Assessment of the Administration and Services of Public Access Computers in Academic Libraries in Kaduna State, Nigeria
This study is posed to explore the practice of Public Access Computers (PACs) in academic libraries in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the computers and other tools available, their services and challenges of the practices. Three questions were framed to identify number of public computers and tools available, their services and problems faced during the practice. The study used qualitative research design along with semi-constructed interview and observation as tools for data collection. Descriptive analysis was employed to analyze the data. The sample size of the study comprises 52 librarian and IT staff from the seven academic institutions in Kaduna State. The findings revealed that, PACs were provided for access to the Internet, digital resources, library catalogue and training services. The study further explored that, despite the limit number of the computers, users were not allowed to enjoy many services. The study recommends that libraries in Kaduna state should provide more public computers to be able to cover the population of their users; libraries should allow users to use the computers without limitations and restrictions.
[1] Charles W. Jr. (1989) Integrated Public Access Computer Systems: The Heart of the Electronic University." In Advances in Library Automation and Networking, vol. 3, ed. Joe A.
[2] Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation (2005) Annual Report on Public Access Computers in Rural Community, available at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/ accessed on 5th September, 2014
[3] ADAM, U. A. (2015). Assessment of the management of public access computers in academic libraries in Kaduna State. (Masters). Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria.
[4] Van Dijk, A. G. M. J. (2006). The network society (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
[5] The IFLA/UNESCO Internet Manifesto Guidelines (2006) available at http://www.ifla.org/publications/the-iflainternet-manifesto accessed on 20th August, 2014
[6] Ukoh, R. A. (1984). Application of Modern Technology in the Library. Nigerian Library and Information Science Review, 2(1&2), pp5
[7] Beagle, D (2010). The Emergent Information Commons: Philosophy, Models, and 21st Century Learning Paradigms, Journal of Library Administration, 50 (1) pp7-26.
[8] Abubakar, M.B. (2010). Availability and use of Information and Communication Technology, (ICT) in six Nigerian University Library Schools: Library Philosophy and Practice, 23(6)
[9] Yusuf, F. O., & James-Iwu, J. (2010). Use of academic library: a case study of Covenant University, Nigeria. Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 1-12.
[10] Krubu, D. E and Osawaru, K. E (2011). The Impact of Information and Communication (ICT) in Nigerian University Libraries. Library Philosophy and Practice,
[11] Kamba, M.A. (2008). The Changing Role of Researchers in Nigeria: The Internet as an Alternative Future Modernity. Library Philosophy and Practice
[12] American Library Association. The State of America’s Libraries 2012: A Report from the American Library Association. http://www.ala.org/research/sites/ala.org.research/files/content/initiatives/plftas/2011_2012/ plftas12_statetables.pdf
[13] Gbaje, E. S. (2007). Provision of Online Information Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries. Nigerian Libraries, 40 (1).
[14] Gitta, S.,Ikoja-Odongo, J.R. (2003, April). The impact of cybercafés on information services in. Uganda. First Monday, 8 (4).
[15] Haseloff, A. (2005) Cybercafés and their potential as community development tools in India. The Journal of Community Informatics 1(3):13.
[16] ADAM, U. A. (2015). Department of Library and Information Science Faculty of education (Doctoral dissertation, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria).
[17] Etta, F. E., & Parvyn-Wamahiu, S. (2003). Vol. 2: The experience with community telecenters. Dakar (etc.): Codesria (etc.).
[18] Strover, S. C. G. and Waters J. (2004). Beyond community networking and CTCs: Access, development, and public policy. Telecommunications Policy 28(7):465.
[19] Bailey C. W. (2009) Integrated Public Access Computer Systems: The Heart of the Electronic University. Advances in Library Automation and Networking, vol. 3, ed. Joe A. Hewitt, 1-33. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press
[20] Bertot, J. C (2009) Public Access Technologies in Public Libraries: Effects and Implications, Information Technology and Libraries
[21] Etta, F. (2002). The Trouble with Community Telecentres. International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, CA.
