Availability and Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Facilities by Rural Community Users of Public Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

This study examined availability awareness and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities by rural community users in public libraries in South South, Nigeria. The design of the study was survey and it was carried out in selected 10 communities’ public libraries in Delta and Edo states, Nigeria. The population was 4,866; comprising of adult male and female registered users of the public libraries under study. Simple random sampling was done to draw fifty (50) respondents from each of the libraries. Thus, five hundred (500) copies of questionnaire were distributed and four hundred and thirty two (432) were duly filled and returned giving a response rate of 86%. The data obtained for this study were analyzed using simple percentage and frequency counts. Findings from this study revealed that photocopiers, desktop computers, CD ROMs, UPS, library mobile phones and audio/video tapes were available for use. These were mainly used for accessing educational information for self-development and keeping abreast with current news/events. Photocopiers and UPS were used at high extent at 51’6% and 54.15 respectively, while internet access, scanners, printers and projectors had low use. The study also revealed that the extent of the use of ICT facilities in community library by rural dwellers in Edo and Delta states is low. It was discovered that inadequacy of ICT facilities (100%), erratic power supply (100%), poor awareness of ICT facilities (80.5%) and limited access (77.5%) hindered the use of ICT facilities in the communities’ public libraries. The researcher recommends that the Federal and State governments of Nigeria should look into the poor state of public libraries especially in rural communities and allocate funds for the acquisition of ICT facilities for effective information service delivery.



Journal Title: Nigerian Libraries

Category: Library and Information Science

ISSN: 0029-0122

Year of Establishment: 1963

Section: Library and Information Sciences

Volume: 54

Issue: 1

Total Download: 0

Akparobore Daniel . 2024 Availability and Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Facilities by Rural Community Users of Public Libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Nigerian Libraries. 54 (1). 83-93. https://doi.org/10.61955/TYFYMZ

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