Information Communication Technology Use in Academic Libraries of Selected Tertiary Institutions in Ghana.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Information Communication Technology Use in Academic Libraries of Selected Tertiary Institutions in Ghana.

Bernard Alando¹, Francis Nashiru Ewuntomah^2
1University for Development Studies
²Northern Development Authority

ABSTRACT
Academic libraries are critical contributors to knowledge generation which serve a wide spectrum of knowledge seekers. The shift from print to digital information has a high impact on all components of the academic library system. This study examined the factors affecting ICT usage by academic libraries in selected tertiary institutions in Ghana. A total of eight (8) tertiary institutions were selected for the study, with ninety-six (96) respondents made up of librarians, academic staff and students. Questionnaires were used to elicit the relevant data for the study. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis tools. The findings suggest that, there is a reasonable level of awareness among libraries of academic institutions about the potential benefits of ICT. Despite this, the current usage in most institutions was found to be unsophisticated. The study also identified budget constraints for ICT investment, inadequate commitment by management and erratic supply of electricity as major factors affecting usage. The study therefore concluded that more needs to be done in terms of policy commitment, training and upgrading of ICT infrastructure in order to improve the adoption and usage of ICT in academic libraries in Ghana.

Key words: Academic library, Information communication technology, ICT use in academic libraries, Information Management.

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in Information Communication Technology (ICT) have not only increased tremendously the ability to access, store and process information within the library system, but also have brought significant changes in the concept, organisation, functioning and management of library and information systems (Peyala, 2011). Libraries play a key role in promoting literacy by offering relevant and attractive reading material for all ages. The fundamental role of libraries include collection development, reference services management, document delivery service, access to organised collections and assistance of users in information search and retrieval (Husain & Nazim, 2015; Cholin, 2005; Malhan, 2006).
With the onset of ICT, libraries now use various types of technologies to aid the services they render. Every day, new technological advancements affect the way information is handled in libraries and information centers. The impacts of new technologies are felt by libraries in every aspect. Computing technology, communication technology and mass storage technology are some of the areas of continuous development that reshape the way that libraries access, retrieve, store, manipulate and disseminate information to users.

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