Digital Competencies of Librarians in University Libraries in Nigeria
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Date
2024-05-14
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Zambia Journal of Library & Information Science
Abstract
The study examined the digital competencies of librarians in university libraries in south-south Nigeria. It aimed to ascertain the digital
competencies of librarians, methods used in acquiring digital literacy skills and the challenges they face in obtaining these skills. The
descriptive survey design was adopted. The sample of the study comprised 200 librarians. An online survey was used to collect data, and 109
responded to the online survey. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23. The findings show that librarians have a high level of basic digital
competence skills and that they employ various methods to acquire digital skills. Inconsistent power supply, poor ICT facilities, and lack of
ICT training opportunities among others were some of the challenges faced by librarians in acquiring digital skills. It was therefore concluded
that university libraries, library associations, and university management should provide in-house training for librarians and provide financial
support to attend workshops to continue to improve their digital skills.
Description
Digital competencies for librarians in university libraries in Nigeria are vital for adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. These competencies encompass a variety of skills and knowledge essential for effectively supporting the academic community.
First and foremost, librarians must possess strong information technology skills. This includes familiarity with library management systems and proficiency in using digital tools for information retrieval. Digital literacy is another critical area, enabling librarians to evaluate and utilize digital resources effectively while teaching these skills to students and faculty.
Data management is also crucial. Librarians should be knowledgeable about data curation practices and skilled in managing research data and databases. Additionally, they need to be adept at creating and managing digital content, such as e-books and multimedia resources, while understanding copyright and intellectual property issues.
Ethics and information security are significant concerns as well. Librarians should be aware of digital privacy issues and cybersecurity practices, ensuring that ethical considerations govern their information-sharing activities.
User support is a key aspect of a librarian's role. They must be capable of providing assistance for digital resources and conducting training sessions on digital tools. As technology continues to evolve, understanding emerging trends—such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality—is increasingly important. Librarians should be able to adapt to new technologies and incorporate them into their services.
Keywords
Digital competencies, Librarians, University libraries, Nigeria