THE INFLUENCE OF PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIANS’ DIGITAL LITERACYSKILLS ON THE UTILIZATION OF ONLINE RESOURCES IN FEDERALUNIVERSITIES ACROSS NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Authors

  • M. Mohammed Entrepreneurship Librarian, JD Amin Library, Federal University Dutse Author
  • A. A. Buba Department of Library and Information Science, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State Author
  • H. H. Garta Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus, Bayelsa State Author

Keywords:

Information Literacy, Digital Knowledge, IT Skills, Social Networking, Professional Librarians

Abstract

This study investigated influence of professional librarians’ digital information literacy skills on the utilization of
online resources in federal universities across North Central Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to identify the
types of Online Resources available, assess librarians’ digital literacy skills, examine the extent of digital platform
utilization, and determine the challenges affecting effective use. An explanatory correlation research design was
adopted. The population comprised 493 registered professional librarians in federal universities across North
Central Nigeria, from which 316 valid respondents were selected using a survey approach. Data were collected
through structured online questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means) and inferential statistics
(Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation). Findings revealed that WhatsApp (mean=3.65), Zoom (mean=3.57),
and Twitter (mean=3.49) were the most utilized platforms (grand mean=3.35). Librarians demonstrated
competence in social networking (mean=3.12), computer fluency (mean=2.97), electronic mailing (mean=2.89),
and internet search skills (mean=2.85), with an overall literacy mean of 2.58. Utilization of Online Resources for
service delivery was high, particularly in online user education (mean=3.54) and cloud-based collaboration
(mean=3.45). Major challenges included internet instability (mean=3.29), erratic power supply (mean=3.10), and
inadequate ICT infrastructure (mean=3.08). A very strong positive relationship was found between digital literacy
skills and digital platform use (N=316; r=0.990; p<0.01). Theoretically, the findings validate the Technology
Acceptance Model and Digital Literacy Theory. The study concluded that improved digital literacy enhances
platform utilization and recommended improved ICT infrastructure, stable internet access, continuous training,
and increased institutional support.

Published

2026-06-29

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles