A library-based model for explaining information exchange on Coronavirus disease in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Misinformation about COVID-19 is one of the challenges that health experts need to overcome if they must effectively create awareness about the virus. Available literature point to the fact that libraries have a significant role to play in the dissemination of health messages. Additionally, recent evidence on the nexus between mobile technology devices and libraries show that such devices have promising potentials to assist modern libraries in their service delivery. Nonetheless, researchers have paid less attention in suggesting models that explain how modern libraries can contribute in information dissemination during public health emergencies in general and COVID-19 in particular.

Objective: This study sought to develop a library-based model that will explain how libraries can make use of mobile technology devices to deliver information to their patrons regarding COVID-19.  

Methodology: An online descriptive survey was used for the study. The questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. A total of 470 participants took part in the study. The respondents were sampled through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) chain referrals. The multiple regression analysis was used to analyze data for the study.

Results: Mobile technology devices such as cell phone, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, netbook, etc can be used to effectively deliver information on COVID-19 to library users in Nigeria. Additionally, facilitating conditions such as access to Internet connectivity, ownership of mobile technology device, ability to operate mobile technology devices, as well as capacity to make provision for alternative Internet access determine the utilization of mobile technology for receiving information on COVID-19 through libraries among users in Nigeria. Finally, performance expectancy and effort expectancy significantly predict behaviour intention regarding the use of mobile library features for information reception on COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Unique contribution: The study has developed a library-based model that explains how to use mobile technology devices to effectively disseminate information on COVID-19 to library users in Nigeria.

Conclusion: Libraries have a critical role to play regarding information dissemination during public health emergencies such as COVID-19.

Key recommendation: Libraries should deploy mobile technology devices to effectively deliver services to their patrons.