STATUS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AMONGST LIBRARIANS IN THE INFORMATION AGE

CASE STUDY OF ANAMBRA STATE LIBRARY BOARD

Abstract

The advent of the information age has brought about the introduction of new tools for information creation, retrieval, processing and dissemination. To remain relevant in this age, librarians need to acquire and develop skills that would enable them use the new technologies for performing their duties.
This paper therefore investigates the information communication technology (ICT) competencies of librarians in Anambra State Library Board juxtaposed with skills needed by librarians to operate maximally in the information age. The survey method of research was used and questionnaire was used to
gather data from the 22 librarians that work in the Library Board. The findings of the study reveal that some of the respondents do not have basic ICT skills like putting on a computer and knowledge and expertise in electronic mail use. Many of the librarians can use different search engines to garner
information on the internet. However many of the respondents have no knowledge of Library 2.0 tools and indicated a low level of expertise in word processing, web design and searching of databases. Majority of the respondents suggested that attendance to seminars/workshops organized by professional bodies and in-house training would enable them acquire and develop ICT skills. The paper concludes that the librarians be proactive in the acquisition and improvement of ICT skills so as to perform their duties effectively in the information age.