CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF THE ACQUISITION AND APPLICATION OF ICT IN LIBRARY SERVICE AT PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY ANYIGBA, KOGI STATE

This study was carried out to examine the challenges and prospects of the acquisition and application of ICT in library service at prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State. The survey research design was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised 34 librarians in university libraries in prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State. The census sampling technique was used in the study. Method of data analysis used was mean score item and percentages. The findings revealed that out of sixteen (16) ICT facilities listed, 15 are available in Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, while 1 was not available. The ICT facilities available includes: Computers (desktops, laptops, tablets), Servers (for storing and managing digital collections, Printers (inkjet, laser, 3D), Photocopiers, Audiovisual equipment (projectors, screens, speakers), Projectors, Sound Systems, Digital Signage, Scanners:, Networking devices, Library Management Systems, Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs), Database Management Systems, Digital Repository Software and Wi-Fi and Internet Access. While the one not available in the university is Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). From the findings, the following recommendations were made adequate provision of ICT facilities should be made available for the smooth running of library services in tertiary institutions. Also, adequate infrastructure should made available for effective accessibility and utilization of ICT gadgets in the library