Volume 17, No.2, (August) 2021
Cover Page
List of Contributors
Table of Contents
Editorial Comment
Library and Information Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired: The Role of Academic Libraries in Nigeria.
Abstract
Provision of information and its resources is very vital in any society. Getting access to right
information at the right time is very essential because an informed individual has better chances
of doing things differently and would end up achieving excellent results. Information is supposed
to be made available to every individual irrespective of social or economic status, region, country
or even physical appearance or disabilities. Special needs library users which include the blind
and visually impaired people have similar information needs as others. They read newspapers,
listen to a music or recorded lectures or download electronic information from the
Internet; the blind and visually impaired people also need access to relevant information in their
chosen accessible format. Developing an efficient library service for special needs people is
extremely important because there are significantly fewer books available commercially in
accessible formats compared to what is published in print for the general public. Libraries
(special, academic, public) have a moral obligation to make information available to all
categories of users. This paper describes the information needs of blind and visually impaired
people, the barriers faced by them, it also highlights the special equipment and services that the
academic libraries are expected to provide for all library users irrespective of any health
challenges. The paper also provides suggestive guidelines for improving the library and
information services to the blind and visually impaired.
Keywords- Blind, Visually impaired, Library and Information Services, Academic libraries.
Ailakhu, Ugonna V.
Awareness of Cervical Cancer among Public Secondary School Students in Epe Metropolis: Librarians’ Inquisition
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine librarians’ inquisition on awareness of Cervical Cancer
among public secondary school students in Epe Metropolis. Descriptive research design of the case
study type was adopted is this study. The population of study comprises of all twenty seven (27)
senior secondary schools in Epe metropolis. Random sampling technique was used to select all final year
female senior secondary students (SS3) in 14(fourteen) senior secondary schools out of the population of
twenty seven (27) senior secondary schools in Epe metropolis. Out of the 850 copies of questionnaires
distributed, 831 were retrieved and found usable for analysis, giving a 97% percent response rate. Using the
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 23), data collected were then analyzed using descriptive
statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency count and percentage, in cognizance of the objectives of
the research. The result was given along with the data which aid clarity of results and drawing of conclusion
based on the information gathered. The study revealed that majority of the respondents had knowledge
of cervical cancer but only 48.3% of the students’ are aware of library and information services
supportive of cervical cancer awareness and 49.8% respondents agreed that there is low level of
students’ awareness of information sources on cervical cancer. The study concludes that all and
sundry should join in this campaign to ensure adequate information cum awareness for woman and
more importantly girls.
Keywords: Cervical Cancer; Awareness; Public Secondary School; Students; Librarians; Epe
Metropolis-Lagos, Nigeria
Introduction
Rhoda Osebhahiemen Isiwele-Ishola CLN, MNLA Okesanya Roseline Omoadoni CLN, MNLA & Bolanle Clifford Ishola CLN, MNLA
Entrepreneurship Education as Tool for Economic Growth in Nigeria: The Roles of Libraries
Abstract
Entrepreneurship as a tool for the economic growth of a country depends on the willingness of
the citizens to embark on training and education which may be informal or informal education.
To acquire entrepreneurship skills, the entrepreneurs need to embark on entrepreneurship
education to be self–reliant after graduation and even become employers’ of labour to increase
the economic growth of the country. Given these benefits of entrepreneurship in the nations
economy, the Nigerian government introduced the study of entrepreneurship as a course of
study in Nigerian educational systems. Libraries have roles of providing relevant information
resources and services to aid these undergraduates in acquiring the necessary entrepreneurial
skills for the creation and management of a business enterprise. Based on this background, this
paper will discuss the concept of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education, libraries, roles
the libraries can play in entrepreneurship education for the economic growth of Nigeria. Hence
the growth of any countrys economy depends largely on the educational status and level of
access to relevant information by the citizenry. The relevant information needed is acquired,
processed and stored in the libraries under the supervision of librarians. To become a successful
entrepreneur one needs access to relevant information on how to create a business, target your
customers, market, position your product and compete with competitors. The paper also
explored the challenges libraries face in promoting entrepreneurship in Nigeria, which included
poor funding, inadequate manpower, low internet bandwidth, poor reading habits and
inadequate facilities.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Education, Libraries, Economic Growth
Loveth Ogoegbunam Ekwueme PhD
Challenges and Opportunities of Managing Serial Publications in University Libraries in North Central, Nigeria
Dr. Joy A. Idachaba & Dr. Hungwa Shidi
A Study of Collections Care in Public Libraries in North East, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated collections care in public libraries in North East region of Nigeria. The
objective of the study is to look into the existing state of deterioration and damage of library
collections, determine the frequency of implementation of collections care techniques, find
out the types of equipment required for effective care of library collections and identify areas
of training for librarians on collections care in public libraries in the region. The study
employed descriptive survey design using 551 public librarians. A sample size of 276
respondents was selected for the study using proportionate sampling technique. Questionnaire
was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts. Pilot
test was conducted to test the reliability of the instrument, while Cronbach Alpha procedure was
used to determine the internal consistency and reliability of the multiple item scales which
yielded the co-efficient of 0.79, 0.91, 0.84 and 0.70 for the clusters. Mean and standard deviation
were used to answer the research questions and determine the homogeneity or otherwise of the
respondents’ views. Findings of the study revealed that deterioration and damage to library
collections with a cluster mean of 3.58 was high; implementation of collections care techniques
in the public libraries was not frequent with a cluster mean of 2.08. From the findings of this
study, it was recommended for modern collection care equipment to be made available to the
libraries; regular application of modern techniques in handling collections, and staff training and
retraining.