[22] Granath, K & Samson, S. (2008) Trend Setters; Computers in Commons Environment. Academic & Special Librarianship 9 (1)
[23] Kentucky Libraries (2013) Public Access Computers hardware and software Management available at; http://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/administrators/Documents/Public%20Access%20Computing.pdf Accessed on 20/9/2015
[24] Nwezeh, C (2010). The Use of ICT in Nigeria Universities: A Case Study of ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife. Library Philosophy and Practice,
[25] Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2014). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Sage publications.
[26] Thomas, G. (2011). A typology for the case study in social science following a review of definition, discourse, and structure. Qualitative inquiry, 17(6), 511-521.
[27] Stake, R.E. (2000) Case studies. In Norman K, Denzin and Yvonna S Lincoln (Eds), Handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks: Sage. pp 435-453
[28] Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
[29] Shneiderman, B.& Plaisant, C. (2005). Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction. (4 ed.). New York: Addison-Wesley.
[30] Bryman, A. (2008). Social Research Methods: New York Oxford University Press Inc. Pp. 149-151.
[31] Sey, A., & Fellows, M. (2009). Literature review on the impact of public access to information and communication technologies. Center for Information & Society, University of Washington, Seattle.
[32] The African internet: a status report, available at: http://demiurge/wn.apc.org/africa/afstat.htm accessed on 20/9/13
[33] Lawal, U. (2010) Application of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) In Information Service Delivery in University Libraries In North Western States Of Nigeria. MLS Thesis
[34] Ashcroft, L., & Watts, C. (2005). ICT Skills for Information Professionals in Developing Countries: Perspectives from a study of the electronic information environment in Nigeria. IFLA Journal, 31 (1), 6-12. Retrieved from http://tinyurl.com/pa568q8 on 27/02/2010
[35] Grimes, R. A., & Johansson, J. M. (2007). Windows Vista security: Securing Vista against malicious attacks. John Wiley & Sons.
[36] Wayne. R. (2004) An Overview Public Access Computer Software Management. Computers in Libraries
[1] Charles W. Jr. (1989) Integrated Public Access Computer Systems: The Heart of the Electronic University." In Advances in Library Automation and Networking, vol. 3, ed. Joe A.
[2] Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation (2005) Annual Report on Public Access Computers in Rural Community, available at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/ accessed on 5th September, 2014
[3] ADAM, U. A. (2015). Assessment of the management of public access computers in academic libraries in Kaduna State. (Masters). Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria.
[4] Van Dijk, A. G. M. J. (2006). The network society (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
[5] The IFLA/UNESCO Internet Manifesto Guidelines (2006) available at http://www.ifla.org/publications/the-iflainternet-manifesto accessed on 20th August, 2014
[6] Ukoh, R. A. (1984). Application of Modern Technology in the Library. Nigerian Library and Information Science Review, 2(1&2), pp5
[7] Beagle, D (2010). The Emergent Information Commons: Philosophy, Models, and 21st Century Learning Paradigms, Journal of Library Administration, 50 (1) pp7-26.
[8] Abubakar, M.B. (2010). Availability and use of Information and Communication Technology, (ICT) in six Nigerian University Library Schools: Library Philosophy and Practice, 23(6)
[9] Yusuf, F. O., & James-Iwu, J. (2010). Use of academic library: a case study of Covenant University, Nigeria. Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 1-12.
[10] Krubu, D. E and Osawaru, K. E (2011). The Impact of Information and Communication (ICT) in Nigerian University Libraries. Library Philosophy and Practice,
[11] Kamba, M.A. (2008). The Changing Role of Researchers in Nigeria: The Internet as an Alternative Future Modernity. Library Philosophy and Practice
[12] American Library Association. The State of America’s Libraries 2012: A Report from the American Library Association. http://www.ala.org/research/sites/ala.org.research/files/content/initiatives/plftas/2011_2012/ plftas12_statetables.pdf
[13] Gbaje, E. S. (2007). Provision of Online Information Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries. Nigerian Libraries, 40 (1).
[14] Gitta, S.,Ikoja-Odongo, J.R. (2003, April). The impact of cybercafés on information services in. Uganda. First Monday, 8 (4).
[15] Haseloff, A. (2005) Cybercafés and their potential as community development tools in India. The Journal of Community Informatics 1(3):13.
