CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methodology adopt for the study. It focuses on the procedures and
techniques used to collect, analyze, and interpret data on the influence of ICT skills on effective
information service delivery in Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero
Academic Library. The chapter is structured in line with the research objectives and questions,
ensuring that the methods adopted are appropriate for generating reliable and valid findings.
Moreover, the methodology provides a systematic framework that guides the entire research
process, ensuring that the study is conducted in a logical, consistent, and scientific manner. It
also ensures that the data collected is credible and can be used to draw meaningful conclusions
about the relationship between ICT skills and information service delivery in academic libraries.
Furthermore, this chapter outlines the research design, population of the study, sampling
techniques, instruments for data collection, validity and reliability of the instrument, method of
data collection, method of data analysis, and ethical considerations. Each of these components is
carefully selected to ensure that the study objectives are effectively achieved and that the
findings accurately reflect the realities within the academic library environment.
3.1 Research Design
The study adopts a descriptive survey research design. This design is considered appropriate
because it enables the researcher to collect data from respondents in order to describe and
analyze the influence of ICT skills on effective information service delivery in the academic
library setting. It is particularly suitable because it allows for the collection of factual
information from library staff and users regarding their experiences, perceptions, and
engagement with ICT-based services.
The choice of this design is also informed by the need to obtain a clear picture of existing
conditions without manipulating or controlling the study variables, thereby ensuring that
responses reflect the actual situation within the academic library environment.
Moreover, the descriptive survey design is widely used in social science and library research
because it provides a systematic approach to studying a population without manipulating
variables. It also allows the researcher to obtain data that reflects real-life conditions within the
library environment, thereby ensuring objectivity and accuracy in the findings.
Furthermore, this design is suitable for studies that aim to generalize findings from a sample to a
larger population, especially where data is collected through structured questionnaires and
analyzed using statistical tools. It also enables the researcher to identify patterns, trends, and
relationships among variables such as ICT skills and service delivery effectiveness.
More so, the descriptive survey design is particularly relevant to this study because it supports
the investigation of opinions, attitudes, and perceptions of library staff regarding ICT usage.
Since the study focuses on human behavior and professional practices within the library system,
this design provides a reliable basis for understanding how ICT skills influence the quality of
information services delivered to users.

3.2 Population of the Study

The population of this study comprises all library staff of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science
and Technology, Aliero Academic Library. This includes professional librarians, library officers,
ICT unit staff, and support staff involved in information service delivery.
The inclusion of these categories is based on the fact that they constitute the core human
resources responsible for planning, managing, and delivering information services within the
academic library system.
These categories of staff are considered appropriate for the study because they are directly
involved in the use of ICT tools in the provision of library services. They interact with systems
such as online catalogues, digital databases, institutional repositories, and other electronic
information platforms, making them reliable sources of information for the study.
Moreover, these staff members play different but complementary roles in ensuring that
information services are effectively delivered, ranging from technical support in ICT operations
to user assistance and information dissemination.
Furthermore, the population is relevant to the study because it represents individuals who are
actively engaged in day-to-day library operations where ICT tools are applied. Their experiences
and competencies are essential in assessing how ICT skills influence the efficiency, accuracy,
and timeliness of information service delivery.
By focusing on this population, the study obtains comprehensive and practical insights into how
ICT is utilized within the academic library environment, as well as the challenges and
opportunities associated with its effective implementation.

