Multimedia Technology Application to InformationService Delivery in a University Library System: The Case of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Library Complex

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate Multimedia Technology Application to Information Service Delivery in the Ahmadu Bello University Library Complex. Three research objectives were formulated with respect to the types of multimedia technology application application available and used and types of information services provided using multimedia technology available. A total of forty two (42) librarians from twelve (12) libraries that constituted the Ahmadu Bello University library complex were used as subjects of the study. The data collected were presented and analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages. The research discovered that there were different types of multimedia technologies applied for information services in the university library complex. These include text, audio, video, and animations along with their streaming mode of presentation either live or stored audio and video; and that the application of multimedia technologies available in the university library complex has significant effect on information service delivery. The findings indicated that among the libraries studied only Kashim Ibrahim applied live interactive audio and live interactive video for information service delivery. The research recommends that a periodic in- house training for all library staff on the application of multimedia technologies be the starting point for their deployment. It also recommends acquisition of up-to- date hardware and software that are necessary for effective application of multimedia technologies to information service delivery.