[16] ADAM, U. A. (2015). Department of Library and Information Science Faculty of education (Doctoral dissertation, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria).
[17] Etta, F. E., & Parvyn-Wamahiu, S. (2003). Vol. 2: The experience with community telecenters. Dakar (etc.): Codesria (etc.).
[18] Strover, S. C. G. and Waters J. (2004). Beyond community networking and CTCs: Access, development, and public policy. Telecommunications Policy 28(7):465.
[19] Bailey C. W. (2009) Integrated Public Access Computer Systems: The Heart of the Electronic University. Advances in Library Automation and Networking, vol. 3, ed. Joe A. Hewitt, 1-33. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press
[20] Bertot, J. C (2009) Public Access Technologies in Public Libraries: Effects and Implications, Information Technology and Libraries
[21] Etta, F. (2002). The Trouble with Community Telecentres. International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, CA.
[22] Granath, K & Samson, S. (2008) Trend Setters; Computers in Commons Environment. Academic & Special Librarianship 9 (1)
[23] Kentucky Libraries (2013) Public Access Computers hardware and software Management available at; http://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/administrators/Documents/Public%20Access%20Computing.pdf Accessed on 20/9/2015
[24] Nwezeh, C (2010). The Use of ICT in Nigeria Universities: A Case Study of ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife. Library Philosophy and Practice,
[25] Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2014). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Sage publications.
[26] Thomas, G. (2011). A typology for the case study in social science following a review of definition, discourse, and structure. Qualitative inquiry, 17(6), 511-521.
[27] Stake, R.E. (2000) Case studies. In Norman K, Denzin and Yvonna S Lincoln (Eds), Handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks: Sage. pp 435-453
[28] Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
[29] Shneiderman, B.& Plaisant, C. (2005). Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction. (4 ed.). New York: Addison-Wesley.
[30] Bryman, A. (2008). Social Research Methods: New York Oxford University Press Inc. Pp. 149-151.
[31] Sey, A., & Fellows, M. (2009). Literature review on the impact of public access to information and communication technologies. Center for Information & Society, University of Washington, Seattle.
[32] The African internet: a status report, available at: http://demiurge/wn.apc.org/africa/afstat.htm accessed on 20/9/13
[33] Lawal, U. (2010) Application of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) In Information Service Delivery in University Libraries In North Western States Of Nigeria. MLS Thesis
[34] Ashcroft, L., & Watts, C. (2005). ICT Skills for Information Professionals in Developing Countries: Perspectives from a study of the electronic information environment in Nigeria. IFLA Journal, 31 (1), 6-12. Retrieved from http://tinyurl.com/pa568q8 on 27/02/2010
[35] Grimes, R. A., & Johansson, J. M. (2007). Windows Vista security: Securing Vista against malicious attacks. John Wiley & Sons.
[36] Wayne. R. (2004) An Overview Public Access Computer Software Management. Computers in Libraries
@article{"International Journal of Business, Human and Social Sciences:79757", author = "Usman Ahmed Adam and Umar Ibrahim and Ezra S. Gbaje", title = "Assessment of the Administration and Services of Public Access Computers in Academic Libraries in Kaduna State, Nigeria", abstract = "This study is posed to explore the practice of Public Access Computers (PACs) in academic libraries in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the computers and other tools available, their services and challenges of the practices. Three questions were framed to identify number of public computers and tools available, their services and problems faced during the practice. The study used qualitative research design along with semi-constructed interview and observation as tools for data collection. Descriptive analysis was employed to analyze the data. The sample size of the study comprises 52 librarian and IT staff from the seven academic institutions in Kaduna State. The findings revealed that, PACs were provided for access to the Internet, digital resources, library catalogue and training services. The study further explored that, despite the limit number of the computers, users were not allowed to enjoy many services. The study recommends that libraries in Kaduna state should provide more public computers to be able to cover the population of their users; libraries should allow users to use the computers without limitations and restrictions.
", keywords = "Academic libraries, computers in the library, digital libraries, public computers. ", volume = "14", number = "8", pages = "610-6", }
