Librarian without Building in an E-Learning Environment: Needed Skills, Challenges, and Solutions
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IGI Global, USA
Abstract
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This chapter discusses e-learning, its advantages and challenges, the concept of a librarian without a
building, and the characteristics and skills of a librarian without a building in an e-learning environment.
The chapter empirically looks at the need for an e-librarian in an e-learning environment, the
needed skills for such a librarian, and their challenges. Possible solutions to identify challenges are also
discussed. The survey method was used for the study; the questionnaire was designed and administered
to 138 librarians from Academic libraries in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. 127 questionnaires
were returned and used for analysis. The study reveals that there is a great need for e-librarians in
e-learning environments, and that the librarians must possess such skills as high computer literacy,
ability to learn fast, teach, and evaluate others. It was also discovered that e-librarians are faced with
technical, administrative, financial, and capacity building challenges. Based on these, the authors recommend
that e-librarians should be supported at all levels; they should be ready to develop themselves,
strive at all cost to acquire more knowledge and skills in order to stand the changing nature of their
job. It is also recommended that government agencies that accredit programmes at tertiary institutions
should make sure that any institution that offers e-learning must also have a well organized e-library,
and a well trained e-librarian must man the library. The study concludes that e-library and e-librarian
without building must be recognized and empowered as part of the e-teaching and learning processes
Keywords
Z665 Library Science. Information Science