PAPER ID: Vol. IV Issue I (April to June 2026 ) /9-18 /2
AUTHOR : Dr. Ujuwa Obianuju Maureen AGWUNA [i] Prof. Akanwa P.C[ii] Ngozi Immaculata Ike[iii]
TITLE: INFORMATION LITERACY AND RESEARCH SKILLS OF LIBRARIANS IN RELATION TO THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
ABSTRACT: This study examined the information literacy and research skills of librarians in relation to the provision of information resources and services in university libraries in South-East Nigeria. The study was guided by four research questions and employed a correlational research design. The population consisted of 134 professional librarians from five state university libraries in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Data were collected using a researcher-made rating scale titled “Information Literacy Skills and Provision of Information Resources and Services” (ILSPRAS), which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.76 using Cronbach Alpha statistics. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and t-test statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed very high and significant positive relationships between librarians’ information literacy skills and provision of information resources and services (r = 0.889, p < 0.001), research skills and service provision (r = 0.969, p < 0.001), communication skills and service provision (r = 0.910, p < 0.001), and computer/digital skills and service provision (r = 0.856, p < 0.010). The study concluded that librarian competencies are critical determinants of service quality in university libraries. Based on these findings, the study recommended continuous professional development programs, establishment of digital skills prerequisites for employment, routine communication skills assessments, and adequate resource allocation for information technology facilities. The study contributes to the understanding of how librarian competencies influence service delivery in academic library settings and provides evidence-based recommendations for improving library service quality in Nigerian state universities.
KEYWORDS: information literacy, research skills, librarian competencies, information resources and academic libraries
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