ABSTRACT

The study titled “The implementation of collection policy in academic libraries in Owerri” shows how collection development policy is put to use in academic libraries in Owerri. The population of the study was 76 comprising of library staff and management in the selected academic libraries in Owerri. The study was guided by five research objectives and questions and adopted a descriptive survey research design. Census enumeration sampling technique was used to sample 76 respondents from three (3) academic institution’s libraries in Owerri, Imo State. The method adopted in analyzing the data is descriptive statistics of mean and simple percentage. Findings shows to a high extent collection development policy are available in academic libraries in Owerri, to a high extent there are contents of collection development policies in academic libraries in Owerri. to a high extent collection development policies are applied in academic libraries, to a high extent there are benefits of the application of collection development policies on the achievement of the objectives of academic libraries in Owerri, while to a high extent academic library in Owerri face constraints in the application of collection development policies. It was recommended that there should be provision for adequate professional library staff in formulating, managing and implementing collection development policies, there should be cooperation from parent Institution in the implementation of collection development policies, adequate funds are made available for the management of collection development policies etc.

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The researcher in this chapter focused on the following sub-headings; background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

Academic libraries are those libraries established and managed in Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of education under jurisdiction of Library management board for the support of learning, teaching research processes and knowledge development. Uwaifo (2010) defines academic library as those libraries established and maintained by higher/tertiary institutions of learning such as universities, polytechnics, colleges of educations, school of nursing, school of health technologies, petroleum training institutes etc.   Aina (2004) stated that, academic institutions are categorized mainly into two namely; university and non-university institutions such as, colleges of education, polytechnics, school of nursing, and others, other than secondary schools. Edom (2012) defines academic libraries as libraries established in institutions of higher learning such as universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and other similar institutions to support and enhance the tripartite functions and the full realization of the educational goals of the parent institution.  Libraries in these institutions perform functions directly related to the mission of each institution they serve. Libraries of these institutions according to Dara (2005) are established to be the source of the procurement and supply of textbooks, journals, and adequate current valuable information to promote academic excellence. The central function of an academic library is to support the teaching, learning and research programmes of the institution by acquiring adequate print and non-print information resources and audio-visual materials, and make them available for use by students, faculty members and researchers in general.

These libraries are established in their various institutions in order to support all academic work, and achieve the objectives of academic libraries which are to provide adequate information resources for teaching, learning and researches for all users. This is in agreement with Omeje (2005) who noted that academic libraries worldwide may differ in size and sophistication, but they have one common objective: to provide information resources to facilitate teaching, learning, research and community services embarked upon by the parent institution. Academic libraries, according to Boakye (1994), are charged with the responsibility of providing adequate information materials to satisfy the needs of well defined specialized users, who are lecturers, researchers, administrators, or students of a particular academic institution. These materials to be provided should be varied enough, to meet the functions of teaching, research and development, publication and community services particularly, of the lecturers and students, and library users in general.

Edoka (2000) enumerated objectives of an academic library as follows: to provide information materials required for the academic programmes of the parent institution, provide research information resources in consonance with the needs of faculty and research students, provide information resources for recreation and for personal self-development of users, provide study accommodation in a useful variety of locations, provide protection and security for these materials, co-operate with other libraries at appropriate level for improved information services, and to provide specialized information services to appropriate segments of the wider community. He further stressed that the prime obligation of an academic library is to provide appropriate information resources for study and research to the members of its own institution. Maidabino (2011) maintains that library collections constitute the bedrock of service provided to the community and serve as important assets to the library. The entire information resources or, library holdings are known as the library collection.  Library collections are very important in meeting the academic libraries objectives of teaching, learning and research of a particular institution.

