International Journal of Marketing & Human Resource Research

e-ISSN: 2746-4040
Vol. 2, No. 3 July 2021

Perception of Library Users on the Use of ICT

Facilities in Abia State Polytechnic Library, Nigeria
Wisdom O. Anyim
Rhema University, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the perception of library users on the use of ICT facilities in Abia State
Polytechnic Library, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprised
4,857 registered users of Abia State Polytechnic library, Nigeria. The convenience sampling technique was used
to select a sample of 200 respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire titled “Perception of Library
Users on the Use of ICT Facilities in Abia State Polytechnic Library Questionnaire (PLUUSIFASPLIQ)” was
used as an instrument for data collection. Data collected for the study was analyzed using frequency counts and
percentages to answer research questions. The findings of the study revealed that users are not satisfied with the
adequacy of computers, internet and databases facilities in the library. The findings also revealed observable
attitude of librarians towards the use of ICT in rendering services which include lack of interest in providing
adequate ICT facilities, poor mastery of ICT facilities in rendering services, inadequate knowledge of
appropriate ICT facilities, more comfortability with traditional facilities than ICTs, and lack of strong Library
and Information Science background of most library staff. Findings also showed that library users need basic
ICT facilities in the library for research purposes, preparing for lecture; preparing for exam; updating knowledge
and also for printing, photocopying and scanning documents. Finally, it was recommended that the Abia State
Polytechnic should make adequate provision of fund to acquire needed ICT facilities in the library; conduct
regular training on library-based ICTs and consider ICT skill as one of the major requirements for recruitment in
the library.
Keywords: ICT, ICT facilities, polytechnic, abia state polytechnic library, perception.
1. Introduction
In the present academic environment, Information Communication Technologies have
drastically improved the effectiveness of teaching, learning and research in a great measure,
and libraries being the highest recipient of the innovation. The decision of selecting
appropriate ICT facilities in the library has become vital for regular library routine works and
information management. The basic goal of bringing ICT facilities into the libraries is to
provide better information and capacity building needed in the development of mankind in
the current digital era. Information Communication Technologies have brought significant
changes in teaching and learning at all levels of education, especially, in the institution of
higher learning. Not only that the library users seek for digital facilities to conduct research,
prepare for lectures or exam and printing of documents, they also seek for instructional
technologies such as multimedia which serveas a learning tool and knowledge dissemination
(Anyim, 2019).
ICT facilities provide the library with facilities to manage explosion of information generated
by the modern society. The Information Communication Technologies have also
revolutionized the library environment and network domain and made the library virtual in a
way data and knowledge can now be communicated to all areas of the globe. In order to be
successful and remain relevant, library professionals have to adopt multiple skills in order to
survive in the virtual space.
Pedagogy and learning resources have changed since the advent of modern technologies in
the institution of higher learning. As many programmes are being introduced in higher
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institutions, there is need to diversify ICT facilities and resources to accommodate new
changes (Anyim, 2020). ICT is rapidly changing the way information is accessed, librarians
are expected to leverage on it and become higher system thinkers with proficiency to work in
digital and computer communication environments. Libraries should expand these pursuits,
after providing the important training necessary to its staff to secure position in the digital
environment and to advance on information delivery to the end users. With the recent wave
of information technology in knowledge-based institutions, effective teaching and learning is
almost impossible without application of various ICT based instructional resources. In the
21st Century educational environment, Polytechnics are not left out in the drive to apply
various ICTs in library services in order to meet the demands of the Information Age
(Anyim,2018).
Aina, Adigun and Ogundipe (2010) defined ICT as computers, telecommunications and
microelectronics used for acquisition, storage, retrieval, transfer and dissemination of
information to a wider and dispersed audience. Information Communication Technologies
make it possible for conversion of information into electronic format which makes it easier
for users to access up-to-date information and complete information from different sources
with relative speed and convenience (Anyim, 2021).
Information Communication Technologies, according to Janakiraman (2016) help libraries
deliver effective services in the following ways: information literacy instruction, quick access
to the web-based resources, digital archival and many more. Anyim (2018) states that ICT
use in academic library has become an integral part of users’ experience. It helps in the
provision of instant access to digitized information, electronic information resources and
services with the aid of computer or telecommunication technologies. The impact of ICT
facilities on library users is unquestioned. ICT has brought significant revolution that makes
information access fast and adds value to the research. United Nations Development
Programme (2001) refers ICTs as a “powerful enabler of development” because of the
significant impact on the economic, scientific, academic, social, political, cultural life of the
users. In higher education and human capacity building, there are significant patterns of
change because ICTs are impetus for change in traditional concepts of teaching and learning,
as well as prime motivation behind the change in scholarly and professional activities.
Information and communications technologies (ICTs) have come with disruptions that affect
academic services in no small measure. It has become a formidable tool for advancing the
quality of education and creating niche for easy access to information and knowledge
contents. ICT has brought so much improvements and innovation in teaching, learning and
research. With the advancement of ICT in academic library, students and faculty members of
the academic institutions are expected to have access to new products and services (Anyim,
2018).
ICT facilities can be used to achieve several information purposes. According to Igwe, (2010)
stated that Information and Communication Technology can be utilized for resource sharing
among university libraries in Nigeria and through this, users gain access to unlimited
information resources. According to Williams and Channaveeraiah (2008), modernization of
libraries and information Centers with ICT facilities enable information transfer and access,
thereby establishes a network between the library and users. ICT has also made computing
easier as many organizations now store their data in cloud technology. Cloud-based
technologies facilitate quality service delivery to information seekers. It involves the use of
internet connection and browser for on- demand and scalable access to a shared pool of
resources hosted in a data Centre at provider’s site. Cloud technologies depend on web

