Availability of digital resources and librarians’ literacy skills as correlates of service delivery in Nigerian polytechnics

Effective service delivery in academic libraries increasingly depends on the availability of digital resources and the digital literacy skills of librarians. Polytechnic libraries in Nigeria, however, continue to face challenges in meeting contemporary service expectations due to infrastructural and human capacity constraints. This study examined the availability of digital resources and librarians’ digital literacy skills as correlates of service delivery in polytechnic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design of correlational type was adopted. The population comprised 98 professional and para-professional librarians across eight polytechnics in Kwara State, and total enumeration sampling was used. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, with reliability coefficients of 0.737 for service delivery, 0.801 for digital resources availability, and 0.724 for digital literacy skills. Data were analysed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between digital resources availability and service delivery (r = 0.528, p < 0.05), as well as between digital literacy skills and service delivery (r = 0.341, p < 0.05). Jointly, digital resources availability and librarians’ digital literacy skills significantly predicted service delivery (R = 0.638, R² = 0.407, p < 0.05), with digital resources availability emerging as the stronger predictor. The originality of this study is inherent in its conclusion that optimal service delivery in polytechnic libraries depends on the combined interaction of adequate digital infrastructure and competent digital skills among librarians. It recommends increased investment in digital resources and continuous professional development to enhance service delivery in polytechnic libraries.