PurposeThe purpose of the article is to investigate readiness of academic librarians toward the use of robotic technologies in Nigerian university libraries. The article provides further insights on the following areas: •What are the levels of readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards robotic technologies in terms of digital infrastructure, policy framework and human development for the adoption and use of robotics in the libraries? •What services are available in the university libraries that can be handled by robotic technologies? •Are academic librarians aware of the potential benefits of robotics in library operations? •What are the potential challenges that university libraries may face in the adoption and use of robotic technologies?Design/methodology/approachThe study is a survey research anchored on positivism paradigm. The questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Furthermore, 100 academic librarians were selected from the ten purposively selected ten universities. Snowballing sample technique was used to select ten academic librarians from each of the university libraries.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that the readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards the adoption and use of robotic technologies in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. It indicates that university libraries in the country are not ready to adopt the use of this technology despite the high benefits they have to offer in library operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study lay on the fact that very few librarians from each of the selected university libraries were selected; and at the same time, it covers only ten university libraries in the country.Originality/valueThe study is very important to university library management on the necessary steps that need to be taken for the effective adoption of robotic technologies. This research can be a guide to them. In addition, the empirical analysis of the study contributes to social informatics development in Nigeria.

This paper examines the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities to technical service operations of Bayero University Library, Kano. Qualitative research method was adopted for the purpose of the study. The population for the study comprised of the eleven (11) staff members of the technical service unit of the library, while the head of the unit was sampled to respond to the interview questions posed. The study revealed that ICT facilities that were used in the technical service unit of the library were computers, printers, mobile phones, Virtual Library Software, internet, cataloguing and classification tools such as Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and Library of Congress Online Catalog. Findings also revealed that inadequate training of staff on ICT application to technical services; poor electricity supply and insufficient fund were some of the challenges plaguing the application of ICT facilities to technical unit of the library. The study recommends that there should be adequate straining of staff, provision of sufficient funds and constant supply of electricity among others to boost ICT application in the technical service unit of the library. Keywords: ICT facilities, Technical service, Bayero University Library IntroductionAlmost every discipline and endeavor in the universe today has moved away from traditional ways of operations in the conduct of their activities. Libraries are not left behind in the transformation which information and communication technology (ICT) have brought in the conduct of their operations and service provisions.

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