In my opinion, the National Virtual Library Initiative would have been handed over to the National Library of Nigeria from inception since they are the body mandated to serve as a national depository for all publications emanating from Nigerians within and outside the country. A policy would have been enacted for publishers to deposit a soft copy as well as a hard copy of their works so as to facilitate the easy take off of the virtual library initiative. Lack of political will on the part of government to put basic infrastructure in place is one of the greatest challenges inhibiting the National Virtual Library initiative, erratic power supply, ICT infrastructures and lack of continuity of government policies from one administration to the other.
The paper was well researched and the writer was able to touch on all topical issues.
Thursday 10 September 2009
Wednesday 9 September 2009
SUMMARY AND CRITIQUE OF THE PAPER TITLED:IMPLEMENTING A NATIONAL VIRTUAL LIBRARY FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA ACADEMIC LIBRARIES BY EZRA SHILOBA
NAME: ENEMALI, Wada Celestine
Reg. No.: MIM/EDUC/10399/2008-09
Course: LIBS 883 - Online Information Industries.
Implementing a National Virtual Library for higher institutions in Nigeria is a research paper in which the researcher studied the National Library Virtual Project Initiatives in Nigeria.
The paper clears the misconceptions about what a virtual library is and differentiated it from e-library and digital library . A Virtual library is that which provides access to tools such as databases, e-journals, alerting services, e-reference and quality vetted e-resources. An e-library consist of electronic materials and services, while a digital library consist of digital services and materials that are sttored, processed and transferred via binary device and network. Virtual library consist of both digital and electonic library existing virtually. These were the distinction given by the researcher in his attempt to differentiate a virtual library from e-library and digital library. He also listed the characteristics of digital library.
The challenges of implementing a virtual library in Nigeria were discussed. Misconception of what constitute a virtual library, unavailability of the basic infrastructure, poor policy implementation and lack of web techologise skilled digital/system Librarians were identified as challenges of implementing national library virtual initiatives in Nigeria.
The roles of National Library Virtual Initiatives were listed to include improve quality of teaching and research in institution of higher learning in Nigeria, enhance access of academic libraries in the education community in Nigeria to global library and information resources amonst others.
The paper also discussed the steps in building a virtual Library. Digitization and acquisition and collection development were the steps in building a virtual library. The enabling technology for a virtual library was also highlighted. They are web-basedtechnologies, extensive markup language, cascading style sheets, PHP coding and webscripting language.
The roles of the National Information Technology, National University Commission and Academic Librarians in building a virtual library were also discussed. The issues to be handled in Nigeria before successful implementation of National Virtual library initiatives can take place were enumerated.
Finally, the researcher recommended the training of Librarians and information professionals, the use of open access software and open access electronic resources, improvement of basic infrastructure, inclusion of Librarians and information professionals in all virtual library initiatives and shift in emphasis to access rather than ownership as some of the ways forward in the imjplementation of a virtual library initiatives in Nigeria.
CRITICAL ASSESSMENT
The paper does not comment on the issues of renumerations and other allowances for the members of the National Virtual Project at the National Universities Commission; were they adequately compensated for the job?
Another issue to be tackled is the issue of lack of understanding among the members of the project. Investigations need to be done on how members were selected to know their capabilities, intersts and political inclinations to avoid repetition of any mistake that could lead to any failure at the National Library.
Lastly, the writer tends to compare what is obtainable in the developed countries, like USA, to that of Nigeria. Nigeria needs time to get to where the developed countries are today.
Posted by Enemali, Wada Celestine.
Reg. No.: MIM/EDUC/10399/2008-09
Course: LIBS 883 - Online Information Industries.
Implementing a National Virtual Library for higher institutions in Nigeria is a research paper in which the researcher studied the National Library Virtual Project Initiatives in Nigeria.
The paper clears the misconceptions about what a virtual library is and differentiated it from e-library and digital library . A Virtual library is that which provides access to tools such as databases, e-journals, alerting services, e-reference and quality vetted e-resources. An e-library consist of electronic materials and services, while a digital library consist of digital services and materials that are sttored, processed and transferred via binary device and network. Virtual library consist of both digital and electonic library existing virtually. These were the distinction given by the researcher in his attempt to differentiate a virtual library from e-library and digital library. He also listed the characteristics of digital library.
The challenges of implementing a virtual library in Nigeria were discussed. Misconception of what constitute a virtual library, unavailability of the basic infrastructure, poor policy implementation and lack of web techologise skilled digital/system Librarians were identified as challenges of implementing national library virtual initiatives in Nigeria.
The roles of National Library Virtual Initiatives were listed to include improve quality of teaching and research in institution of higher learning in Nigeria, enhance access of academic libraries in the education community in Nigeria to global library and information resources amonst others.
The paper also discussed the steps in building a virtual Library. Digitization and acquisition and collection development were the steps in building a virtual library. The enabling technology for a virtual library was also highlighted. They are web-basedtechnologies, extensive markup language, cascading style sheets, PHP coding and webscripting language.
The roles of the National Information Technology, National University Commission and Academic Librarians in building a virtual library were also discussed. The issues to be handled in Nigeria before successful implementation of National Virtual library initiatives can take place were enumerated.
Finally, the researcher recommended the training of Librarians and information professionals, the use of open access software and open access electronic resources, improvement of basic infrastructure, inclusion of Librarians and information professionals in all virtual library initiatives and shift in emphasis to access rather than ownership as some of the ways forward in the imjplementation of a virtual library initiatives in Nigeria.
CRITICAL ASSESSMENT
The paper does not comment on the issues of renumerations and other allowances for the members of the National Virtual Project at the National Universities Commission; were they adequately compensated for the job?
Another issue to be tackled is the issue of lack of understanding among the members of the project. Investigations need to be done on how members were selected to know their capabilities, intersts and political inclinations to avoid repetition of any mistake that could lead to any failure at the National Library.
Lastly, the writer tends to compare what is obtainable in the developed countries, like USA, to that of Nigeria. Nigeria needs time to get to where the developed countries are today.
Posted by Enemali, Wada Celestine.
Thursday 3 September 2009
IMPLEMENTING A NATIONAL LIBRARY FOR HIGHER INSTITUTION IN NIGERIA
NAME: ZAINAB MUHAMMAD SHEHU
REG NO: MIM/EDUC/11314/2008-09
Six years after implementing the project wherby eleven(11) universities were selected as pilot centers with the hub at the National Universities Commission funded by the Education Trust Fund it is still yet to be fully fuctional.
A virtual Library provides access to databases,e-journals,alerting services,reference tools and quality vetted e-resources while a digital library can exist without a virtual library the latter cannot exist without it notwithstanding the fact that the terms electronic,digital and virtual library are used synonymously.An Electronic library consist of materials and services while a digital library consist of digital services and materials are stored,processed and transferred via digital binary devices and networks and the Virtual library consist of both digital and electronic libraries existing virtually.
With the implication on learning,teaching,research development .facilitate easy accesss to relevant information and shared global archival collection arises the need for every Nigerian University to have a virtual library which are the future of Academic library made the Nigerian Government embark on this project.Digital collections are the building blocks for a virtual library and this requires traditional skills,information web technology skills.digitization,acquisition/collection development and enabling technology.
