AN ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN SERVICE DELIVERY

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in service delivery to library users in Academic libraries in Edo State. It was aimed to know the ICTs that are available in an academic library in Edo State, it also aims to find out the ICT facilities that are being used for services delivery in the selected academic library in Edo State. Descriptive survey design was adopted, a sample size of 100 was selected through total enumeration sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was self-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, percentages and mean. Results indicated that CDROM, Satellites, Scanners, and Laptops are the ICTS that are available for users in selected academic library of Edo State. It also revealed in the study that Internet facility, video conferencing, e mail, Online Social Networking (OSN), and Photocopier are the ICTS facilities provided for users of selected academic library in Edo State. It also revealed in the finding that The ICT literacy level of library staff in the selected academic library of Edo State is very high. The study recommended that training programs on the use of computer for information retrieval should be conducted and made compulsory for academic libraries users in the State. Every division of the State academic libraries should be automated in order to facilitate and create an avenue for effective services. Also, there should be provision for alternative power supply by having a dedicated generating plant. This is especially important because of the total dependence of the ICT use on electric power supply.