A Proposed Framework for E-Readiness Assessment Model for University Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

The need for efficient information service delivery has pushed individuals, businesses, libraries and governments to deploy Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). Such a need has contributed to the rise in the development of e-readiness frameworks in different organizations, including libraries. While the e-Readiness research is prominent in libraries in the developed world, its widespread has not yet occurred across many libraries in the developing world, particularly in Nigeria. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by proposing a model for e-Readiness in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on university libraries. They were guided by the Network Readiness Framework, the Digital Media Readiness, the e-Readiness ranking, as well as some related empirical studies on e-readiness in libraries. The study prepossesses an ereadiness framework consisting of eight (8) variables, namely: ICTs infrastructure, Internet literacy, human resources, library ICT policy, affordability, access, education and usage. These variables will serve as measures and measuring tools for the proposed model. It is hoped that this proposed model will serve as a guiding principle for empirical studies on the assessment of e-Readiness in university libraries in Nigeria