APPLICATION OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION (SDI) IN NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

The focus of this paper is on the use of mobile technology in the provision of effective selective dissemination of information in Nasarawa State University library, Keffi. Preliminary investigations revealed uncertainty on the rate of use of mobile technology in providing SDI in the university's library neither is there a comprehensive database captured for such purpose. As a result, this research is aimed at studying the level of awareness the provision of SDI has attained in the university, the presence of mobile technology infrastructure put in place, hindrances to provision of this service via mobile technology and necessary steps to curb the stated hindrances and challenges. The target population are the academic staff and librarians who were administered questionnaires and interviewed respectively. A total of 200 copies of questionnaires was administered; 189 copies were returned and found usable. The collected data was analyzed and presented using simple percentages and frequency counts. Majority of the respondents were male across different ranks in the academic cadre and two librarians. Findings revealed that lack of constant internet data bundle and mobile access to emails hinders effective access to SDI on the part of researchers; while lack of standard policy for SDI provision, bureaucratic processes for considering submitted reports as well as funding of internal projects and network downtime count on the part of the university library. The study recommended that there should be improved SDI awareness among lecturers through HOD’s and Deans of faculties especially during board meetings, and adopting an automated SDI system supported with a clear-cut policy for SDI provision in the university