AWARENESS AND APPLICATION OF PODCAST FOR INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION AMONG LIBRARIANS IN UNIVERSITIES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

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AWARENESS AND APPLICATION OF PODCAST FOR INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION AMONG LIBRARIANS IN UNIVERSITIES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

 

The study investigated awareness and utilization of podcast for information services delivery among librarians inuniversity libraries in Kano State. In order to achieve the four objectives of the study research questions were formulated and answered. It examined the extent of librarians’ awareness of relevance of podcast to information service delivery in universitylibraries the purposes for which the podcast is used in university libraries, Extent oflibrarians use of the podcast for information services delivery and the challenges faced by librarians in using podcast for information services delivery. The study adopted a survey research design and questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. One hundred and thirty-one (131) copies of questionnaire were administered to librarians in Bayero University Library, University of Science & Technology Wudil,Library and Yusuf MaitamaSule University Library. Descriptive (frequency, percentages, means and standard deviation) were used to analyse the data collected. The findings of the study revealed that librarians are much aware of the relevance of podcast for information services delivery. The study also found that librarians usedpodcast to acquire information and for entertainment but they fail to actively utilize the podcast to deliver library and information services to their users. The study recommended that librarians should try to incorporate the use of podcast in the delivery of library and information services. University libraries should adopt podcasting technology for better operationand informationservices delivery relevant to their academic curriculum.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 

1.1 Background to the Study

Internet and web technology have changed the way people interact, communicate, share, acquire knowledge and deliver services from anywhere, at any time irrespective of traditional barriers.  When the web was created, it did not have features and facilities for users to interact. But with the evolution of the internet and communication technology, Web 2.0 has evolved into a dynamic, interactive and collaborative platform that facilitates exchange of knowledge and information service delivery amongst its users (Kamla-raj. 2016)

The Internet in particular, has become pervasive and allows libraries to use web 2.0 in making their services more accessible and user friendly. Libraries worldwide have undergone significant metamorphosis from a purely traditional mode and manual service delivery system to a more dynamic technologically driven system (Akintunde, 2016).

Podcast as one of the most applicable technology of web 2.0 application has become an indispensable tool for libraries in providing effective information service, where librarians can interact with their users to study their needs and provide feedback. Podcast encourages librarians to create new knowledge, ideas and services share across their community of users (Ezeani& Eke, 2014). The podcast has gradually crept into the library profession and it has become a growing tool that is being used to communicate with more potential library users. It remains pertinent and fundamental in order to meet users‘ expectation, particularly the younger ones (Abigail & Shaw 2018).

The term ―podcast‖ originates from a combination of the brand name of the currently most popular player ―iPod™‖ developed by Apple. The term ―broadcast‖ is a traditional means of disseminating information and leisure content on the electronic media such as radio or television. When the two words are merged, the term podcast, podcaster, and the art of podcasting were born. Podcast refers to a group of internet based applications that are built on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0. It is a creation process that enables individuals to produce their contents and share information, using web-based applications and tools. They maintained that such applications allow users to interact freely, share and discuss information using multimedia mix of text, pictures, videos, and audio (Kaplan &Haenlein 2014).

Podcasting is a recent phenomenon on the internet that explores possibilities to act as an alternative tool for libraries. Podcasts have an additional advantage, of   being a ―push‖ or ―subscription‖ rather than a ―pull‖ technology. That is, the material is delivered directly from the source Internet location to the receivers‘ devices, rather than requiring the user to seek it out and download it. This reduces the difficulty experienced by the users in having to search for, locate, and retrieve the contents. Whilst maximum benefit comes from downloading podcasts into a portable device, it is usually also possible to listen to or watch them using a PC. This makes them an ideal tool, since users without portable devices are not prevented from accessing the material. (Campbell, 2015).

Libraries can utilize podcast for information service delivery in providing database trainings, weekly updates, book reviews, and interviews with users or other personalities. Recordings of presentations, lectures and tutorials, library self-directed tours, can also be delivered through podcast. Libraries can also use podcast as staff development and orientation resources. Podcasts can also be used as reference sources and tools for collection development. Podcasts can expand the range of services that libraries offer by making audio content available to the users (Lamb and Johnson, 2017).

Malan (2017) stated that Harvard University library uses podcast for information service delivery. Traditional lectures were recorded and then podcast to allow students to review them if they wished. He found that students valued the flexibility that the podcasts offered particularly with regard to review rather than as an alternative to attendance. The use of podcasting technology has kept on increasing in the developed countries and podcasts are being developed by various libraries and information centers. The School of Information Resources and Library Science University of Arizona, offers podcast on educational events, lectures of guest speakers and other kinds of live presentations combined with audio, video and supplementary materials for the use of students, faculty staff and others (Worcester and Barker, 2013).

On this note, before a library commits resources in utilizing podcast for information service delivery, the library has to know the extent of awareness of the podcast among the librarians. Would podcast support the library's goals?  What is the information need of their users? Is a portable audio format the best format for this task? Would podcasting add value to library patrons? Who are the intended audience of the library podcast? Is podcasting economically feasible for the library?  Like other technologies, podcasts are most effective as a supplement to traditional programs and services, rather than as a replacement. (Hew, 2014).

