Leveraging on University’s Electronic Mailing System for Effective Provision of Selective Dissemination of Information in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Library, FUT Minna, Niger State

Abstract

This research Is on the use of university's emailing system in the provision of effective selective dissemination of information in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida library. Federal University of Technology, Minna Emailing system is a technology that can be deployed on any mobile technologies especially mobile smart phones, tablets, and other handheld devices. Preliminary instigations revealed uncertainty on the rate of use of mobile technology in providing SDI in the university’s library neither is there a comprehensive database captured for such purpose. As a result, this research is aimed at studying the level of awareness the provision of SDI has attained in the university, the presence of mobile technology infrastructure put in place, hindrances to provision of this service via mobile technology and necessary steps to curb the stated hindrances and challenges. A survey research design w adopted for the study and the target population were the academic researchers and librarians whom were administered questionnaires and intervened respectively A total of 755 copies of questionnaires was administered; 389 copies were returned and found usable The collected data was analyzed and presented using simple percentages and frequency counts. Majority of the respondents were male across different ranks in the academic cadre and in librarians were interviewed Findings revealed that lack of constant internet data bundle and mobile access to emails hinders effective access to SDI on the part of researchers. while lack of standard policy for SDI provision, bureaucratic processes for considering submitted reports as well as funding of internal projects and network downtime are challenges on the part of librarians. The study recommended that there should be improved SDI awareness among researchers through HOD's and Deans of Schools especially during board meetings, and adopting an automated SDI system supported with a clear-cut policy for SDI provision in the university.