The extent of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure application in library and information science education in Nigeria

The study sought to examine the extent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) application in Library and Information Science (LIS) education in Nigeria. It looked at what formed the stumbling block to this ICT application. But first it x-rayed LIS courses in the undergraduate curricula of Library Schools that require ICT infrastructural application. Descriptive survey design was employed. Questionnaire was used to elicit data from the librarians. Other methods used to obtain data for the study include documentary evidence and checklist. Descriptive statistical techniques such as mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the data collated. Findings of this study revealed that dearth of ICT infrastructure affect its low application in teaching and learning. The LIS educators do not actually apply in their teaching the ICT infrastructure in the available ICT related courses because of large class size, erratic power supply, inadequate infrastructure etc. Hence this affects the LIS professionals because they come out not having enough ICT skill knowledge.  This study recommends: increase in the number and acquisition of more different types of ICT training infrastructure, awareness creation on the importance of application of ICT infrastructure, standardization of the types and number of training facilities and ensuring their actual implementation in teaching and learning in library school programme in Nigeria by LIS professional bodies. It also recommends resource sharing to curb inadequacies of this infrastructure among others. This study concludes that when these are implemented library schools will not only compete favourably with other information related fields but live up to their expectations of producing librarians who will use the ICT tools to offer the type of services required and needed by information seekers in our contemporary society. Key words: LIS education, ICT, ICT infrastructure, Nigeria.