Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have revolutionized academic libraries and information services worldwide, bringing unprecedented changes and opportunities for transformation. In the context of Sierra Leone and considering recent global ICT trends, this study explores the impact of ICTs on Limkokwing University Library. The primary objectives of this research were to assess the level of automation, evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of ICT resources, identify necessary skills for their optimal utilization, and understand barriers hindering their effective use. Limkokwing University Library, situated at Hill Station, Sierra Leone, serves as the case study for this investigation.
Employing a survey research design, data was collected using questionnaires distributed to students, administrators, and researchers. Fifty-five questionnaires were administered, yielding fifty usable responses. Data analysis involved the use of tables and percentages to interpret findings.
The study uncovered that while certain divisions, such as the E-Learning Services, are automated; the broader library system at Limkokwing University is not fully automated. Key ICT resources utilized include CD-ROMs, online databases, and the World Wide Web, primarily for information storage and retrieval purposes. The research underscores the substantial impact of ICTs on library effectiveness.
In conclusion, this study advocates for increased adoption of ICTs at Limkokwing University Library, emphasizing the need for enhanced financial support to develop basic ICT infrastructure. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges posed by insufficient staffing and unreliable power supply, recommending the integration of standby generators to mitigate frequent power outages.
This book aims to serve as a valuable resource for librarians, educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to leverage ICTs in their respective institutions. By sharing insights and lessons learned from Limkokwing University's experience, we aspire to inspire and guide others toward establishing more efficient, responsive, and technologically advanced academic libraries.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Part One: Introduction
- Part Two: The ICTs in Academia
- Part Three: ICTS in Organisations
- Part Four: Survey Approach to ICTS in Academic Library
- Part Four: Analysis of Data
- Part Seven: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research assesses the impact of ICTs on Limkokwing University Library in Sierra Leone. Its objectives include evaluating the level of automation, the usefulness of ICT resources, necessary skills for optimal utilization, and barriers hindering effective use. A survey of students, administrators, and researchers was conducted to gather data.
- Impact of ICTs on academic libraries in developing countries.
- Level of ICT integration and automation in Limkokwing University Library.
- Effectiveness of ICT resources and skills needed for optimal use.
- Challenges and barriers to effective ICT utilization in the library.
- Recommendations for improving ICT infrastructure and support.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Part One: Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the study, highlighting the transformative role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in academic libraries globally and specifically within the context of Sierra Leone. It establishes the Limkokwing University Library in Sierra Leone as the case study and outlines the research objectives: to assess automation levels, evaluate ICT resource effectiveness, identify necessary skills, and understand barriers to effective ICT use. The methodology, a survey distributed to students, administrators, and researchers, is also briefly described.
Part Two: The ICTs in Academia: This chapter likely explores the broader theoretical context of ICT integration in academic settings. It would discuss the existing literature on the benefits and challenges of using ICTs in universities, examining how technologies have changed research, teaching, and learning environments. This section would provide a foundation for understanding the specific context of Limkokwing University Library and its place within larger trends in higher education. The chapter might discuss various types of ICTs used in academia and analyze their impact on library services.
Part Three: ICTS in Organisations: This part likely expands on the use of ICTs beyond the academic setting, providing a comparative analysis of ICT adoption and implementation in other types of organizations. This could offer a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with ICT integration, contrasting the experiences of academic institutions with those in other sectors. It may examine the organizational structures, management approaches, and resource allocation strategies that influence successful ICT adoption, setting the stage for a focused analysis of the Limkokwing University Library case study.
Part Four: Survey Approach to ICTS in Academic Library: This section details the methodology employed in the research, describing the survey design, the target population (students, administrators, and researchers), and the data collection process. It would outline the questionnaire's structure and content, justifying the choice of survey as the primary research method. This provides transparency and allows for critical evaluation of the study's findings, ensuring the reliability and validity of the research.
Part Four: Analysis of Data: This chapter focuses on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of data collected through the survey. It presents the findings in a structured manner, using tables and percentages to illustrate the key results. The analysis would likely focus on the levels of ICT usage, the perceived effectiveness of different ICT resources, the identified skills gaps among library staff, and the barriers to effective ICT implementation. This section is crucial in providing empirical evidence to support the study's conclusions and recommendations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
ICTs, Academic Libraries, Sierra Leone, Limkokwing University, Automation, Library Resources, Survey Research, Data Analysis, Information Access, Skills Development, Infrastructure, Challenges, Recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the subject of the language preview?
The language preview provides information about a research study assessing the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on Limkokwing University Library in Sierra Leone.
What are the objectives of the research study?
The objectives include evaluating the level of automation, the usefulness of ICT resources, identifying necessary skills for optimal utilization, and understanding the barriers hindering effective ICT use within the library.
Who was surveyed for the research?
A survey was conducted among students, administrators, and researchers at Limkokwing University Library.
What key themes are explored in the research?
The research explores the impact of ICTs on academic libraries in developing countries, the level of ICT integration and automation, the effectiveness of ICT resources, the skills needed for optimal use, and the challenges to effective ICT utilization.
What are the main sections or parts of the full document?
The full document is structured into seven parts: Introduction, The ICTs in Academia, ICTs in Organizations, Survey Approach to ICTS in Academic Library, Analysis of Data, and Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations.
What does Part One, the Introduction, cover?
The introduction sets the stage for the study by highlighting the transformative role of ICTs in academic libraries, focusing on Limkokwing University Library as the case study, and outlining the research objectives and methodology.
What does Part Two, "The ICTs in Academia," discuss?
This chapter likely explores the broader theoretical context of ICT integration in academic settings, discussing the benefits and challenges of using ICTs in universities and their impact on research, teaching, and learning.
What is the focus of Part Three, "ICTS in Organisations"?
This part likely expands on the use of ICTs beyond the academic setting, providing a comparative analysis of ICT adoption and implementation in other types of organizations, contrasting their experiences with those in academic institutions.
What methodology is detailed in "Survey Approach to ICTS in Academic Library"?
This section details the methodology, including the survey design, the target population (students, administrators, and researchers), and the data collection process, justifying the choice of survey as the primary research method.
What is the main focus of the "Analysis of Data" section?
This chapter presents the analysis of data collected through the survey, focusing on ICT usage levels, the perceived effectiveness of ICT resources, identified skills gaps, and barriers to ICT implementation.
What are some of the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include ICTs, Academic Libraries, Sierra Leone, Limkokwing University, Automation, Library Resources, Survey Research, Data Analysis, Information Access, Skills Development, Infrastructure, Challenges, and Recommendations.
- Citation du texte
- Prince Sao Lahai (Auteur), Jessi Momoh Kargbo (Auteur), 2024, Transforming Academic Libraries with ICT. A Case Study of Limkokwing University, Sierra Leone, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1559434
