Assessment of Library Staff Utilization of Information and Communication Technology in Medical Library Operations in College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos Campus.

Abstract

The study assessed library staff utilization of Information and Communication Technologies in Medical Library operation in College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos Campus. Simple Random sampling was used in the study where fifty (50) Library Staff were selected. Questionnaire was used as the main instrument for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The research findings revealed that: the use of ICTs in the library enhances efficiency and effectiveness of library routine tasks, saves time in library operations, provides effective referencing services and stores library records without distortion or defacement. The study concluded that the use of ICTs in libraries has greatly enhanced library operations and routines in acquisition, reference, circulation, cataloguing and serial control sections of the library. Library automation has always attracted a great number of users to the library as it makes access to information resources easier. The study recommends among others that: The College of Medicine and Health Sciences of Bingham University, Jos Campus should endeavor to put in place a full library automation for easy access by the library users. The Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) should be a priority in library automation as it makes both staff and users’ tasks easier. It is also an effective way of providing reference services; The College Library should be provided with full Internet Services which will enable its users to have access to library information resources from any location within the college. This is made possible when a library patron is issued a login identity during library registration. This may also improve users’ patronage to the library.