APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

Abstract

This study examined the application of information technology for effective delivery of library services in Federal college of education, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The study investigated the extent to which information technology is utilized in library service delivery and its impact on the accessibility, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information resources. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all students of Federal College of Education, Abeokuta,Ogun State. Simple random sample was used for this study. Five (5) schools were selected in which twenty (20) students were chosen from the selected schools to make a total of one hundred (100) respondents for the study. A self-designed questionnaire titled —Application of information Technology for Effective Delivery of Library Services Questionnaire (AITEDLSQ)‖ was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts who affirmed its reliability was established using Cronbach‘s Alpha, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts and simple percentages. Findings revealed that the integration of information Technology (IT) into library services has significantly transformed the way information is accessed, stored, retrieved and disseminated. The study also showed that modern libraries have evolved beyond traditional physical spaces into digital knowledge centres that provide instant and remote access to information resources. The use of IT facilities such as Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs), digital repositories, automated circulation systems and cloud-based databases has enhanced operational efficiency, improved user satisfaction and increased the overall effectiveness of library services. Based on the findings, the study recommended that government agencies, educational institutions, and stakeholders should provide adequate funding for the acquisition and maintenance of ICT facilities in libraries. It further recommended regular training for librarians on emerging technologies and digital services delivery methods, as well as the adoption of user-friendly digital platforms to facilitate seamless access to library resources and services.