The National Information Technolgy Development Agency implemented in April 2001 with the mission to "use information technolgy for education,creation of wealth,poverty eradication,job creation and global competitiveness" failure ,lack of fund,competent personnel,telecommunication infrastructure and stable electricity also contributed to the unsuccessful implementation of the virtual library initiatives .The Government should address these issues else the advantages associated with a virtual library will continue to elude us.
Implementing a National and Virtual Library for Higher Institutions in Nigeria
ASSIGNMENT
NAME: Julius A. Ogar
REG. NO: MIM/EDUC/10079/2008-09
COURSE: LIBS 883
SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE: Implementing a National and Virtual Library for Higher Institutions in Nigeria.
The Virtual Library Project is meant to guarantee access to databases, electronic journals, alerting services, online reference tools, etc, in order to improve the quality of teaching and research. Its implementation in Nigeria has been hampered by poor policy implementation, lack of basic information technology infrastructure and the lack of skilled personnel. This is despite the effort by the Federal Government to enact relevant information and communication technology policies to facilitate easy access to learning, teaching and research.
A virtual library can address the shortage of research and learning materials in Nigerian universities through facilitating an easy interchange between Nigerian scholars and their foreign counterparts via e-books, journals and other sources. The benefits lie in the enhancement of scholarship and access to ‘shared global virtual archival collections.
But since January 2002 when the Nigeria National Virtual Library Project was initiated, it is yet to fully commence in any of the universities earmarked for the pilot phase. Also, the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) which would have made possible the take off of the virtual library project has not had any appreciable impact. This, coupled with variables such as political and economic instability, political apathy and lack of policy implementation have slowed down the growth of the national information and communications policy and with it, the virtual library project.
To reverse this, the government must:
a. Improve basic information and communications infrastructure such as electricity and telecommunications;
b. Equip librarians and information professionals with the requisite skills to build the virtual library;
c. Address the cost of information resources and ease access to them;
d. Furnish universities with enabling technologies and provide grants to libraries;
e. Shift emphasis on technological resources from ownership to access.
It is obvious that virtual libraries are the future of academic libraries. But lack of infrastructure and poor funding are curtailing access and this negatively impacts on research and development as well as on the advancement of society generally.
CRTIQUE
This work basically highlights the implications on learning, research and development of the inability of government to stock libraries in academic institutions with relevant information resources. The author approaches the issue of virtual libraries with informed analysis and experience, arguing that they are critical to the growth and efficiency of research and development. He however notes that the Nigeria National Virtual Library Project approved in January 2002 with the National Universities Commission as its hub, has been in existence.
The article also avails the reader of the distinctions between virtual, digital and electronic libraries all of which tend to be confused—one with the other. This clarification is useful for researchers and students alike.
However, in highlighting the challenges facing virtual libraries, the author does not spell out a defined role for the private sector. This is against the reality that in Nigeria, the emerging information industry is substantially private sector driven even though there are dominant public sector players besides the fact that the sector is government regulated.
It is also a fact that most Nigerian universities are public-owned, making it obligatory for the government to fund and equip them. But the role of private-public partnership (PPP), in this instance, cannot be overlooked. The author could therefore make a case for institutions like banks and oil companies to invest in the development of virtual libraries.
It is the candid opinion of this reviewer that the article is rich in intellectual content and pioneering. It is pioneering because in the typical Nigerian academic environment, researches on online and virtual libraries are relatively few and quite a lot are shallow in content.
NAME: Julius A. Ogar
REG. NO: MIM/EDUC/10079/2008-09
COURSE: LIBS 883
SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE: Implementing a National and Virtual Library for Higher Institutions in Nigeria.
The Virtual Library Project is meant to guarantee access to databases, electronic journals, alerting services, online reference tools, etc, in order to improve the quality of teaching and research. Its implementation in Nigeria has been hampered by poor policy implementation, lack of basic information technology infrastructure and the lack of skilled personnel. This is despite the effort by the Federal Government to enact relevant information and communication technology policies to facilitate easy access to learning, teaching and research.
A virtual library can address the shortage of research and learning materials in Nigerian universities through facilitating an easy interchange between Nigerian scholars and their foreign counterparts via e-books, journals and other sources. The benefits lie in the enhancement of scholarship and access to ‘shared global virtual archival collections.
But since January 2002 when the Nigeria National Virtual Library Project was initiated, it is yet to fully commence in any of the universities earmarked for the pilot phase. Also, the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) which would have made possible the take off of the virtual library project has not had any appreciable impact. This, coupled with variables such as political and economic instability, political apathy and lack of policy implementation have slowed down the growth of the national information and communications policy and with it, the virtual library project.
To reverse this, the government must:
a. Improve basic information and communications infrastructure such as electricity and telecommunications;
b. Equip librarians and information professionals with the requisite skills to build the virtual library;
c. Address the cost of information resources and ease access to them;
d. Furnish universities with enabling technologies and provide grants to libraries;
e. Shift emphasis on technological resources from ownership to access.
It is obvious that virtual libraries are the future of academic libraries. But lack of infrastructure and poor funding are curtailing access and this negatively impacts on research and development as well as on the advancement of society generally.
CRTIQUE
This work basically highlights the implications on learning, research and development of the inability of government to stock libraries in academic institutions with relevant information resources. The author approaches the issue of virtual libraries with informed analysis and experience, arguing that they are critical to the growth and efficiency of research and development. He however notes that the Nigeria National Virtual Library Project approved in January 2002 with the National Universities Commission as its hub, has been in existence.
The article also avails the reader of the distinctions between virtual, digital and electronic libraries all of which tend to be confused—one with the other. This clarification is useful for researchers and students alike.
However, in highlighting the challenges facing virtual libraries, the author does not spell out a defined role for the private sector. This is against the reality that in Nigeria, the emerging information industry is substantially private sector driven even though there are dominant public sector players besides the fact that the sector is government regulated.
It is also a fact that most Nigerian universities are public-owned, making it obligatory for the government to fund and equip them. But the role of private-public partnership (PPP), in this instance, cannot be overlooked. The author could therefore make a case for institutions like banks and oil companies to invest in the development of virtual libraries.
It is the candid opinion of this reviewer that the article is rich in intellectual content and pioneering. It is pioneering because in the typical Nigerian academic environment, researches on online and virtual libraries are relatively few and quite a lot are shallow in content.
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Summary of the Paper: Provision of Online Information Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries.
Name: Nwobu, O. E.
Course: Online Information Industry.
Number: MIM/EDUC/00444/2008-09.
Summary of the Paper: Provision of Online Information Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries.
By Ezra Shiloba Gbaje
The paper is about Online Information Services in the Nigerian Academic libraries. The digital age has brought about a completely different way of providing library services resulting to the development of new services. The author used qualitative research method to examine the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of online information services in Nigeria Academic library. It was find out that shortage of web technologies, skilled librarians, and poor information technology infrastructure and high cost of equipment has hindered the Nigerian Academic Libraries from providing online information services.
Librarians has tried as much as possible to mediate between the source mind and clientele mind, but with the provision of online information, it will help or enable them to have access to information they could not readily get before, this has lead many to question the mediating role of the Librarian. The question is, what is the authority and source of the information. It has once again set to play host to thousands of information professionals, information end-users and publishers from around the globe, meeting suppliers of on line content, e-publishing and library management solutions.
