Influence of Information and Communication Technologies(ICTs) on Academic Library Services in University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of Information and communication technologies (ICTs) on academic library services in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The total population of library staff is 32 and the total enumeration technique was adopted due to the small but manageable size of the population. The findings of the study have revealed that ICT devices are available, upgraded, and maintained thereby enabling the efficiency of not just the library but the librarian as well in the rendering of their services. Also, the study has revealed that inadequate funds, erratic power supply, inadequate skilled manpower, insufficient ICTs training, inadequate internet facilities, irregular maintenance, and unfavourable government policy are some of the challenges. The study concludes that ICT skills possessed by library staff have brought numerous opportunities for libraries to enable them to fulfill their missions. Among the recommendations given is that a standby generator/ inverter should be provided as an alternative to power supply.