International Journal of Knowledge Dissemination

Subject Specialist in Academic Libraries: An Overview

A.A BELLO — 2020-11-11

The new trends in information retrieval system can be found in different format i.e. e-resources such as on-line journals, electronic data bases, books and data bases on web, and the rise of student enrolment, with lean annual budgetary allocation alongside other factors are posing more challenges to compel academic libraries to review their service delivery method to their numerous clientele in other to be more relevant in the complexity of information environment. This paper is an attempt to provide an overview of subject specialists in the context of global trends affecting librarianship and argue that subject specialists have crucial role to play in contemporary academic environment in terms of collection development liaison with library clients, referencing and library literacy. However, the paper concludes that subject specialists are crucial in the academic library as a service institution.

The Imperatives of Metadata Skills for Librarians in Nigeria

Christopher OMIGIE — 2020-11-11

This paper is a theoretical perspective on the imperative of metadata skills for librarians in Nigerian libraries for the digitization process. The paper looks at the concept of metadata as a complete digital cataloguing document for the purpose and functionality of data, making it easier for end-users to locate and retrieve their resources. Also examined are various metadata skills and schemas needed by librarians. The essentials of metadata schemas as indispensable component of the digitization process that makes digital content whether audio, video or image collections in online or offline platforms searchable, distributable, accessible and retainable are highlighted. The paper also highlights various issues and challenges associated with the acquisition of metadata skills. Recommendations for acquisition of metadata skills are provided.

Key words: Cataloguing, digitization, librarians, metadata skills.

Knowledge Sharing Culture, Innovation and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Library and Librarians

2020-11-11

The notion of sustainable development involves growth that meets the needs of the present society without compromising the need of future generations. It can be assumed that the level of development achieved may depend on the degree of innovation projects. Notwithstanding other roles played by other segments, it is evident that the extent to which knowledge sharing culture is practiced among the people also determines the level of development the people will experience.

This paper examined through the review and analysis of scholarly literature, the impact of knowledge sharing culture and innovation projects and the role the library and librarians play in achieving the much desired global sustainable development goals. It examines the universal Declaration and Roadmap by the United Nations. It also, looked at innovation as a trend for sustainable development in Nigeria as well as examined the benefits and elements of innovation. Furthermore, the paper examines the potentialities of knowledge sharing culture as an element of sustainable development. It views the processes of creating a knowledge sharing culture and factors that either promote or hinder creating a knowledge sharing culture as well as the advantages of imbibing good knowledge sharing culture. By means of reviewing empirical and conceptual studies, the paper discovered that the libraries play significant and positive role in fostering knowledge sharing culture and innovation initiatives which are considered principal elements of sustainable development.

It was concluded that the libraries are agent of knowledge sharing culture, innovation and sustainable development. It was recommended among others that the stakeholders of sustainable development should encourage the use of libraries as means of knowledge sharing and innovation.

Keywords:Sustainable development, Knowledge sharing culture, Innovation, Library, Librarian

Corresponding Author: Nkata U. Kalu (PhD),Email: keldegov@gmail.com

The Role of Libraries in the Dissemination of Information Related to Dangers of Bird Flu (H5N1) in Rural Areas of Nigeria

Roseline Ngozi OKWOR — 2020-11-11

This opinion paper highlighted the danger posed by Bird Flu (H5N1) in rural areas, strategies for combating the deadly disease and explored the strategic role of libraries in this direction. It described how the public could become vulnerable to Bird Flu and how they could protect themselves from its threat. The paper emphasized the role of Libraries in educating the public on the deadly threat posed by Bird Flu. It posited that to educate the public has become an indispensible responsibility of libraries because of the strategic position of libraries in information dissemination. Hence, libraries should therefore be positioned and equipped to curtail the threat posed by this disease. This could be done through dissemination of vital information and the adoption of precautionary measures and routine to enable people be on their guards to forestall and stem the occurrence of the deadly disease.

Keywords: Bird Flu, Dissemination of Information, Education, GlobalHealth Issues, Rural Areas, Libraries.

