EMERGING ISSUES IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE COVID-19 ERA

Victor Wagwu

Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan Automated Library, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuorlumeni, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Kolawole Francis Ogunbodede

University Library, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Comfort N. Owate

Department of Library and Information Sciences, University of Port Harcourt Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria

Keywords: Online Learning, Online Teaching, LIS Education, COVID-19, Social Media, Internet Access, Rivers State

Abstract

This paper examined emerging issues in Library and Information Science (LIS) education in the COVID-19 era. Two research questions guided the study. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey design. Population of the study comprised 50 LIS lecturers in three universities in Rivers State. Convenience sampling was done as the entire population who responded by filling out the online questionnaire were used for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. A total of 36 respondents filled the questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency count, simple percentages, and mean scores. Findings of the study revealed that majority of LIS lecturers make use of WhatsApp and Zoom platforms for online learning. It was also established that poor Internet connectivity, poor electricity supply, and lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills among others were some of the challenges to effective use of online learning platforms. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that the school management should provide adequate Internet facilities, improve on electricity supply and organize ICT training for academic staff to fully utilize the various online learning platforms which is a prerequisite to remain relevant in the COVID-19 era.