Librarians ICT skills and contemporary library services in academic libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria

The study investigated librarians ICT skills and contemporary library services in academic libraries in Rivers State Nigeria.Three objectives and corresponding research questions guided the study.Descriptive research design was adopted for the study.A population of 73 librarians and library officers drawn from all academic libraries in Rivers State.Data were collected using questionnaire and the census sampling technique was used.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics specifically mean and standard deviation.A total of 73 library professionals and paraprofessionals were sent the questionnaire and 70 responded to the questionnaire given a total response rate of 95%.The findings revealed that vital ICT skills possessed by librarians for contemporary library services include, computer processing skills, internet accessing skills, online collaboration skills, social media literacy and electronic security skills.The study also revealed the different library services that require ICT skills to perform to include, online users education services, online/emails for Current Awareness Services, OPAC services, providing links to eresources, electronic storage and dissemination of information.Furthermore, the study showed that the problems faced by librarians in acquiring ICT skills for contemporary service delivery includes lack of funds, inadequate training opportunities and poor ICT facilities.Thus, the study recommended that the government and the university administrations should allocate more funds to support library development, particularly for staff training and digital infrastructure.The library management should conduct continuous professional development programs to improve librarians' proficiency in digital tools and services, the institutions should equip libraries with up-to-date information and communication technologies (ICTs) necessary for delivering digital services and among others.