Use of Computer among Library Staff In Four Universities Of Technology Libraries In Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The study determine the availability and use of computers by library staff in four (4) Selected University of Technology Library in Northern Nigeria. Survey research was adopted with population of 151 Library staff and a random sample size of 120 staff in four (4) selected Universities responded and 189 computers (desktops, flat screen and laptops) were available in the university libraries under study. Data analysis shoes that Desktop computer was the popular one being used by library staff, with 84 (76%) responses while flat screen tended to be the least used computer with 6 (5 %) response rate. On frequency of use of computers, findings showed that computers were used on daily basic with 72 (69%) respondents, while 1 (1%) respondent indicated to have used computer on monthly basis. Further analysis revealed that 16 (15%) respondents did not indicate any frequency use of computers despite anonymity in questionnaire. It was discover that respondents used computers for the purpose of internet browsing and e-mail with 41(22%) and 39(21%) responses respectively. On the problems militating against effective use of computers by library staff, findings showed that erratic power supply represented by 56(29%) respondents was the greater problem and this was followed by inadequate computer which were represented by 4(22%) respondents. Recommendation were proffered e.g non-professional staff should be trained up to paraprofessional and professional status (in librarianship), while modern computers (flat screen and laptop) be procured by University Libraries (among others).