ABSTRACT

This study examined the effect of information and communication technology (ICT) competency among library staff in Akwa-Ibom State, a study of University of Uyo. (The objective ofthe study was tofind how competent library staffs are in using ICTfacilities to do theirjobs) Five research questions wereformulated to guide the study on areas ofwork staff use ICT, levels ofcompetence, methods ofacquiring competencies hindrances to competency acquisition, and strategies to improve the situation. Data relevant to the study was collected using questionnaire design sampling technique. A total of 110 copies ofquestionnaire were distributed out of which were rightly completed and returned. Data were analyzed using percentages and mean scores. Findings revealed that many library staff in university libraries performs Microsoft Word based tasks like typing and printing of documents, can provide online searches using Internet but cannot perform effective professional library related duties using ICT. Staff need ICT competencies in the areas that can assist them handle professional related duties, like Internet skills, mastery of library softwares and technicalskills. Library staffacquired ICTtraining mainly through personalpractice, on the job training, seminars, conferences and workshops, but preferred training through library schools. The major problems that hindered ICT competency acquisition among library staff are lack offunding, higher authority not willing to release their staff to go for further training, lack of opportunities, lack of ICT training facilities and inadequate curriculum contentforICT in the library schools. Strategies to improve the ICTcompetencies oflibrary staff are by provision of more ICTfacilities in library schools, development of personal interest by staffto acquire ICT competencies, sponsorship and study grants, study leave to be granted to staffto go for Competency acquisition trainings, also the authority should be willing to release stafffor studies and recruit more staffto reduce work load. Suggestions on areasforfurtherstudies on ICTcompetencies oflibrary staffwere also made