ICT SERVICES IN ANAMBRA STATE ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION.

This study investigated the Availability and Utilization of ICT services in Anambra State Academic Libraries. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design and was guided by two research questions and one null hypothesis. Two researcher-structured instruments were used to collect data for the research. The population of the study were the 75 library staff of the libraries under study, which include Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Library, Nwafor Orizu College of Education Library and Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu Library. This population was small and manageable. Therefore, the census method of sampling was adopted. 61 instruments were returned, representing approximately 81% used for data analysis. The study used Mean and Percentage ratings to answer the research questions and Paired Samples t-test to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that there is availability of ICT services in Anambra State Academic Libraries. However, the extent of utilization of ICT services is low, and there is significant difference in the mean ratings of availability of ICT services and extent of utilization of ICT services. The study concluded that Anambra State Academic Libraries have embraced digitalization and are classified as modern libraries. The study implied under-utilization of investments, wasted potential for innovation and missed opportunities for enhanced learning and research. The study recommended periodic measures to sustain the availability of ICT services and encourage their utilization.