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NextGen Journal of Librarianship
NextGen Journal of Librarianship
Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)•Open Access
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Assessment of ICT Tools For Book Security in Academic Libraries in Taraba State, Nigeria

Usman 1ISMAIL, 1CorrespondingiD,Joy Emmanuel OMAH2,Janet Sabo Kente IBRAHIM, 3
1Library Department, College of Education, Zing, Taraba State, United States
22Department of Library and Information Science, Taraba State University, Jalingo
3Department of Social Science and Humanities, College of Education Zing. Taraba State
DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23966361ZenodoZenodo Record
Published: November 5, 2026•Peer-Reviewed•0 Downloads
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Abstract

This study examined the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools for securing books in academic libraries in public tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the availability, state, and types of ICT tools used for book security. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population of 182 librarians, administrative staff, and ICT personnel across selected public tertiary institutions in the state. Census sampling was used, while data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled ICT Tools and Book Security Questionnaire (ICTTBSQ). The instrument was validated by experts and yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.87. A total of 176 questionnaires were retrieved and analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, The findings revealed that ICT tools required for securing books were moderately available (grand mean = 0.35, SD = 0.45), while the available tools were generally in a relatively satisfactory state (grand mean = 2.64, SD = 1.03). Respondents also agreed on the types of ICT tools used for book security (grand mean = 2.65, SD = 1.07). Significant differences were found among the responses of librarians, administrative staff, and ICT staff regarding the state of ICT tools, F(2,175) = 8.405, p < .001, whereas no significant differences were found regarding their availability, F(2,175) = 2.769, p = .06, and types, F(2,175) = 2.116, p = .124. The study concluded that ICT tools play an important role in securing books in academic libraries in Taraba State, although their availability remains inadequate for comprehensive book security. It was recommended that library management should regularly conduct needs assessments and provide adequate funding to address gaps in ICT security facilities and ensure equitable access to appropriate technologies.

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Declarations & Editorial Statements

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing financial or non-financial interests.

Funding Information

No external research grant was declared for this project.

Data Availability Statement

All experimental scripts, model architectures, and benchmark configurations are openly available as cited in the paper.

Publishing License

Published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Authors retain copyright.