Perceived Influence of Digital Competence on Knowledge Sharing Behaviour of College Librarians in the South-East and South-South Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria

Abstract

Knowledge and the competence to share it in the digital age have become potent tools for the attainment of competitive advantage and sustainable development in organizations and institutions of learning. This awareness has necessitated the need to embark on a study with the main objective of determining how digital competence variables influence the knowledge sharing behaviour of librarians in college libraries in the South-East and South-South of Nigeria. The research was supported by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Survey research method was used to investigate a sample of 264 librarians. A validated and structured questionnaire with a correlation coefficient of 0.92 was used to collect data for the research through the census method. A response rate of 82% (217) was received and analysed. Findings reveal that librarians in college libraries possess the ability to use and manipulate a broad range of digital devices like smart phones, tablets, lap/desk tops; have a working knowledge of the World Wide Web (www); use social media platforms to maintain workplace collaboration; and use popular library application software packages. The study concludes that librarians in the institutions studied have shown significant skills in the use of ICT in their knowledge sharing behaviour and therefore should be sustained. The research recommends amongst others regular ICT training, workshops and conferences to enhance the knowledge sharing behaviour of the librarians and the creation of digital platforms and infrastructure for knowledge creation and sharing for professional and institutional ranking and visibility.