Application of Blockchain Technology in Law Library Operations in Selected Academic Law Libraries in North-Central Nigeria: Opportunities, Challenges and Adoption Readiness

Abstract

This study investigated the application of blockchain technology in law library operations in selected academic law libraries in North-Central Nigeria with emphasis on opportunities, challenges, and adoption readiness. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using a mixed-methods approach. The population of the study comprised 119 professional and paraprofessional library staff from selected academic law libraries, while 12 library administrators and ICT personnel participated in interview sessions. A total of 87 valid questionnaires were retrieved and analyzed, representing a response rate of 73.1%. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance using SPSS version 27. The findings revealed that blockchain technology can be applied in major areas of law library operations including cataloguing, circulation services, digital archiving, copyright management, and authentication of legal documents. The study further showed that blockchain technology enhances information security, digital preservation, transparency, and operational efficiency in library services. However, major challenges affecting adoption include inadequate ICT infrastructure, poor funding, lack of technical expertise, and erratic power supply. Regression analysis revealed that ICT infrastructure significantly influenced blockchain technology adoption readiness (β = .642, p < .001), while librarians’ technological competence (β = .587, p < .001) and institutional support (β = .611, p < .001) significantly predicted blockchain technology adoption in academic law libraries. The study concluded that blockchain technology possesses significant potential for improving security, transparency, digital preservation, and operational efficiency in academic law libraries. The study recommended improved ICT infrastructure, increased funding, institutional support, and continuous staff training to facilitate effective adoption and implementation of blockchain technology in law library operations.