AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES AND HINDRANCES TO ELECTRONIC RESOURCE SHARING IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities play a crucial role in enabling electronic resource sharing and supporting digital scholarly communication in university libraries. However, Federal University Libraries in North-East Nigeria continue to face infrastructural and operational challenges that limit the effective use of ICT for resource exchange. The objective of this study was to assess the availability of ICT facilities and to identify the hindrances affecting electronic resource sharing in Federal University Libraries within the region. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from library staff in three Federal Universities using a validated questionnaire. The population comprised 344 library staff across the Federal University Kashere Library, ATBU Library, and the Ramat Library of the University of Maiduguri, and a census sampling technique was used since the population was accessible and manageable. The findings indicated that basic ICT facilities such as computers, internet connectivity, online public access catalogues, library management software, and access to electronic resources are generally available in the libraries. In contrast, advanced ICT facilities required for effective and sustainable electronic resource sharing, including institutional repositories, specialised databases, digital scanning equipment, and audio-visual technologies, were found to be inadequate. The study also revealed several hindrances to electronic resource sharing, notably limited funding, inadequate ICT infrastructure, poor communication and coordination among libraries, insufficient staff training, weak institutional policies, low awareness of the benefits of collaboration, security concerns, and geographical constraints. The study concludes that while Federal University Libraries in North-East Nigeria possess foundational ICT infrastructure, significant gaps remain in advanced technologies and institutional support systems necessary for effective electronic resource sharing. The study therefore recommends increased investment in ICT infrastructure, improved internet bandwidth, continuous staff capacity development, strengthened policy frameworks, and the adoption of sustainable digital platforms to enhance electronic resource sharing among Federal University Libraries in the region.