IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON SERVICES DELIVERY IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on service delivery in academic libraries in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 147 librarians across four institutions: Modibbo Adamawa University Yola, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Federal College of Education Yola, and Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola. The study addressed five key objectives: identifying available ICT tools, assessing librarians’ ICT literacy, determining the impact of ICT use on service delivery, examining challenges associated with ICT implementation, and proposing strategies for improvement. Findings reveal the availability of various ICT infrastructures, including internet connectivity, library management systems such as Koha, RFID technology, digital databases, and computer networks. Librarians’ ICT literacy was found to positively influence service delivery by improving access to scholarly resources, enhancing cataloguing processes, supporting digital preservation, and facilitating more effective reference and interlibrary loan services. Despite these benefits, inadequate funding emerged as the major constraint, limiting the acquisition, maintenance, and upgrade of ICT resources. The study recommends strengthening ICT deployment through the provision of alternative power sources, improved internet bandwidth, and personal computing devices for librarians. It concludes that although ICT adoption substantially enhances library services, sustained investment and robust infrastructural support are essential for its long-term effectiveness.