AN EVALUATION OF THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE DELIVERY OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Information plays a pivotal role in contemporary human life. Since the mid-20th century, the significance of information has expanded dramatically, largely driven by societal transformation and rapid scientific and technological development. Trostnikov (1970) highlighted a dramatic increase in the volume of diverse information, a phenomenon he referred to as the "information explosion." This explosion necessitated the adoption of scientific approaches to understanding and managing information, leading to two key shifts in how the concept of information is perceived. Firstly, the definition was broadened to include not only human-to-human communication but also machine-to-machine interactions and signal transmissions across both the animal and plant kingdoms (Ogunsola, 2004). The swift evolution of technology has profoundly influenced how individuals across the globe live, work, and engage in leisure. This technological shift challenges traditional models of teaching and learning, as well as the administrative management of education. In Nigeria, university libraries have historically served as vital components of academic institutions, playing a central role in supporting teaching, learning, research, and personal development since the establishment of the first university—the University of Ibadan—and its accompanying library in 1948 (Khan, 2016). Consequently, university libraries are now as widespread as universities themselves. With the increasing dependence on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the essential mission of libraries has evolved to ensure unrestricted access to information. Libraries are increasingly integral to the implementation and governance of national information society initiatives. Grounded in the processes of information collection, organization, storage, and retrieval, university libraries function as the core of academic learning and research. The effectiveness of a library as an educational tool is measured by how well it meets the information needs of its users. The 21st century is aptly referred to as the "information age," with technological innovations reshaping higher education—particularly through the integration of digital resources into the learning process. In Nigeria, libraries and information centers now house not only traditional printed materials but also digital and electronic resources, offering users a diverse and dynamic range of information (Khan, 2016). Before the advent of ICT, library operations in Nigeria were time-intensive, manual, and largely inflexible. However, the integration of ICT—especially within higher education institutions—has transformed library services by enabling simultaneous access to information for multiple users. This development is instrumental in narrowing the global knowledge gap and improving educational prospects for students (Ogunsola, 2004). The nature of information services provided by libraries has been reshaped by technology. Over the past two decades, ICT has significantly altered the landscape of libraries, impacting information resources, services, and staff capabilities. The term "Information Technology" (IT) has been defined in various ways. Marshall (1984) described it as the integration of computing and telecommunications for information processing and dissemination. IT encompasses the acquisition, storage, processing, retrieval, and communication of information in textual, numeric, visual, and audio formats. ICT—a broader term that includes IT—has been defined by Khan (2016) as the comprehensive process of acquiring, organizing, storing, and retrieving information in formats such as text, images, and multimedia using digital technologies and telecommunications systems. This suggests that IT in libraries refers to the suite of electronic infrastructure and tools used to improve and deliver efficient library services. Typically, this includes hardware, software, and the communication networks that link different library branches, fostering resource sharing, especially through library networks. Onyeneke (2007) emphasized that modern libraries must transcend traditional roles of storing and preserving materials. They must now implement systems that enable efficient and rapid access to the content within those materials. Similarly, Alison (2007) reiterated the challenge posed by the ever-expanding body of information—the "information explosion"—and the necessity of scientific approaches to manage it. The interpretation of information has, therefore, expanded beyond human communication to include automated exchanges between machines. According to Onyeneke (2007), the rapid rate of technological change has significantly shaped the modern world. In the Nigerian academic context, the application of ICT in libraries is particularly important, as it enables access to learning materials and knowledge that would otherwise be inaccessible due to geographical limitations. 1.2 Statement of the Problem While a number of studies have examined the deployment of ICT tools in everyday library operations, the primary use of such technologies in Nigerian university libraries has historically been limited to managing serial publications—and in many cases, this remains the case. The effective use of ICT tools in achieving institutional goals is directly linked to the level of ICT literacy among staff. Consequently, this has a direct impact on both proficiency and job performance. A substantial body of research exists on the information literacy of librarians. Notably, Aina (2004) investigated ICT literacy levels among librarians in Nigerian universities, while Alhasan and Adepoju (2007) studied ICT literacy among engineering faculty in India. While these studies aimed to assess levels of ICT competence, they often overlooked the influence of ICT infrastructure availability and the process of acquiring ICT skills on its practical application in professional, day-to-day tasks. This study seeks to bridge that gap by evaluating not only the extent of ICT literacy among library professionals but also the degree to which the availability and usability of ICT infrastructure enhance the delivery of library services in Nigerian universities. 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The primary objective of this study is to examine the Application of Information Technology in the Delivery of Library Services in Nigerian Universities. Other objectives of this study are: a)  To ascertain the benefits in the use of information Technology in University Library Services in Nigeria. b)    To find out the extent of use of information Technology in University Library Services in Nigeria. c)   To find out the problems in the use of information Technology in University Library Services in Nigeria. 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following are the questions this research will answer. a. What are the benefits gotten through the use of information Technology in University Library Services in Nigeria. b. To what extent is the use of information Technology in University Library Services in Nigeria? c. What are the problems encountered in the use of information Technology in University Library Services in Nigeria? 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES H0: The extent at which Information Technology is used n University Library Services in Nigeria is low Ha: The extent at which Information Technology is used n University Library Services in Nigeria is low 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This study will significantly help university Libraries administrators to know the usefulness of information Technology in academic library. It will also be beneficial to University administrators thus they will help equip their school libraries with the latest information technology. Further more, it will be beneficial to the students as it will let them know how effective information technology is in the Library. Finally, this research will serve as existing material for further research and future reference. 1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY This study will focus on the Application of Information Technology in the Delivery of Library Services in Nigerian Universities. It will also focus on the benefits and challenges Of Information Technology In University Library. This study will be using librarians and students of University of Uyo as enrolled participants. 1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY This study will be limited to the Use Of Information Technology In University Library Services in Nigeria. This study will also be limited to the  impacts, benefits and challenges Of Information Technology In University Library. It will not be offering solutions to the problems of Information Technology encountered by university libraries. Finally, this study will be limited to the university of Uyo and as such the findings of this study cannot be used anywhere else unless further research is carried out. 1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS Information technology: the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information. University: a high-level educational institution in which students study for degrees and academic research is done Library services: Resources and activities provided by libraries to address information needs of users.