ICT Proficiency of LIS Professionals : A Case Study of Tangaza University College Librarians in Kenya

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies have greatly impacted the general operations of a library. Technological revolution in the library has also had a pronounced impact on librarianship as a profession. This transformation calls for ICT competent librarians who can handle ICT related duties in the library today. This study sought to find out the ICT proficiency of LIS professionals working in Tangaza University College Library, Kenya. The qualitative research design was adopted in the study. The case study method was used to carry out the research. A census sampling technique was done. Data was collected using a structured interview. The study found out that TUC librarians have very high ICT competence in basic ICT and some web technologies. However, they lack ICT competence in the use of technical ICT skills. Furthermore, ICT courses are offered during LIS science training, however, TUC librarians lack advanced ICT practical opportunities. There is also a gap between the ICT courses covered during the time of study and LIS job requirements in the job market. Lack of funding, time, practical lessons, personal interest, training opportunities and ICT obsolescence were mentioned as challenges librarians encounter in their pursuit to acquire ICT skills. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that regular ICT related training programmes be conducted for librarians and be offered in form of workshops, seminars and conferences. There is need for academic curriculum in LIS schools to have more practical ICT related programmes. Library staff should be encouraged to develop a personal interest in pursuing ICT skills. And librarians should also make use of ICT trainings that are freely available online in order to develop themselves and remain relevant.