The paper also told us according to Aderson (1996) the emerging roles of a librarian in a digital environment which includes:
- Selecting electronic resources and evaluating their quality.
- Developing expeditions and effective locator tools to make the complex web of resources more readily accessible to both sophisticated and naïve users etc.
They use websites /portals to attain to their patrons, in that when some patrons continue to make use of internet, librarians will use websites/portals as a means to facilitate access to specific internet and other digital resources. Academic Libraries should primarily offers a high quality vetted internet search engine links, Open Access databases and journals, user guides/help sheets and Information Literacy instructions on their websites because they are know for accurate information provider.
They provide reference services to their patrons too, where an online information request forms will be on the web and through email too, this enable students to ask questions from their computers though a times it will not provide immediate reply or allow reference interview techniques to be employed easily. But, it was noticed that Librarians were not given a successful answer to their patrons, and that leads to the use of reference application like Web Contact Center Software, to provide online chat where patrons can get an instant response from the reference Librarian and enable users and librarians to look at and work with the same online source simultaneously. Digital reference services using email, web forms or video conferencing has been tested and implemented in a number of academic libraries. On line reservation and renewal of library materials is becoming part and parcel of library automation systems, especially in the new generation of Web-based system that replaced the older traditional standalone proprietary library systems. Online document delivery services requests with credit card payments are potential new services to better serve the needs of academic users.
One can say, that online information services is essential service in Nigeria Academic Libraries, but some factors has made it not to be effective or function very well. The vast majority of people seek free information on the web, but most important sources are not available for free on the web. And because searches on the web cannot be aggregated, finding useful information is difficult and time –consuming. Even the “free” information on the web actually comes at substantial cost to the patrons or those seeking for it in terms of hours spent for information. Another challenging facing academic library in the networked online environment is to exploit all forms of digital and telecommunication technologies and find new ways and means to provide feasible forms of collections, services and access to library materials.
As said earlier, Lack of web technology skilled staff, Lack of funds, Lack of basic Information Infrastructure (Internet Access, Electricity, and Web server), Limits of Network Bandwidth and Slow Transmission are most of the things hindering on line information services in Nigerian Academic Library. According to the author, even when some of these problems were there, it was also observed that some of the Library websites were designed, developed and maintained by people outside the library and by non-professional as well.
The author, has done a thorough research because all most all the Academic libraries in our country is suffering the same plight except in the developed countries where we have constant power supply and all the infrastructure to make the online information services effectively. Already, many Academic libraries provide internet access, and some have uploaded their websites on the internet. How ever, they are yet to move their services online and provide remote access to digital resources.
All the factors mentioned before that militate against libraries providing online services should be addressed, Library schools must review their curriculum to reflect the need in the work field and also Heads of libraries must invest in the retraining of their staff, by providing sponsorships to attend workshops and conferences organized by their professionals. The use of open source, open access databases, journals, and free web based resources should not be neglected as it will go a long way to solve the problems.
Course: Online Information Industry.
Number: MIM/EDUC/00444/2008-09.
Summary of the Paper: Provision of Online Information Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries.
By Ezra Shiloba Gbaje
The paper is about Online Information Services in the Nigerian Academic libraries. The digital age has brought about a completely different way of providing library services resulting to the development of new services. The author used qualitative research method to examine the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of online information services in Nigeria Academic library. It was find out that shortage of web technologies, skilled librarians, and poor information technology infrastructure and high cost of equipment has hindered the Nigerian Academic Libraries from providing online information services.
Librarians has tried as much as possible to mediate between the source mind and clientele mind, but with the provision of online information, it will help or enable them to have access to information they could not readily get before, this has lead many to question the mediating role of the Librarian. The question is, what is the authority and source of the information. It has once again set to play host to thousands of information professionals, information end-users and publishers from around the globe, meeting suppliers of on line content, e-publishing and library management solutions.
The paper also told us according to Aderson (1996) the emerging roles of a librarian in a digital environment which includes:
- Selecting electronic resources and evaluating their quality.
- Developing expeditions and effective locator tools to make the complex web of resources more readily accessible to both sophisticated and naïve users etc.
They use websites /portals to attain to their patrons, in that when some patrons continue to make use of internet, librarians will use websites/portals as a means to facilitate access to specific internet and other digital resources. Academic Libraries should primarily offers a high quality vetted internet search engine links, Open Access databases and journals, user guides/help sheets and Information Literacy instructions on their websites because they are know for accurate information provider.
They provide reference services to their patrons too, where an online information request forms will be on the web and through email too, this enable students to ask questions from their computers though a times it will not provide immediate reply or allow reference interview techniques to be employed easily. But, it was noticed that Librarians were not given a successful answer to their patrons, and that leads to the use of reference application like Web Contact Center Software, to provide online chat where patrons can get an instant response from the reference Librarian and enable users and librarians to look at and work with the same online source simultaneously. Digital reference services using email, web forms or video conferencing has been tested and implemented in a number of academic libraries. On line reservation and renewal of library materials is becoming part and parcel of library automation systems, especially in the new generation of Web-based system that replaced the older traditional standalone proprietary library systems. Online document delivery services requests with credit card payments are potential new services to better serve the needs of academic users.
One can say, that online information services is essential service in Nigeria Academic Libraries, but some factors has made it not to be effective or function very well. The vast majority of people seek free information on the web, but most important sources are not available for free on the web. And because searches on the web cannot be aggregated, finding useful information is difficult and time –consuming. Even the “free” information on the web actually comes at substantial cost to the patrons or those seeking for it in terms of hours spent for information. Another challenging facing academic library in the networked online environment is to exploit all forms of digital and telecommunication technologies and find new ways and means to provide feasible forms of collections, services and access to library materials.
As said earlier, Lack of web technology skilled staff, Lack of funds, Lack of basic Information Infrastructure (Internet Access, Electricity, and Web server), Limits of Network Bandwidth and Slow Transmission are most of the things hindering on line information services in Nigerian Academic Library. According to the author, even when some of these problems were there, it was also observed that some of the Library websites were designed, developed and maintained by people outside the library and by non-professional as well.
The author, has done a thorough research because all most all the Academic libraries in our country is suffering the same plight except in the developed countries where we have constant power supply and all the infrastructure to make the online information services effectively. Already, many Academic libraries provide internet access, and some have uploaded their websites on the internet. How ever, they are yet to move their services online and provide remote access to digital resources.
All the factors mentioned before that militate against libraries providing online services should be addressed, Library schools must review their curriculum to reflect the need in the work field and also Heads of libraries must invest in the retraining of their staff, by providing sponsorships to attend workshops and conferences organized by their professionals. The use of open source, open access databases, journals, and free web based resources should not be neglected as it will go a long way to solve the problems.
Summary of the Paper: Implementing a National Virtual Library for Higher Institutions in Nigeria.
Name: Nwobu, O. E.
Course: LIBS 883 - Online Information Industry
Number: MIM/EDUC/00444/2008-09
Summary of the Paper: Implementing a National Virtual Library for Higher Institutions in Nigeria.
