Awareness and Use of ICTs in the Provision of Information Resources and Services to Distance Learners in Universities in North-West Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the awareness and use of ICT in the provision of information resources and services to distance learners in universities in Northern Nigeria. It adopted a qualitative research method using a narrative research design and the targeted population of the study comprised e librarians in Haruna Rasheed Library, ABU, Zaria and Usman Dan-fodio University Library which is 10 and two university librarians. The selection of these participants was based on the fact that they are the ones responsible for using ICTs to provide information resources and services. A census sampling technique was used and an interview guide was the instrument used for data collection. The data collected was analyzed using narrative-based analysis. The findings of the study revealed that ICT awareness in Ahmadu Bello University Library (P1 to P7) and Usman Danfodio University Library (P8 to P12) have a moderate to high awareness of ICTs, particularly regarding basic tools like computers, internet resources, and digital databases. The study recommended that there is a need to organize regular workshops and training sessions for library staff by university management
to increase their familiarity with advanced technologies such as OPAC systems, digital archives, and multimedia resources. This will help bridge the gap between basic and advanced ICT knowledge and improve overall engagement with these tools.