Acquisition of Digital Library Skills by Library Staff in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study sought to find out the extent of digital library skills possessed and the methods used in training the staff of academic libraries in Benue state to acquire the skills. Descriptive survey design was used for this study and 8 tertiary institutions in the state (three universities, two colleges of education, two polytechnics, and one monotechnic) were considered. Total enumeration method was used to study the whole population of 248 library staff (professionals and paraprofessionals) of the 8 institutions using structured questionnaire. Mean and charts were used for the analysis of data in answer to the research questions. It was found that, the staff acquired all the basic skills required to work in a digital library through self efforts and sponsorship by the library. It recommended however that, those competencies be improved upon. Libraries and the mother institutions were to increase their involvement in the training of staff in different fora to acquire and improve their skills.

Keywords: Digital library, academic libraries, digital library Skills, Benue State, Nigeria