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Setting up and Managing ICT Lab in Nigerian Library School: Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria Experience
by Gbaje Ezra Shiloba
This paper
discusses the setting up of an ICT lab in Nigerian Library School with
special reference to the Department of Library and Information Science,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The ICT lab set up by the Emporia-Nigeria
Project, an educational partnership between Emporia State University's
School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) in Emporia, Kansas, USA
and three peer institutions in Nigeria: Bayero University, Kano; Ahmadu
Bello University, Zaria; and the University of Maiduguri. The 4-year project
is sponsored by Bureau for Cultural and Educational Affairs, College and
University Affiliation Program and U.S. State Department. The School of
Library and Information Management of Emporia State University on its own
donated computers, networking kits and provided the Human resources for the
project and training for the Lab supervisors in the Library Schools both in
Nigeria and at Emporia State University, USA.
The paper highlight how the computers donated by the Emporia-Nigeria Project
and the Management of Ahmadu Bello University were networked by the trained
lab supervisor and connected to the internet for use by the students and
staff of the Department free of charge. Specifically, the following are
discussed in the paper: IT Status of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Setting
up the Computer Lab for Department of Library and Information Science, the
Network/Internet implementations, Internet Training for Staff and Students
of the Department, Use of the ICT Lab, Management of the ICT Lab, University
Management contribution, Training of the ICT Lab Supervisor and finally
Challenges Encountered in the setting up and Management of the Lab.
The following Practical lessons can be drawn from this presentation:
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The important role academic link
program play in capacity building and academic development |
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How the ICT lab has affected the
review of curricula of the department. |
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The role IT staff trained can play
in the deployment/implementation of network and Internet connection when
given the opportunity. |
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The Cost effectiveness of setting
up and maintenance of Network and internet connection by the staff of
the institution |
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The importance of involving the
staff of the institution in setting up Network and Internet connection
for easy maintenance after the installation. |
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The importance of demystifying ICT
facilities and giving the students opportunity to work in the lab as lab
assistants which in turn develop their ICT skills and foster ICT
culture. |
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Gbaje Ezra Shiloba
Department of Library and Information Science
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
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