3.3 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

A sample of respondents is selected from the total population of library staff using an appropriate
sampling technique. The study adopts stratified sampling technique to ensure fair representation
of different categories of staff within the library.
The use of a sample rather than the entire population is considered necessary due to time,
financial, and logistical constraints, while still ensuring that the data collected remains
representative of the entire population under study.
Stratified sampling is considered suitable because it divides the population into sub-groups such
as professional librarians, ICT personnel, and support staff, ensuring that each category is
adequately represented. This enhances the accuracy, reliability, and generalizability of the
findings.
It also ensures that variation in ICT skills and job responsibilities across different staff categories
is properly captured, thereby providing a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of the
phenomenon being studied.
Within each stratum, simple random sampling is used to select respondents. This ensures that
every staff member has an equal chance of being selected, thereby reducing bias and improving
the objectivity of the study.
Moreover, this approach strengthens the credibility of the research findings by minimizing
sampling errors and ensuring that the selected respondents accurately reflect the characteristics
of their respective groups.
Furthermore, the combination of stratified and simple random sampling techniques enhances
both precision and fairness in the selection process, thereby improving the overall quality and
validity of the research outcomes.
3.4 Sources of Data Collection

The study relies on primary data. Primary data is collected directly from respondents through the
use of a structured questionnaire.
This approach is adopted to ensure that the information obtained is original, specific, and directly
related to the objectives of the study, particularly the influence of ICT skills on information
service delivery in the academic library.
The use of primary data is appropriate because it provides firsthand and up-to-date information
on ICT skills and information service delivery from individuals who are directly involved in
library operations. This ensures that the findings reflect current realities within the academic
library environment rather than secondary interpretations.
It also allows the researcher to capture the perceptions, experiences, and professional practices of
library staff in relation to the use of ICT tools in delivering information services.
Moreover, primary data collection enables a higher level of accuracy and relevance, as
respondents provide information based on their direct involvement in ICT-related tasks such as
database management, online cataloguing, and digital reference services.
Furthermore, the reliance on primary data enhances the validity of the study because it reduces
dependence on previously published materials, which may not fully represent the current
situation in Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero Academic Library.

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection

The main instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire is
designed based on the research objectives and is divided into sections to ensure comprehensive
coverage of the study variables.
It is developed in a clear and simple format to ensure that respondents can easily understand and
respond to all items without ambiguity, thereby improving the accuracy of the data collected.
The questionnaire consists of both demographic and thematic sections, which include ICT skills
level, effectiveness of information service delivery, ICT tools availability, challenges affecting
ICT usage, and strategies for improvement. The items are structured using a Likert scale format
(Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree). The demographic section is used to obtain
background information about respondents such as staff category and years of experience, which
helps in better interpretation of the findings. The thematic sections are directly aligned with the
research questions to ensure that all relevant aspects of ICT skills and information service
delivery are adequately covered.
This method is adopted because it allows for easy quantification of responses and facilitates
statistical analysis. It also enables respondents to express the degree of their agreement with each
statement clearly and systematically.
Moreover, the Likert scale format improves the consistency of responses and makes it easier to
compare and analyze data across different respondent groups within the library.
Furthermore, the use of a structured questionnaire ensures uniformity in data collection, reduces
interviewer bias, and allows the researcher to gather large amounts of data within a short period
of time. This makes it a suitable instrument for descriptive survey research such as this study.

3.6 Validity of the Instrument

To ensure validity, the research instrument is reviewed by experts in Library and Information
Science. These experts assess the questionnaire to ensure that it adequately measures the
variables under study, particularly ICT skills and information service delivery.
This expert evaluation is important in confirming that all items in the questionnaire are properly
aligned with the research objectives and questions, thereby ensuring that the instrument is both
relevant and appropriate for the study context.
Their comments and recommendations are used to improve the clarity, relevance, and adequacy
of the instrument. This process ensures both content and face validity, meaning that the
instrument is capable of measuring what it is intended to measure and is easily understood by
respondents.
Moreover, necessary corrections such as rephrasing ambiguous questions, removing irrelevant
items, and including missing but important aspects of ICT skills and service delivery are
incorporated before final administration of the questionnaire.
Furthermore, the validation process helps to enhance the overall quality of the research
instrument by ensuring that it is free from bias, logically structured, and capable of generating
reliable data for meaningful analysis.
This step is essential in strengthening the credibility of the study, as a valid instrument increases
the accuracy of findings and ensures that conclusions drawn from the data truly reflect the
situation under investigation.
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument

