Omobola O. Adewoyin, Folasade L. Kolawole, S. T. Abolarinwa, O. M. Olayemi
The library and information profession like many professions requires its members to continually update their knowledge and skills in order to continually offer quality and efficient services. Today, many professions have adopted web conferencing tools for continuing professional development. However, the use of web conferencing tools for continuing professional development among health science librarians in Nigeria has not been well explored. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate use of web conferencing tools for continuing professional development among health science librarians in Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving use of structured questionnaire designed to assess use of web conferencing tools for continuing professional development among health science librarians in Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. This study revealed that the most popular type of web conferencing tools used for continuing professional development were Zoom, YouTube, and Google Meet. It was also revealed that the most common device for web conferencing was laptop / Ipad, followed by smartphones, desktop computers and tablets. The findings also revealed that the respondents participated in continuing professional development using web conferencing tools frequently. High cost of data, poor internet connection and erratic power supply were some of the challenges encountered. It was concluded that health science libraries and librarians are expected to remain current and skilled in emerging technologies in this digital age. Web conferencing tools play a very significant role in professional development of health science librarians. Consequently, they should be encouraged to maximize the platform. Organizers of face-to-face conferences should make an effort to incorporate virtual participation for individuals who wish to participate remotely.