ISSN 2329-9843
International Journal of Educational Research and Reviews ISSN 2329-9843 Vol. 4 (6), pp. 768-773, June, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Functionality, usability assessment and challenges in the development of academic digital library in Oyo State, Nigeria
Ayegbeni Steven1 and Ajoko E. O Ernest2*
1Department of Library Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
2Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 17 May, 2016
Abstract
This study investigated the development of academic digital library in Oyo State, Nigeria. Attention was committed to the following areas: functionality, usability assessment and challenges. Survey method was employed. The result revealed that digital library is developing in Nigeria, and its functions are evident as it supplements printed information resources. Assessment of the use of digital library should be user centred; facilities and the environment then follow. The results show the challenges associated with the use of academic digital library in Oyo State; it ranges from lack of effective access, sustainability of the resources, unstable power supply and constraints in building the resources. The tool employed for this study was a structured questionnaire consisting of 15 items. 250 University students were sampled, using simple random sampling technique. The overall result suggested that development of academic digital library in Oyo State, Nigeria is making progress, but efforts should be made in finding a durable solution to the challenges that are posing threat to its use. The paper ends with a call to higher institutions in Nigeria, to include library digitization into their policies and plans for effective use and assessment. Meanwhile, recommendations were made for future research.
Key words: Digital information, information user, academic libraries, information communication technology