THE ACQUISITION AND APPLICATION OF ICT MATERIALS TO LIBRARY SERVICES DELIVERY IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN BENUE STATE: A STUDY OF JOSEPH SAAWUAN TARKAA UNIVERSITY AND BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

ABSTRACT Information and Communication technology plays an important role in the management of university libraries. This study examined the acquisition and application of ICT materials to library service delivery in Benue State with particular reference to Joseph Saawuan Tarkaa University and Benue State University libraries. The specific purpose of the study included to; ascertain the impact of acquisition, application, availability, challenges and strategies on quality service delivery in university libraries in Benue State. The study employed a descriptive survey and cross-sectional research design. The population of the study comprised 1024 made up of library staff and students from which a sample of 288 was drawn. Questionnaire were administered to obtain responses from the respondents. The collected data was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 using mean, standard deviation and chi-square analysis, and the hypotheses were tested. The result of the analysis indicated thus; acquisition, application and availability of ICT materials positively and significantly enhanced service delivery in university libraries. Also, they were challenges and strategies identified which also influences service delivery in the university libraries. The study concluded that ICT materials are key drivers and influencers of service delivery in university libraries. It was therefore, recommended among other things that the management of the universities should ensure that ICT materials are purchased, applied and always available to enhance service delivery in the university libraries.