Ifidon (1999) defined library collection as information bearing materials which enable the library to fulfil its goal of meeting the information needs of its users. Cssel (1999) on his part asserted that library resources are information bearing materials, and that they are broadly classified according to their formats, these are printed and non printed resources. Printed resources are printed words which include textbooks in any form or documents in hard copies, while non printed resources are those materials that require the use of equipment to explore their contents such as video materials, audio materials, graphic materials etc. All these materials are acquired, processed, preserved and made available in the library to meet information needs of library users.

On this note, every institution needs an adequately stocked library if it must produce quality graduates that would be able to compete in the international arena. “The Nigerian educational system has been expanding at a rapid rate and as the system expands, so also with a corresponding need for increased information acquisition” (Erwat & Fabunmi, 2006). This increased information acquisition as a result of system expansion, will help to assemble all manners of information resources of whatever type for library users.  Omagbemi (2003) defined collection development as a planned continuous, cost effective and preferential acquisition of qualitative, relevant materials to meet the needs of users and the objectives of the library.  Song (2000) noted that information and document resources are the most essential condition for higher personnel training and scientific research in higher educational institution in China.  This fact is true all over the world because high calibre professionals, technocrats, scientists and administrators everywhere are products of academic institutions in which academic libraries are the pillar. The extent, to which a library collection is utilized, depends upon the quality and relevance of the collection itself. The quality and value of library collection is the outcome of the collection development activity due to its critical function in any library since it determines to a large extent, the usability or otherwise of its collection.

The size, nature and contents of the library collection depend upon the objective of the institution and needs of the community it serves. Chukwu cited in Owolabi and Akintola 2010, observed that the major indicator of a good library is the quality and quantity of its collections. This is why it is necessary for libraries to acquire current and relevant information resources necessary for sustaining teaching, learning and research activities that academic libraries are known for from the beginning. According to Aina (2001), collection development is the aspect of the  library and information work that is  responsible  for  selecting  and  acquiring   information   resources  that will enable  library  and information  practitioners to perform their myriad functions to the users effectively. According to Eguavoen (2002), Ochai (2002), and Pryterch (2002), collection development is the process of planning a stock acquisition programme not simply to cater for immediate needs, but to build a coherent and reliable collection over a period of years, to meet the objectives of the institutions. Ozioko and Ekere (2011) are of the opinion that collection development is not only viewed from the angle of growth in volumes and titles, but in the quality of acquired materials in enhancing effective information delivery and the usage of such to reduce user frustration.

            Collection development is one of the fundamental functions of any library. It  is  the  process  through  which  library  professionals  engage in developing and maintaining  library  resources. From the forgoing, collection development means the planned and systematic building of library collection. Collection building may involve a library that is starting an initial collection, or developing an already existing library collection. Ozioko and Ekere (2011) viewed collection development as either building a collection from the scratch, (ab-initio) or working on an already existing collection. Kolo (2010) opines that collection development is basic to librarianship and that it is the essence and corner-stone of librarianship. It is necessary for academic libraries in general, and North West, Nigeria in particular, to acquire current and relevant information resources necessary for sustaining the objectives that academic libraries are known for. Owolabi and Akintola (2010) noted that, “the major indicator of a good library is the quality and quantity of its collections”. In support of the above quotation, academic libraries are to maintain standards for selecting relevant information resources necessary for learning in their various institutions.

In order to achieve a balanced collection of information resources in all areas of the library`s specialization, a collection development policy is designed to guide the selection of library materials. Ozioko and Ekere (2011) asserted that collection development policy is a written document representing a plan of action and information during selection and acquisition of library materials and which proves very useful in pointing out subject areas that need emphasis. Evans (1987) describes a collection development policy as a library’s written plan, aimed at correcting the weakness of the collection and maintaining inherent strength. He sees the policy as a plan of action which guides the library personnel’s thinking and decision making. International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) cited in Adomi 2006 noted that a policy statement is a kind of framework and set of parameter within which library staff and users work. The American Library Association(ALA) cited also in Adomi 2006  describes collection development policy as the document which defines the scope of a library’s existing collections, plans for the continuing development of the resources, identifies  collection strengths, and outlines the relationship between selection philosophy and the institution`s goals, general selection criteria, and intellectual freedom. In agreement with this statement,  Van-Zijl (1998) states  that a policy which gives clear but simple guidelines in the selection of material would clearly be of benefit to bibliographers and would lead to them making more consistent and informed decisions.

