Abstract:
This study was designed to determine the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) resources among polytechnic libraries in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the ICT resources available; ascertain the purposes of using ICT resources; ascertain the extent of ICT resources used; determine the attitude of the users towards the use of ICT resources; ascertain the extent of users satisfaction with ICT use; identify the problems associated with the use of ICT resources and suggest strategies that could enhance the use of ICT resources among library users. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study, and 30% of the registered library users for 2010/2011 academic session (329) and 147 (all) of the library staff population making total of 476 from four polytechnic libraries were sampled using stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaire and observation checklist were used for data collection. Out of 476 copies of questionnaire distributed, 463 were returned, representing 97.20%. In analyzing the data obtained, frequency counts, simple percentages, and mean ( ) were used as the statistical methods. The results obtained from the findings, revealed that various types of ICT resources are made available in the libraries; that these ICT resources are used for different purposes; that most ICT resources in the libraries are under used by users; that the users have positive attitude towards the use of ICT resources; that the users are not too satisfied with the use of ICT resources in the libraries; that there are some problems associated with the use of ICT resources by the library staff and users; and many strategies were suggested by the users and staff to enhance maximum use of these resources. Based on the findings, it was recommended that available resources should be accessible to the users; power supply should be improved upon; regular ICT programmes should be organized for the library staff and users; provision of adequate ICT resources, adequate assistance should be given by the library staff to the users, adequate fund should be provided, and more structures should be put-in place to accommodate more users.
