An assessment of professional librarians' ICT proficiency in the provision of e- resources to library users at the university of Dar es Salaam
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Date
2018
Authors
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigated professional librarians' ICT proficiency in the provision of e-resources to library users at the University of Dar es salaam. Mixed research design was used in which techniques such as questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A sample size of 44 respondents was drawn from Dr. Wilbert Chagula University Library. The key findings of this study show that most respondents had ICT proficiency in using ICT devices such as computers for providing library services such as circulations, cataloguing and reference services. However, they had low ICT skills in using ICT tools for defining, evaluating, accessing, managing, integrating, creating and communicating e-resources to users. Further, the study exposed that, professional librarians are facing so many challenges in using ICT tools in providing e-resources to library users such as networks trouble shooting, e-resource subscriptions, e-resource searching, digitization, creating ICT tools for e-resource publications, e-resource management and challenges in e-resource communication skills. In addressing the identified challenges, the study recommended that, the library management especially the heads of library sections should establish a well-defined workshops and seminar programmes for providing ICT training to professional librarians in their respective sections to empower them with ICT skills in designing and using ICT tools for defining, evaluating accessing, managing, integrating, creating and communicating e-resources to users. The training should be supported by library management to motivate more trainees to attend the workshop. Again, the library management should provide a favorable environment for professional librarians to share knowledge and skills with other colleagues after attending any external workshop, seminar or conference. Furthermore, working conditions for professional librarians should be improved.
Description
Available in print form, EAF collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF Z682.2.T34M585)
Keywords
Librarians, Library users, E-resources, University of Dar Salaam
Citation
Mkumbo, Wilson Charles (2018) An assessment of professional librarians' ICT proficiency in the provision of e- resources to library users at the university of Dar es Salaam