ASSESSMENT OF THE COMPETENCIES OF LIBRARIANS IN THE USE OF ICT FOR REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ENUGU STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined the Assessment of the competencies of librarians in the use of ICT for Reference and Information services in Academic libraries in Enugu State. The study was carried out to identify reference librarians tasks, background, knowledge, skills and personal attitudes required in the performance of his job. Six research questions were formulated to guide the study. The research design adopted was a descriptive survey. The population of the study was one hundred (100) librarians working in the reference section of academic libraries in Enugu State. There was no sampling since the population was small and it can be manageable. A structured questionnaire was used to get data from the librarians. Observation guide was used to get data on ICT resources/facilities available and its functionality, while the interview were used to elicit information from librarians working in reference section of these libraries. The instruments were face-validated by three senior lecturers in the Department of Library and Information Science and faculty of Education. Major findings showed that ICT resources were available in reference sections, and that librarians need some skills in order to enhance their competencies for efficient service delivery. A number of strategies could be used to enhance the acquisition of ICT competencies by librarians working in reference section. These include training and retraining through workshops, seminars/ conferences and attending IT programs as this will make them bring out their best in discharging their duties. Based on the above findings, the following recommendations were made: that the academic libraries should have a separate budget for the development of ICT infrastructure and continuing staff development. They can also work at providing alternative power supply through the use of generators or solar energy.