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computing where shared servers give software infrastructure plat- form devices and other
resources and hosting to clients in order to meet their needs (Anyim, 2019).
Through ICT, libraries subscribe to e-journals, CDROM databases, online databases, web-
based resources, and a variety of other electronic resources which are made available for the
users. Fourie and Bothma (2006) observe that increased use of the World Wide Web in
private, social, business lives of many users is a vital component of the enabling structure for
school, university and career institutions.
It has been proved that ICT concentration in the library attract high patronage across the
institution. In this sense, the central focus of the library is to employ available technologies
capable of solving information needs of the parent institution. The basic ICT facilities to be
employed in the library should include computers, Internet, WIFI, OPAC and Databases,
library software and reprographic facilities; and these should be functional at all time
(Anyim, 2020). Similarly, Yusuf (2005) stressed that, ICT integration for library service
provides opportunities for users to communicate with one another more effectively during
formal and informal teaching, studying, and learning process. The access to articles in
electronic journals offers users searchable databases of contents of e-journals from several
publishers, and links to journal site for full text (Chauhan, 2004). E-library in academic
institutions generates electronic resources and offer them to users to support their teaching,
learning and research activities (Zhang and Liu, 2011). E-resources as a product of
Information Communication Technologies are seen by Ternenge and Kashimana (2019) as
invaluable research tools for students in higher institution of learning.
ICT facilities such as computers and bandwidth are readily available for browsing the internet
and downloading of files while Online Public Access Catalogue is also provided for access to
the library resources (Mesagan, Anyim, Ubogu and Echezona, 2017).
In this age and time, most of the library operations have been automated using Integrated
Library Management System which provides modules for cataloging, catalog (Online Public
Access Catalogue), patron management, circulation, fines management, acquisition, use of
barcodes, and bar code reader, management reports, and many other tools. (Anyim and
Ngwuchukwu, 2019). Several ICT software have enabled the library handle numerous tasks.
They have added values to the management and dissemination of library resources. Example
of Integrated Library System include KOHA, Evergreen, Eprint, Evergreen, Greenstone,
Verso, Apollo ILS, Polaris, Library World, EOS.Web, LibLimeKoha, LIBERO, Book
Collector, Alexandria, Mandarin M5, and Bibliotheca.
Users utilize ICT facilities in the Polytechnic libraries for different purposes. For instance,
electronic resources are mostly used for conducting personal research and academic research
in form of thesis, dissertation and project writing (Obaje and Camble, 2008). Other
researchers also identified other uses of ICT facilities in the library to include study or
knowledge update, teaching preparation and others. Kumar and Kumar (2008) opined that
ICT resources are used for purposes such as study, teaching, printing, documentation and
project work.
Several challenges were reported to have associated with the utilization ICT products and
services in the library. Uzoagba (2019) identifies lack of good infrastructure in terms of
epileptic power supply in Nigeria or low current which might result in damaging ICT
equipment in the libraries. It was also discovered that lack of adequate bandwidth size (for
effective internet connectivity) and appropriate anti-virus and other necessary software in
academic libraries poses serious threat to ICT use in the library (Ukoha, 2011). From the

