Thesis

A strategic plan for improving the digital skills of university library professionals in Nigeria for sustainable automated library services

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2026
Thesis identifier
  • T18197
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 202162116
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Nigerian university libraries have made progress in embracing technology to offer modern digital services but still struggle with effective digital operations. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many could not shift to virtual services due to limited resources, especially a lack of a digitally skilled workforce. This study investigates the digital skills gap among library professionals in Nigerian university libraries, examines existing digital skills development programs, and identifies the staff-side and managerial challenges impeding digital skills development for automated library operation. Adopting a survey design using a sequential mixed-method approach, this study employs quantitative and qualitative data collection procedures. In the quantitative phase, a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 453 respondents, of which 408 completed questionnaires were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS version23. In the qualitative phase, purposive sampling was used to recruit twelve senior library management staff, and ten interviews were successfully conducted and thematically analysed. The findings indicated that Nigerian university library professionals lack operational digital skills, particularly in management of serials, acquisition, and cataloging. In-house training also emerged as the primary means of digital skills development, while other training pathways were largely ineffective. Personal barriers such as financial constraints, lack of motivation, gender-related challenges, and institutional barriers such as the absence of policy framework, inadequate funding, and poor ICT infrastructure, were major impediments to digital skills development. Based on the findings, a strategic plan in the form of a white paper is developed to address key issues, propose actionable solutions, engage stakeholders, and align with the UNSDGs. The study concludes that Nigerian university libraries must prioritize building a digitally skilled workforce to meet post-COVID digital service demands. Tiered recommendations are made to stakeholders to support sustainable improvement.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Chowdhury, G. G. (Gobinda G.)
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DOI

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