APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SKILLS FOR SERVICE DELIVERY BY JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE LIBRARY STAFF IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION LIBRARIES IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the “application of information and communication technology (ICT) skills for service delivery by junior and intermediate library staff in colleges of education libraries in Gombe state.” Nigeria. It identifies the various ICT skills possessed by junior and intermediate library staff in colleges of education in Gombe State, the relationship between ICT skills possessed by the junior and intermediate library staff in the colleges of education in Gombe state and library service delivery, how the application of ICT skills acquired by junior and intermediate library staff in colleges of education in Gombe state affect library service delivery, the extent by which ICT skills possessed by junior and intermediate library staff in colleges of education in Gombe state affect library service delivery. The research method used in this study is survey research method. In a survey method, questionnaires are the main instrument for data collection. Frequency tables and percentages are the main tools used for data analysis. Results of the analysis showed that basic computer skill is possessed by junior and intermediate library staff of the colleges of education in Gombe state, Nigeria. The relationship between ICT skills possessed by the junior and intermediate library staff in the Colleges of Education in Gombe state and library service delivery is that it promotes easy and quick access to information resources and services. ICT skills enables libraries offer digital services, resources, lifelong learning, It positions libraries as dynamic hubs for information, education, and community engagement in the digital age, It empower individuals to access, utilize, and contribute to library resources and services in a digital age. ICT skills possessed by junior and intermediate library staff in colleges of education in Gombe state affect library service delivery to a very high extent. Recommendations were proffered, some of the recommendations are: Training or the acquisition of ICT skills especially for library management systems or house-keeping should be made compulsory for the librarians in line with the provision of ICT infrastructure because the library is a growing organism. ICT skills acquisition promote enthusiasm, adaptability, user-centered focus, leads to integration of technology that enhances user experiences, expands the range of services offered also, therefore training and retraining is highly recommended. ICT skills application enable libraries offer digital services, resources, lifelong learning therefore, budgeting for ICT infrastructure is paramount as there will be no application of ICT skills where there is no ICT infrastructure.