Collection development policy is very important to the library as it assists staff to build a balanced and healthy collection which can meet user`s information needs. No wonder, Adomi (2006), quoted Johnson (1994) that “libraries without collection development policies are like business without plan”.  Writing on collection development policy, Ahmed (2005), and Olaojo and Akewukereke (2006), maintain that collection development policy is a formal document which establishes ground rules for planning, budgeting, selecting, and acquiring library materials, and that this document provides a framework for coordinated collection development programme throughout the libraries that uses it. They assent to the strategic importance of a collection development policy in improving and effecting a comprehensive and detailed library collection.

In view of the above, it can be said that collection development policies are needed in libraries as they perform planning functions to the librarians, and communication functions to all types of users. It can therefore be said that, a collection development policy is a document drawn up by a specific library to provide guidelines which develop the collection to meet the needs of library users. It may be written or unwritten policy.  Collection development policy guides libraries on issues and processes in selecting information materials to satisfy needs of the users, as it spells out issues related to content and format of the collection, to the authorities responsible for selecting and acquiring library information resources. Due to the strategic importance of collection development in academic libraries, it is glaring that a policy document is expected, in order to guide the operations of the library activities and act as a buffer against unjust complaints from critics, as Ogbonna (2009) pointed out that, a collection development policy is the blue print that guides the library in its collection development. According to him, it may be written or unwritten, and usually consists of the following; introduction, philosophy and goals, selection policy, acquisition policy, special format, gifts, weeding, intellectual freedom, and revision. Ocho (2003) however explained that, policies are usually written to minimize misunderstanding; facilitate dissemination to all concerned; force implementers to focus more attention on the policy and thereby achieve further clarity and minimise arbitrary interpretation by policy implementers.  In view of these, it can be said that genuine policies are official document that can be consulted, read and interpreted as the need arise. The documented written policy minimizes sudden, unreasonable variations in decisions and implementation that arise from serious diversion from the practices, necessitating explanation and justification as to why something is done.

Collection development policies (also known as collection development policy statements) are a written or unwritten statement of the plan to assess the strengths and weakness of a collection with an intention to correct the weaknesses and improve the strength of the collection. Policies have proven valuable tools to many collection development librarians in academic libraries, as these systematic documents provide a framework for co-ordinated collection development programme, as its proper application is an essential instrument in providing materials in academic libraries for the ever-increasing information resources. According to the American Library Association (ALA) standard for collection development policy, as discussed by Olaojo and Akewukereke (2006), the general overview of a collection development policy, shows an introduction to the policy, a description of the community the library serves, collection development efforts that defines and explains the operations to be covered. Some major topics covered by a policy include: purpose of the policy, its intended audience, a description of the institution and its clientele, and an overview of how the collection has developed. Also included in a policy are details on the types of programmes or patrons’ needs that are to be met by the collection. Furthermore, the general   priorities and limitations of the collection are usually included in a policy. Normally the policy specifies who is responsible for selection, methods of selection, treatment of gifts and donations; weeding and collection assessment are also included in the overview of a collection development policy for a healthy effective and efficient collection for a proper attainment of the objectives of the library and its parent institution as well.

The need for the collection development policy in a library is closely related to the operation of a well established collection, as it supports the library’s role in providing resources to meet the learning, teaching and research needs of its intended users. Collection development policy is very important to the library as it assists staff to build a balanced and healthy collection which can meet user`s information needs. Today each library attempts to keep a balance between developing their own physical collections and providing remote access to information sources. Collection development policies give an indication of the scope of a library’s existing collection, plans for the continuing growth of collections as well as the type of resources the library aims to acquire. Academic libraries are developing collections primarily to support the current and anticipated research and service programs of their respective institutions. The central function of the collection development policy is to guide the systematic selection of the world’s recorded knowledge, and the important fact is that library collections must be viewed by those who develop them and those who use them as a total coordinated resource materials.

