Utilisation Of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) In Reference Services Of Academic Libraries: Threats And Challenges

This study, which focuses on the threats and challenges of using Information Communication Technologies in reference services of academic libraries, was carried out using 600 questionnaires and observation as materials for data collection. Survey method of investigation was adopted for this study. The data collected was analyzed in table using percentages and frequencies. Mean and standard deviation was equally used to show overall average score. The findings of the research indicated inadequate number of these facilities, limited duration of use, not being allowed to save information into storage media like diskettes and flash drives as some of the major threats and challenges to the optimal utilization of these facilities. Suggestions such as extending duration of use, working towards generation of funds internally to augment allocation so as to able to acquire additional facilities among others were recommended to check the threats and challenges. Keywords: Reference services, Information Communication Technologies, Academic Libraries The Information Technologist Vol. 5 (2) 2008: pp. 62-6