ASSESSMENT OF LIBRARIANS’ LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON BIG DATA TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Big data technologies are the software tools used to manage all types of datasets both structured, semi-structured and unstructured data that organizations collect, analyze and mine for information and insights. Big data technologies can be categorized into four main types: data storage, data mining, data analytics, and data visualization. In today's digital age, libraries are not just repositories of books. They're hubs of information, generating and collecting massive amounts of data on user behavior, resource usage, and research trends. This study investigates the level of awareness among librarians in Northern Nigerian universities on the big data technologies. Survey research method using descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised of 107 professional librarians working in university libraries within Northern Nigeria. The researchers adopted convenient sampling technique in selecting the sample size of the study. Data was collected using designed questionnaire on Google form and distributed the instrument link to different available social media platforms. A total number of 107 questionnaires were filled by the respondents, returned and found useful. Collected data were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study revealed that, librarians are highly aware of the concept of big data technologies and it’s potential to transform library services. It also revealed that the primary sources of getting information about big data technologies are through social media, professional events, online courses, and webinars. It equally revealed that librarians in university libraries have a good understanding of two core characteristics (volume and variety) of big data technologies and lacking in other areas. Findings also revealed that librarians recognize the potential of big data for optimizing resource management and accessibility, improving resource collection and management, and improving overall service delivery. Findings revealed that, biggest challenges librarians anticipate for integrating big data technologies in libraries could be lack the technical skills required to utilize big data tools effectively, limited funding for big data infrastructure and librarian training, and compatibility issues between existing library systems and big data technologies. Recommendations were made in line with the research findings such as need for more enlightenment programs focused on applying big data technological tools in university libraries and also there is need for university libraries to pay more attention to the interactive, social learning, and self-directed learning options besides fostering collaboration and investing in internal training.