http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/106 2026-05-03T10:49:09Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/29291 Title: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCIES, ACCESS AND USE OF NON-ENGLISH COLLECTIONS FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA. Authors: Babatunde, T. J.; Babalola, G. A; Ahmed, A. O.; Chuks-Ibe, P. O. Abstract: This study was focused on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiencies, access and use of non-English collections for research activities of postgraduate students in universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research objectives with corresponding research questions and one hypothesis. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 380 was drawn out of a population of 52,358 postgraduate students. Copies of questionnaire were distributed to the respondents out of which 278 were returned and used for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. The study also established that the most germane factors affecting Information and Communication Technology proficiencies, access and use of non-English collections for research activities of post-graduate students in the study area are limited language proficiency, exorbitant cost of procuring ICT facilities, and sluggish Internet connectivity. The null hypothesis formulated in the study showed that there is high correlation and the relationship is highly significant (rho = 0.493, p-value <.001). It is among other recommendations that university libraries put up a series of periodic training on emerging ICT skills needed to access the electronic information resources and should provide access to online resources with multilingual interfaces. 2024-10-07T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/29289 Title: THE ROLE OF DIGITAL LIBRARY PLATFORMS IN SHAPING RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY TOWARDS A PRODUCTIVE RESEARCHER Authors: Joseph, Manasseh Men; Babalola, G.A.; Chuks-Ibe, P.O. Abstract: Research has always been a complex task, often overwhelming due to managing multiple projects and prioritising tasks. Historically. researchers relied heavily on physical libraries and extensive manual searches. The shift to digital libraries marks a significant transformation, enabling more efficient access to resources and tools for organising information. Digital library platforms streamline research by offering easy access to e-books, e-journals and multimedia content, along with advanced features like personalised recommendations and collaborative tools. This paper classified them into open-source and commercial solutions, each with its own strengths in managing digital content. These platforms have redefined research productivity by enhancing it retrieval, citation tracking, and plagiarism detection. However, they come with challenges, such as technological dependencies, financial constraints, and issues around copyright. Despite these hurdles, digital libraries play a central role in modern research, supporting open-access initiatives and improving the visibility and impact of academic work. 2024-10-07T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/29288 Title: ACADEMIC COLLABORATION FOR EFFECTIVE CAREER PROGRESSION OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATORS IN UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES Authors: Saidu, Amina Abubakar; Oyedum, G. U.; Babalola, G. A.; Obaje, A. M. Abstract: This paper examined issues and challenges surrounding the academic collaborative activities among LIS educators for effective career progression in universities in North-central, Nigeria. Collaborative learning activities has become an important tool for intellectual and professional development for all professions including LIS profession. Adopting different forms of academic collaborative activities especially in universities has become a key solution to solving complex and critical problems surrounding career progression. This paper therefore, examined glaring issues and challenges surrounding the career progression of LIS educators in universities in North-central, Nigeria. The paper further discussed activities involved in career progression; concept of academic collaboration; types of academic collaboration for effective career progression; advantages of academic collaboration; issues and challenges of academic collaboration, strategies for effective academic collaboration. The study concluded that when collaboration is being practised appropriately, it is likely to invigorate the faculty members in the pursuit of their career to a successful end because collaboration is a tool that can either make or mar the success of career progression among LIS educators if not adequately managed. The study, therefore, recommended among others that faculty members especially the newly employed staff should be mentored on the need for collaborative activities for effective career progression. 2024-10-07T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/29287 Title: MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS FOR SUSTAINABLE IRISH POTATO PRODUCTION: LEVERAGING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE FARMERS' ACCESS TO INFORMATION NEEDS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA Authors: Yarima, Fwenshimwa Goyol; Oyedum, G. U.; Babalola, G. A.; Bello, L. Y. Abstract: Irish potato is a key contributor to global food and nutrition security. Sustainability in Irish potato production focuses on meeting current cultivation needs while preserving and enhancing resources for future use, thus promoting long-term food security. Access to information needs is vital for farmers, enabling them, to obtain the necessary information to satisfy their agricultural needs. It is essential for improving farm practices, maximising profits, and enhancing livelihoods. Effective information access is especially crucial for sustainable Irish potato production, helping farmers use sustainable techniques, manage resources efficiently, and ensure healthy crop production over generations. The objectives of this study include to: identify the motivational factors that influence farmers to adopt sustainable Irish potato production in Plateau State, Nigeria; examine the role of emerging technologies (such as precision agriculture, social media, and mobile apps) in enhancing farmers' access to information needs and improving their productivity and to identify the key information needs of Irish potato farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria. and how these needs can be met through emerging technologies such as access to real-time information on best practices, weather forecasts. market prices, and pest management strategies, which are crucial for optimizing productivity and minimizing environmental impact. The study will adopt a literature review and make recommendations on strategies to integrate emerging technologies to enhance farmers' access to information needed to boost sustainable Irish potato production in Plateau State Nigeria to improve food security and job opportunities. 2024-10-07T00:00:00Z