Perhaps, there seems to be no consensus among librarians in the application of a collection development policy, as different library scholars have expressed their views on the application of a policy in developing collections in libraries.  Some scholars are of the view in support of the use of an approved standard policy in collection development in academic libraries; others see no need for a guide when developing a library collection.  An observation of the libraries in institutions of higher learning in North West, Nigeria, suggested that most of the academic libraries in this geo-political zone lag a collection development policy. Commenting on this, Ifidon (1990) noted that most African university libraries do not have collection development policies, mainly because librarians think that the primary objectives of the libraries are quite clear and that they could be guided by such objectives; but a collection development policy is certainly more than that, this is why Johnson (1994) in a general but brief statement maintains that “libraries without collection development policies are like businesses without business plans”. This is because one has to understand what the business is/or is doing at the moment and where it is heading. Even though a collection development policy can be written or unwritten, without either, Librarians and collection developers are likely to go into excesses in some areas to the neglect of other areas. The implication is that such libraries may have numerous information materials, but cannot satisfy the information needs of the community they serve, and the aim of setting up such institution will be defeated.

According to National Universities Commission (NUC, 2013) website, there are one hundred and twenty nine Academic institutions owned by Federal, States and Private government, out of which five are located in Owerri, Imo State. With distinct information needed by these institutions to achieve their respective objectives, there is the need to have a laid down rules that will regulate the effectiveness and success of information required by these academic libraries. The general purpose of these academic libraries is virtually the same which is: teaching, learning, research and community services, and according to their respective parent institutions. Each of these libraries collect print, non print and all other kinds of information  bearing materials that serve the information needs and support teaching, learning, and research in these libraries.

Statement of the Problem

            Collection development policy is essential to guide the library professionals in collection development, as it measures the extent to which the collections meet the goals, needs and missions of the library and its parent organization.  A policy supports libraries in providing collections to meet teaching, learning, and research needs of its students and staff. Collection development policy builds a collection which can directly support as high a proportion of the research, learning, teaching and other academic activities of the institutions as possible.

Academic libraries are under great pressure to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the extent to which the collections are sufficient and efficient to meet the goals, needs and missions of the library and parent organizations. Librarians and collection developers are likely to go into excesses in some areas to the neglect of other areas, if no guiding policies are followed in the collection development process of a library. The implication of this is that such libraries have numerous information materials but cannot satisfy the information needs of the community they serve. It appears that academic libraries in Owerri do not have collection development policies, and those that have them, may not be using them. On account of this, it can be said that any library without a functional collection development policy will not only be on the decline, but will also be unable to achieve the objectives for which such library was set up.

The challenge of this study is to determine the availability of collection development policies in these libraries, and finding out how compliant they are in its application on their collection in academic libraries in Owerri. No academic institution can progress without adequate provision of current, relevant information resources such as textbooks, reference materials, and academic journals in its libraries. It is against this background that the researcher deems it necessary to examine the extent to which academic libraries in Owerri have collection development policies and make use of them in their collection development.

Scope of the Study

            This study is exclusively on application of collection development policies with specific issues like; availability of a written collection development policy, contents of collection development policies, extent of use of written collection development policy, effect of the application of collection development policy in achieving the objectives of the library, constraints to the application of collection development policy, and strategies that will enhance the application of collection development policies. Issues bordering on controversial materials, preservation of library materials and availability or otherwise of self-censorship are not covered in the study.  The study was limited to Academic Libraries in Owerri and the professional library staff members only were involved in the research.

