Determinants of Effective Research Information Retrieval among Nigerian Librarians: The Roles of ICT Competencies, Web Competencies, and Web Search Strategies

1. Introduction

In today’s digital age, the role of librarians has transcended beyond traditional bookkeeping and cataloging to encompass more dynamic responsibilities, especially in the realm of research information retrieval. With the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the proliferation of online resources, the landscape of information retrieval has evolved significantly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for librarians. Effective research information retrieval involves the process of finding and accessing relevant information that can be used to support research activities. To effectively retrieve relevant information for research, it is necessary to define the research topic, choose appropriate search terms, use appropriate search tools, refine search results, evaluate the information’s reliability and relevance, and finally, organize and manage the retrieved information (Zhang & Yang, 2022). Librarians play a vital role in facilitating access to research information for their patrons, and their ability to retrieve relevant information in a timely and effective manner is crucial to their success in this role.

The importance of information grows when it is applied effectively. However, many users lack familiarity with information retrieval tools, especially in developing nations. Studies by Pavani and Veerla (2019), Afebende and Nna-Etuk (2019), Obat (2019), Nneka, Obiora, and Juliet (2014), and Madu, Vandi, and Chagwa (2018) have highlighted this issue. These studies emphasize the urgent need for modern search strategies and enhanced ICT skills among librarians to bridge this gap. This underscores the need for contemporary search strategies and improved ICT skills among librarians.

Some key factors that can impact librarians’ ability to effectively retrieve research information are their levels of ICT competencies, web competencies, and web search strategies. ICT competencies refer to the skills and knowledge required to use information and communication technologies effectively, including software applications, digital media, and the internet (Hussain & Nayab, 2021; Omehia et al., 2021). Also, it refer to the ability of librarians to effectively navigate and utilize various information and communication technologies in their daily tasks. This includes proficiency in using library management systems, databases, digital archives, and other digital tools that facilitate information retrieval. Librarians with higher levels of ICT competencies are better equipped to navigate and use various digital tools and resources to locate and retrieve relevant research information (Bajpai & Madhusudhan, 2019).

Web competencies, on the other hand, refer specifically to the skills and knowledge required to navigate and use the web effectively, including understanding web design, search engine optimization, and web-based applications (Oyieke & Dick, 2017). In an era where a vast majority of research materials are available online, librarians must possess the skills to identify credible sources, evaluate the reliability of information, and navigate various web platforms efficiently. Web competencies enable librarians to guide researchers and students in accessing and utilizing online resources that are pertinent to their academic and research needs. Having greater web competencies allows librarians to effectively navigate online resources and locate pertinent research information. Additionally, effective web search strategies, such as using appropriate search terms, understanding search algorithms, and utilizing advanced search techniques, are critical for efficient and successful research information retrieval (Tella, 2011; Afebende, 2019).

Information retrieval involves selecting relevant information sources from a variety of sources to satisfy a specific research information need, which can be done using full-text indexing or content-based indexing. It also involves finding information within documents and databases containing texts, pictures, sounds, or metadata, and automated information retrieval techniques are used to reduce information overload. Afebende (2019) highlights that libraries play an important role in meeting the information needs of their users by acquiring, organizing, and preserving a variety of resources. However, with the increasing complexity of the information environment due to the development and use of ICTs and the widening variety of informational formats and contents, information access has become more challenging. It was found that libraries lack the necessary tools to effectively search for information resources, which makes it difficult for users to efficiently navigate and use library resources. To address this issue, there is a need for better information literacy and related technological skills among library users. Academic librarians should possess the necessary IT skills and knowledge to provide electronic services and teach information literacy skills to their users.

Ayoku and Okafor (2015) emphasized that most librarians in Nigeria have insufficient IT skills, and that the future of academic libraries will largely depend on the IT proficiency of their librarians. Thus, to effectively operate in the current technological and digital era, librarians must possess extensive IT knowledge and skills. Cheng and Chau (2016) stressed the importance of developing professional ICT competencies through a curriculum tailored for librarians. They highlighted that ICT skills are crucial for librarians to succeed in their profession. More so, Ojiegbe (2010) revealed that library staffs in Nigeria mostly learn ICT skills through self-practice, as library schools lack the necessary facilities to teach these competencies. Additionally, leaders’ unwillingness to provide funding, hire additional staff, and grant study leave hinders library employees from attending ICT competency training.

