AWARENESS AND COMPUTER COMPETENCY IN INTEGRATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UTILIZATION FOR LEARNING AND RESEARCH AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Integrated library management system (ILMS) is often deployed among academic libraries for effective management of library operation and users’ information service satisfaction. Contemporary library users always want prompt response to their information needs, to satisfy this users information curiosities, integrated library management system is a good tool in this regard. However, its availability and deployment in library does not translate to utilization as a result of certain factors. High level of awareness approach among users and computer competency could foster or facilitate continuous utilization of ILMS.  Therefore, this paper is a conceptual research, it primary objective is on ILMS utilization among Nigerian undergraduate students in considerations of their awareness and users’ computer competency. It adopts study and systematic literature review approach to establish related publications on the subject matter under discussion. Critical literature review was carried out, where data were gathered from relevant local/national and international journals, conference papers/proceedings, as well as textbooks and online information resources. Research findings revealed that awareness about the software (ILMS) and its use can be made through library instructions, orientation or library exhibition. Hence, it is concluded that these approaches would improve frequency of use among library users. Therefore, the study recommends that Nigerian undergraduate students should possess basic knowledge in computer operation and application, knowledge of module of operation in ILMS, knowledge of online searching strategies have been also found to be helpful in the utilization of ILMS. In addition it is recommended that proper orientation or instruction mechanism on the use of the ILMS should be facilitated by library managements in order positively affects maximum ILMS utilization.