Purpose of the Study         

The general purpose of the study is to examine the application of collection development policies in academic libraries in Owerri. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Ascertain the availability of collection development policies in academic libraries in Owerri.
2. Ascertain the content of collection development policies in academic libraries in Owerri.
3. Determine the extent of application of collection development policies in these libraries.
4. Ascertain the perceived benefits of the application of collection development policies in achieving the objectives of the libraries.
5. Investigate the constraints to the application of collection development policies among the academic libraries of Owerri.

 Significance of the Study

The findings of this research will hopefully be of immense benefit to the following; Library Management, Acquisition Librarians, Library Users and the Government.

Library management stands to gain from the findings of this study in a number of ways. First by establishing availability and extent of use of collection development policy in the academic libraries in the zone, the library management will be in a better position to re-assess those libraries that do not possess it, or do not make use of it with a view to enforce it and achieve the objectives which the academic libraries are established for. Secondly, the findings of the study will further educate library management on how best to adopt collection development policy for the benefit of their respective libraries, based on strategies suggested to enhance its application. Thirdly, the existence and application of a collection development policy will help the library management to make proper arrangement to stock libraries with adequate materials for learning, in order to achieve the objectives of the institutions it serves.

The findings of this research will help the acquisition librarians in working with greater consistency towards achieving the libraries’ goals by using collection development policy in developing healthy material resources to cater for all users, using limited funds at their disposal. Another significance of this research work to the library is that, it will add to the growing body of knowledge in the literature of library and information science, and also provide resources for students and researchers for their work too. The significance of this research finding to a library user is that, if collection development policies are applied in academic library collections, it will help to assemble all manner of information resources of whatever type and formats for the users and this will enhance the quality and quantity of the materials available in the libraries for their studies automatically.

From the result of this research at completion, the government will be able to access the quality of resource materials available in academic libraries in the zone and detect which library uses the policies in her collection development, as there will be a glaring deference in the quality and quantity of resources that will exist in these academic libraries.

The work on completion will add to the existing literature in academic libraries on application of collection development policies in general especially where this type of research exist and, it will be a starting point where other researchers see the importance and need for such document in academic libraries particularly in Owerri where this type of research has been neglected before now and they can improve upon it.

Research Questions

This study is guided by the following research questions:

1. In which of the academic libraries in Owerri is collection development policy available?
2. What are the contents of the collection development policies in academic libraries in Owerri?
3. To what extent are collection development policies applied in academic libraries in Owerri?
4. What are the perceived benefits of the application of collection development policies on the achievement of the objectives of academic libraries in Owerri?
5. What are the constraints faced by academic libraries in Owerri in the application of collection development policies?
   

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   Pages:  85

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

   

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the roles of good Publicity and Communication in the marketing of Library Information Resources and Services: a case study of Imo state University Library, Owerri. Seven specific objective and Seven research questions were posed to guide the study. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study is 33 comprising twenty one (21) professional librarians and 12 Para- professional librarians in the university library studied. The instrument used for data collection was the rating scale. Census enumeration method was used for the study. The data collected for this study were presented in tables and analyzed using mean scores. The research findings showed that Abstracts, indexes, bibliographies, OPAC, journals, literature guides, library catalogs, newspaper, theses and dissertations, directories, textbooks, films, instructional televisions, computers, e-journals were available in the studied library. While motion picture and slide are not available. user education services, library orientation services lending services, reference services, advisory Service, book reservation service, referral service, interlibrary loan services, current awareness services, selective dissemination of information services, routing of  periodicals, answering users queries, publication of current content, Photocopying services, and Internet services are provided in the studied library.  film shows, conferences, lectures, adult education classes are not provided. The following recommendations were made:  The academic library should include in their collections motion pictures. slides, and audio- visual resources since the world is going digital. The library management should incorporate film shows, conferences, lectures and adult education class as part of library services to its users, and the general academic community. Marketing courses such as economics and marketing of Library and Information Science resources and services should be incorporated in LIS education curriculum in other to enable librarians in training, appreciate the need and importance of marketing library resources and services.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The researcher in this chapter, presented the work under the following subheadings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and the research questions.

