APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ON PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the application of information and communication technologies on preservation and conservation resources in university libraries in North Central Nigeria. Descriptive research design was used. There was no sampling technique because the entire population is 181 respondents which include 166 academic librarians and 15 computer experts in the libraries were accessible and manageable by the researchers. Questionnaire and checklist were used for collection of data. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. It was discovered that 6 ICT facilities were to a very high extent available, 3 facilities were to a high extent, while 8 facilities were to a low extent available respectively. The findings showed that the application of ICTs influenced the skills and competencies of library staff to a great extent, digitization, recording, information refreshing and technology preservation were the only ICT preservation techniques that were applied to a great extent. Funding, power supply, cost of ICT facilities, Internet connectivity were some of the challenges identified, while adequate training on ICT, empowering librarians, making proactive preservation policy were appropriate strategies. Based on this, the researchers recommended that University authorities and TETFund should provide all relevant ICT facilities for preservation and conservation of information resources. University libraries in North Central Nigeria should organize more relevant workshops, seminars and other training sessions. Academic librarians should explore more techniques through inter-library cooperation, especially with any zone where all digital preservation techniques are available. Finally, the appropriate strategies should be adopted as a working policy on preservation and conservation of information resources in all university libraries.