Corresponding Author: Roseline Ngozi OKWOR. Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Email roseline.okwor@unn.edu.ng

Conservation and Preservation of Information Resources: An Assessment of Two Federal University Libraries in North East Nigeria

YUSUF YUSUF — 2020-11-11

This study is a survey conducted on selected federal university libraries in north east zone Nigeria. The survey covered the extent of deterioration of information resources, conservation and preservation of information resources, constraints to restoration preservation and conservation efforts on information resources in the libraries under study. Questionnaire and personnel observation methods were used as the data collection instruments for the study. Twenty seven (27) professionals and para professional staff of the libraries under study was observed during the study. Descriptive statistic of frequency count was used to analyze the data generated. Four research questions guided the study. The results of the analysis revealed that the extent of deterioration of information resources in these libraries was high. Four different methods of preservation and conservation of information resources were found to in use in these libraries. The study also identified four major constraints to preservation and conservation in each of the libraries, which included; poor nature of library building, lack of defined policy on preservation and conservation of information resources.

Digital Libraries and Accessibility of Information by Users: A Conceptual Framework

Harriet Uche IGBO — 2020-11-11

The objective of this paper is to explore the factors that enhance the performance of digital libraries in promoting access to information. The method adopted was an exploration of literature to find out the relationship between digital libraries and access to information. First, a review of the concept of digital libraries and access to information was carried out in order to unravel their meaning. Secondly, a conceptual framework was presented to show the digital libraries variables that influence the user in having effective access to information. Lastly was the examination of the factors that promote access to information through digital libraries. It was revealed that technology usability and usefulness; adequate support services from library professionals and acquisition of digital literacy by users are the basic critical factors that promote access to digital information. Among other things, it was recommended that government / parent institutions, which are the major donors of digital resources, ensure that digital technologies, through which access is provided, are designed in an easy-to-use manner to enable library patrons to make optimal use of the resources for effective access to information.

Perceived Effects of Mutilation of Material Resources on the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students in University Libraries in Abuja, Nigeria

Chinwe OKAFOR (CLN) — 2020-11-11

The study investigated the perceived effects of mutilation of material resources on academic performance of undergraduate students’ in university libraries in Abuja. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study comprises 5,464 library registered undergraduates in Universities in Abuja. A sample size of 420 library registered undergraduate students in three universities was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire validated by experts. Data were collected and analyzed using Means and Standard Deviation to answer the research questions and Chi-Square statistic to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that, textbooks and journals mutilation significantly affect academic performance of undergraduates in universities in Abuja negatively. The study concluded that, mutilation of library resources is a serious problem ravaging universities libraries in Abuja and has had a negative effect on undergraduates’ academic performance. Recommendation were made that, University libraries should embark on awareness programmes to educate users who are ignorant of the negative effects of mutilation of library resources to desist from such acts as it lowers their academic performance, mutilators should be subjected to heavy and well defined penalties such as withdrawal of library card to serve as deterrent to other users and libraries should adopt the use of new technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to solve some of the problems caused by mutilation of library resources among others.

Keywords: University Library, Mutilation, Library Material Resources and Academic Performance

Handling of Records: The Case of St. Joseph Major Seminary Library, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Clement Samuel UDO — 2020-11-11

This study was carried out to examine how records are handled using St. Joseph Major Seminary Library, in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria as a case in point. Three objectives and research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. A questionnaire entitled “Handling of Records Questionnaire (HRQ)” was used to elicit responses from respondents. The population of the study consisted of 445 registered library users from the seminary during the 2019/2020 academic session. 150 respondents were sampled using random sampling technique. Out of the 150 copies of questionnaire distributed, 146 were properly filled and returned. Research questions were answered using simple percentages. It was concluded from the findings of the study that improper handling of records such as mutilation and defacement adversely affects library records. As such the library should properly manage its records to curtail mutilation and defacement for adequate availability, accessibility and utilization. It was recommended among others that library orientation, or formal user education programme allotted with credit hours can be incorporated as part of the school programme for Seminarians as this will enable them to know the disadvantages of mutilation in addition to the privileges that abound in relation to appropriate use of library facilities.

Key words: Library materials, mutilation, defacement, seminary.

