CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The rapid advancements in information technologies have brought about a significant transformation in the role of libraries when it comes to delivering services to their users. Consequently, libraries are encountering new challenges, facing increased demands, and having to meet evolving user expectations. To address these changes, libraries are reimagining their services and information products to enhance their offerings and cater to the shifting information needs of their user communities. This necessitates that libraries actively participate in the global dissemination of information by making their resources accessible on the internet for a global audience (Akintunde, 2006).
The deterioration of printed materials is an ongoing concern, and digitization and automation offer a means to preserve both original and reformatted copies for continued use. Many libraries are taking on the task of computerizing their operations, with some already making strides in digitizing their collections for easy web-based access. Akwa Ibom State e-library is a noteworthy leader in this endeavor (Swain, 2010).
The advent of computers has revolutionized modern society to the extent that it's challenging to imagine how life functioned before their existence. The influence of digital processing is felt across various aspects of library activities. To effectively harness the capabilities of computers in delivering information services in the library, it is crucial to adhere to contemporary methods of information storage, retrieval, and dissemination in this digital age (Mazumdar, 2007). In essence, modern computer-based information systems have profoundly transformed traditional library practices related to cataloging, classification, indexing, abstracting, and other functions (Aina, Mutula & Tiamiyu, 2008). The expectation is that all technologies employed for processing, storing, and conveying data and information in libraries should be managed as an integrated system and utilized as tools for service delivery (Mlitwa, 2007).
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
Over the past two decades, libraries that have embarked on digitizing their resources have encountered a multitude of challenges and opportunities, largely driven by the explosion of information. This surge in information has prompted governments and library management to reassess and redefine their competencies to ensure the effective and efficient utilization of information resources in libraries, with a focus on user satisfaction. The ever-expanding array of formats, tools, and services available in libraries has reshaped how e-libraries acquire, process, store, and disseminate information.
In this era of information explosion, library staff are expected to continually upgrade their skills and become proficient in computer operation to better educate and serve users, thus meeting their information needs in the 21st century. It is unfortunate that despite the expectation that libraries should be fully digitalized to provide a wide range of services, they are still grappling with the challenge of digitizing their resources and ensuring user satisfaction with library services. The researcher has identified several reasons for this gap, with differing opinions on the performance of the University of Ibom E-Library in terms of its library services. The study focuses on assessing the impact of computer operation in library services and its utilization at the University of Ibom E-Library.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this study is to examine the Impact of Computer Operation in Library Services and Use in the Ibom E-Library. The specific objectives are:
1. To determine the influence of internet in the Ibom E-Library.
2. To determine the influence of competence computer personnel and users in Ibom E-Library.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This study is aimed at examining the Impact of Computer Operation in Library Services and Use in the Ibom E Library with bestowing rewards to facilitating proper information service for the teaming users.
It will reveal to the library staff to make proper provision for appropriate computerized information service to the users.
It will draw the attention of the library users to the appropriate computerized information service in the Ibom E-Library to boost their information search. It will be an eye opener to Government as a whole in the aspect of provision for good library services to users. This study will be useful to researchers who may want to conduct further research on library services, problems and prospects.
1.5 Operational Definition of Terms
Internet Services: The internet is a worldwide collection of networks gateway, servers and computers using a common set of telecommunication protocols to link up. It provides worldwide access to information resources that boast user education and awareness.
Computer: A computer is an electronic device which can accept data on a prescribed format, store, process the data and supply the result of the processed data in a specified format as information.