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human resources point of view, Abiolu and Okere (2009) opined that lack of human capacity
in the management of the ICT facilities in the libraries is a huge constraint. Abiolu and Okere
also mentioned that inadequate skills of human resources, inadequate finance, power supply,
system law, ICT literacy and inadequate ICTs infrastructure constitute the major challenges
affecting adequate utilisation of ICT products and services.
In the light of the above challenges, there must be consequences that these may impose on the
library users which may likely be limited access to information. Meanwhile, the student’s
inability to access information resources is likely to bring about serious negative effects on
the quality of education achieved by the institution. It was observed that when basic ICT
facilities are not accessible, effective research for the purpose of solving human problems
may be limited (Olewonefa and Musa, 2011).
The application of ICT facilities to knowledge management has been slowly adopted in a
great number of libraries. This may be as a result of inadequate ICT facilities, lack of fund,
inadequate infrastructure or factors other than these. It could also be that Polytechnic libraries
do not fund ICT projects. If consideration is not given to libraries to develop ICT facilities
and requite skills of librarians, it would be difficult to meet the information need of users in
the 21st Century. It is quite encouraging to see that the call for ICT adoption in Polytechnic
libraries in Nigeria is beginning to yield positive result. The example of such development is
that of Abia State Polytechnic Aba.
Abia State Polytechnic Library was established by the Abia State Edict No. 8 of 1992. It is
located in Aba North Local Government Area, being a commercial hub of Abia State,
Nigeria. The library runs a central library system, serving all the faculties at one building
space. The Polytechnic has estimated total population of 15000 students and 1300 teaching
and non- teaching staff. The library specifically has a total registered library user population
of 4,857. Abia State Polytechnic Library has a staff strength of over 40 that render various
types of library services to the users. Recently, the library adopted e-library system with
about 80 computers, internet connectivity and other ICT facilities.
1.1 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this study is to examine the perception of users on the use of ICT
facilities in Polytechnics in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to:
1. examine the perception of users on the adequacy of basic ICT facilities available in the
library
2. determine the perception of users on librarians’ attitude in the use of ICT facilities in
library services
3. determine the basic use of ICT facilities in the Polytechnic library
1.2 Research Questions
This study was guided by the following research question:
1. what is the perception of users on the adequacy of basic ICT facilities available in the
library?
2. what is the perception of users on librarians’ attitude toward the use of ICT facilities in
library services?
3. what is the basic use of ICT facilities in the Polytechnic library?

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2. Methodology
The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this
study was 4,857 registered users of the library consisting of staff and students of Abia State
Polytechnic for 2020/2021 academic session. A convenience sampling technique was used to
select 200 users. Instrument used for data collection was 200 structured questionnaires which
were administered to the respondents. Out of 200 copies of questionnaires distributed,
only180 which forms 90% of the selected population was duly completed, returned and used
for the study. Data generated from the questionnaire was analysed using frequency counts
and percentages.
3. Findings and discussions
The analyzed data is presented in table, followed by presentation and discussion
The Perception of Users on the Adequacy of Basic ICT Facilities
Table 1. Frequency and Percentages of Responses on the Adequacy of Basic ICT Facilities
Available in The Library

Item Satisfied Not Satisfied

S/N Freq. (%) Freq. (%)

