Libraries and Technogies in Higher Education Ecosystem: E-Learning Scenerio in Colleges of Education in Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on ascertaining the adequacy of technologies vis-à-vis e-learning technologies in libraries of higher institutions, especially in Federal Colleges of education. The paper unraveled the state of e-learning implementation and use, its impact on the teaching, research and learning processes in this 21st century. Descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study, with observation and oral interview technique used in harvesting factual responses from respondents whom were librarians and teaching staff from Federal Colleges of education in south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study explored how libraries in higher institutions, especially in federal colleges of education in south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria can partner in a collaborative manner in the elearning environment. Revelations from the research study showed that technologies such as computers, internet, Library management systems, information management systems, Local Area Network connectivity, Projector and visual display technologies, Public address systems etc, exists in higher institutions but not adequately deplored for use for e-learning academic activities in the 21st century. It was revealed that, libraries in higher institutions be brought into the central picture of e-learning academic activities, implementation and use, because libraries are epicenters of information resources in print and in non-print format, while librarians are adequately positioned as information resource counsellors. The study opined that Libraries should be well catered for in terms of internet bandwidth and strong network signals, since they already have needed infrastructure that are pivotal to the overall success of e-learning pedagogy in the higher education ecosystem in Nigeria, and implementation of elearning platforms in higher institutions should be graduated in stages and not to be rushed.