ICT Training, Skills and Use by Librarians in Special Libraries in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated ICT training, skills acquisition and use by librarians in special libraries in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study. Populations for the study comprised of seventy-four (74) librarians in twenty-four (24) special libraries within Abuja. A sample size of fourteen (14) special libraries and fifty-one (51) librarians were selected. Structured type of questionnaire was used in data collection. A total of 51 copies of the questionnaire were administered by the researchers and research assistants. Frequency table and percentages were used to analyze data. Response rate showed that our of 51 copies of the instrument distributed, 40 were completed and submitted, giving 78% success. Research findings showed that on-the-job training was the ICT training programme acquired by all the respondents. All the respondents indicate to have acquired skill in computer, database, internet/ communication, library software and applications packages as well as networking. Database skill was most popular ICT skill used by librarians in information’s services delivery. The major inhibiting factor to the acquisition of ICT training and skills was lack of modern training facilities. Recommendations were put forward and they include: attitudinal change of librarians through making personal effort to train themselves, heads of special libraries should persuade the management of their institutions to provide adequate funds to equip the libraries with ICT facilities for staff development and information service delivery. Bodies organizing conferences, seminar and workshops should use the modern ICT facilities for practical training to enable librarians to acquire necessary ICT skills