Evaluating Institutional Readiness for Online Collaboration in Private University Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria:
Adaeze Nwona NZEWI, , Nnatu Agatha Ujunwa
This study evaluated institutional readiness for online collaboration in private university libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria, with particular attention to policy, infrastructure, and competency dimensions. The study aimed to determine the level of institutional readiness for online collaboration in terms of policies and guidelines, ICT facilities and infrastructure, skills and competencies, and training needs. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, which was appropriate given the exploratory nature of the inquiry, the study's geographical scope, and the characteristics of the study population. The study used a narrative research design, and researchers collected data from eleven purposively selected participants using a semi-structured interview guide. The researchers analysed the data using content analysis. The findings revealed that, except at Madonna University, Okija; Paul University, Awka; University of the Niger, Umunya; and Shanahan University, Onitsha, the private university libraries studied lacked explicit policies or guidelines governing the use of online collaboration tools for information resource development. The findings further established that the private university libraries studied had the requisite ICT facilities and infrastructure for online collaboration. In addition, the study found that the libraries had librarians with the skills and competencies needed to use online collaboration tools effectively for information resource development. The study concludes that while librarians demonstrated awareness of online collaboration tools and a strong disposition to adopt them, enabling policies were lacking, and persistent infrastructural and capacity constraints tempered overall institutional readiness. It further concludes that increased investment in ICT infrastructure and ongoing staff development are essential to adopt and sustain the use of online collaboration tools effectively. The study therefore recommends fostering strong collaboration among library management, university authorities, and ICT directorates to build digital capacity and support the sustainable use of online collaboration tools across library services.