By Ezra Shiloba Gbaje
The purpose of a Virtual Library is to support learning and acquisition of Knowledge, to provide a more solid basis for education and to enhance quality of life by drawing on digitally available (preferably on-line) books, materials and journals via ICT –based tools. A virtual Library provides remote (on-line or CD- Rom based) access to a variety of national and international content (e.g. curricula, learning materials, books, journals, magazines, newspapers) services traditionally offered by libraries and other information source. Virtual Library thus, combine on- site collections of materials in electronic format with an electronic network which ensure access to and delivery of those materials. Virtual Library then, is an interactive environment where people can access information and share information with one another.
Following a request by the President of Nigeria during the 31st General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in October 2001, the organization agreed to refocus its Special Plan Action programme for Nigeria towards establishing a Virtual Library for higher education institutions. The idea was that given the low capacity of the higher institutions to stock their libraries with relevant books and literature, it was imperative to exploit information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide solution to this problem. This change was also necessitated by the report of the earlier mission of the Special Plan of Action, which identified the need for virtual library test bed as urgent and important in addressing the crisis of quality of education in the country.
The virtual library is an opportunity to address the paucity of teaching and research materials in the libraries of institutions of higher education in the country. It would also allow the institutions and local researchers to share their own research outputs with the global community. It would also ensure the preservation of our cultural heritages in a more durable form. To kick start the effort at establishing the virtual library, UNESCO and Nigeria got a funding from the Japanese Fund in Trust to conduct a Feasibility Study for the virtual library in Nigeria. This Feasibility Study commenced with a study mission from UNESCO Headquarters to the country in September 2002. The mission held discussion with various organizations in the country and established a firm commitment on the need for the virtual library. It also recruited a National Professional Officer (NPO) who is to coordinate the Feasibility Study in the country. To its credit, rather than commissioned consultants to undertake the Feasibility Study, UNESCO decided to involve the various stakeholders and professionals in a participatory approach to develop the content of the study. Thus, it brought together the various stakeholders in a workshop to deliberate and write the content of the feasibility report. The workshop, which held from the 25th to 29th August at the Conference Hall of the NIT, Kaduna was attended by representatives from all the sectors of the tertiary institutions, libraries and IT professionals, educational administrators as well as IT companies that are operating in the electronic library sector. There were also representatives of donor organizations such as the Mac Arthur Foundation, which has been funding support on IT capacity in four universities in the country, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), which has electronic database subscriptions for many libraries in the country and the US Public Information System.
Working through eight syndicate groups, the workshop produced an eight-chapter document covering various aspects of the virtual library. These include infrastructure and connectivity, content management, capacity building and funding and sustainability and growth. Others were administration and management, legal, copyright and payment issues, implementation plan and costing as well as funding sources.
But unfortunately, years after the National Virtual Library Project was initiated and despite all the achievement enumerated by NUC and the series of training, workshops, none of the University pilot centers for the first phase of this project has begun its operation which is now funded by the Education Trust Fund (ETF) with researcher sought to view some of the problems that had hindered the development of the national virtual library. It identify that some of the problems are from members of the team in the project, they cited lack of Funds, Lack of competent personnel with the technical knowhow of virtual library and lack of local resources for digitization.
For a way forward, Librarians with web technology skills will be required to facilitate skilled information retrieval, and to intervene between the user and the information to help users evaluate what they retrieve. The selection of materials for the virtual Library is the sole responsibility of the Librarian. The government must make a deliberate effort to provide funds for policy implementation, provide necessary technology training for Librarians, and develop national information infrastructure or else the advantages associated with virtual library will continue to elude us.
Course: LIBS 883 - Online Information Industry
Number: MIM/EDUC/00444/2008-09
Summary of the Paper: Implementing a National Virtual Library for Higher Institutions in Nigeria.
By Ezra Shiloba Gbaje
The purpose of a Virtual Library is to support learning and acquisition of Knowledge, to provide a more solid basis for education and to enhance quality of life by drawing on digitally available (preferably on-line) books, materials and journals via ICT –based tools. A virtual Library provides remote (on-line or CD- Rom based) access to a variety of national and international content (e.g. curricula, learning materials, books, journals, magazines, newspapers) services traditionally offered by libraries and other information source. Virtual Library thus, combine on- site collections of materials in electronic format with an electronic network which ensure access to and delivery of those materials. Virtual Library then, is an interactive environment where people can access information and share information with one another.
Following a request by the President of Nigeria during the 31st General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in October 2001, the organization agreed to refocus its Special Plan Action programme for Nigeria towards establishing a Virtual Library for higher education institutions. The idea was that given the low capacity of the higher institutions to stock their libraries with relevant books and literature, it was imperative to exploit information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide solution to this problem. This change was also necessitated by the report of the earlier mission of the Special Plan of Action, which identified the need for virtual library test bed as urgent and important in addressing the crisis of quality of education in the country.
The virtual library is an opportunity to address the paucity of teaching and research materials in the libraries of institutions of higher education in the country. It would also allow the institutions and local researchers to share their own research outputs with the global community. It would also ensure the preservation of our cultural heritages in a more durable form. To kick start the effort at establishing the virtual library, UNESCO and Nigeria got a funding from the Japanese Fund in Trust to conduct a Feasibility Study for the virtual library in Nigeria. This Feasibility Study commenced with a study mission from UNESCO Headquarters to the country in September 2002. The mission held discussion with various organizations in the country and established a firm commitment on the need for the virtual library. It also recruited a National Professional Officer (NPO) who is to coordinate the Feasibility Study in the country. To its credit, rather than commissioned consultants to undertake the Feasibility Study, UNESCO decided to involve the various stakeholders and professionals in a participatory approach to develop the content of the study. Thus, it brought together the various stakeholders in a workshop to deliberate and write the content of the feasibility report. The workshop, which held from the 25th to 29th August at the Conference Hall of the NIT, Kaduna was attended by representatives from all the sectors of the tertiary institutions, libraries and IT professionals, educational administrators as well as IT companies that are operating in the electronic library sector. There were also representatives of donor organizations such as the Mac Arthur Foundation, which has been funding support on IT capacity in four universities in the country, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), which has electronic database subscriptions for many libraries in the country and the US Public Information System.
Working through eight syndicate groups, the workshop produced an eight-chapter document covering various aspects of the virtual library. These include infrastructure and connectivity, content management, capacity building and funding and sustainability and growth. Others were administration and management, legal, copyright and payment issues, implementation plan and costing as well as funding sources.
But unfortunately, years after the National Virtual Library Project was initiated and despite all the achievement enumerated by NUC and the series of training, workshops, none of the University pilot centers for the first phase of this project has begun its operation which is now funded by the Education Trust Fund (ETF) with researcher sought to view some of the problems that had hindered the development of the national virtual library. It identify that some of the problems are from members of the team in the project, they cited lack of Funds, Lack of competent personnel with the technical knowhow of virtual library and lack of local resources for digitization.
For a way forward, Librarians with web technology skills will be required to facilitate skilled information retrieval, and to intervene between the user and the information to help users evaluate what they retrieve. The selection of materials for the virtual Library is the sole responsibility of the Librarian. The government must make a deliberate effort to provide funds for policy implementation, provide necessary technology training for Librarians, and develop national information infrastructure or else the advantages associated with virtual library will continue to elude us.
