Digital Skills And Information Service Delivery In University Libraries

This study was carried out to examine digital skills and information service delivery in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, the study ascertain the digital skills required for information service delivery in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State, determine the library services delivered through the aid of ICT in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State, determine whether the use of digital skills contributes to effective information service delivery in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State and find out the extent librarians in university libraries possesses digital skills required for information service delivery. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 30 responses were validated from the survey. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that the digital skills required for information service delivery in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State.  the Internet in search of information, use computer systems for information dissemination, web application skills, Library networking skills, cloud technology skills. The study also revealed that the library services delivered through the aid of ICT in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State. Reference services, Referral services, index library documents, bibliographic search services, literature review services, books and articles publication services. The study further revealed that the use of digital skills contributes to effective information service delivery in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State. Lastly, the study revealed that librarians in university libraries possesses digital skills required for information service delivery. The study thereby recommend that librarians should be trained and retrained on the basic computer competencies like the use of various Microsoft office suit such as the word processing, navigating through various tool bars, desktop publishing, etc.  Also, librarians should also be trained on the various information retrieval channels such as Google, Alta-Vista, etc., and also on how to identify reliable and relevant information and database as well as retrieve information from invincible web. The study further recommend that librarians should imbibe the habit of using web2.0 in library and information services. They should be trained on the use of various social media platforms such as Facebook, twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.