International Journal of Applied Technologies in Library and Information Management

Assessment of the impact of Nigerian universities' institutional repository policies and practices on lecturers' publications output and online visibility: focus on South-East & South-South, Nigeria

Augonus Nnamdi Uhegbu — 2025-05-26

This research examined the impact of Nigerian universities' institutional repository policies and practices on lecturers' publications output and online visibility. It covered 34 Federal and State Universities in the South-East and South-South Zones of Nigeria. The research was based on a 5-point research objectives. Both ex-post facto and exploratory survey research designs were adopted to investigate a sample of 1,145 respondents made of lecturers and practicing librarians in the university libraries. Both purposive and simple random sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the respondents. A combination of questionnaire, interview and checklist were used to collect data. Findings reveal that out of the 34 universities covered, only 11 representing 34.4% had established institutional repositories and still less than 10 years of age. Theses and Dissertations were the main information resources found in the repositories. Findings also reveal that research output of lecturers and their online visibility as a result of use of IR was low. The research concludes that while IR has become huge asset for research and online visibility of lecturers, concerted efforts be made to ensure its fast and sustainable growth among the public universities in the country. It recommends amongst others the adoption of IR as criteria for NUC accreditation exercise and ranking of universities, dedication of part of the TETFund intervention funds to
universities for IR establishment.

Information dissemination and collaboration of librarians with health practitioners for sustainable mental health literacy among youths in rural areas of north-central, Nigeria

Harithat Oyiza Jibril — 2025-05-26

The study was on Information Dissemination and Collaboration of Librarians with Health Practitioners for Sustainable Mental Health Literacy among Youths in Rural Areas of North-central, Nigeria. The study was guided by two bjectives and two corresponding research questions which are to determine the influence of information dissemination on the mental health literacy of the youths in the rural areas of North-central, Nigeria; find out the influence of social media on the mental health literacy of the youths in the rural areas of North-central, Nigeria. A survey research design method was adopted for the study. The total population of the youths under study was one hundred and eight thousand, seven hundred and thirty-seven (108,737). The sample size of the youth population was three hundred and eighty-three (383) drawn from Gill et al. (2010) sample size table for determining the sample size of a population. A purposive method of sampling was employed to sample six (6) participants from the public libraries and public health centres under study. The uestionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Out of three hundred and eighty-three (383) copies of the questionnaire administered, six hundred and eighty-three (683) copies were filled, returned and used for the analysis. Descriptive statistical tools involving frequency counts and percentages mean and standard deviation as well as narrative analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study indicated that mental health literacy among the rural youths of North-central Nigeria is very low and that there is a significant relationship between information dissemination, collaboration between librarians and mental health practitioners and mental health literacy. The study recommended among others that the ministries of information and ministries of health in the North-central states should form a consortium that facilitates and oversees collaboration between public librarians and mental health practitioners for a sustainable boost to the mental health literacy of the rural youths.

Access and use of open educational resources for blended learning in public universities in Anambra State

Angela Njideka Anike — 2025-05-26

The study as certained access and use of open educational resources for blended learning in public universities in Anambra State. Two research questions guided the study. Survey research design was employed for the study. The sample size for the study consisted of 600 regular undergraduate students of public universities in Anambra State obtained through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Undergraduate Students' Access to Open Educational Resources Questionnaire (USAOERQ) and Undergraduate Students' Use of Open Educational Resources Questionnaire (USUOERQ) were used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that undergraduate students in public universities in Anambra State had access to OER for blended learning. The findings of the study further indicated that OER was used for blended learning by undergraduate students to a low extent. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that university authorities should sustain their efforts towards ensuring that unfettered access is granted to undergraduate students to open educational resources for blended leaning.