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Critique of the implementation a Natinal Virtual library for Higher Institution in Nigeria
The writer (Gbaje,E.S) has a good knowledge of what a virtual library is and what makes up a virtual library.The fact that we are in the information age and creating an environment for accessing these information is a good idea ,does not mean we (Nigerians and the Government) should rush into creating a virtual library without enabling necessary policy and providing enabling infrastructure to support its successful implementation. The paper highlighted the limitation of implementing a virtual library , steps and issues that has to be corrected for proper implementation of virtual libraries in Nigerian Higher Institutions.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING VIRTUAL LIBRARY IN NIGERIA
The virtual library concept which was conceptualized to ease the access of learning and teaching of digitalized databases, encyclopedia, historical and current events has been a success in many countries. But in Nigeria where the National Universities Commission (NUC) has been championing the course the initiative still remains a mirage and this is due to:
1. Funds
2. Lack of planning
3. Government attitude to education
But before we go further let us look at the various means/technologies that will be needed to implement this virtual library concept.
The technology to get a virtual library going is already here available (i.e. languages like HTML, XML) databases that include Oracle, My SQL. Networking protocols like IP (versions 4 & 6), UDP. The challenge here is getting these technologies together, which is not a problem in developed countries, but in developing countries like Nigeria this posses quite a challenge.
which brings us back to the problems and why the virtual library project may take time before it comes on board or may never take off at all even with the efforts of the National Universities Commission (NUC)/ Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in organizing workshops, sensitization and implementation of new technologies.
Funds: over the year Government has refused to implement the United Nations recommendation that Education has take at least 20% of the nation’s annual budget. These funds are needed to put in place the infrastructure and train personnel.
Lack of Planning: even the little funds that the government budgets for education yearly is poorly planned for, for instance there is no need to start building new physical structures when the ones in place have not even been renovated or buying furniture when there are no classroom to put them in.
Government attitude to education: over the years strikes in the academia has been a common phenomenon because the government has shown time and time again that it cannot be trusted to fulfill agreements signed by its representatives, this is added to the fact that even when the government budgets monies for the education sector not all of the funds are realized to the sector. so this causes the sector to only pay personnel costs only and not being able to undertake any research work, physical development, training & re-training etc.
The way forward is simply; government in Nigerian must show more serious in the virtual library project, commit resources, train the right personnel, put in place the infrastructure and give the National Universities Commission the necessary legal backing in order for it to carry out its functions
Shehu Mohammed
MIM/EDUC/03844/2008-09
1. Funds
2. Lack of planning
3. Government attitude to education
But before we go further let us look at the various means/technologies that will be needed to implement this virtual library concept.
The technology to get a virtual library going is already here available (i.e. languages like HTML, XML) databases that include Oracle, My SQL. Networking protocols like IP (versions 4 & 6), UDP. The challenge here is getting these technologies together, which is not a problem in developed countries, but in developing countries like Nigeria this posses quite a challenge.
which brings us back to the problems and why the virtual library project may take time before it comes on board or may never take off at all even with the efforts of the National Universities Commission (NUC)/ Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in organizing workshops, sensitization and implementation of new technologies.
Funds: over the year Government has refused to implement the United Nations recommendation that Education has take at least 20% of the nation’s annual budget. These funds are needed to put in place the infrastructure and train personnel.
Lack of Planning: even the little funds that the government budgets for education yearly is poorly planned for, for instance there is no need to start building new physical structures when the ones in place have not even been renovated or buying furniture when there are no classroom to put them in.
Government attitude to education: over the years strikes in the academia has been a common phenomenon because the government has shown time and time again that it cannot be trusted to fulfill agreements signed by its representatives, this is added to the fact that even when the government budgets monies for the education sector not all of the funds are realized to the sector. so this causes the sector to only pay personnel costs only and not being able to undertake any research work, physical development, training & re-training etc.
The way forward is simply; government in Nigerian must show more serious in the virtual library project, commit resources, train the right personnel, put in place the infrastructure and give the National Universities Commission the necessary legal backing in order for it to carry out its functions
Shehu Mohammed
MIM/EDUC/03844/2008-09
Saturday 15 August 2009
inplementing a national library for higher institutions in nigeria
NAME: - SUZANAH DOUGLAS ZAKI
NO: - MIM/EDUC/05890/2008-09
COURSE: - LIBS 883/ONLINE INFORMATION INDUSTRIES
IMPLEMENTATING A NATIONAL LIBRARY FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
A virtual library is defined as a library that provides access to tools such as databases, electronic journals, alerting services, electronic references and quality- vetted e- resources. It is considered as a library that consists of both digital and electronic library, it cannot function as a digital library.
The inability of Nigerian government to stock libraries in the academic institutions with relevant information resources has great implications for learning, teaching, research and development. Realising this, the Nigerian government has been making efforts through the National Universities Commission to implement the National Virtual Library Initiatives, which will enhance access to locally – available resources and international library collections for sharing with university libraries all over Nigeria using digital technology. However, six years after the project was initiated, the virtual library is yet to be functional.
To facilitate the development and implementation of the national virtual library, the NUC convened a stakeholder work in Abuja in July 2001 where the blue print for the project was developed and subsequently approved by the federal executives’ council in January 2002. Eleven universities were selected as pilot centers for the first phase of the project unfortunately, six years after the national virtual library was initiated and despite all the achievements enumerated by the NUC and series of training workshops, none of the eleven universities pilot centers has began operations and National Virtual Library which is now funded by Educational Trust Fund (ETF) is yet to be fully functional. The Nigerian government approved a national information technology policy in March 2001.
Numerous recommendations were made far away forward to actualizing the National Virtual Library project in Nigeria.
NO: - MIM/EDUC/05890/2008-09
COURSE: - LIBS 883/ONLINE INFORMATION INDUSTRIES
IMPLEMENTATING A NATIONAL LIBRARY FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
A virtual library is defined as a library that provides access to tools such as databases, electronic journals, alerting services, electronic references and quality- vetted e- resources. It is considered as a library that consists of both digital and electronic library, it cannot function as a digital library.
The inability of Nigerian government to stock libraries in the academic institutions with relevant information resources has great implications for learning, teaching, research and development. Realising this, the Nigerian government has been making efforts through the National Universities Commission to implement the National Virtual Library Initiatives, which will enhance access to locally – available resources and international library collections for sharing with university libraries all over Nigeria using digital technology. However, six years after the project was initiated, the virtual library is yet to be functional.
To facilitate the development and implementation of the national virtual library, the NUC convened a stakeholder work in Abuja in July 2001 where the blue print for the project was developed and subsequently approved by the federal executives’ council in January 2002. Eleven universities were selected as pilot centers for the first phase of the project unfortunately, six years after the national virtual library was initiated and despite all the achievements enumerated by the NUC and series of training workshops, none of the eleven universities pilot centers has began operations and National Virtual Library which is now funded by Educational Trust Fund (ETF) is yet to be fully functional. The Nigerian government approved a national information technology policy in March 2001.
Numerous recommendations were made far away forward to actualizing the National Virtual Library project in Nigeria.