The reliability of the instrument is ensured through a pilot study. A small number of
questionnaires are administered to respondents outside the study area but with similar
characteristics to the target population.
This is done to test how well the instrument performs under real data collection conditions before
it is fully administered in the main study area. The responses obtained are analyzed to test the
consistency of the instrument. This ensures that the questionnaire produces stable and consistent
results over time.
Any identified inconsistencies are corrected before the final administration of the instrument.
Moreover, the pilot study helps the researcher to identify unclear or confusing questions,
ambiguous wording, and possible response difficulties that may affect the quality of data
collection.
Furthermore, reliability testing ensures that the instrument yields similar results when
administered repeatedly under similar conditions, thereby strengthening the dependability of the
research findings. It also enhances the overall quality of the study by reducing measurement
errors and ensuring that the data collected accurately reflects respondents’ true opinions on ICT
skills and information service delivery.
By improving the consistency and stability of the instrument, the study is better positioned to
produce credible, valid, and academically acceptable results.

3.8 Method of Data Collection

The researcher personally administers the questionnaire to selected respondents in Abdullahi

Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero Academic Library. This direct
administration approach is adopted to ensure close interaction between the researcher and
respondents, thereby enhancing clarity, cooperation, and the quality of responses obtained.
This approach allows the researcher to explain the purpose of the study to respondents and
clarify any areas of misunderstanding. It also improves the response rate and ensures that
questionnaires are properly completed and returned within the specified period.
Moreover, it helps to minimize errors that may arise from misinterpretation of questionnaire
items, as respondents can seek immediate clarification where necessary.
Furthermore, personal administration of the instrument enhances the reliability of the data
collected, as it reduces the likelihood of non-response and incomplete questionnaires, which are
common challenges in survey-based research.
It also enables the researcher to maintain better control over the data collection process, ensuring
that responses are collected from the intended respondents within the study population and in a
timely manner.
Overall, this method strengthens the validity and accuracy of the research findings by ensuring
that data is collected in a structured, consistent, and well-supervised manner.

3.9 Method of Data Analysis

Data collected are analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution
tables, percentages, and mean scores. This method is appropriate because it allows for clear
presentation and interpretation of respondents’ views in relation to the research questions.
The analysis is organized according to the research questions, which include ICT skill levels,
influence on information service delivery, challenges affecting ICT usage, and strategies for
improvement.
Moreover, the use of descriptive statistics makes it easier to identify patterns, trends, and
relationships in the data, thereby supporting meaningful interpretation and conclusion of the
study.
The results are presented in tables and explained using simple descriptive interpretations to
facilitate understanding and enhance the clarity of the findings.

3.10 Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations are strictly observed throughout the study. Participation in the study is
voluntary, and respondents are adequately informed about the purpose of the research.
This is to ensure that individuals are fully aware of what the study entails before deciding to
participate, thereby promoting informed consent and respect for human dignity in the research
process.
Confidentiality and anonymity of respondents are guaranteed, and all information collected is
used strictly for academic purposes. Respondents are not required to disclose their identity, and
they have the right to withdraw from the study at any stage without any form of penalty.
Moreover, all responses obtained are treated with strict confidentiality and are not shared with
unauthorized persons, ensuring that participants’ privacy is fully protected throughout the study.
Furthermore, the researcher ensures that no harm, discomfort, or undue pressure is imposed on
respondents during data collection. The questions are designed in a clear and non-intrusive
manner to avoid misinterpretation or sensitivity issues.
Additionally, all data are handled with honesty, integrity, and professionalism in line with
acceptable academic research standards.
This includes accurate reporting of findings without fabrication, falsification, or
misrepresentation of data, thereby ensuring that the study maintains high academic and ethical
standards.
Overall, adherence to ethical principles in this study enhances the credibility, reliability, and
acceptability of the research while fostering trust between the researcher and respondents.