Optimizing Ict Tools for Dissemination of Covid19- Information by Librarians in Nigerian Academic Libraries

Abstract

Information Communication Technology tools have been considered indispensable tools for successful delivery of library services especially in the COVID 19 global pandemic. This study answers three research questions about ICT tools as it is applicable to librarians for dissemination of information during Covid-19 era. First, how often do information professionals use ICT tools for dissemination of covid-19? Second, what are the ICT tools used for dissemination of covid-19 information, third, what benefits do information professionals’ derive from usage of ICT tools as well as challenges they encounter in getting information about covid-19 across to their patrons using ICT tools ?. Data were obtained in both quantitative and qualitative formats using one hundred and forty-four librarians as respondents. Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted because the population was minimal. Findings of the study revealed that; ICT tools are being used regularly by librarians for dissemination of covid-19 information, Videoconferencing, WhatsApp, Teleconferencing, Web-based Learning Applications, LinkedIn, Instagram , Software programmes and Facebook were identified as the ICT tools being used by librarians in Nigerian academic libraries for dissemination of covid-19 information, ICT tools are useful and beneficial to librarians as; it facilitates easy participation and engagement of library users in discussions pertaining to covid-19 which in turn curbs the spread of the virus, it facilitates easy education of students about the virus itself and to teach basic hygiene, with ICT tools, Covid 19 information is easily shared between librarians and their users, it also brings about reduction in the barrier of social distancing. The study also found epileptic power supply, poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, low band - with and lack of search skills as the major impediments to successful usage of ICT tools for dissemination of covid-19 information. Thus, it was recommended that libraries across Nigeria should prioritize training of their staff on the required digital skills they need to be able to cope in this advanced technology era.