Education and Training of Information Professionals for National Integration and Development in Nigeria: The Path Not Yet Trodden

Abstract

This study examined the education and training of library and information professionals for national integration and development in Nigeria. It surveyed five academic libraries in Cross River State to determine the levels of the competencies especially in IT/ICT based knowledge to deliver requisite services, the support given to professionals for continuing education programmes and the regularity of these trainings given to them to update knowledge and skills. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire designed for librarians in the institutions under study. It was discovered that a high proportion of professionals lacked the basic IT/ICT skills to deliver the mandate and that institutional support for training was inadequate and equally irregular. Recognizing the important role information professional play in acquiring, organizing and disseminating information for education and development, the study recommends that training of information professionals should be given a front position by both institutions and government.