Leveraging Innovative Technologies For Enhanced Access To Digital Resources In Public University Libraries In Abia And Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria :- Amogu Uma K

Abstract The study investigated innovative technologies for enhanced access to digital resources in i' public university libraries in Abia and Akwa Ibom States. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Four specific objectives andfour corresponding research questions were designed to guide the study. The study was conducted in the five public university libraries in the two states, with a total population of 178, made up of 99 librarians and 79 paraprofessionals. The instrumentfor data collection was an observation checklist which assessed the types of innovative technologies available in the libraries and a researcher-developed questionnaire, which addressed thefour research questions ofthe study. A total of 178 copies ofthe questionnaire were administered on the respondents. This yielded a return rate of 146 (82%). which was usedforthe analysis. Frequency counts, simple percentage and mean value were usedfor data analysis based on the research questions Findings ofthe study revealed that there was high level ofawareness ofthe various innovative technologies, especially Open Access Catalogue (OPAC) and websites among librarians and para-professionals in public Universities in the two states: some ofthe types ofinnovative technologies in locus were not available in most ofthe University libraries, except zoom extra screen magnification, website. OPAC and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): university libraries perceived the various innovative technologies as very importantfor enhanced access to digital resources. The study also established some challengesfaced by university libraries in the deployment and use of innovative technologies. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that university librariesshouldstrive to acquire and leverage various innovative technologies other than zoom extra screen magnification, website OPAC and RFID for enhanced access to digital ! resources.