Strategies for Enhancing the Adoption and Effective Application of Blockchain Technology in Academic Law Libraries in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: With the growing digitisation of law information sources, issues of authenticity, security, preservation and access continue to rise. Blockchain technology is claimed to be able to solve these problems and to bring trust and integrity to academic law libraries. But the adoption of blockchain in academic law libraries in developing countries is not very high. This study therefore investigated the possibilities of promoting the adoption and optimal utilisation of blockchain in academic law libraries in the North-Central region of Nigeria. Methodology/Approach: The study was a descriptive multiple case study research design using a mixed methods approach. The quantitative data were obtained from a census of 87 professional and paraprofessional library staff of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai and the University of Jos (UNIJOS). Semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data from 12 purposively selected key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA, whereas qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings from both datasets were integrated through methodological triangulation. Findings: Six interrelated strategies were identified as critical for enhancing blockchain adoption and effective application in academic law libraries: institutional policy and governance, funding and financial support, ICT infrastructure development, capacity building and professional development, strategic partnerships and collaboration and awareness and change management. Among these, funding and financial support emerged as the most highly rated strategy (Mean = 3.40), followed by capacity building (Mean = 3.37) and ICT infrastructure development (Mean = 3.36). The findings indicate that successful blockchain implementation requires coordinated institutional governance rather than isolated technological interventions. Originality/Value: The study adds to existing research in the field of blockchain technology in LIS and suggests the Blockchain Adoption and Implementation Framework for Academic Law Libraries (BAIFALL), which is based on the Technology Acceptance Model, the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) Framework and Lewin's Change Theory. BAIFALL provides universities, policy makers and library managers with an avenue to adopt and implement a secure, sustainable and efficient management of legal information using blockchain technology.