Digital Literacy Skills among Librarians in Nursing and Midwifery Training Institutions in Lango Subregion

Abstract

This study investigated the level of digital skills (DS) among librarians working in nursing and midwifery training institutions in the Lango subregion, aiming to propose recommendations that may be adopted by these institutions to develop the DS of their librarians. The major issue underlying the study is the inadequate digital literacy skills of librarians in nursing and midwifery training institutions, which hinders their ability to effectively support teaching, learning, and access to digital health information resources. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a convergent parallel design; the target population consisted of librarians working in nursing and midwifery training institutions. A census approach was adopted for the quantitative component, while a purposive sampling method was preferred for the qualitative component. Data were collected through both a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. In contrast, qualitative data from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The key findings of the study established that the librarians do not possess the basic digital skills required of a 21st-century librarian. Regarding how they acquire their digital skills, the study found that the most common methods are learning through colleagues, self-teaching, workshops, seminars, and attending library schools. Concerning the challenges faced while acquiring these skills, the major challenges identified include inadequate library ICT instructors, limited funding, frequent power outages, technophobia, unstable internet, and poor attitudes of librarians, among others. The study recommended increasing funding to the library, improving internet stability, sponsoring and encouraging librarians to pursue CPD online courses, upgrading library ICT infrastructure, securing alternative sources of power, and encouraging institutions to join CUUL and RENU, among others.