Application of Information Communication Technology in Reference Resources and Services in Public Libraries in Nigeria

Agwuna Obianuju Maureen, Ibeh Oluchi Bridget, Mukokebe Bibiana Obiageli, Anyaegbunam Chinenye Joy, Orakpor Adaora Maudline

Abstract


The study examines the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in reference resources and services within Nigerian public libraries, with a focus on Anambra State. Despite the global shift toward digital transformation, Nigerian public libraries face significant challenges, including infrastructural deficits, inadequate funding, skills gaps among personnel, and low user digital literacy. Through a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 23 librarians across 11 public libraries in Anambra State using a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that ICT integration significantly enhances reference services by enabling quicker access to information (mean rating: 3.30–3.39), improving service accuracy, reducing librarians’ workload, and facilitating real-time user-librarian communication. However, persistent barriers such as unreliable power supply, limited internet connectivity, and insufficient training hinder optimal ICT adoption. The study highlights opportunities for improvement, including leveraging mobile technology, government policies like the National Digital Strategy (2015), and capacity-building initiatives. Recommendations include increased funding for ICT infrastructure, targeted training programs for librarians, and partnerships with private sector stakeholders to bridge technological gaps. The study concludes that strategic ICT adoption can transform Nigerian public libraries into dynamic, user-centered institutions, fostering equitable access to information in the digital age.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Adegbite, A. (2022). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

Agwuna, O. M., Ejezie, J. K., & Nwankwo, N. G. (2025). Application of augmented reality in library service: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Library Services and Technology, 6(5), 89–90.

Aina, L. O. (2015). Fundamentals of collection development and management in Nigeria. Third World Information Services.

Akinyemi, A. (2019). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: An introduction. Library Journal, 132(14), 40–42.

Chinwe, C., & Adeyemi, B. (2021). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

Eze, P., & Okoye, M. (2019). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

Ibeh, O. B., & Ezeabasili, A. C. (2024). Electronic records management skills requirements by librarians for effective job performance in federal university libraries in South East Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Management, Teaching and Entrepreneurship Studies, 11(2), 155–166. https://ajemates.org/index.pho/ajemates/article/view/431

Ibeh, O. B., Muokebe, B. O., Agwuna, O. M., & Orakpor, A. M. (2025a). Computer literacy competencies in contemporary academic librarianship: Imperatives for enhanced service delivery in the digital age. OMANARP International Journal of Science and Technology, 2(2), 1–9.

Ibeh, O. B., Muokebe, B. O., Agwuna, O. M., & Orakpor, A. M. (2025b). Organizational culture of librarians in Eastern Nigeria. OMANARP International Journal of Library and Information Sciences, 2(2), 1–13.

Ibeh, O. B., Muokebe, B. O., Agwuna, O. M., & Orakpor, A. M. (2025c). Issues of national security in Nigeria: The roles of the library. OMANARP International Journal of Art and Social Sciences, 2(2), 12–20.

Ibeh, O. B., Muokebe, B. O., Agwuna, O. M., & Orakpor, A. M. (2025d). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

IFLA. (2022). Global library statistics. International Federation of Library Associations.

Kamaluddeen, I. E., Ibeh, O. B., & Ononogbo, P. U. (2024). Promoting gender equality in TVET: Strategies for increasing female library educators’ participation in universities in Nigeria. Journal of Applied Information Science and Technology, 17(1), 71–86.

Muokebe, B. O., & Ogbomo, F. O. (2013). The place of ICT in the development of public Nigeria libraries. ANSU Journal of Integrated Knowledge, 3(1), [page range not provided].

Muokebe, B. O., Ibeh, O. B., Orakpor, A. M., Agwuna, O. M., & Uzoigwe, I. P. (2025). Accessing electronic databases for curriculum delivery in academic library. OMANARP International Journal of Education, 1(1), 34–45.

Nwabueze, A. E., Ezekwe, F. A., & Muokebe, B. O. (2014). Examining the role of virtual libraries in execution of e-learning services in Nigeria universities. ANSU Journal of Educational Research, 2(1), [page range not provided].

Nwabueze, A. U., & Ibeh, B. O. (2016). Extent of ICT literacy possessed by librarians in federal university libraries in South East Nigeria. International Journal of Digital Literacy and Digital Competency (IJDLDC), 7(3), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJDLDC.2016070102

Nwabueze, A. U., Ibeh, B. O., & Okoye, C. O. (2016). Extent of ICT-based library services rendered by librarians in federal university libraries in South East Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Technology, 3(1), 134–143.

Nwafor-Orizu, O. E., Ezejiofor, V. O., Ibeh, O. B., & Okonkwo, I. (2024). Use of mobile devices in academic libraries in Nigeria: Are students distracted? Communicate: Journal of Library and Information Science, 26(1).

Nwankwo, N. G., Agwuna, O. M., Eze-Onwuzurike, D. K., & Ikeagwuani, J. A. (2022). Polytechnic students’ attitude towards the use of library resources: The case of two state polytechnic in South Eastern Nigeria. Madonna Journal of Research Library and Information Science, 5(1), [page range not provided].

Nwankwo, N. G., Agwuna, O. M., Igbokwe, O. P., Chukwu, I. G., & Eze-Onwuzurike, J. (2022). Libraries and information dissemination: A pandemic situation. Benue Journal of Library Management and Information Science, 12(1), [page range not provided].

Obi, C., & Chukwu, E. (2018). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

Oduwole, A. O., & Abubakar, A. (2016). Challenges of ICT adoption in Nigerian public libraries. Journal of Library Administration, 56(4), 365–379.

Ogbu, O., & Olatokun, W. (2020). Mobile technology and information dissemination in Nigerian libraries. Journal of Information Science and Technology, 37(2), 123–138.

Ogunniyi, S., & Adebayo, J. (2021). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

Okonkwo, C. (2021). [Title of work not provided in original text]. [Journal/Publisher not specified].

Okoro, B. C., & Obiora, D. N. (2014). Implementation of ICT in Nigerian public libraries. Library Review, 63(4/5), 232–246.

Okoye, C.O. (2024). Partnership and collaboration between libraries industries in enhancing artificial intelligence education. Unizik journal of educational research and policy studies. 17(1), 208. https://unijerps.org/index.php/unijerps/arti

Oladimeji, O., et al. (2019). Digital reference services in Nigerian public libraries: Opportunities and challenges. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science, 29(1), 73–85.

Orakpor, A. M. (2007). The internet and information resources for state and public library development in the 21st century. Anambra State Library and Information Digest: Journal of the Nigeria Library Association, 1(1), 37–42.

Orakpor, A. M., & Anyaoku, E. (2012). Knowledge and use of web 2.0 by librarians. African Journal of Library Archives and Information Science. https://www.semanticscholar.org/Orakpor

Orakpor, A. M., et al. (2014). Acquisition copyright and licensing of electronic resources. Anambra State Library and Information Digest: Journal of the Nigerian Library Association, 7(1), 1–13.

Orakpor, A. M., Ezejiofo, V. O., & Nwana, R. E. A. (2010). Information and communication technology in library school education in Anambra State. Anambra State Library and Information Digest: Journal of the Nigerian Library Association, 4(1), 23–34.

Orakpor, A. M., Muokebe, B. O., Ibeh, O. B., Agwuna, O. M., & Ugheru, C. G. (2025). Students’ use of electronic information resources at Admiralty University of Nigeria library. OMANARP International Journal of Library and Information Sciences, 2(2), 14–25.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.