Information retrieval systems are widely used in universities and libraries to provide access to books, journals, and other publications, with web search engines being the most common. Tsai, Liang, Hou, and Tsai (2012) found that users who utilize the internet to find research information have better attitudes and abstract comparisons. Onuoha, Akidi, and Chukwueke (2019) emphasized the importance of ICTs and ICT skills in society, including in library services, while also highlighting the significance of information management and email expertise, and the authors also found that users have developed various ICT skills, including web 2.0 and information retrieval competences. Doyle (2019) also identified several competences that librarians need, such as web search, digital marketing, and online collaboration.

Web search strategies encompass the systematic approaches and techniques employed by librarians to retrieve information from the web. This includes employing advanced search operators, utilizing specialized databases, employing citation tracking, and leveraging other search techniques to optimize the retrieval of relevant and reliable information. Effective web search strategies enable librarians to assist researchers in finding the most pertinent and valuable resources, thereby enhancing the quality and depth of research outputs. Effective web search strategies are critical for efficient and successful research information retrieval. Effective search strategies involve using appropriate search terms and keywords, understanding search algorithms and how they work, and using advanced search techniques to narrow down search results (Tella, 2011; Afebende, 2019).

The University of Johannesburg Library (2020) states that in order to locate the necessary research resources, such as library catalogs and online databases, individuals must utilize search strategies that involve the use of research terms and search methodologies. Search terms alone are not enough to produce effective search results. The most commonly used search techniques by internet users include Truncation, Parentheses, Field Searching, Phrase Searching, Wildcards, and Boolean Logic. Tella et al. (2017) conducted a study that found that certain factors, such as search engines, Boolean search operators, and emotional intelligence, have a significant impact on the effectiveness of information retrieval. Tella (2011) also found that factors like emotional intelligence, membership in online discussion forums, and internet and computer self-efficacy significantly impact the effectiveness of users’ web searches. Nyemezu et al. (2021) found that most online search engines, except Bing, Yahoo, Google Scholar, and Google, tend to have poor performance, with Google being the most extensively used by users.

Baro, Obaro, and Aduba (2019) highlight the challenges faced by librarians in acquiring digital literacy skills, such as a lack of funds for training and a shortage of equipment and skilled instructors. The librarians also reported moderate levels of digital literacy skills, with disparities among those sampled. To address these issues, Okehie, Nnadieto, Obiano, and Ogonna (2022) recommend that universities provide on-the-job ICT training for librarians and monitor their use of ICT to ensure compliance with international standards.

While the adoption of ICTs and web-based resources has expanded the scope of available information, it has also necessitated librarians to acquire new competencies and skills to remain relevant and effective in their roles. However, there is limited empirical research that explores the determinants of effective research information retrieval among Nigerian librarians, particularly focusing on the roles of ICT competencies, web competencies, and web search strategies. Understanding these determinants is crucial as it provides insights into the areas where capacity-building initiatives and training programs can be targeted to enhance librarians’ capabilities in information retrieval. Moreover, identifying the key factors that influence effective research information retrieval can inform policy formulation, curriculum development, and strategic planning aimed at optimizing library services and supporting research excellence in Nigeria.

