Influence of Information Literacy and ICT Competence on Job Performance of Artisans in Three States in North – Central Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates the influence of information literacy and ICT competence on job performance of artisan in Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger state in North – central, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives with corresponding research questions. The specific objectives were to; determine the information literacy level of artisans; type of training programmed offered; identity the information literacy skills and identity the ICT competence, determine the influence of information literacy skills on job performance determine the influence of training on job performance, as well as to identify challenges facing information literacy, training and ICT competence on job performance, descriptive survey design was used. The population of the study was 2,371 artisans and sample size of 341 respondents were randomly selected, the instrument used was a self- designed closed- ended questionnaire. Out of 341 copies of questionnaire administered, 241 copies were filled and returned. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed datacollected. result showed that artisan were mostly hair dressers and posed senior school certificate: have exhibited high level of information literacy skills. ICT Knowledge has enable artisans to keep record, though there were inadequate ICT facilities. The study concluded that artisans exhibited high skill by artisans has enhance their job performance tremendously. Training is the only avenue for gaining new knowledge and improving quality of products and service for artisans. Competence in ICT among artisans enhances job performance by easing communication, increase productivity and encourage wider patronage. The study recommended amongst other that artisan should endeavor to acquire competence skills in identification of accurate information and continue to use information to improve service delivery. Librarians should look beyond the learned society in catering for information needs of artisan apart from the stereotype apprenticeship style of training common among artisans; distance learning and internet- based learning should be considered and utilized.