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
Showing posts with label Ukah Tochi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ukah Tochi. Show all posts
Saturday, 8 August 2009
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
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