Keywords: Library collections, collections care, public libraries, North East of Nigeria
Jamilu Abdullahi
Application of Preventive Information Security Mechanisms for Combating Pharming Attacks on the Websites of the Universities in Northern States of Nigeria
Abstract
This paper investigates the “Application of preventive information security mechanisms for combating
pharming attacks on the University Websites in Northern States of Nigeria”. Two objectives were
formulated: to identify the causes of pharming attacks on the University websites and to determine the
type of preventive mechanisms applied in combating pharming attacks on the websites of the
Universities. Quantitative research methodology was used for the study. Nine universities in Northern
States of Nigeria with 127 ICT personnel were selected. Questionnaire was used as an instrument in
collecting the data. Mean and standard deviation were used to present and analyse the data collected in
the study. The research found that pre-existing bugs; lack of security standard compliance; security
vulnerabilities and weakness of the system; lack of filtering out fake redirects sites and unauthorized
disclosure or modification of sensitive information were the causes of pharming attacks. The paper
concludes that, if security safeguards are not adequate, pharmers affect the functionalities of the
University websites undetected. They pharmers can attack a website using skills the software developers
never imagined. The study recommended that, to ensure robust preventive security mechanisms the ICT
personnel need to establish benevolent Internal Network detection system, use of server certificate and
application of DNS server patching among others.
Keywords:
Pharming Attacks; Preventive, Information Security Mechanisms, University, Websites.
Abdulrashid Abubakar Zakari Mohammed & Umar Babangida Dangani
Assessing the Impact of Collaboration in Improving Students’ Information Literacy Skills in the Digital Environment
Abstract:
The technological changes in the mode of information flow have given rise to what is today
known as the digital environment - an environment in which most students encounter great
challenges to freely navigate in. This is because the nature of information resources that flow
in the environment requires some basic skills which are referred to as information literacy
skills. The complex process involved in acquiring information literacy skills demands
collaboration among students. Collaboration is a learning strategy that allows students to
work together with their peers to achieve a common goal. We examined this issue by
assessing the impact of collaboration in improving students’ information literacy skills in the
digital environment. The paper is a literature-based research that highlights various
information literacy skills required of students to adapt to the digital environment; identifies
various collaborative platforms to enhance acquisition of such skills; discusses the relevance
of collaboration among students; its challenges and strategies to improve collaborative
learning among students.
Keywords: Collaboration, information literacy skills, digital environment
Ojobor, Rebecca Chidimma PhD Babarinde, Elizabeth Titilope, Ezeh, Godwin Sunday
Challenges and Prospects of Information Resources and Services Provision in University Libraries in Federal Universities in North East, Nigeria
Abstract
The study investigates the challenges and prospects of information resources and services
provision in University Libraries in Federal Universities in North East, Nigeria. The study was
guided by three research questions covering extent of utilization of information resources and
services provision, challenges associated with the provision of information resources and
services provision, and strategies for enhancing information resources and services provision in
university libraries. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The
population of the study was Two Hundred and Ten (210), consisting of (150) librarians and (60)
paraprofessional staff of the university libraries. Questionnaire was used as an instrument for
data collection. Two Hundred (210) questionnaire was administered and One Hundred Seventy
Seven (177) was retrieved was found useable from the respondents. The data collected was
analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistic of Mean ̅ and Standard Deviation (SD).
