Towards a sustainable automated library operation: the imperatives of digital skills and related factors of digital skills development of university library professionals in Nigeria

Introduction. Research shows that libraries in Nigeria are still grappling with automating their library operations because of lack of skilled workforce. This study has explored the current digital skills and training gaps of library professionals in Nigeria.

Method. This study adopted a survey design using a mixed method strategy of both quantitative and qualitative procedures to collect data through questionnaires and interviews sequentially from 453 respondent.

Analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and qualitative data was subjected to thematic content analysis.

Results. Findings revealed that the university library professionals in Nigeria lack operational digital skills to carry out tasks especially serials, acquisition, cataloging management etc. Also, found that in-house training is the only pathway for expert training on digital operations while others are ineffective. Personal factors such as financial constraints and gender related issues, alongside management factors such as policy and poor financing were found to impede capacity development of library staff in Nigeria.

Conclusion. The study recommends re-harnessing the existing resources and refocusing the training programs towards expert programs.