Access to and Use of Digital Information Resources and Research Output of Academic Staff in Federal University Libraries, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated access, use and research output of academic staff in federal university libraries in Northern Nigeria. Two null hypotheses were formulated. Descriptive survey research was adopted with the target population of 12,691 respondents (ICT staff and lecturers) 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 356 copies of 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 of academic staff. the study concluded that research output of academic staff depends on the adoption of preservation techniques and use for digital resources in the 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 so as to promote research output of lecturers.