University libraries-bridging digital gaps and accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals through information and communication technologies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of university libraries in accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals through Information and Communication Technologies. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a researcher developed questionnaire for data collection. One hundred and three professional librarians working in all the university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria were surveyed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 19) was used to run the analysis. The university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria are not lagging behind in the provision of ICT facilities for the delivery of 21st Century library services. The paper highlights the critical role of university libraries in bridging digital gaps by taking advantage of information and communication technologies to accelerate the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. ICTs have the capacity to accelerate the actualisation of Sustainable Development Goals in all communities. However, illiteracy, lack of political accountability and transparency, lack of financial resources and inadequate power supply were the major challenges impeding the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Ogun State, Nigeria. This paper establishes the role of university libraries in bridging digital gaps through information and communication technologies in order to facilitate the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. The paper originality lies in its concise articulation of the roles of university libraries and Information and Communication technologies in the actualisation of sustainable development goals. Library and information professionals who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of SDGs will find this article useful.