Adoption and use of new learning web technologies: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

The study examined the adoption and use of new learning web technologies such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Most significantly, MOOCs build on the engagement of learners who self-organized their participation according to learning goals, prior knowledge and skills, and common interests. MOOC is an online course with the option of free and open registration, a publicly shared curriculum, and open-ended outcomes. MOOCs integrate social networking, accessible online resources, and are facilitated by leading practitioners in the field of study. The paper discussed the importance of MOOCs to learning process, roles of MOOC in facilitating learning process, MOOCs as a potential of promoting lifelong learning, challenges and benefits of MOOCs. The paper concluded that, Information Communication Technology (ICTs) has changed the way activities are being undertaking the use of MOOCs in our tertiary institutions is becoming inevitable and necessary in order to give access to multiple users of learners. The paper recommended that, it is the role of the educators, teachers and education consultants to make them aware of all the possibilities for their future carrier and all librarians and library schools should embrace the use of this novel technology to increase and promote professional development of librarians across all sector

Awareness and access to electronic information resources by students at Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria

This study examined awareness and access to electronic information resources by students at Kogi State University, Anyigba. A descriptive survey method was used for the study. The population consists of library users of Dr. Aliyu Obaje Library, Kogi State University, Anyigba. A total number of 139 were administered to undergraduate library users, 102 copies representing (73%) were returned. Statistical tools used for this analysis was simple percentage and mean scores of the data. Analysis and discussion of the study were based on major findings of the study. The findings found that, students are aware of the availability of online databases, e-books, e-research project, internet services and e-journals to a large extent. The study revealed that challenges associated with the access and use of information resources ranged from insufficient number of computer, computer failure, inadequate funding, erratic power supply, lack of conducive atmosphere. The study recommended, among others that, the computer rooms or ICT centers should be created in faculties and departments to ease congestion and make electronic resources easily accessible to students; university libraries should give more education to users on the available electronic information resources and university libraries should include ICT/web training in their curriculum to train students at all level on the relevant skill needed to access and use the web

Deploying innovative strategies to library and information services in response to Covid-19 pandemic in universities

Purpose: This paper examined the innovative strategies deployed by academic libraries swift measures to cushion the effects on users during COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to identify innovative library services embraced by university libraries in foremost university libraries in the world. Design/methodology/approach: Using the purposive sampling method, libraries of ten foremost universities in the world were chosen for this study. The library websites of the selected universities were visited and explored to obtain explicit information in their response to the pandemic. Data was analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Findings: Findings revealed that, academic libraries of foremost institutions in the world responded to the pandemic through a modification of physical access to library services with little or no physical contact. Also, the study found that, the services by academic libraries provided ranged from conversion of print resources to soft copies, deployment of personalized library services to provision of online library services and resources. Originality: This study provides insight into best practices taken by academic libraries of highly ranked universities in the world, in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of this study are that, it focused on only ten purposively selected universities, therefore generalization of result should be done with caution. Also, the study considered only academic libraries. Practical implications: The findings provide insight for library and information science (LIS) professionals on sensitive approaches to information service delivery beyond what suffice for day-to-day library services in times of disaster such as COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp

Usage of electronic information resources (EIRs) for improved nursing research and health-care delivery in Nigeria

This study examined the usage of electronic information resources (EIRs) for improved nursing research and health-care delivery in Nigeria. A descriptive survey method was used for the study. The population consisted of 120 nursing and midwifery students and 5 healthcare providers at Grimmard School of Nursing and Midwifery, Anyigba, Kogi State of Nigeria totalling 125. Five (5) research questions guided the conduct of this study. Analysis and discussion of the study were based on major findings of the study. The results revealed that, nursing and midwifery students sourced e-resources through online databases, smart phones, institutional repositories and search engines. The study further concluded that, pubmed and excerpta medica database (EMBASE), global infectious disease and epidemiology network (GIDEON), nursing reference centre plus, medicine biomedical and health resources and lilalcs and trip pro were available types of e-resources to nurses. Challenges hindering effective utilization of electronic information resources by nurses ranged from inadequate facilities for using e-resources, unstable power supply, lack of requisite computer use skills, and knowledge of availability of resources, poor internet connectivity, inability to evaluate information sources and inability to seek and obtain information. The study, among others, recommended that government and other stakeholders should assist private and public nursing colleges to provide libraries with adequate and relevant electronic information resources (EIRs) for the usage by student nurses and the management of nursing schools should enhance internet connectivity, infrastructures and access points at strategic locations at the college library. The study contributes to knowledge in the areas of literature, practice and will be useful for policy makers on the necessary steps for ensuring the available of electronic health resources and usability by nursing students. In addition, the study provides fresh data on the usage of electronic information resources for improved nursing research and health care delivery in Nigeria

Influence of Social Media on Political News Credibility in Kogi State, Nigeria

News content from social media comes from several platforms whose credibility, according to literature, cannot be vouched for, unlike the traditional sources which are subject to several editorial gatekeeping checks. Notwithstanding the credibility, it appears the influence of the conventional media as providers of information is waning particularly among young people who rely more on social media for news. This study examined political news consumption in social media by 384 respondents who completed a questionnaire to determine the source credibility in one of Nigeria’s 36 states - Kogi. Findings confirm a preponderance of news consumption in social media with the following sample means Twitter (x̄=3.23), Facebook (x̄=3.16), blog (x̄=3.05), Instagram (x̄=2.78), YouTube (x̄=2.59) and Yahoo News (x̄=2.58) for political news. Findings also show that there is a significant difference in the credibility of political news information on social media among the state’s three senatorial zones. One thing is certain: traditional media should start dropping the idea that social media sources are not credible. They should emphasize their social media strategies to reach out to more people, especially the youth. The study is useful for researchers and observers who are interested in knowing the level of trust consumers have in news sources

Utilization of Library and Information Centres in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria

This paper examines the utilization of library in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. The paper argues that libraries as important resources for achieving these goals must provide relevant and adequate information to the public in an accessible way. This paper, therefore, outline the roles library and information centres play in promoting sustainable development goals. This paper also highlights the challenges associated with libraries towards promoting sustainable development goals. The paper, among others, recommends that libraries should regularly organize seminars, government should ensure that libraries and information centre are fully integrated into the scheme of activities at both the local and national levels, government and the parent institution should support the library and information centres financially