Friday 14 August 2009
mim class
The Inefficient Information Industry
Because information-based businesses are becoming increasingly crucial to our commercial and social lives, inefficiencies in the information marketplace are becoming less tolerable. For example, today's information industry is characterized by the following:
Because information-based businesses are becoming increasingly crucial to our commercial and social lives, inefficiencies in the information marketplace are becoming less tolerable. For example, today's information industry is characterized by the following:
Tuesday 11 August 2009
IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL VIRTUAL LIBRARY FOR HIGHER INSTITUTION IN NIGERIA
The importance of virtual library in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized due to the fact that there is a massive advancement in technology leading to a change in the way the information profession is carried out.
A virtual library can be defined as a library that provides remote access to tools such as databases, electronic journals, alerting services, online reference tools, and quality selected web resources, that improves the quality of teaching, learning and researches. It is an interactive environment where people can access and share information in a remote way.
The emergence of a virtual library in Nigeria came up, due to the inability of the Nigerian government to stock the academic libraries with relevant information resources, which perhaps has a great implications for learning, teaching, and researches for overall development.
Therefore in order to solve this problem, the Nigeria government decided to implement the National virtual library through the National Universities Commission (NUC), to provide all the necessary information both locally and internationally which is required for teaching, learning, and researches in all the Nigerian universities.
However, six years after the virtual library was initiated, it has only been able to achieve little in some areas like, the recruitment of technical staff and consultants, carried out rapid NEEDS assessment in eleven Universities, developed and host virtual library websites, digitization and uploading journals published in Nigerian universities and among others.
The virtual library project is yet to be functional due to some reasons which includes lack of funds, competent personnel with know how, computer phobia, and lack of local resources for digitization.
The virtual library can be successful if the government can provide the necessary funds, necessary technology, training for librarians, and also develop national information infrastructures and among others.
CRITICISM FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL VIRTUAL LIBRARY IN NIGERIA
Though the virtual library is very important in the academic environment, the technology attached to it creates a limitation to the network bandwith and slow speed in transmission thereby leading to instances of either no network or slow network thereby hindering the ability to make access to the information resources.
Unlike in the traditional library’s settings the users can only get access to the resources in the virtual library through the use of a password before the proxy server can attend to him. This to some extent hinders the ability to get information resources in the library.
The national library team should try and understand what constitute a virtual library and how to build it, for it to come in to reality.
Workshops, and training will have to be organized for institutions and individuals concerned with particular specification to key areas like web technology, content management, access management, database administration, network administration and security.
In conclusion, there should be a proper information technology policy for virtual libraries to be successful.
MURJANATU ABDULKARIM
SUMMARY OF THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF INFORMATION BY DAVID BELIN
The article seeks to measure the economic value of information. Informational values may vary relative to one’s profession but it is said to be an expression of impacts or how it is need.
The value of information were examined under three themes and these themes are:
1. INFORMATION VALUE AS “USE’:
Here the value of information denotes an expression of how useful a piece of information is to the recipient. Informational value is frequently expressed as a derivation from communicational utility which also takes into consideration availability of data within an organization, its flow to members of that organization as well as impact of those data to the structural organization of the firm.
2. INFORMATION AS “TRAFFIC”:
This tries evaluate the material or monetary worth of information as in traffic or sales. Porat (Porat 1977) in his study in 1977 discovered that the portion of U.S. National Economy involved with information was large and rapidly growing taking up 49% of Gross National Product (GNP) and earning 53% of labour income. A recent survey shows increase in revenue recorded with the online database industry as well as increased rate of electronic dissemination of information.
3. INFORMATION VALUE AS “COMMODITY”:
Information here is seen as a unique commodity the is not consumed in its use but could be exchange as well as used many times. Exchange value and use value of a commodity (information) were distinguished with commodity acting as the unifying factor between the two.
Pricing was deduced as an acceptable measure of value and a reliable indicator of exchange when taken over time.
In conclusion, the article won given preference to valuing information in its commodity form since market price serves as a good indicator or measure for value.
The article seeks to measure the economic value of information. Informational values may vary relative to one’s profession but it is said to be an expression of impacts or how it is need.
The value of information were examined under three themes and these themes are:
1. INFORMATION VALUE AS “USE’:
Here the value of information denotes an expression of how useful a piece of information is to the recipient. Informational value is frequently expressed as a derivation from communicational utility which also takes into consideration availability of data within an organization, its flow to members of that organization as well as impact of those data to the structural organization of the firm.
2. INFORMATION AS “TRAFFIC”:
This tries evaluate the material or monetary worth of information as in traffic or sales. Porat (Porat 1977) in his study in 1977 discovered that the portion of U.S. National Economy involved with information was large and rapidly growing taking up 49% of Gross National Product (GNP) and earning 53% of labour income. A recent survey shows increase in revenue recorded with the online database industry as well as increased rate of electronic dissemination of information.
3. INFORMATION VALUE AS “COMMODITY”:
Information here is seen as a unique commodity the is not consumed in its use but could be exchange as well as used many times. Exchange value and use value of a commodity (information) were distinguished with commodity acting as the unifying factor between the two.
Pricing was deduced as an acceptable measure of value and a reliable indicator of exchange when taken over time.
In conclusion, the article won given preference to valuing information in its commodity form since market price serves as a good indicator or measure for value.
NAME: AJAYI OLUGBENGA S.
MIM/EDUC/07812/2008-09
Sunday 9 August 2009
SUMMARY AND CRITQUE OF THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING A NATIONAL VIRTUAL LIBRARY
SUMMARY
The idea behind the establishment of the national virtual library is to establish an online network among Nigeria universities where access to tools such as database, electronic journals, alerting services, online reference and quality selected web resources that improves the quality of teaching and research can be obtain. Unfortunately this initiate has become a mirage.
The virtual library is expected to provide value-added solution for all higher education institution and facilitate online access to an enormous current volume of academic information.
Amongst other things, the virtual library is expected to
(i) Improve the quality of teaching and research in institution of higher leaning in Nigeria through the provision of current books, journals and other library resources.
(ii) Enhance scholarship, research and lifelong learning through the establishment of permanent access to shared digital archival collections etc
Digitization, acquisition and collection development and enabling technology all form the bedrock of a successful virtual library. Unavailability of basic information infrastructure, poor policy implementation, lack of web technologies skilled digital system librarians, information technology policy and technological challenges are the hindrance to the implementation of a National virtual Library in the institution of our higher learning. Aside from these, there is need for a librarian with web technology skill who will be able to facilitate skilled information retrieval and to intervene between user and the information, to help user evaluate what they retrieved.
It is not totally a lost hope for the actualization of the virtual Library if only the following steps can be taken:
(i) An improvement in the basic national infrastructure
(ii) Librarian and information professionals to be trained in information and web technology skills.
(iii) The virtual library should provide access to electronic resources free web based resources, heavily digitized resources and open access resources.
(iv) They should seek more grants and other source of funding to upgrade, etc.
In conclusion, since the aim of the virtual library is to provide networking amongst universities for the purpose of sharing resources online, the government should try as much as possible to make available every necessary materials that will make this a reality.
CRITIQUE
This work cannot be condemned as the write has help in identifying the challenges the implementation of the National virtual library is presently facing and the way out of it.
A very good work I must say.