Corresponding Author: Clement Samuel UDO, St. Joseph Major Seminary, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Email: udoclement4@gmail.com

Preservation, Conservation and Safety of Library Materials: An Appraisal on Some Selected Special Libraries in Kaduna Metropolis

Patience Uloaku IKEGWUIRO — 2020-11-11

Preservation and conservation of library materials has become a global phenomenon to which libraries must strongly respond to in order to meet the information needs of their clientele. This study was conducted to assess the preservation, conservation and safety of library materials in some selected special libraries in Kaduna metropolis. To achieve the objectives of the study, five research questions were constructed. The study adopted Survey research method. The population of the study was the professional librarians from the selected special libraries. Structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive tables. The result of the study revealed that the major causes of deterioration in the libraries studied were environmental factors and human activitiesamong others. The study equally revealed that the major techniques used were lamination, binding, provision of adequate security systems to prevent theft and use of insecticide etc. The study showed that preservation policies exist in the libraries. The study identified the major constraints to effective preservation of materials as inadequate funding, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate power supply etc. In line with findings, recommendations were made. The study concludes that the special libraries in Kaduna metropolis are yet to fully embrace technological innovations for the preservation, conservation and security of library materials.

Leveraging Database and Data-Mining for Managing Big Data: The Role of the Library

Jennifer N. B. IGWELA — 2020-11-11

Clearly, data originates from literally everywhere and always, and from a wide range of devices. Data is frequently created and can be accessible continuously, and it emerges from the converging sources. Organizations depend on wellsprings of data to depict, decipher, and forecast for decision making. But the large availability of data inventing the name ‘big data’ is becoming worrisome to knowledge managers. However, different productive and smart methods are available to assist organizations in providing the best interpretation of this huge volume of data from various kinds of heterogeneous sources for processing, analysis and presentation in a reasonable and understandable manner to suit the organizations’ objectives. Therefore, data mining and databases can be leveraged upon for managing big data. The study examined the role of library and information services in leveraging database and data mining for managing big data. It explained the concept of big data, database and data mining. It also explained how database and data mining can be used in the management of big data, the role of library and information services in the management of big data and the challenges of managing big data. It concluded that database and data mining can be leveraged by libraries to manage big data and that libraries have a role to collect, organize and manage big data. It recommended that due to its setback associated with space; libraries should consider managing big data in cloud online databases or classify, arrange and manage big data in strata or clusters.

Challenges and Strategies for Improving Provision of Information Resources and Services in Federal Ministry Libraries in Nigeria

James NWEKE — 2020-11-11

The study investigated the challenges and strategies for improving the provision of Information resources and services at federal ministry libraries in Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. Six (6) first generation federal ministries were selected using stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency and mean. The study revealed that a lot of challenges are facing effective provision of information resources and services in federal ministry libraries in Nigeria. These challenges range from inadequate funding to irregular supply of electricity, among others. Also revealed are enhancing strategies for addressing the challenges identified in the study such as strategies which include adequate funding, regular acquisition of relevant information resources, training of librarians on ICT skills, effective management skills, provision of standby generator as alternative power supply, creation of user’s awareness services etc were found appropriate for improving the libraries. The study recommended that the federal government should adequately fund the ministry libraries and provide all the necessary ICT facilities/skills that would enhance librarians’ and users’ competencies required for efficient provision and utilization of information resources and services in federal ministry libraries in Nigeria. Also the recommendations made include that the federal government through the management of the federal ministry libraries should ensure that the identified challenges are adequately addressed using the enhancement strategies also identified.

Keywords: Challenges, Strategies, Information Resources and Services, Federal Ministry Libraries.

Availability and Utilization of Audio-Visual Resources for Teaching and Learning in Government Day Secondary School, Nukkai, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Juliet ONUOHA (PhD, CLN) — 2020-11-11

This study investigates the availability and utilization of audio visual (AV) resources for teaching and learning in Government Day Secondary School, Nukkai, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population was 1,342 made up of 1,275 students from Junior Secondary (JS) 1 to Senior Secondary (SS) 3and 67 permanent staff of the school. A sample size of 268 respondents was drawn using a combination of complete census and stratified-simple random sampling techniques. An observation checklist and a questionnaire were the instruments for data collection. A total of 268 copies of the questionnaire were distributed but 202 copies were returned giving a response rate of 79%. Mean score was adopted in analysing the collected data. The study found the availability of AV resources such as slide/film projectors, computers, internet (audio and video) lessons, android mobile devices/phone tablets, etc. However, only few of these resources were being utilized and to a low extent. Only slide/film projectors, films, audio/video cassettes, compact disks, and video cassette recorders were being highly utilized. The study also found that harsh climatic condition, inadequate fund, inadequate AV resources, poor maintenance culture of AV resources, etc. are among the challenges facing the availability and utilization of AV resources. Based on the findings, the study recommended among other things, the provision of adequate funds, educating the students, training and re-training of staff, as ways of achieving high availability and effective utilization of AV resources for teaching and learning in the secondary schools.