Findings revealed that the information resources and services provision are highly utilized,
challenges associated with information resources and services provision includes inadequate,
inadequate power supply among others, and strategies for enhancing information resources and
services provision includes adequate funding, adequate power supply among others. Based on
the findings, it was recommended that library users should be sensitized on how to utilised the
information resources and services provision. The library management should ensure that
relevance information resources are acquire in the library and adequate information resources are
also provided in order to provide better services.
Key Words: Problems, Prospects, Information Resources, Information Services, University
Libraries.
Bashiru, Hamida (CLN) & Jumba, Martin Elijah (CLN)
Public Library Services for Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Ayedaade Rural Community of Osun State Nigeria.
Abstract
The study is a descriptive survey to find out the role of public library in providing information in
Ayedaade community in Osun state, Nigeria. The respondents were sixty purposely chosen farmers and
artisans who were asked questions through the use of focus group discussion to find out the awareness of
rural dwellers about Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG), impact of public library as regard the
attainment of SDG in the community, challenges facing the attainment of SDG in rural areas, and
strategies for attainment of SDG. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents were not aware
of the role of public library in implementing sustainable developmental goal especially goal one and two
which are the crux of this work. It was also revealed that the majority of the people in the community do
not benefit from public library services. The study recommends that public libraries have a great role to
play in the attainment of sustainable development goals especially in rural areas. Therefore, there is need
for the librarians and other staff of the library to take their services to the users and potential users.
Babarinde, Elizabeth Titilope Ojobor, Rebecca Chidimma & Nwankwo, Evangeline Uche
The Automation Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Services Delivery to Academic Library Users and Librarians in Nigeria.
Abstract
Technological advancement has continued to change the world and various activities taking
place within it. This technological change is so fundamental that it is reshaping job
performances, enhancing human development and also providing different bases for the
promising future of technology penetrating into human ways of doing things. Series of studies
have shown levels of technology application to library services. This paper presents some of the
branches of artificial intelligence such as expert systems, natural language processing, neural
network and robotics, and the impacts they have created as a result of their application in
enhancing library services delivery to academic library users and librarians in Nigeria.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, academic library, expert system, natural language processing,
neural network, robotics.
Atamu, Martin Oniovoghai & Asifor, Ogbugbu Patience
Assessment of Information Delivery Services for Distance Education Programmes in Taraba State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The paper assessed information delivery services for Distance Education Programmes in Taraba
State, Nigeria. The study traces briefly, the history of National Open University and National
Teachers‟ Institute. The study adopted the survey design method. Questionnaire was used as
instrument for data collection. From the analysis of the data collected, it was found that
information services are provided in support of open and distance education programmes; modern
technologies are used in delivery of information services for the distance learners. It was
recommended that the management and library administrators should enhance planning,
orientation programs, renewed focus on developing the flexibility of services offered.
Keywords: Information Delivery, Open and Distance Education, Social Media
Jumba, Martin Elijah (CLN) & Bashiru Hamida (CLN) & Andeshwur Hosea Tenku (CLN)
Motivating factors influencing the Adoption and Use of Web 2.0 tools by Librarians in University Libraries in Nigeria: A test of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
Abstract
The study assessed the motivating factors influencing the adoption and use of Web 2.0 Tools by librarians in
university libraries in Nigeria using a test of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The population of
the study comprises 70 librarians in five government owned university libraries in Edo and Delta States. The
instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using
Spearman ranking. Results are presented in percentage, frequency in tables for clarity. The findings revealed
that a majority of the respondents are aware of Web 2.0 tools to a very high extent. The finding also show
clearly that Facebook is the most frequently used Web 2.0 tools, followed by Whatsapp, LinkedIn, and
Twitter. The study shows that there is a significant relationship between perceived usefulness and ease of
use and the adoption and use web 2.0 tools by librarians in university libraries. The study revealed that
perceived usefulness has higher tendency to motivate the use of Web 2.0 than the ease of use by librarians in
university libraries. The finding revealed that the major barriers to the adoption and use of Web 2.0 tools are
poor funding by management, budget constraints, Poor library Policy/ Regulation, Insufficient access to
good computers, and Poor Internet Access. It was recommended that there should be improved awareness
and training in the use of Web 2.0, also there should be improved Internet access in university libraries to
improve the use of Web 2.0 tools.
