Akwa Ibom State E-Library Problems and Prospects

Akwa Ibom State E-Library Problems and Prospects
Akwa Ibom State E-Library Problems and Prospects

ABSTRACT: The main purpose of this study was to examine Akwa Ibom State E-Library Problems and Prospects. The essence of information is to access and use it at the right time. The introduction of computer systems in the services of the library has facilitated quick, easy and up-to date information to the users. Akwa Ibom State e-library is a computerized library that boasts of numerous electronic documents. Therefore, this paper examines the state of Akwa Ibom State e-library. It discusses the meaning of e-library, origin of Akwa Ibom State e-library and utilization of Akwa Ibom State e-library. Finally, summary, conclusion and recommendations are also stated.

Akwa Ibom State E-Library Problems and Prospects

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to the Study

Rapid advances in information technologies have revolutionized the role of libraries in providing library services to the users. As a result, libraries face new challenges, demands, and expectations. Libraries are redesigning services and information products to add value to their services and to satisfy the changing information needs of the user community. This requires that libraries become active participant in global information drive by making information resources available on the net for global consumption (Akintunde,2006). As printed materials continue to deteriorate rapidly, digitization and automation of those materials would help to preserve original and reformatted copies for use. Many libraries are therefore, taking up the challenge of computerizing their libraries and few have taken some steps to digitize their library resources for easy web-based access. Moreover, most other libraries are involved in automation of their collections and Akwa Ibom State e-library is in the forefront of this initiative.

Digitization or automation is the process of converting data to digital format for processing by computer. In information systems, digitization usually refers to the conversion of printed text or images (photographs, illustrations, maps.) into binary signals using some kind of scanning devices that enables the result to be displayed on a computer screen. In telecommunication, digitization refers to the conversion of continuous analogue signals into pulsating digital signal. Ichiro, (2OO5) adds that digitization is a process of building digital libraries, which involves taking traditional library materials typically in the form of books, journals and other papers, and converting them to electronic format, where they can be stored and manipulated by a computer.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

In the past two decades, countless challenges and opportunities have faced libraries that digitalizes their resources as a result of information explosion. This explosion of information has made government and the management of libraries to reconsider and redefine competency to facilitate effective and efficient utilization of information resources in the library for users satisfaction. The continued proliferation of formats, tools and services in the libraries has deposed how the e-libraries acquire, process, store and disseminate information.

Library staff in this day and age of information explosion is expected to upgrade themselves and become competence in computer operation to facilitate proper expression of user education in order to satisfy their utilization of available information resources in this century. It is regrettable that the c-libraries that is suppose to be completely digital to facilitate all form of services is currently facing the challenge of digitization of its resources and thereby handing users’ satisfaction.  

As observed by the researcher, many reasons have been affirmed for this gap. While some people are of the opinion that the Akwa Ibom State e-library is doing well in her library services, others are of the opinion that the e-library is not doing well in her library services. It is against this contradiction that this research is conducted to examine the Akwa Ibom State e-library: its problems and prospects to establish a fact and guide for e-library services for future acknowledgement.

Akwa Ibom State E-Library Problems and Prospects

1.3     Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine Akwa Ibom State e-library services: problems and prospects

The specific objectives are:

  1. To determine the influence of internet in the Akwa Ibom State e-library.
  2. To determine the influence of competence computer personnel in Akwa Ibom State e-library.

 

1.4   Significance of the Study

This study is aimed at examining Akwa Ibom State e-library: Problems and prospects with bestowing rewards to facilitating proper information service for the teaming users.

It will reveal to the library staff to make proper provision for appropriate computerized information service to the users.

It will draw the attention of the library users to the appropriate computerized information service in the e-library to boost their information search.

It will be an eye opener to Akwa Ibom State Government and Nigerian as a whole in the aspect of provision for good e-services to users.

This study will be useful to researchers who may want to conduct further research on e-library services, problems and prospects.

1.5   Operational Definition of Terms

Internet Services: The internet is a worldwide collection of networks gateways, severs and computers using a common set of telecommunication Protocols to lin1 up. It provides worldwide access to information resources that boast user education and awareness.

Digitization: Digitization is the process of converting data to digital format for processing by computer.

Library automation: Library automation is the general term for information and communications technologies (ICT) that are used to replace manual systems in the library. Library automation may be defined as the application of automatic and semi -automatic data processing machines (computers) to perform traditional library housekeeping activities such as acquisition, circulation, cataloguing, referencing and serial control.

Originally posted on October 27, 2021 @ 4:53 pm

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Peter Hezekiah Lawson (Sir Pee). The CEO of onlineproject.com.ng. A reputable researcher, Web Developer, ICT Instructor and a publisher of many research works in Education.