Skills Evaluation with Regard to Transformative Education among Library Personnel in Four State Universities in Cameroon

Abstract

This study investigated the readiness (skills) of library personnel in four (4) state universities in Cameroon, namely University of Dschang (UDs), The University of Bamenda (UBa), University of Yaoundé I (UYI) and University of Yaoundé II (UYII) in embracing new technologies in service delivery to users. Library personnel as information providers must move with the digital evolution as user expectations have become challenging and complex. Against this backdrop, two research objectives guided the study: to investigate whether library personnel possess requisite skills to provide quality services, and, to investigate strategies that can enhance skills of library personnel towards bridging the digital divide. A cross sectional non-random sampling research design was used. The skills (readiness) of library personnel in the provision of services in university libraries under study and strategies to enhance readiness were investigated. A population of 97 personnel was used with 100% return rate. Research instruments were questionnaire and interview guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 2.7 software. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing interview items. The findings presented using a hedonic scale (insufficient to very sufficient skills) revealed that in the Circulation, Reference and Preservation Sections of the libraries 53% and 55% respectively of the respondents had insufficient skills. In the Collection Development Section 56% also had insufficient ability decreasing to 55% in the Cataloguing and Classification Section. Strategies identified to enhance readiness include on-the-job training, seminars/workshops especially designed to train on e-library resources and attend library schools. Challenges faced were inadequate equipment, staff, power supply, budget, and internet.