Course:LIBR559A/Idiegbeyan-ose, J., Nkiko, C., Idahosa, M., & Nwokocha, N. (2016)

Citation

Idiegbeyan-ose, J., Nkiko, C., Idahosa, M., & Nwokocha, N. (2016). Digital divide: Issues and strategies for intervention in nigerian libraries. Journal of Cases on Information Technology, 18(3), 29. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/docview/1844236531?accountid=14656

Purpose of article

This article talks about how to use ICT to bridge the information gap existed in current Nigerian libraries, and reinforce the development of the methods for information storage, retrieval, and provision process in the digital age.

Keywords

In this article, the authors focused on the connection between ICTs, digital divide and the concept of digital library. Specifically, ICTs referred to the information technologies including computers and their peripherals, that could be used to support the information storage, catalog, retrieval and provision process. Digital divide was defined as an umbrella word to describe the inequality of technology application, including people’s different technology skills (digital literacy), their imbalanced accessibility to technologies, as well as their inequitable access to technologies and other Internet-related technologies. Lastly, digital library was described as a library that stored information electronically and made information accessible to users through electronic systems or network.

Main Argument(s) and supporting evidence

From Idiegbeyan-ose and Nkiko’s perspective, on the one hand, Nigerian has a quite serious issue of digital divide nowadays. Therefore, Nigerian libraries must adapt the changing trend and find ways to manage and share their resources in electronic format, and shift their focus from library-centered to information-centered mode. On the other hand, by using ICTs, Nigerian libraries can seize this opportunity to change into more effective and supportive information centers. Technologies can simply make searching more easily, and provide more information with less cost, and to reach more audience.

Method(s)

This article was based on the case studies of some initial efforts of some World Organizations/Foundations, government parastatals, agencies and associations intended to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria libraries. In addition, the authors also embedded their own thought piece for improving that application of ICTs in Nigeria Libraries in the future.

Theoretical frameworks

From my understanding, the analyze of this article was based on the Actor/Actant-Network Theory framework, as it realized the deep connection between librarians, ICTs and library users, etc. Firstly, the authors considered ICTs as the keys to improving libraries in Nigeria. What's more, they also pointed out that there were increasing information needs of the libraries' patrons. Finally, they also highlighted the importance of training both librarians and users to improve their information literacy, thus can ensure the effectiveness of ICTs.

Novel Ideas

Speaking of novel ideas introduced by this article, it not only pointed out that ICTs were the most important tools to improve the information accessibility in Nigeria libraries, but also found out some existed setbacks of ICTs application in 2010. In addition, It also came up with some practical solutions that could solve some of the current problems. What's more, the authors also reflected on some efforts made by some world organizations, which were counted as a large portion of social development in Nigeria as well.

Limitations

However, this article didn't put other social factors, such as the influence of government and local organizations, or the geographic differences among different areas of Nigeria, into consideration. In addition, there was no survey/interview data to support the assumption that Nigeria people wanted to have access to the ICTs in libraries and what kind of informatoin needs do they have. Therefore, in my opinion, further research is needed.

Potential Contribution

In a word, this article pointed out some practical methods for Nigeria libraries to improve their services with the assistance of new technologies, it could be used as a guidance for the development of digital libraries in some undeveloped countries and areas worldwide.

Page Author: Wendy Zhang