Digital skills, access, and ease-of-use of open source library management software among university librarians in north-central Nigeria

Abstract

Rationale of Study – The study assessed digital skills, access, and ease of use of open management software among university librarians in North-Central Nigeria.Methodology – Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study covered a population of 301 librarians and utilised the total enumeration sampling technique. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire. Analysis methods such as frequency counts, mean values, and standard deviation calculations were used to answer the research questions, setting 2.50 as the criterion mean.Findings – The findings established that university libraries use open-source library management software with high ease of use, that librarians in university libraries in North-Central Nigeria possess high digital skills, and that they have high access to open-source library management software.Implications – The paper recommended that library management needs enhanced training programs tailored to equip librarians with advanced digital skills and the ability to curate digital collections effectively through seminars, workshops, and conferences. Furthermore, librarians, library associations, and stakeholders should advocate for increased library funding, emphasising the critical role that modern library technologies like OSLMS play in enhancing education and research. Additionally, there is a need to continue upgrading the hardware and software to perform tasks effectively, safely, and efficiently, engaging error tolerance and making it easy to use.Originality – The study was original research conducted on digital skills, access and ease of use of open-source library management software among university libraries in North-Central Nigeria.