IMPACT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION IN SPECIAL LIBRARIES

Abstract

This study is on naira exchange rate depression and domestic inflation in Nigeria. Five objectives were raised which included; To ascertain the level of computerization/automation in libraries, to ascertain the impact of ICT in disseminating information in Nigeria libraries, to determine the challenges associated with the application of ICT in libraries, to ascertain the relationship between ICT and dissemination of information in Nigeria libraries. In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 staff from National mathematical center, Abuja was selected randomly. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up librarians, library technicians, senior staff and junior staff was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

Information technology has been evolving rapidly during the last half of the 20th century particularly since the 1960s and 1970s. It has revolutionaries the media and its modes of computing, storing and communicating information. The changes in the collection and distribution of information have affected society in many ways. These of information communication technologies in libraries have tremendously increased because it provides enhanced user satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, ensure faster and simpler programs, resulting in rapid responses and easier operational procedures. Generally, the use of ICT in libraries includes on-line access to library collection, the use of bibliographic databases, on-line literature searching and the sue of personal computers. Information communication technologies (ICT) make use of computing, and communications, facilities in support of teaching and learning. Information, communication and technology in tail the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of information by means of computers, office machines and telecommunication, (Ehikhamena F. A. 1993). In other world, computer provides the processing, storage and retrieval capabilities while telecommunication on provides the capability, for the transfer and communication of data from one work-station to another. Information communication technology is a term which encompasses the nation of the application of technologies to information handling, generation, storage, processing, retrieval, dissemination etc. (Marghalani M. A. 1987). In an increasing competitive environment the concern of managers of library and information services must not be only with survival of our library and information services, but also with their development within a clear and coherent policy framework. Just as in any other sector of eh economy, library services develop. There needs to be a clear view of the direction that development should take to best meet the developing needs of users. The new information age has permeated all aspects of human existence (spies, 1998). It has brought certain challenges to the academic world (Pinfield, 2001). In Nigeria, this challenge is even more critical today. It is apparent that any attempt to have meaningful academic communication can only be successful through the information and communication technology, which is the application of computer and its peripherals in communicating data within the shortest available time and over geographical spaces. This study is based on the availability and the utilization of ICT facilities used in libraries, since the library is the crux of academic activities, it is seen as an instrument of social change, public enlighten and national progress (Aboyade B. O 1982). It services as repository of information and knowledge that have provides the vital under-pining in the socio-economic, political and cultural sphere. In relating this function of libraries to information technologies, (Tamuno, O. G, 1997) comments that it is one thing to generate as much information as possible, it is quite another thing however, to make such information accessible and available when needed, which requires proper storage, processing accessibility and retrieval. The relevance of information communication and technologies in libraries, particularly in special libraries, is in activities concerned with information storage and retrieval. These activities are concerned with in-house keeping routine such as acquisition, cataloguing, serials control, circulation, of library material and the collection fo management statistics. In libraries, information network has the potential for relieving human kind of many of its burdens. Networking refers to a broad system of computers terminates, video display units, telephone etc. which are use for data communication services. Therefore, to network in the special libraries parlance, involves the interconnection of computer terminals etc. the heart of information networking or connectivity is the issue of telecommunication, linking together libraries, librarian users in LOCAL AREAS NETWORK (LAN) or WIDE AREAS NETWORK (WAN) They endeavor to eliminate many of the repetitive and boring task related to the processing and communication of information. The volume and re of the generation fo information as well as the demand for it has made its conservation and storage and manipulation by electronic means imperative in an information conscious society. Advances in modern technology have naturally led to the de-emplacing of the traditional method of attaining various information processing and transfer objectives hence the introduction of computer and other modern information technologies in the libraries. The presence and usage of the technological infrastructure in information retrieval and dissemination have helped to have better access to information.  Encourage information and resource sharing among information institution. Contribute to industrial bibliographic control. Facilitates access to international data base. Leads to efficient and effective delivery of information services. Also facilitates generation and dissemination of management report. Gives accurate and up-to-date information.  It enhances the status of the information professionals.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nigeria, being one of the few countries of the world, which began to adopt information technologies in 1990s, is backward but somewhat fortunate because generally, the world of ICT-based libraries is still in its infancy. A number of problems contribute to this situation. Administration barriers: This problem is much more acute in public university libraries than private university libraries and special libraries. Administrators, policy makers, and government executives do not take seriously the importance of ICT. Moreover, library administrators have failed to make its importance clear. Lack of knowledge of technological development has created a significance barrier to the installation or development of ICT facilities in libraries. Lack of shared initiatives: Inadequate shared initiatives have made plans of ICT application in libraries very low. Lack of skilled manpower: Library professionals in Nigeria over the past few years have not had adequate knowledge regarding computer applications and automation. Lack of financial support: Inadequate financial support has made possibility of ICT application in libraries more complex. Lack of infrastructure: Inadequate physical facilities hamper the growth of ICT. Telecommunications infrastructure and an uninterrupted power supply are crucial needs for Nigeria.  Lack of ICT resources: ICT means more than the use of computer. Less attention has been paid to other communication and related technologies. Some libraries have no internet connection. Most have a manual circulation operation. They have no barcode readers for use in automated circulation. Most libraries are using microcomputers only with no server in most of the libraries.  Absence of local resources: Most of the libraries use the CDS/ISIS in developing other software. Psychological barriers: The reluctance of library personnel to accept new technologies hinders the development of ICT-based libraries.  Lack of Networks: There is no network, in the true sense of the term, among the libraries of Nigeria.

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is the impact of information communication technology in the dissemination of information in special libraries.  But for the successful completion of the study; the researcher intends to achieve the following sub-objectives;

1. To ascertain the level of computerization/automation in libraries
2. To ascertain the impact of ICT in disseminating information in Nigeria libraries
3. To determine the challenges associated with the application of ICT in libraries
4. To ascertain the relationship between ICT and dissemination of information in Nigeria libraries
   • RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H₀: there are no impacts of ICT in disseminating information in Nigeria libraries

H₁: there are impacts of ICT in disseminating information in Nigeria libraries

H₀²: there is no significant relationship between ICT and dissemination of information in Nigeria libraries

H₂: there is a significant relationship between ICT and dissemination of information in Nigeria libraries

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study gives a representative overview of the attainment level of library staff in an important area of professional competence, and shows the importance’s of addressing the gap between the desired levels of ICT literacy and the actual level as it helps in information dissemination in special libraries. This is done with special emphasis on the national mathematical centre Abuja, which is a government library with specialized / concentrated interest in the dissemination of the knowledge of mathematics generally in Nigeria.

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the impact of information communication technology in the dissemination of information in special libraries in Nigeria.  The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

ICT: Information and communication technology (ICT) is an extended term for information technology (IT) which stresses the role of unified communications. The term ICT is also used to refer to the convergence of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system.

DISSEMINATION: To disseminate in the field of communication, means to broadcast a message to the public without direct feedback from the audience.

INFORMATION: Information Analysis is the process of inspecting, transforming, and modeling information, by converting raw data into actionable knowledge, in support of the decision-making process.

LIBRARIES: A library is a collection of sources of information and similar resources, made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

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