Computer Anxiety as Predictor of Librarians’ Perceived Ease of Use of Automated Library Systems in Nigerian University Libraries

Abstract

The paper examines the predictive effect of computer anxiety on perceived ease of use of automated library systems by library staff in Nigerian universities. A survey research design was used to collect data on level of computer anxiety and perceptions of ease of use of automated library systems among the library staff. The study found that many of the university libraries in Nigeria are not yet fully automated,due to financial constraints, erratic power supply and inadequate information technology (IT) facilities. The study also found that the main library routine for which the computer is used to perform is cataloguing. The library staff exhibited a moderate level of computer use anxiety; yet,computer use anxiety was found to be a strong predictor of perceived ease of use of automated library systems by the library staff. The paper recommends adequate funding of university libraries to facilitate the financing of continuing IT use training programmes for library staff, which would, in turn, enhance optimal use of automated library systems in the university libraries.