NAME: OLUGBENGA S. AJAYI
REG NO: MIM/EDUC/07812/2008-2009
Saturday 8 August 2009
PROVISION OF ONLINE INFORMATION SERVICES IN NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
According to some publications, increasing number of people are turning to the internet as their preferred source of information. Transporting library services to the online environment is therefore essentially necessary as it assists online library patrons/researchers to obtain reliable information on the internet.
This study therefore seeks to determine the extent to which academic libraries in Nigeria provide online services to its patrons, highlighting the need for online information services and identifying the factors hindering provision of effective online services.
Sample data were consequently obtained from the library websites of ten Nigerian Universities through an online questionnaire designed using ‘survey monkey” – an intelligent survey software.
Having eulogized Nigeria’s improvement in the telecommunications industry within the past few years, the study however revealed that online information literacy instructions, online reference services, remote access to online catalogue, webblog and online document delivery were never provided by the sampling academic libraries.
Similarly, lack of web technological skilled librarian, lack of funds and lack of basic information infrastructure were identified as some of the factors militating against provision of online information services by these academic libraries
In conclusion, solutions such as retraining of library staff through workshops and conferences, the use of open source, open access databases and journals and free web based resources were suggested as ways to address some of the challenges enumerated above.
NAME: UKAH TOCHI .U
REG NO: MIM/EDUC/09791/2008-09
This study therefore seeks to determine the extent to which academic libraries in Nigeria provide online services to its patrons, highlighting the need for online information services and identifying the factors hindering provision of effective online services.
Sample data were consequently obtained from the library websites of ten Nigerian Universities through an online questionnaire designed using ‘survey monkey” – an intelligent survey software.
Having eulogized Nigeria’s improvement in the telecommunications industry within the past few years, the study however revealed that online information literacy instructions, online reference services, remote access to online catalogue, webblog and online document delivery were never provided by the sampling academic libraries.
Similarly, lack of web technological skilled librarian, lack of funds and lack of basic information infrastructure were identified as some of the factors militating against provision of online information services by these academic libraries
In conclusion, solutions such as retraining of library staff through workshops and conferences, the use of open source, open access databases and journals and free web based resources were suggested as ways to address some of the challenges enumerated above.
NAME: UKAH TOCHI .U
REG NO: MIM/EDUC/09791/2008-09
IMPLEMENTING A NATIONAL VIRTUAL LIBRARY FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
A virtual library facilities access to tools such as databases, electronic journals, alerting services, electronic reference and quality vetted e-resources. Building a virtual library entails processes such as digitalization, acquisition of resources and proper implementation of defined collection development policies. Virtual library services and digital resources are delivered over the internet. Therefore the enabling technologies deployed are web-based technologies.
However, various initiatives to setup a virtual library in Nigeria have suffered setbacks owing to some challenges as:
• Unavailability of the basic information infrastructure.
• Unstable/ Erratic power supply within the country.
• Lack of funds and high cot of deployment of VSATs especially to higher institutions.
• Poor information technology policy implementation.
• Lack of competent personal and
• Lack of understanding of what constitutes a virtual library.
The study thereafter suggested the way forward towards a successful implementation of a national virtual library in Nigeria. The ways are but not exclusive to provision of stable poor supply, provision of the basic information infrastructure and recruitment/engagement of high skilled professionals.
It is therefore expected that the National Virtual Library will soon be a reality especially with the February 2007 mandate transferring the project to the Nigeria National Library.
NAME: UKAH TOCHI .U
REG NO: MIM/EDUC/09791/2008-09
However, various initiatives to setup a virtual library in Nigeria have suffered setbacks owing to some challenges as:
• Unavailability of the basic information infrastructure.
• Unstable/ Erratic power supply within the country.
• Lack of funds and high cot of deployment of VSATs especially to higher institutions.
• Poor information technology policy implementation.
• Lack of competent personal and
• Lack of understanding of what constitutes a virtual library.
The study thereafter suggested the way forward towards a successful implementation of a national virtual library in Nigeria. The ways are but not exclusive to provision of stable poor supply, provision of the basic information infrastructure and recruitment/engagement of high skilled professionals.
It is therefore expected that the National Virtual Library will soon be a reality especially with the February 2007 mandate transferring the project to the Nigeria National Library.
NAME: UKAH TOCHI .U
REG NO: MIM/EDUC/09791/2008-09
THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF INFORMATION (SUMMARY)
The article seeks to measure the economic value of information. Informational values may vary relative to one’s profession but it is said to be an expression of impacts or how it used.
Scholarly attempts to measure the value of information were examined under three themes using the three primary meanings of the word ‘Value’ as given by American College Dictionary (1968). These themes are:
1. INFORMATION VALUE AS “USE”: Here the value of information denotes solely an expression of how useful a piece of information is to the recipient. Informational value is frequently expressed as a derivation from communicational utility which also takes into consideration availability of data within an organisation, its flow to members of that organisation as well as impacts of those data to the structural organisation of the firm.
However, the article flawed this theme considering inaccurate findings of informational use using mathematical formulas.
2. INFORMATION AS “TRAFFIC”: This theme tries to evaluate the material or monetary worth of information as in traffic or sales. Porat (Porat 1977) in his study in 1977 discovered that the portion of U.S national economy involved with information was large and rapidly growing taking up 46% of Gross National Product (GNP) and earning 53% of labour income. A recent survey also shows a constant increase of revenue recorded with the online database industry as well as increased rate of electronic dissemination of information.
3. INFORMATION VALUE AS “COMMODITY”: Here information is seen as a unique commodity that is not consumed in its use but could be exchanged as well as used many times. Exchange value and use value of a commodity (information) were distinguished with commodity acting as the unifying factor between the two.
Pricing was deduced as an acceptable measure of value and a reliable indicator of exchange value when taken over time.
The article was concluded by given preference to valuing information in its commodity form since market price serves as a good indicator or measure for value.
NAME: UKAH TOCHI. U
REG NOS: MIM/EDUC/09791/2008-2009
Scholarly attempts to measure the value of information were examined under three themes using the three primary meanings of the word ‘Value’ as given by American College Dictionary (1968). These themes are:
1. INFORMATION VALUE AS “USE”: Here the value of information denotes solely an expression of how useful a piece of information is to the recipient. Informational value is frequently expressed as a derivation from communicational utility which also takes into consideration availability of data within an organisation, its flow to members of that organisation as well as impacts of those data to the structural organisation of the firm.
However, the article flawed this theme considering inaccurate findings of informational use using mathematical formulas.
2. INFORMATION AS “TRAFFIC”: This theme tries to evaluate the material or monetary worth of information as in traffic or sales. Porat (Porat 1977) in his study in 1977 discovered that the portion of U.S national economy involved with information was large and rapidly growing taking up 46% of Gross National Product (GNP) and earning 53% of labour income. A recent survey also shows a constant increase of revenue recorded with the online database industry as well as increased rate of electronic dissemination of information.
3. INFORMATION VALUE AS “COMMODITY”: Here information is seen as a unique commodity that is not consumed in its use but could be exchanged as well as used many times. Exchange value and use value of a commodity (information) were distinguished with commodity acting as the unifying factor between the two.
Pricing was deduced as an acceptable measure of value and a reliable indicator of exchange value when taken over time.
The article was concluded by given preference to valuing information in its commodity form since market price serves as a good indicator or measure for value.
