NAU Journal of Library and Information Science

Perceived Effect of Open Access Institutional Repositories on the Research Activities of Academic Staff in Some Selected Federal Universities in North-East Nigeria

Israel Habibu Idris (PhD, CLN) — 2023-11-01

The study examined the perceived effect of open-access institutional repositories on the research activities of academic staff in some selected federal universities in North-East Nigeria. It adopted a survey design using three (3) federal universities in three (3) States of
the zone, purposively selected. Four null hypotheses were employed to guide the study. 363 academic staff were sampled from a total study population of 3,631 using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a questionnaire. 363 copies of the
questionnaire were distributed but 337 were returned. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistics were used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The study found a high level of awareness and a
high extent of utilization of OAIRs. It also revealed numerous perceived effects of OAIRs on the academic staff’s research activities, with different strategies for enhancing the functionality of OAIRs in federal universities in North-East Nigeria and beyond. However, based on the findings, the study recommended that the National Universities Commission should intensify efforts in organizing seminars, workshops, and symposiums on the issue of OAIRs and ways in which academic staff can utilize and enjoy its usefulness.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND INNOVATION CAPABILITIES OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS: A CASE STUDY OF BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

ALLISON, Goodluck Okwudiri (Ph.D) — 2023-11-01

This paper examined knowledge-sharing and innovation capabilities of academic library professionals of Babcock University in Ogun State. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised forty-nine library
staff at Babcock University. A self-structured questionnaire was used, and the total enumeration method was also used for sampling while collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that academic library
professionals at Babcock University utilize marketing, technological/service, and organizational innovations to discharge their duties. The study found that 91.8% of the respondents strongly agreed that new services are provided through mobile applications and user-friendly interface to meet user needs. Similarly, 85.7% of the respondents strongly agreed that they share knowledge with colleagues through notice boards, WhatsApp, bulletin, symposia, lectures, conferences, training, and mentoring. It was concluded that academic library professionals should inculcate knowledge sharing through innovation capabilities for user satisfaction.

LIBRARIANS INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AS CORRELATE OF PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN DELTA AND EDO STATE

Dr. Esoswo Francisca OGBOMO (CLN) — 2023-11-01

The study examined the correlation between librarians’ Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills and the preservation and conservation of information resources in university libraries across Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. Employing a correlational survey
design, data were collected from 183 librarians using questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed a high level of preservation and conservation of library resources in the university libraries, alongside a similarly high level of
ICT skills among librarians. Furthermore, a significant relationship was established between librarians' ICT skills and the preservation and conservation efforts. While ICT facilitates preservation and conservation processes, it was noted that librarians must possess adequate ICT skills to effectively utilize electronic resources for this purpose. The study concluded that preservation and conservation efforts in these libraries are commendable, and changes in librarians' ICT skills could impact preservation outcomes. Recommendations include intensifying efforts to preserve and conserve library resources to meet user needs effectively.