’ Utilization of Modern Technology for Effective Service Delivery Questionnaire(UMTSLCQ). It was validated by experts and its reliability index was calculated as 2.50 using frequency table. The data collected were presented in a tabular form for clarity, analyzed using frequency count and tables. The findings of the study showed that modern technologies are not being utilized adequately in service delivery in most special libraries in the south east, although they complement many of the services provided by the special libraries. Recommendations were made based on the findings which includes proper sensitization of librarians on appropriate use of modern technologies, adequate funding, consistent and constant training of staff to upgrade their skill on the use of modern technologies. The study concluded by making recommendation based on the findings.Keywords: Modern technology, Utilization, Service delivery, Special Libraries, South-East Nigeri