INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN DELTA STATE,NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated ICT wastes management systems in academic libraries in Delta State,Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the categories of ICT waste in academic libraries,quantities generated, storage and disposal methods, policies on ICT waste management and environmental effects. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 14 system librarians and all 14 librarians constituted the sample for the study. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire and analysed using frequency. The study found that 1,111 ICT wastes were produced in academic libraries in Delta State, from 2008-2018.ICT wastes were kept in stores and library offices, landfilling and reuse were the disposal methods adopted by the libraries. Also, it was established that there was no policy on ICT waste management in academic libraries. The study concluded that academic libraries produced ICT wastes without appropriate policy on their proper management. It was recommended that the academic librarians should liaise with tertiary institution administrators develop policy on ICT waste management for implementation in academic libraries to ensure healthy and eco-friendly library space and environment.