Background to the Study:

Libraries play a crucial role in providing information resources and services to their communities, acting as gateways to knowledge. However, with development in technology, information is readily available through various online platforms; libraries face challenges in attracting patrons and promoting their resources effectively. To overcome these challenges, libraries must adopt proactive marketing strategies that emphasize good publicity and communication.

Marketing has different definitions and many scholars have tried to define the concept ‘marketing’. Marketing can be seen as the process of promoting and selling products or services. According to American Marketing Association (2013), marketing is “the activity, set of instructions, and process for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, parents, and society at large. Marketing is very essential in the library in the sense that it serves as promotional strategy for the library.

The library is simply defined as the collection of organized information materials for use. The ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science defines it as “a collection of books and other literary materials kept for reading, study and consultation” Nwosu (2000). The library is a product of goods called products and it cannot perform effectively worthy to be called a library without these merchandise called information resources.

The library information resources are material found in the library to satisfy the users needs. Fayose (1998) defines library resources as materials which enables libraries to carry out their functions effectively. The resources available in the library include: result of literature search, bibliographic list, information bulletins, abstract, indexes, catalog, directories, textbooks, serials, audio cassette, projects, etc. These resources and services of the library walk hand in arm with each other, library service are common type of library resources.

Hence, library service are those activities or assistance provide by the librarian to meet and satisfy the information needs of it’s users.Edom, (2012) is of the opinion that it is relevant for one to be a registered member of the library. The library services are free, one does not need to pay to use the library or enjoy some of their services. The following are service offered by the library: answering user’s reference query,  user education, compilation of reading lists, compilation of bibliographies, inter-library loan services, current awareness services, routing of periodicals, current awareness bulletins, Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)  publication of current contents, library extension services, film shows, conferences, lectures, adult education courses, photocopying services, printing services, mobile library services extra-mural classes, and so on.

Library services cannot be effectively utilized without adequate publicity, that is to say publicity is the bedrock of library information resources and services.

Therefore publicity is seen as a notice or attention given to something or someone by the media. Lake, (2018) The subject of publicity includes people, goods, and services, organization and works of art and entertainment. It involves spreading information through various media channels to capture the interest of the target audience. Publicity aims to create a positive image, increase visibility, and generate favorable coverage. It can be achieved through media coverage, press releases, interviews, social media, events, and endorsements. Publicity helps increase brand recognition, enhance reputation, influence public opinion, and achieve specific goals. However, it requires careful planning and management to avoid negative attention or controversy. Overall, publicity plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and achieving communication objectives.

Thus communication is the process of exchanging of ideas between individuals or group. Akanwa, (2017) communication is (a flow of information) information flow that transfer meaning from a source to a destination. it is the sharing of meaning between message senders and receivers. It can also be defined as the transfer of ideas/information from one person to another, from one person to a group, from a group to one person or from a group to another group Douglas, (2013). Communication is an important tool in management and must be handled with care.

Most libraries in Nigeria are faced with the issue of underutilization and it is clear from the foregoing that effective or good publicity and communication can eradicate the issue of underutilization. Based on these attribute the study tries to investigate the roles of good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services.

Statement of the Problem

The role of good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services is crucial, yet often overlooked. Libraries offer a wide range of valuable resources and services to their patrons, including books, databases, research assistance, and educational programs. However, despite the availability of these resources, libraries often struggle to attract and retain users.