Medical students' perception of the information resources adequacy in the medical library, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria

Perpetua O. Ukwueze — 2025-05-26

The study focuses on the medical students' perception of information resources adequacy in the medical library, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology. The aim is to ascertain if the Library's information resources available in the Medical Library is adequate in providing effective information servicedelivery. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire that was designed in line with the research questions. The population of the study is made up of 50 library users who constituted the respondents for the study. All 50 questionnaires were returned and used for the study. Data were analysed using frequency, mean and standard deviation. Results were presented in tables in line with the research questions. The finding revealed that the information resources in the medical library are up to date, relevant to medical students' study and useful in their clinical practises. The study also showed that the medical students are satisfied with the information resources as regards to its up to date, its relevance to their studies, exams, and quizzes. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended among others, that the college management should ensure regular updating of the medical library resources to promote adequate information service delivery in the medical school and that the library should always promote available information resources to ensure general awareness and inclusion.

Building culturally diverse communities through innovative public library services: a case study of Rivers State Public Library

Victor Wagwu — 2025-05-26

The study investigated building culturally diverse communities through innovative public library services: A case of Rivers State Public Library. The study was conducted in River State Public Library Board. The study employed a descriptive research design. Population of the study comprised 100 users of the Rivers State Library Board and Jubilee Library Port Harcourt. The researcher adopted the census sampling technique to select 100 users of the public libraries mentioned above which stood as the sample size. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while the hypothesis was tested with the z-test statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed among others that there are current library services meeting the needs of culturally diverse populations in Rivers State Public Library. The study concluded and recommended among others that the library should increase the number and variety of books, magazines, and online materials available in the community's spoken languages, the library should create and support inclusive programming that actively includes people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Assessment of staff development needs in university libraries: a study of Federal Universities in Delta State, Nigeria

Annabel Onyeisi Ijeh — 2025-05-26

This study aimed to assess the staff development needs in the Federal University libraries in Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the key staff development needs of staff in federal university libraries in Delta State, assessed the extent of staff satisfaction with their development in federal university libraries in Delta State, and identified the factors that inhibit the training and development of staff in federal university libraries in Delta State. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised 64 male and female staff of the library in the three Federal Universities in Delta State and the total enumeration sampling technique was used to select the 64 library staff as respondents. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The results of this study revealed that the staff in federal university libraries in Delta State needs development on technological proficiency, customer service, communication skills, leadership and management, collection development and management, cataloguing, and classification as well as marketing and promotion of library resources. Also, the study found that the extent to which the staff of federal university libraries in Delta State are satisfied with their development is low. Finally, the study revealed that budgetary constraints, poor organizational cultures, limited training and development opportunities, and poor management support are the major factors inhibiting staff development in federal university libraries in Delta State. Recommendations for effective training and development of library personnel to ensure that the library meets the needs of its users were provided.

Digital technologies and academic integrity of technological students in Gateway ICT Polytechnic Saapade Ogun State

Pelumi Faith Ekundayo — 2025-05-26

The study examined the impact of digital technologies on the academic integrity of technological students in Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State. A descriptive research design was employed for the conduct of the study. Two hundred (200) students were randomly drawn from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State. Mean and standard deviation statistics were employed to answer the research questions raised in the study. The result, however, revealed the importance of digital technologies in influencing the academic integrity of technological students. Moreso, the study revealed various types of academic dishonesty among technological students which include plagiarism, fabrication, deception, cheating, bribery and paid services, sabotage, and/ or impersonation as well as difficulties and challenges associated with digital technology and its impact on the academic integrity of technological students. It is recommended that, educational initiatives should be developed to raise awareness about the different types of academic dishonesty and their consequences, fostering a culture of academic integrity. Technological security measures should be implemented to minimize the potential negative impact of digital technologies on academic integrity and there should be continuous monitoring of academic integrity issues, incorporating feedback loops to adapt strategies based on emerging challenges.