Keywords: Adoption; Use; Web 2.0; Librarians; University Libraries;
Nigeria; Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
Isebe L. Marcus
Improving Digital and Information Literacy Skills: The Resilience of Librarians for Effective Service Delivery in Public Libraries
Abstract
Nations of the world require recent and quality information for continuuous development and
this requirement is more critical in developing nations like Nigeria where information for
development is in short supply due to poorly developed digital and information literacy skills of
librarians in our public libraries. The centrality of this problem is underpinned by the fact that the
development of a digital environment which is yet to be fully embraced in Nigeria has made it
increasingly difficult to have appropriate information to formulate sound policies for
development. To address this problem, public libraries as central place institutions in the
provision of information to the general populace for advancement must be repositioned through
improved digital and information literacy skills for quality of living standard. To this end, the
paper examined digital and information literacy skills, librarians resilience and the need to
improve digital and information literacy skills of librarians and their resilience to effectively and
satisfactorily service the diverse information needs of users The various methods of developing
literacy skills were mentioned. The paper concludes that Digital and information literacy skills
are essential skills librarians in public libraries must acquire to effectively serve diverse users in
the society.
Keywords: Digital and Information Literacy Skills, Librarians Resilience, Service
Delivery, Public Libraries
Obinyan Oluwatoyin Oyeyemi And Enyi, Kingsley Emmanuel
Repositioning University Libraries for Virtual Library and Information Service Provision through Mobile Devices
Abstract
This paper discusses strategies for promoting university libraries for virtual library and information service
provision through mobile devices. It critically and conceptually reviewed and analysed the concept of
university libraries and virtual library and information services. The paper identified that virtual library and
information services through mobile technologies can strengthen relationship with the university academic
community as well as enhance user oriented services to existing users. To enjoy these benefits, the paper
identified and discussed mobile devices for providing virtual library and information service in university
libraries and university library services that can be provided virtually. The paper identified challenges
associated with promoting university libraries for virtual library and information service provision through
mobile technologies such as content ownership and licensing; high cost; limited memory of mobile devices;
digital right management and dearth of technological expertise among staff. The paper recommends among
others that effective collaboration between academic, industry, corporations and government should be
encouraged for promoting university libraries for virtual library and information service provision through
mobile devices
Keywords: University libraries, Virtual library, Information services, Mobile devices
Esohe E. Abraham
Management and Utilization of Indigenous Knowledge Materials for Research by Postgraduate Students in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate management and extent of utilization of indigenous knowledge
materials for research by post graduate students in federal university libraries in Nigeria. The Descriptive
survey research design was adopted for this study. The total population of the study was 7,171 respondents
made up of 271 Library staff and 6900 registered post graduate students with a sample size of 601
respondents. The study was guided by four research questions and two null hypothesis. The instrument used
for data collection was a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Mean scores and standard deviation
were used to answer the research questions while the null hypothesis were tested using the t-test statistic at
0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that the methods of acquisition of indigenous knowledge (IK)
in the Federal University were employed to a high extent. It was also found that the ways IK materials were
managed in the Federal University Libraries was highly effective in promoting research. Based on the
Findings, it was recommended that there is need for provision of quality IK materials for post graduate
students research. This will help to provide quality services for postgraduate students in the library. The study
has also revealed the weak aspect of the management and use of IK materials in the libraries which should be
improved upon in order to enhance the quality of services rendered for PG students‟ research.
Keywords: Management, Utilization, Indigenous knowledge, Library
Paper Type: Empirical Research
Dr. Chibuzor Livina Dim & Assoc. Prof. Austin J. C. Mole
Smart Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Libraries: A Synergy for Library Service Optimization
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of smart technology and artificial intelligence in
optimization of library services and the role they can play in ensuring effective and efficient service
delivery in a digitally driven environment. An exploratory approach through extensive review of related
literature was adopted for this study. Conceptual framework was developed to understand smart
technology and artificial intelligence including the ways they can be applied to ensure enhanced service
delivery and relevance of the library as information gatekeepers of the 21st century. This paper found out
that smart technologies and artificial intelligence has the potential and capability of taking libraries
through the stormy times of library service transformation to ensure that they assist the new generation
of patrons effectively and efficiently in addressing their queries. With the accrued benefits of smart
technology and artificial intelligence, it is still bedevilled by a number of encumbrances such as:
financial uncertainty, emerging skill gaps, technophobia, staff resistance to change, lack of regular
maintenance among others. It was recommended that there should be a synergized application of smart
technologies and artificial intelligence to better enhance library services as well as keep the library afloat
or relevant as information hubs especially in this era of digitization. It was also recommended that there
should be an increase in financial allocation by government to the library to encourage the use of smart
technologies and artificial intelligence in library operations.
Keywords: Smart technology, artificial intelligence (AI), library, library service, optimization, library
service optimization.