It has been observed by many researchers that most libraries do not market their information resources and services and this is responsible for the low patronage of these resources and services, which makes resources and services lying domant in the library. Additionally, libraries often face stiff competition from alternative information sources, such as online platforms and digital content providers. These entities invest heavily in marketing therefore making it difficult for libraries to compete without a well-executed publicity and communication plan. If libraries cannot effectively communicate their unique value proposition and advantages, they risk losing potential users to these alternative sources libraries must adapt to the changing needs and expectations of their patrons. With advancements in technology and the increasing demand for digital resources, libraries must not only provide access to traditional printed materials but also offer digital content and innovative services. The problem at hand is the lack of emphasis on good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services. Libraries need to recognize the importance of strategic publicity and develop comprehensive communication plans to effectively promote their resources, engage their target audience, and differentiate themselves from alternative information sources. By addressing this problem, libraries can increase awareness, enhance utilization, and ultimately improve the overall user experience. Consequently, this research is being carried out to address this issues of the role of good publicity and communication in the marketing of library resources and services.

Scope of the Study

The study focused on the role of good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services. The study is limited to Imo State University Library, Owerri. The content scope of the study covers: the concept of marketing, library information resources, library service, Other areas covered in the study are: publicity, communication, types of  information resources in academic library, needs for marketing library information resources, marketing strategies used in marketing information resources, publicity and communication strategies used in marketing library information resources and services and barriers to effective marketing of library information resources and services.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of this study is to investigate the role of good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services in Imo State University Library, Owerri. Specifically, its objectives are:

1. to identify the information resources available in Imo State University Library, Owerri.
2. to find out the library services provided in Imo State University Library, Owerri.
3. to ascertain the need for marketing library information resources and services in the library under study.
4. to Identify the marketing strategies used in marketing library information resources and services in Imo State University Library, Owerri.
5. to ascertain the publicity and communication strategies used in the marketing of library information resources and services in the library under study.
6. to identify the problems affecting good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services in Imo State University Library, Owerri.
7. to identify the barrier to effective marketing of library information resources and services in Imo State University Library, Owerri.

Significance of the Study

If the findings of the study are published, it will be of benefit to the library management, librarians, the public relations officer, the students, the public and future researchers/scholars.

The findings will be relevant to the library management in the area of policy formulation by providing a road map in the information resources and services to be provided to users in other to satisfy their information needs.

This findings of the study will help the librarians to know the importance and need for marketing library information resources and services through the use of good publicity and communication and then to identify the loopholes existing in marketing library information resources in the library.

The findings of this study will benefit the public relations officer in the aspect of making policies regarding publicity and communication so as to keep the flag of the library as a service oriented organization flying as well enhance the image of the library.

To the students, the findings of this study will also be significant by creating awareness of the various services available in the library as well serve as a guide to students, who are doing assignment in this aspect of librarianship.

Furthermore, the findings of this study will also enable the public to be aware of the library and the role they can play in their lives’ endeavors.

Finally, this research work will serve as a reference tool to upcoming scholarswho would embark on research on a topic similar to this.

Research Questions

The following research questions are formulated to guide the study on the role of good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services.

1. What are the library information resources available in Imo State University Library, Owerri?
2. what are the library services available in Imo State University Library, Owerri?
3. What are the needs for marketing library information resources and services in Imo State University Library, Owerri?
4. What are the strategies used in marketing library information resources and services in Imo State University Library Owerri?
5. What are the publicity and communication strategies used in marketing library information resources and services in IMSU library?
6. What are the problems affecting good publicity and communication in the marketing of library information resources and services in IMSU library?

7.         What are the barrier to the effective marketing of library information resources and services in Imo State University Library, Owerri?

