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.