Library and Information professionals in Nigerian libraries have a significant role to play in the incorporation of this innovative technology and theneed to acquire new modern knowledge for competencies, as information professionals, more is expected of them from their users in order to maintain a competitive edge, effectiveness and efficiency in their service delivery.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Developments in the area on Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT) more especially from the second half of the twentieth century engendered the emergence of web 2.0 application. These are Internet-based plat forms that allow community of users to share content, send messages and interact seamlessly. The most notable application includes Blogs Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Youtube, WhatsApp, Instant Messaging, wikis and podcast.

Specifically, the evolution and subsequent proliferation of hand-held devices such as smart phones have also added to the accessibility of library services from anywhere and at any time. Therefore, academic libraries and indeed all other types of libraries across the globe and particularly in developed and some other developed countries of the world have responded to the needs of present generation of clients by providing web 2.0 compliant service and resources (Cassidy, etal 2014).

Consequently, web 2.0is increasingly used among organization to interact with clients and customers. Libraries are not left out of this trend. Since 2004 many studies have been conducted worldwide on Web 2.0 applications to enhance service delivery among libraries.In Nigeria some of the available studies on Web 2.0 applications include that ofOmeluzor ( 2017), Nkeiru (2016), Abdullahi (2015) and Anunobi (2014) which only focused on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Youtube, WhatsApp, Instant Messaging (IM) and wikis, However, no research was conducted on the use of podcast for library services delivery.Despite all the accrued benefits that academic libraries can derive in supporting effective and efficient information service delivery as discovered by O‘Banno (20150).

 

Thus little is known on the use of podcast in the delivery of library and information service among Nigerian libraries.In an attempt to fill the gap, the researcher seeks to investigate the extent of librarian‘s awareness and utilization of podcast for information service delivery in

university libraries in Kano State.

1.3 Research Questions

The following questions were drawn to guide the study:

  1. To what extent are librarians aware of the relevance of the podcast to information service delivery in the university libraries in Kano State?
  2. For What purposes is podcast usedin university libraries in Kano State?
  3. To what extent is podcast used by librarians for information service delivery in the university libraries in Kano State?
  4. What are the challenges faced by librarians in using the podcast for information service delivery in university libraries in Kano State?

1.4 Research Objectives

Below are the specific objectives of the research to:

  1. Measure the extent of librarians‘ awareness of the relevance of the podcast for information service delivery in university libraries in Kano State.
  2. Identify the purposes for which the podcast is used by librarians for information service delivery in university libraries in Kano State.
  3. Measure the extent to whichthe podcast is used bylibrarians for information service delivery in the university libraries in Kano State.
  4. Identify the challenges faced by librarians in the course of using the podcast for information service delivery in the university libraries in Kano State.

 

 

1.5Significance of the Study

The uniqueness of the study lies in the relevant information it provides and it help in creating more awareness onutilization of podcast for information service delivery. It is believed that the findings of this study will enable the librariansto know that utilization of podcast wouldassist libraries to achievetheir goalsin support of teaching, learning and research activitiesof their institution. It is expected that the findings of the study may helpInstitution‘s managements and library management committeesand other related Institutionssuch as archives and museums.in formulating appropriate policies for the adoption of podcasting technology forinformation services delivery.

Moreover, understanding librarians on utilization of podcast for information service s deliverywould contribute to the existing literature and body of knowledge in library and information science and serve as a reference for future research. The findings would also be of benefit to librariansin the university libraries in Kano Stateand researcherswho may wish to carry out further studies on the issues of podcasting technology. 1.6Scope of the Study

This study focusedon Awareness and Utilization ofPodcast for Information Service Delivery Among Librarians in University Libraries in Kano State. The respondents in this study covered only librariansworking in the university libraries with a minimum qualification of first degree in Library and Information science, other supporting staffs are excluded from the study.

 

 

      1.7Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms have been defined operationally:

Awareness; Consciousness or having knowledge of something.

Information Service Delivery: A service provided by information professional which draws attention to information possessed in the Library in anticipation of demand

Podcast;A digital media that consist of an episodic series of audio, video, digital radio, PDF, or ePub files available on the internet that can be download to a personal computer or MP3 player. Utilization; The act of using something or state of being used

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Abdullahi, F. (2015) Perception and Readiness of Librarians Towardsthe Use of SocialMedia inHigher Institutions of Learning in Metropolitan Kano. PP 61-63.

Abigail G. & Shaw M. (2018) Fostering Effective Student Communication in Online Graduate  Courses; by IGI Global Communication Published in USA web.  Site http/  www gi-global.com. pp.39- 41

Akintunde, S. A. (2016). Libraries as Tools for ICT Development. Paper  Delivered  at the Nigerian Library Association 42nd National  Conference and AGM held at Akure, Nigeria from June  20th-25th, 2016, pp.10.

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Hew, K. (2014). Use of Audio Podcast in K-12 and Higher Education: a Review of  Research Topics and Methodologies. Association for Educational Communications and  Technology, 333-358. doi: DOI 10.1007/s11423-008-9108-3.

Kamal-Raj (2016) WEB 2.0 Awareness among Library & InformationScienceProfessionals  of the Engineering Colleges in Chennai City: Publication, pp. 19

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AWARENESS AND APPLICATION OF PODCAST FOR INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION AMONG LIBRARIANS IN UNIVERSITIES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

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