ICT COMPETENCY OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATES: EXAMINING WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS AND CURRICULUM RESPONSE TO THE SKILLS GAP IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

Abstract

In this study, ICT Competency of Library and Information Science Undergraduates: Examining Workplace Requirements and Curriculum Response to the Skills Gap in a Nigerian University of Education were investigated. A descriptive ex-post-facto survey research design was used. The study population comprises 360 students in 300L in the Department of library and information science, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED). Using convenience sampling and simple random sampling techniquea total of 72 (20%) undergraduates were selected for the study. All questionnaires administered were returned and found useful for the study. The findings revealed that the undergraduates had very high competency in basic computing such as word processing (100%) but low competency in web content creation and the use of statistical tools such as SPSS and Excel. The undergraduates affirmed that the ICT competencies much needed to fit into the labour market after graduation are online book selection and acquisition, use of library software, and word processing ability. On the other hand, the majority affirmed that ICT competency in using social media tools wasn't needed. The study concludes that the workplace requirements for information professionals will continue to evolve. Hence, recommends that, beyond teaching research methodology, undergraduates should be exposed to practical sessions on the use of various statistical packages for research. The undergraduates should be taught the practicality of library service delivery using social media platforms to provide relevant and up-to-date information to users.