Abstract:
Modern trends in library settings particularly in the academic library environment require that, academic libraries be positioned to provide remote and boundary-less access to their collections and services. Mobile Technologies (MT) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in recent times, as it is considered as a strong communication medium that can offer convenient library services to library patrons. The overall objective of this study was to ascertain the potentials of adopting and implementing Mobile Technology based Library Services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the mixed method approach was used. The study was limited to two academic libraries in Ghana namely, Sam Jonah Library of UCC and Osagyefo Library of UEW. A total sample size of 400 respondents was used, consisting of 10 library staff and 390 graduate students. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were adopted to select the library staff and graduate students respectively. Three hundred and sixty five responses were received. A questionnaire and an in depth interview were used to collect data for the study. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS software version 22 using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) and content thematic analysis. The major findings were that there was a strong awareness and deep appreciation for the use of MT library services among library management and students, however MT based library services has not been implemented in these two libraries due to diverse reasons. These include inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gap as a result of lack of training, lack of policy framework for the adoption of the technology and clearing the hurdle of convincing university management to accept the technology. As a result, it was recommended that the two libraries need to invest more in ICT infrastructure specifically MT infrastructure and build on their human resource base through recruitment and professional training on emerging technologies.
