The purpose of this study is, to survey the attitudes of librarians towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambia. It`s intend is to find out whether librarians were trained in the use of these Technologies, their perceptions towards the use of them and factors contributing to their perceptions. The study also focused on how training of librarians in field could influence their use. A survey method was used to collect data in tertiary and research institutions in Lusaka, Central, and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia through a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected from 90 librarians were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel. They are presented in the form of descriptive statistics.
Information and Communication Technologies are becoming widespread and libraries in developing countries are quickly adopting them. However, this is not matched with the requisite training and attitudes towards their use. Like in other developing countries, libraries in Zambia are also rapidly adopting those Technologies. Their application however, largely depends on the attitudes of librarians towards them.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Concept of Information and Communication Technologies in libraries: a gradual development
1.3 Significance of ICTs in libraries
1.4 Factors affecting the adoption and use of ICTs in libraries
1.5 Statement of the problem
1.6 Objectives of the study
1.7 Research questions
1.8 Significance of the study
1.9 Operational definition of terms
1.10 Limitations of the study
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Attitudes of librarians towards the use of ICTs
2.3 Models on measurement of attitudes of librarians
2.3.1 Theory of Reasoned Action
2.3.2 Limitations and extensions of the Theory of Reasoned Action
2.4 Theory of Planned Behaviour
2.4.1 Strength of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
2.4.2 Limitations of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
2.5 Technology Acceptance Model
2.5.1 Strength of the Technology Acceptance Model
2.5.2 Criticisms of the Technology Acceptance Model
2.6 The impact of attitudes of librarians on service delivery
2.7 Factors that affect librarians in the use of ICTs in libraries
2.8 Influence of training of librarians on use of ICTs
2.9 Methodologies used in the literature reviewed
2.10 Summary of the literature reviewed
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research design
3.3 Population of study and sampling method
3.4 Data collection instruments
3.5 Validity and reliability of instruments
3.6 Administration of the questionnaires
3.7 Data analysis
3.8 Problems encountered during data collection
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Findings from the questionnaires
4.3 Background information about the respondents
4.4 Levels of automation in libraries
4.5 Training of librarians in the use of ICTs
4.6 Use of ICTs by librarians in libraries
4.7 Perceptions of librarians towards the use of ICTs in libraries
4.8 Perceptions of respondents on factors that affect the use of ICTs in libraries
4.8.1 Effect of gender of respondents on use of ICTs in libraries
4.9 Effect of age of respondents on use of ICTs in libraries
4.10 Perceptions of respondents on the effect of employment status of librarians on use of ICTs
4.11 Attitude of librarians and its effect on use of ICTs in libraries
4.12 Training of librarians in ICTs and its influence on use of ICTs
4.13 Other factors that affect librarians in the use of ICTs in libraries
4.14 Conclusion of research findings
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Levels of automation in libraries
5.3 Training of respondents in the use of ICTs
5.3.1 Use of ICTs by librarians in libraries
5.4 Perceptions of respondents towards use of ICTs in libraries
5.4.1 Perceptions of respondents on the effect of ICTs on staffing levels
5.4.2 Perceptions of respondents on authenticity of data received through print sources compared to e-resources
5.4.3 Perceptions of respondents on ICTs and their efficient ways of carrying out work in libraries
5.4.4 Perceptions of respondents on the feasibility of ICTs for libraries
5.4.5 Perceptions of respondents on the impact of their attitude on use of ICTs
5.5 Perceptions of respondents on factors contributing to their attitude towards ICTs
5.5.1 Effect of gender of respondents on use of ICTs
5.5.2 Perceptions of respondents on the effect of age of librarians on use of ICTs
5.5.3 Perceptions of respondents that older librarians are uncomfortable to learn new skills compared to younger librarians
5.5.4 Perceptions of respondents that younger librarians rate their computer proficiency more highly than older librarians
5.5.5 Perceptions of respondents that ICTs are recent developments to older librarians
5.5.6 Perceptions of respondents that older librarians fear that years of routine work could be replaced instantly with ICTs
5.6 Perceptions of respondents that employment status of librarians affects use of ICTs
5.6.1 Perceptions of respondents that non-professional librarians are not given equal opportunity to use ICTs
5.6.2 Perceptions of respondents that tasks of librarians are different
5.6.3 Perceptions of respondents that recently qualified librarians underwent training in ICTs
5.6.4 Perceptions of respondents that librarians employed on contract and on permanent are not given equal opportunity to use ICTs
5.6.5 Perceptions of respondents that librarians employed on contract work few hours
5.6.6 Perceptions of respondents that insufficient training cause librarians employed on contract to find ICTs harder to use
5.7 Perceptions of respondents that their attitude affects them in the use of ICTs
5.7.1 Perceptions of respondents that librarians fear to be replaced with other librarians with relevant skills
5.7.2 Perceptions of respondents on the effect of ICTs on their health
5.7.3 Perceptions of respondents that ICTs cause uncertainty and discomfort in librarians with regard to job security
5.7.4 Perceptions of respondents that ICTs create additional tasks to be performed by librarians in a day
5.8 Influence that training of librarians has in their use of ICTs
5.8.1 Perceptions of respondents that training in ICTs influences their perception to use them
5.8.2 Perceptions of respondents on the influence of training in ICTs in enhancing their skills in use of computers
5.8.3 Perceptions of respondents on the influence of training in ICTs in reducing their attitudinal barriers to ICTs
5.8.4 Perceptions of respondents on the influence of training in ICTs in promoting their usage
5.8.5 Perceptions of respondents on the influence of training in ICTs as essential in introducing positive change to ICTs
5.8.6 Perceptions of respondents on the influence of training in ICTs as a key strategy in overcoming any resistance to change
5.8.7 Perceptions of respondents on the influence of training in ICTs as a means of building their morale
5.8.8 Perceptions of respondents on the influence of training in ICTs in their involvement and satisfaction with ICTs
5.9 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.9.1 Conclusion
5.9.2 Recommendations
Research Objectives and Themes
The study aims to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of librarians in Zambia towards the adoption and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in libraries. It seeks to identify the factors contributing to these attitudes, evaluate the role of training in ICT usage, and understand the impact of personal and organizational factors on technology adoption in tertiary and research institutions.
