Abstract

Author(s): Bello Sani Manzo

Digital and electronic information resources provide relevant and timely information access. the deployment of ICT in academic libraries has transformed information services to users with libraries providing access to wide varieties of information resources in digital and electronic format. the provision of digital resources and services means that the academic librarians have to acquire the needed skills and demonstrate certain competencies in order to serve the users better.The study adopted descriptive survey research with a questionnaire as an instrument of data collection. The target population consists of eighty-two academic librarians fromseven tertiary institutions of learning in Katsina state, Nigeria. The data was analyzed in excel sheet application using frequency count and percentage. The study reveals that academic librariansare skillful in using basic computer applications, electronic communication, and Internet search skills. The major sources of ICT skills acquisition are through self-study, on the job training, and attending computer training. However, the major constraints to ICT skills acquisition are lack of training and development and lack of interest. The study recommends among others that the academic librarians should demonstrate the ability to outsmart the technology and use the technology to identify quality information content. It is hoped that the findings of the study will increase researchers understanding of academic librarians ICT skills in developing economies and contribute to the existing literature in the field of library and information science.