2. Literature review

3. Methodology

The study adopted a purely quantitative method using a survey as the research design. The population of study consists of librarians in North-central, Nigeria university libraries. Nworgu (2015) asserted that a systematic data collection and description of the traits, characteristics, or facts of a specific population is the aim of descriptive survey research design. The purposive sampling techniques was use to select librarians in eight (8) universities library in North-central, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique or census was utilized to comprise all the 112 librarians in the eight (8) selected university libraries in North-central, Nigeria. A web-based designed questionnaire using Google Forms titled Competencies of ICT, Web, Search Strategies and Effective Research Information Retrieval (CICTWSSERIR) scale of librarians was used for data collection. The questionnaire used in the study consisted of five main divisions, with the first division gathering demographic information, and the second and third divisions measuring respondents’ levels of ICT competencies and web competencies, respectively, using adapted six-item scales from Ojiegbe (2010) with response scales ranging from Very High to Very Low, and exhibiting high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients of 0.889 and 0.792 respectively. The fourth division which assessed respondents’ web search strategies using a six-item scale adapted from Eke, Omekwu, and Agbo (2014), with response options ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree and exhibiting high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.824. Additionally, the fifth division measured respondents’ effective research information retrieval using a five-item scale adapted from Tella, Anyim, Memudu, and Olaniyi (2017), also with response options ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree, and displaying high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.858 in the current study, and 0.89 in the initial instrument. The questionnaire consisted of 27 items and was designed as a web-based form using Google Forms, with a link shared through WhatsApp and Telegram groups by seven research assistants who were trained for two days on distributing the questionnaire and providing guidance on filling it out. A total of 109 responses were collected from librarians in eight designated university libraries in North-central Nigeria, which were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24 with inferential statistics such as multiple regression analysis and Pearson product moment correlation, with an alpha level of 0.05 for all hypothesis tests. The data collection and analysis were successful, thanks to the cooperation of the respondents and the efforts of the research assistants.

4. Results

The respondents demographic profile revealed that of the 109 librarians surveyed, 41 (37.6%) were females, while 68 (62.4%) were males. This implies that men librarians out number female librarians in North-central Nigerian universities. The respondents’ institution distribution revealed that 26 were from University A, 16 were from University B, 15 were from University C, 11 were from University D, and 28 were from University E, while 13 were from University F. The responders’ ages range from 20 to 50+ years (M=2.50, SD=0.85). Furthermore, Respondents’ educational backgrounds ranged from B.LIS to PhD in library and information studies/science (M=2.13, SD=0.60).

Table 1 presents the correlation matrixes for zero-order Pearson of respondents’ ICT competencies, web competencies, web search strategies, and effective research information retrieval of respondents. It is presumed that there are significant relationships between ICT competencies and effective research information retrieval (r = .402, p<.05); web competencies and effective research information retrieval (r = .622, p<.05); web search strategies and effective research information retrieval of the respondents (r = .514, p<.05). Clearly, there is a relationship that exits between web competencies and ICT competencies of the respondents (r = .683, p<.05). Additionally, there is a clear correlation between respondents’ web competencies and their web search strategies (r =.733, p<.05). Furthermore, there is no significant correlation between ICT competencies and web search strategies (r = .521, p>.05) of the respondents.

Table 1.

Pearson’s zero-order correlations between study variables

The result in table 2 displayed the ICT competencies, web competencies, web search strategies, and effective research information retrieval of librarians’ regression results. Regression analysis results reveal an adjusted R2 value of 0.663 ((a) in Table 2) and an F-ratio of 37.852 ((b) in Table 2); the latter is significant at the level of 0.05 (0.000<0.05). According to these findings, the three independent variables—ICT competencies, web competencies and web search strategies—together explained or projected 68.4% of the variations in the librarians’ effective research information retrieval as indicated by the R2 value. The F-ratio suggests that the foretold is also significant.

Table 2.

Regression of librarian ICT competencies, web competencies, web search strategies and effective research information retrieval(N=109)

Table 2 (c) shows the individual contributions of the three factors in determining librarian’s effective research information retrieval. Firstly, the results show that every factor significantly influences the forecast, as shown by the significance of the t values, which are higher than 0.05, as shown in the “t” column of the table. Furthermore, the standardised coefficients (β values), which demonstrate the relative significance of each variable influencing librarians effective research information retrieval, showed that ICT competencies contributed few to the determinant of effective research information retrieval (βvalue =0.145), followed in a positive descending sequence of strength by web competencies (β =0.006), and also followed in order of increasing strength by web search strategies (β =0.497). These results show that the three variables (ICT competencies, web competencies, and web search strategies) make significant contributions to the determinant of librarians’ effective research information retrieval.