- Attitudes of librarians towards ICT adoption
- Impact of training on ICT proficiency and usage
- Factors influencing librarian perceptions (age, gender, employment status)
- Challenges and barriers to library automation in Zambia
- Strategies for successful technology integration in libraries
Excerpt from the Book
1.3 Significance of ICTs to libraries
Shariful and Nazmul (2006) observe that ICTs are significant to libraries because carrying out library functions manually is difficult due to the ever growing size of recorded information. Space available at the disposal of each library is also limited.
Although library collections grow continuously, no library thinks of getting additional space every year, and due to knowledge explosion, libraries are faced with multifaceted and multidimensional information to such an extent that not only has its storage created challenges, but the organisation of information has also become unwieldy making fast and easy access and retrieval of information problematic. In addition, the potential growth of information has made library operations take many hours to perform manually.
According to Owoyemi (2001), before the advent of computer technology at the close of the 20th century, computers were rare in libraries. The basic functions of librarians then were carried out manually. The computer is capable of quickly accomplishing a large volume of what can be done manually. Consequently, the computer has also become a basic tool for generating and processing information.
Mundy and Sultan (2001) state that with the emergence of ICTs, the role of librarians has also changed. They have become much more of communicators in the sense of information workers, extension workers and subject specialists who must reach out in order to guide their constituencies. In addition, librarians need to have ICT knowledge, ICT skills, ICT tools, and continuous learning in the context of rapidly changing ICTs. Nwachukwu (2004) states that librarians must acquire relevant skills and competence in the application of ICTs. Hence, human resources development becomes fundamental. In addition, ICTs must not only be available but accessible as well.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND: This chapter introduces the research context, outlines the concept of ICTs in libraries, states the problem, and defines the specific objectives and research questions regarding librarians' attitudes in Zambia.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides an overview of existing theoretical models such as the Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behaviour, and Technology Acceptance Model, while discussing factors that influence librarian attitudes towards ICTs.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the research design, specifically the survey method, the sampling of 90 respondents from Zambian libraries, and the use of self-administered questionnaires to collect data for subsequent analysis.
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS: This chapter presents the empirical findings gathered from the survey, including respondent demographics, current levels of library automation, training experiences, and reported perceptions.
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS: This chapter provides an in-depth discussion and interpretation of the research findings, linking them to existing literature on ICT adoption, training effectiveness, and the professional challenges faced by librarians in Zambia.
Keywords
Information and Communication Technologies, ICTs, Librarians, Library Automation, Zambia, Technology Acceptance Model, Librarian Attitudes, Training, Computer Literacy, Professional Development, Job Security, Digital Resources, Library Management, User Involvement, Information Access
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the attitudes and perceptions of librarians in Zambia towards the use and adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in their professional practice.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The work covers library automation levels, the impact of ICT training, factors like age and gender on technology adoption, and the influence of employment status on access to ICTs.
What is the main objective of this study?
The primary goal is to determine if librarians are trained in ICTs, assess their perceptions towards these technologies, identify contributing factors to these attitudes, and evaluate how training influences ICT usage.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The researcher employed a survey method utilizing self-administered questionnaires, targeting librarians at tertiary and research institutions in Lusaka, Central, and Copperbelt provinces in Zambia.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body includes a comprehensive literature review of technology acceptance models, a description of the methodology, presentation of survey results, and a critical discussion of findings related to library automation in Zambia.
How would you describe this work using keywords?
The study is best characterized by terms like Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Library Automation, Librarian Attitudes, Technology Acceptance Model, and Professional Development in Zambia.
How does the employment status of a librarian affect ICT use in this study?
The findings indicate that employment status is a significant factor; specifically, librarians on contract are often given fewer opportunities for ICT access and training compared to their permanent counterparts.
What role does age play in the adoption of ICTs according to the librarians surveyed?
The survey suggests that older librarians often feel more uncomfortable learning new technical skills and may hold fears regarding job displacement compared to their younger, more technologically confident colleagues.
Why is training highlighted as a crucial component of this research?
Training is identified as the fundamental bridge for overcoming attitudinal barriers, enhancing computer skills, building morale, and ensuring that library staff can effectively manage the transition to modern, automated systems.
- Citar trabajo
- Boniface Banda (Autor), 2010, The use of Information and Communication Technologies in Zambian Libraries, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1323911
