ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of ICT skills in knowledge sharing l>> I ibrarx and Information Science (LIS) educators in Michael Okpara University ol Agriculture, Umudike. four (4) research objectives guided the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The complete census technique was adopted which involved the use of the entire population consisting of eight (8) core lecturers and ten (IO) academic librarians who also lectures in the Department of Library and Information Science, making a total of eighteen (18) respondents. A researcher-made 4-point instrument was used for data collection. Data obtained were analysed using frequency counts and mean scores. Findings ofthe study showed possession ofsome ICT skil Is such as social media utilization skills, web navigation skills, etc. The study found out the adoption oflectures, use ofmeetings, delivering/presentation ofpapers at conferences, as the top-most pattern adopted by LIS educators for knowledge sharing. Findings also efficiency in communication, access to wider population, and proper understanding of knowledge shared as among the effects of LIS educator's ICT skills on their knowledge sharing practices. The study revealed that LIS educators are faced with challenges in respect ofthe acquisition ofICT skills and knowledge sharing. The study recommends that ICT facilities should be provided, and their functionality ensured so as to improve LIS educator's access to it within the campuses. It is suggested that LIS educators should have a rethink towards ICT training and skills acquisition and make time to improve their competences irrespective of their workload. Finally, the government and university management should intensify efforts to support and fund ICT training for LIS educators regularly as this will go a longway in ensuring the dividends ofthe tacit knowledge of this category ofemployee to the overall success ofthe institutions and organizations.