5. Discussion of findings

This study found a significant relationship between ICT competencies and effective research information retrieval, suggesting that raising ICT competencies will raise effective research information retrieval. In line with this finding, Oyedokun et al. (2018) defined library staffs’ ICT competencies as the relevant skills needed to utilize digital information search, access, and delivery to the fullest extent possible, and as the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out tasks in a professional manner in the workplace.

Based on this, the study revealed that web competencies had a positive influence on the effective research information retrieval of librarians. This result is in consonance with Kankam and Nsibirwa (2019) stated that information users must be competent and skilled to obtaining online information on the web effectively.

Furthermore, the research also established a significant relationship between web search strategies and effective research information retrieval, thereby indicating that a rise in effective research information retrieval will be accompanied by a rise in web search strategies. This agreed with the study of Tella et al. (2017) who conducted a study that found that certain factors, such as search engines, Boolean search operators, and emotional intelligence, have a significant impact on the effectiveness of information retrieval.

Additionally, this study found that ICT competencies, web competencies, and web search strategies are important factors in effective research information retrieval among librarians. The relationship that occurs in this study among ICT competencies, web competencies, web search strategies, and effective research information retrieval corresponds with that of Nyemezu et al. (2021) study that most online search engines, with the exception of Bing, Yahoo, Google scholar, and Google, tend to have poor performance. Among these four search engines, only Google is extensively used by users, whereas Bing, Yahoo, and Google Scholar are rarely used. The findings also correspond with the study of Amua-Sekyi and Asare (2016) found that respondents possess ICT skills such as Internet access, word processing, database searching, presentation delivery, and email communication, but highlight the importance of information-seeking online to connect with global education. These results also concur with those of other research by Eke et al. (2014) highlighted that librarians in their study utilized search engines, databases available at the university library, and keyword searches to conduct research, but they lacked awareness of other Internet Search Strategies (ISS) such as Boolean operators, phrase searching, and emailing researchers to request research materials, as revealed by the current study. The findings is also in line with the study of Pavani and Veerla (2019) who stated that online search systems are characterized by several features, including information coverage and sources, indexing mechanisms, vocabulary management, searching tools, ranking strategies, search changes, and online search systems.

6. Conclusion

This study underscores the significant influence of ICT competencies, web competencies, and web search strategies on the effective retrieval of research information among librarians. The findings reveal that proficiency in ICT skills is essential for leveraging digital resources and technologies to their fullest extent, thereby enhancing information retrieval efficiency. Moreover, the positive correlation between web competencies and effective research information retrieval highlights the importance of navigating the online landscape adeptly to access relevant information. Additionally, the study underscores the critical role of employing effective web search strategies in locating and retrieving pertinent research materials. Collectively, these findings emphasize the interconnectedness of ICT competencies, web competencies, and web search strategies in optimizing research information retrieval processes in university libraries.

7. Implications of the Research

These findings have significant implications for library practice and professional development. The importance of continuous training and professional development initiatives aimed at enhancing librarians’ ICT competencies, web competencies, and web search strategies. Libraries should prioritize investing in training programs tailored to improve digital skills among library professionals. Furthermore, academic institutions offering Library and Information Science programs should revise their curricula to incorporate modern ICT and web competencies, ensuring graduates are adequately prepared for the evolving demands of the profession. Additionally, libraries should allocate resources towards upgrading ICT infrastructure and providing access to advanced digital resources, thereby facilitating effective research information retrieval. Lastly, user education initiatives should be implemented to empower library users with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate digital resources independently, thereby enhancing their overall information literacy and research capabilities.

8. Recommendations

The following recommendations are given in light of the study’s findings:

• (1) Libraries should collaborate with ICT training centers to offer specialized training programs tailored to enhance the ICT competencies of librarians.
• (2) Organize workshops focusing on improving web competencies, including online navigation, evaluation of digital resources, and utilization of online databases and platforms.
• (3) Implement training sessions on advanced web search strategies, emphasizing the use of Boolean operators, search engines, and other innovative search techniques to enhance information retrieval efficiency.
• (4) Establish mechanisms for continuous assessment of librarians’ competencies and gather feedback from users to identify areas for improvement and tailor training programs accordingly.

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