BIG DATA ANALYTICS AND LIBRARY SERVICE DELIVERY: EVALUATING ADOPTION, IMPACT, AND CHALLENGES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES.

This study examined the level of adoption, perceived impact, and challenges associated with the use of big data analytics (BDA) in university libraries in Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, and a total enumeration technique was used to cover the target population of 524 librarians across 52 universities. Out of these, 420 copies of questionnaire retrieved were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that although librarians demonstrated considerable awareness of big data concepts and recognised their relevance to library operations, the actual integration of BDA into routine library services remains limited. Where applied, BDA was found to support improved understanding of users' information-seeking behaviour, personalised service delivery, more informed collection development, and better allocation of resources. However, several barriers continue to constrain full-scale adoption, including inadequate funding for infrastructure and software, insufficient technical expertise, weak institutional policies, and limited collaboration with ICT units. The study concludes that while adoption of BDA is growing among librarians, sustained investment, staff capacity building, and clear institutional strategies are necessary to strengthen effective utilisation of big data analytics for enhanced service delivery in Nigerian university libraries.