Influence of library technology applications on accessibility and retrieval of information resources among female librarians in Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

Nancy Patrick Zamani — 2025-05-26

This study was designed to investigate the influence of library technology applications on accessibility and retrieval of information resources among females' librarians in Federal University, Wukari the study was guided by four (4) objectives and four (4) research questions. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and population of the study was the 42 professional and non-professional staff of A.A Rasheed Library, Federal University Wukari. The sample was 15 female librarians. Data were gathered through the instrument of a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The instrument was subjected to face and content validation by three experts, two from library and information science department and one from measurement and evaluation unit, both in university of Nigeria, Nsukka cronbach alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. The reliability coefficient was established at 0.81, which implies that the instrument is reliable for the study Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the level of awareness and usage of library technology applications among female librarians in Federal University Wukari is to an extent considered very high. The findings also revealed that there are benefits of using library technology applications in enhancing accessibility and information retrieval of information resources among female librarians in Federal University Wukari. Following the findings, recommendations were made such as: Library administrators should provide regular training and support to female librarians to enable them to effectively use library technology applications amongst others.

Digital law libraries: trends and future prospects in the campus libraries of the Nigerian Law Schools

Shafiu Garba Makeri — 2025-05-26

This study explores the current trends, challenges, and prospects of digital law libraries in the Campus Libraries of the Nigerian Law Schools at Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Yola, Enugu, Bayelsa and Port-Harcourt. A qualitative research approach was adopted, with data collected from 18 law and professional librarians managing legal information systems. Findings indicate that while digital law libraries improve legal research efficiency, challenges such as financial constraints, inadequate digital infrastructure, and limited technical training hinder their full adoption. The study recommends increased government funding, training, and capacity-building programs for law librarians, and establishing a centralized digital legal repository to enhance accessibility. These interventions will ensure improved legal research efficiency and align Nigeria's legal education system with global digitalization trends.

Apprehension, realities and skills for artificial intelligence application to library services in Nigeria

Muhammed Jamiu Soliudeen — 2025-05-26

This paper investigates the apprehensions, realities, and required skills for the application of artificial intelligence in libraries in Nigeria. A systematic literature review was used. The paper has five objectives: to investigate the level of AI publications in Nigeria compared to other countries; to examine the methodologies used in these publications; to identify librarians' apprehensions regarding the application of AI; to investigate the realities of AI; and to determine the skills needed by librarians for the implementation of AI in Nigerian libraries. The results show that librarians are apprehensive about losing their jobs and that a lack of funding has resulted in little interest in AI implementation. However, the realities indicate that the implementation of AI will save librarians time, improve service delivery, transform the library's image, assist in automating cataloguing and collection development, and provide enhanced services to people with disabilities. This paper also suggests that librarians should equip themselves with technical and professional skills, data mining capabilities, and ethical principles.The recommendations state that librarians should stop panicking about job loss and instead acquire the necessary skills to assist in AI implementation and application. Library schools should also improve their curriculum, and professionals should organize conferences and workshops to raise awareness among librarians. It is also recommended that qualitative and other methodologies be used to gain more insight into the nitty-gritty details of AI.

Utilisation of emerging technologies for enhanced information service delivery to academic staff and students of academic libraries in Nigeria

Philip Gana Malgwi — 2025-05-26

Academic libraries play vital roles in managing and supporting staff and students' development. Modern libraries and the internet ensure the application of diverse technologies to deepen access to global information networks by its users. The study investigated the utilization of emerging technologies for enhancing service delivery of university libraries in Nigeria. This paper adopted a literature review approach, drawing on existing research and scholarly articles from other authors to evaluate the information and form the basis for this paper. The paper concluded that emerging technology applications for service delivery in university libraries in Nigeria needs to be explored and employed. It portrays the ubiquity of internet, digital, and mobile technologies as enriching in teaching, learning, and research. It underscored the rare platform of modern technologies to expand the library resource base. However, findings, recommended that to effectively utilize emerging technologies, library staff should undergo regular training, professional development and training to update their library services. Librarians should also actively develop and promote services that leverage emerging technologies for enhanced information services delivery.