Keyword: Availability, Utilization, Audio-Visuals, Teaching, NigerianSecondary Schools

Corresponding Author: Juliet ONUOHA (PhD, CLN) Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, transformerjuls@gmail.com

Application of ICT Facilities in 21st Century Library Services: The Case of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

Amaoge Dorathy AGBO — 2020-11-11

This study is on the application of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in the 21^st century library services using Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike as a focus. The study was guided by five (5) research objectives that sought to examine the ICT facilities available in the library, areas of ICT application to library services, extent of ICT application in the library, issues associated with ICT application to library services and strategies for effective application of ICT facilities in the library. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. The population of the study consisted of 69 library staff of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Library. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A total of 69 copies of questionnaires were distributed and fully recovered for data analysis giving a return rate of one hundred percent. Data generated was analysed using frequency counts and descriptive statistics of mean scores and presented in tables. Findings of the study showed that there are various ICT facilities available in MOUAU library, including; laptops, internet facilities, modem, network cables, stand-alone computers, online database, printers, CD-ROM technology, photocopiers, Wide Area Network, hubs, AC adapters, e-mail, projectors, local area network, routers among others. However Machine Readable Catalogue (MARC), telefacsimile among others are not available. The finding also revealed that ICTs are applied in many areas and operations of the library ranging from photocopying, registration of users, classification of books, bibliographic verification, processing of information materials, bibliographic searches, to descriptive and preliminary cataloguing. The study also revealed that the extent of application of of ICTs in many areas was low. The low application attributable to factors which include lack of a maintenance culture, inadequate number of ICT-competent staff in the library, inadequate technical support and inadequate funding. Strategies advanced for an effective application of ICTs in library services in the library include provision of funds for the procurement of ICT facilities, staff and user training on ICT use, provision of adequate infrastructural facility among. Conclusion and recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.

Key Words: Information and Communication Technology, Academic Libraries, Library services

Public Relations Activities in Academic Libraries: An Image Re-engineering Survey of Francis Sulemanu Idachaba Library, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria

Manasseh Tyungu SAMBE CLN — 2020-11-11

One of the things that often need restoration in academic libraries such as university libraries is the image. This study was conducted to re-engineer the image of an academic library in Benue State through public relations activities. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The area of study is Francis Sulemanu Idachaba, Library, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria. The population of the study was twenty nine (29) librarians. A total of 29 librarians constitute the study sample. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. Data collected were presented in tabular form while descriptive statistics such as frequencies and mean were used for data analysis. Results show that librarians can ensure good perception of the Francis Sulemanu Idachaba, Library through building positive relations in order to streamline and improve library services. This can be made possible if librarians can ensure that the library identifying symbols can be used to enforce discipline on staff and users through jingoes on television and radio. Findings also reveals librarians engagements in carrying out needs assessment of users and deliberate effort of satisfying them as the major strategy for reengineering the image of the library. The study recommends among others that librarians should seek to adopt supporting lectures, concerts, and other events in which other colleagues are interested as another way of ensuring that the academic community has good perception of the library.

Job Satisfaction among Librarians in Special Libraries in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Ijeoma J. IBEGBULAM (Ph.D) — 2020-11-11

The study investigates job satisfaction among librarians in special libraries in Enugu State South East Nigeria using six factors: Physical work environment, personal growth, organisational culture, social prestige, remuneration, salary and nature of work. Sixty (60) librarians from special libraries in hospitals and research institutes in Enugu State were sampled for the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings show that out of the six factors of job satisfaction investigated, the librarians expressed a high level of satisfaction with personal growth, organisational culture, social status and nature of the work. In comparison, satisfaction with physical environment and remuneration/salary was low. The study recommended that the employers of librarians in special libraries should pay more attention to identifying the needs of librarians in their establishments. It is important that improvements are made on the aspects of job satisfaction that scored low such as physical work environment, ICT facilities and remuneration/salary so as to motivate the librarians to put in their best into their work.

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