NAME: UKAH TOCHI. U
REG NOS: MIM/EDUC/09791/2008-2009
Monday 3 August 2009
QUESTION: SUMARIZE ARTICLE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF VIRTUAL LIBRARY FOR HIGH INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA.
NAME: IDRIS ISAH GULU REG. NO. MIM/EDUC/11370/2008-09
LIBS 883: ONLINE INFORMATION INDUSTRIES
The paper highlights on how virtual library facilitates access to information resources as database, electronics, journals, alerting services, online references tools, and quality selected web resources that improve of teaching and research.
The paper differentiated between electronic libraries, digital library and virtual library as electronic library consist of electronic materials and services like video tapes and CD-ROM. While digital library consist f digital services and materials are stored, process and transferred via digital devices and network. The virtual
Library consists of both digital and electronic libraries existing virtually. And stress the important of virtual library in high institutions in Nigeria, which among them is improving quality of teaching and research through the provision of current e-book, journals and other resources, also enhance scholarship, research and lifelong learning through the establishment of access to shared global virtual archival collections.
The article in addition examines the process of building virtual libraries as the thus digitalization, acquisitions, and collection development
Digitalization involve the process of making non-digital materials in digital format and acquisition and collection development involves acquiring and securing ownership of electronic resources such as databases, e-books, and journal trough license. Subscribed electronic resources are stored on a remote server hosted by the vendor and made accessible to a target user, while digital collections of information resources involve selection and organization based on an explicit collection development policy that address need of particular community.
The paper finally, identifies the challenges of its implementation which includes misconceptions of what constitute virtual libraries, unavailability of he basic information infrastructures, poor policy implementation and lack of web technologies skill digital/systems librarians have been identifies.
And the way-forward was suggested in form of recommendation as thus; Improvement of infrastructures, web technological skills, access to resources and availability of fund was emphasized.
LIBS 883: ONLINE INFORMATION INDUSTRIES
The paper highlights on how virtual library facilitates access to information resources as database, electronics, journals, alerting services, online references tools, and quality selected web resources that improve of teaching and research.
The paper differentiated between electronic libraries, digital library and virtual library as electronic library consist of electronic materials and services like video tapes and CD-ROM. While digital library consist f digital services and materials are stored, process and transferred via digital devices and network. The virtual
Library consists of both digital and electronic libraries existing virtually. And stress the important of virtual library in high institutions in Nigeria, which among them is improving quality of teaching and research through the provision of current e-book, journals and other resources, also enhance scholarship, research and lifelong learning through the establishment of access to shared global virtual archival collections.
The article in addition examines the process of building virtual libraries as the thus digitalization, acquisitions, and collection development
Digitalization involve the process of making non-digital materials in digital format and acquisition and collection development involves acquiring and securing ownership of electronic resources such as databases, e-books, and journal trough license. Subscribed electronic resources are stored on a remote server hosted by the vendor and made accessible to a target user, while digital collections of information resources involve selection and organization based on an explicit collection development policy that address need of particular community.
The paper finally, identifies the challenges of its implementation which includes misconceptions of what constitute virtual libraries, unavailability of he basic information infrastructures, poor policy implementation and lack of web technologies skill digital/systems librarians have been identifies.
And the way-forward was suggested in form of recommendation as thus; Improvement of infrastructures, web technological skills, access to resources and availability of fund was emphasized.
Friday 17 July 2009
Welcome 2008/2009 MIM Students
I welcome you to the 2008/2009 Session of the Masters in Information Management (MIM) Class.
This blog is setup for the Online Information Industries class. This will allow students of the class to exploit and have a practical experience of one of the web 2.0. We shall review two main articles available at http://www.sharondelight.net/publications.html
Gbaje E.S (2007). Implementing a National Virtual Library for Higher Institutions in Nigeria. LIBRES Library and Information Science Research Electronic Journal Volume 17, Issue 2, September
Gbaje E.S. (2007). Provision of Online Information Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries.Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 40. [PDF 56KB]
Ezra Shiloba Gbaje
Friday 23 January 2009
CRITTIQUE
CRITTIQUE
If proficiency in the identification, selection and use of internet resources is a primary information literacy goal, then for the libraries to claim gateway to information they must be able to provide adequate instructional tutorials on how to access, use and evaluate the internet resources.
Their web page and home page design must suggest that they are dedicated to helping students achieve their desired goals through provision of navigation tools, use of clear and defined terms, drop-down menus and annotations.
Posted by Ophelia Ezetoha
MIM/EDUC/19113/2007-2008
If proficiency in the identification, selection and use of internet resources is a primary information literacy goal, then for the libraries to claim gateway to information they must be able to provide adequate instructional tutorials on how to access, use and evaluate the internet resources.
Their web page and home page design must suggest that they are dedicated to helping students achieve their desired goals through provision of navigation tools, use of clear and defined terms, drop-down menus and annotations.
Posted by Ophelia Ezetoha
MIM/EDUC/19113/2007-2008
The academic libraries as a gateway to internet
THE ACADEMIC LIBRARY AS A GATEWAY TO THE INTERNET: AN ANALYSIS OF THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF SEARCH ENGINE ACCESS FROM ACADEMIC LIBRARY HOME PAGES
Academic libraries had been regarded as gateways to information for the University communities; the undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and lecturers inclusive. In this regards, the library has a responsibility for information literacy instruction, selection, use and evaluation of multiple information resources including internet resources.
It is sad then to find out that most libraries do not provide these services. Their websites and homepages are not relevant to users’ needs thus bringing about search, frustration, waste of time and click lost. Recent studies have shown that students especially the undergraduates regard the internet as a primary source of information resource whether or not they are able to evaluate the information gotten thereby sacrificing quality for convenience. Some of these students are not even aware of the less easily accessible but qualitative “deep web”.
Some factors have hindered the profitable use of the internet; the inability to choose the right search engine, poor navigation pathway design, lack of guide and tutorials, use of library jargons, use of vague and non informative terms, lack of annotations and drop-down menu and links.
The challenges posed by the new information environment are great and libraries should show that they are able to meet these challenges in order to make internet searches a gainful exercise.
Submitted by EZETOHA OPHELIA N.
MIM/EDUC/19113/2007-2008
Academic libraries had been regarded as gateways to information for the University communities; the undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and lecturers inclusive. In this regards, the library has a responsibility for information literacy instruction, selection, use and evaluation of multiple information resources including internet resources.
It is sad then to find out that most libraries do not provide these services. Their websites and homepages are not relevant to users’ needs thus bringing about search, frustration, waste of time and click lost. Recent studies have shown that students especially the undergraduates regard the internet as a primary source of information resource whether or not they are able to evaluate the information gotten thereby sacrificing quality for convenience. Some of these students are not even aware of the less easily accessible but qualitative “deep web”.
Some factors have hindered the profitable use of the internet; the inability to choose the right search engine, poor navigation pathway design, lack of guide and tutorials, use of library jargons, use of vague and non informative terms, lack of annotations and drop-down menu and links.
The challenges posed by the new information environment are great and libraries should show that they are able to meet these challenges in order to make internet searches a gainful exercise.
Submitted by EZETOHA OPHELIA N.
MIM/EDUC/19113/2007-2008
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