ACCESS TO AND USE OF DIGITAL INFORMATION RESOURCES AND RESEARCH OUTPUT OF ACADEMIC STAFF IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated access, use and research output of academic staff in Federal Universities in Northern Nigeria. Two null hypotheses were formulated. Descriptive survey research was adopted with the target population of 12691 respondents (ICT staff andlecturers) in Federal University libraries in Northern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 386 respondents from nine universities. Questionnaire and observation checklist were the data collection instruments used for the study. Out of 456 copies filled and returned in usable form. Chi-square was used to test the two null hypotheses. Results showed significant influence of preservation techniques adopted and the use of digital resources on research output. On the other hand, there was significant influence of access to digital resources on research output of academic staff. The study concluded that research output of academic staff depends on the adoption of preservation techniques and the use of digital resources in the studies university libraries. The study recommended that preservation techniques utilized for conservation of digital resources by ICT units should be sustained and access to digital resources and use by academic staff in the university libraries in Northern Nigeria should be sustained as well as to promote research output of lecturers.