Nigerian library staff and their perceptions of health risks posed by using computer-based systems in university libraries

Purpose ‐ The paper seeks to examine the health risks faced when using computer-based systems by library staff in Nigerian libraries. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The paper uses a survey research approach to carry out this investigation. Findings ‐ The investigation reveals that the perceived health risk does not predict perceived ease of use of computer-based libraries. Even though a wide range of health hazards were identified in the libraries, the level of availability of ergonomic programmes to tackle them was low. Practical implications ‐ In general, librarians, university authorities, IT policy formulators and systems administrators should find this paper useful, as it educates them about the fact that perceived health risk does not significantly deter people from using information systems. This is due to the enormous benefits arising from the use of IT when compared with the manual systems. Originality/value ‐ The study offers new insights in the area of IT use by librarians in Nigerian universities. That the study found that prevailing health risks do not significantly deter people from using information systems means that it differs from other studies.