ESSENTIAL ICT COMPETENCIES FOR INTEGRATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (ILMS) IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES: A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE Section Articles

Abstract

The paper examined the ICT skills required for the utilization of integrated library management

software by librarians in public university libraries in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The objective of

the study is to determine the types of ICT skills required for the utilization of Integrated Library

Management Software (ILMS) for Service Delivery in University Libraries in Kaduna State,

Nigeria. Quantitative research methodology was adopted for this study using a cross-sectional

survey design. A total of one hundred and sixty-five (165) copies of the questionnaire were

administered to the respondents, out of which one hundred and thirty-three (133), representing

81% were duly completed, returned and used for this study. The data collected were analyzed

using descriptive statistics. The study found out that KOHA is the dominant library

management software in use and that only the ICT skills on the ability to understand the

computer and its peripherals, and the skills on Information search, retrieval, and dissemination

techniques were acquired. Other necessary skills were absent. The study therefore recommends

that Management of public Universities in conjunction with relevant authorities should

embrace the training and retraining of library manpower on a frequent and continuous basis to

enlighten staff on the ILMS to adopt and utilize for library services. The study also recommends

that library schools in Nigeria should incorporate practical training on the use of library

management software and other related technologies into their curriculums to boost potential

library workers ICT skills in handling ILMS and other library automation devices.