AWARENESS AND PERTICIPACTION IN MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES (MOOCS) BY ACADAMIC LIBRARIANS OF YUSIF MAITAMA SULE UNIVERSITY, KANO

AbstractThis study investigates the awareness and participation of academic librarians in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) at Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano. The objectives of the research were to determine the level of awareness of MOOCs among librarians, examine the extent to which academics librarians at YUMSUK participate in the MOOCs; identify the benefits derived, and highlight the challenges encountered in the use of MOOCs for professional development. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with structured questionnaire administered to all professional librarians in the university library. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. The findings revealed that while awareness of MOOCs among the librarians is relatively high, actual participation remains moderate, largely influenced by workload, lack of institutional encouragement, and inadequate digital infrastructure. However, respondents acknowledged the significant benefits of MOOCs, including enhanced professional knowledge, exposure to global best practices, and opportunities for continuous learning at minimal cost. The study concludes that effective utilization of MOOCs can serve as a vital tool for capacity building and knowledge sharing among academic librarians. It recommends improved institutional support, provision of reliable internet access, and regular sensitization on the relevance of MOOCs to library service delivery.