Computers 85 47.2% 95 52.8%

Internet 75 41.7% 105 58.3%

Databases 78 43.4% 102 56.6%

Reprographic equipment 118 65.5% 62 34.5%

OPAC 96 53% 84 47%

Table 1 shows the responses of users on the adequacy of basic ICT facilities available in the
library. The result reveals that respondents are satisfied with adequacy of reprographic
facilities in the library with 118 frequency (65.5%) and OPAC with 96 frequency (53%);
while computers, internet and databases were seen as inadequate. This result is in line with
Ukoha (2011) who discovered that lack of adequate bandwidth size for effective internet
connectivity, computers, appropriate anti-virus and other necessary software in academic
libraries poses serious threat to ICT utilization in the library. Nevertheless, Anyim (2020)
advices that basic ICT facilities such as computers, Internet, WIFI, OPAC, databases, library
software and reprographic facilities should be adequately functional at all time
Perception of users on librarians’ attitude in the use of ICT in library services
Table 2. Frequency And Percentages Of Responses on the Librarians’ Attitude Toward the
Use of ICT in Library Services

S/N Item Agree (%) Not Agree (%)

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1 Inadequate knowledge of appropriate ICT 99 55% 81 45%

facilities

2 Showing poor mastery of ICT use in library 101 56.5% 79 43.5%

services

3 Lack of interest in providing adequate ICT 110 61.1% 70 38.9%

facilities

4 Seem to be more comfortable with traditional 98 54.4% 82 45.6%

facilities than ICT

5 Lack of strong Library and Information 95 52.7% 85 47.3%

Science background

Table 2 shows the responses of users on librarians’ attitude toward the use of ICT in library
services. The result reveals lack of interest in providing adequate ICT facilities as observable
attitude of librarians with the highest frequency of 110 (61.1%); poor mastery of ICT use in
library services with frequency of 101 (56.5%). The result shows that 55% of users agreed on
the inadequate knowledge of appropriate ICT facilities by librarians; 54% of respondents
agreed that librarians seem to be more comfortable with traditional facilities than the ICT;
while 52.7% of respondents perceived that the librarians in the polytechnic lack of strong
Library and Information Science background. The finding is similar to that of Abiolu and
Okere (2009) who discovered that most library staff display lack of capacity in the
management of ICT facilities, poor ICT literacy and unfriendly approach to ICTs
infrastructure, products and services.
The Basic Use of ICT Facilities in the Polytechnic Library
Table 3. Basic Use of ICT Facilities in the Polytechnic Library

S/N Item Agree (%) Not Agree (%)

1 For research 120 66.6% 60 33.4%

2 For updating knowledge 99 55% 81 45%

3 For preparing lecture 118 65.5% 62 34.5%

4 For exam preparation 104 58% 76 42%

5 For printing, photocopying and 97 54% 83 46%

scanning documents

Table 3 shows the responses of users on the uses of ICT facilities in library. The result
reveals that users utilize basic ICT facilities in the library for research purposes (66.6%); for
preparing lecture (65.5%); for exam preparation (104%); for updating knowledge (55%) and
also for printing, photocopying and scanning documents (54%). In agreement with the result,
Obaje and Camble (2008) discovered that digital resources are mostly used for conducting
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personal research and academic research in form of thesis, dissertation and project writing.
Similarly, Kumar and Kumar (2008) identified other uses of ICT facilities in the library to
include study, knowledge update, teaching preparation, printing and documentation.
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
Based on the result of the study, it was concluded that ICT facilities in the library play
prominent role in the study, teaching, learning, research, printing and documentation needs of
users in Abia State Polytechnic, Nigeria. As students and faculty require ICT facilities in the
library for preparing lectures, exams, updating knowledge and conducting research, the basic
ICT facilities, training and skills have become generally necessary in the library and among
library staff so that users could be professionally served or assisted to meet their information
needs. Polytechnic libraries must continuously advance with up-to-date ICT facilities to make
information retrieval and dissemination easier. With adequate ICT facilities, users can easily
access information available in the digital formats or in virtual domain across distance and
time. Based on findings of the study, the following recommendations were made:
1. ICT skills should be made an important requirement in the recruitment of librarians in
the Polytechnic library
2. Libraries should be well funded to be able to acquire needed ICT facilities.
3. Internet access should be made available at low or no cost for both staff and students.
4. Abia State Polytechnic Management should regularly organize useful training
courses, seminars and conferences on Library-based ICT applications and
competencies.
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