Pages:  99

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF               

Chapters: 1-5                                          

Source: Imsuinfo                            

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the students reading habits and role of academic library resources is IMO State University. Five research questions guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study is two thousand (2000) student of Imo State university for 2022/2023 academic session. The sample for the study was 170 students of the above named institution. Simple Random Sampling Technique was adopted for the study because the entire population was large for the study. This is because the population is large and the researcher deems it manageable. Rating scale was the instrument used for data collection. Mean score was used to analyze data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that required reading, studying, leisure reading, online reading and academic research are the reading habits of the students, it was also revealed that the influences of reading habits for  academic achievement of students in the library studied are Improved language skills, enhanced critical thinking, expanded knowledge base, improved writing skills, research skills development, time management and discipline, external factors, improved concentration and focus and broadened perspective and empathy, the findings  also reveals that print books, e-books, periodicals, online databases, audiovisual materials, digital collections and reference materials  are the library resources in the library studied, the strategies to improve the reading habits and academic library resource use of students in the library studied are promote reading culture, provide access to a variety of reading materials library orientation and training personalized reading recommendations reading challenges and incentives, and the challenges that prevent students from developing good reading habits in the library studied are lack of time, digital distractions, lack of interest, limited access to reading materials, reading skills and comprehension  difficulties and peer pressure and social stigma. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others that the Library management should create book clubs and reading groups.  Students should Join a book club or reading group to discuss books with others and gain new perspectives. This can also help hold students accountable and provide a sense of community around reading.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The researcher organized this chapter under the following subheadings: Background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

An academic library is a specialized library that is an integral part of an educational institution, such as a university or college. Its primary purpose is to support the teaching, learning, and research activities of students, faculty, and staff within the academic community. Academic libraries offer a wide range of resources, services, and facilities tailored to the needs of the academic community. These libraries play a vital role in facilitating access to information, promoting scholarly inquiry, and fostering academic success. They are known for their extensive collections of books, journals, databases, and other scholarly materials, which are carefully curated to support various disciplines and academic programs. Academic libraries also provide study spaces, computer labs, and access to digital resources, enabling students and researchers to engage in independent study, collaborative work, and exploration of academic topics (Bates 2018).

Librarians in academic libraries are highly knowledgeable professionals who assist users in navigating the library’s resources, conducting research, and developing information literacy skills. Overall, academic libraries serve as vibrant hubs of intellectual activity, providing essential support and resources for the academic community’s pursuit of knowledge and scholarly excellence.

Many people view academic library in different forms; to Singh and satija (2016)  opined that an academic library as a library that is attached to a higher education institution and serves two complementary purposes: to support the curriculum and the research of the university faculty and students.  Also osuala (2015) stated that an academic library is a designated place, physical or digital, set aside to house scholarly research materials and materials supporting the academic, university, or college community and curriculum.

An academic library are part of a college or university that is publicly or privately funded and whose primary role is to provide resources to enrich and support the school’s curricula and the research needs of students and faculty.

These organized buildings store things like books, newspapers, videos, and music are kept for people to read, use, or borrow.

These academic libraries satisfy the students curiousity and play a significant role in encouraging students reading habits.

Developing good reading habits is essential for students as it not only enhances their academic performance but also enriches their overall personal development. students reading habits refer to the regular practice of reading for pleasure, information, or academic purposes. It involves setting aside dedicated time for reading and engaging with a variety of reading materials. According to uche (2017) stated that students reading habits cultivates positive reading habits that offers numerous benefits including, Knowledge and Information,  academic success, language and communication skills, imagination and creativity, stress reduction and relaxation. To develop good reading habits, students can set aside dedicated time for reading each day, choose books that align with their interests, join book clubs or reading groups, and explore a variety of genres and authors. Building a reading routine and making it a regular part of their lives can significantly enhance students reading habits and contribute to their personal and academic growth.

Reading habits are the patterns and practices that individuals adopt when engaging with various types of texts for different purposes (Omaba 2019). Reading habits can influence one’s academic performance, personal development, and lifelong learning. Academic library resources are the materials and services that support the teaching, learning, and research activities of students and faculty in higher education institutions. Academic library resources can include books, journals, databases, e-books, e-journals, multimedia, reference services, information literacy instruction, and more. Academic library resources can enhance students’ reading habits by providing access to diverse and relevant information sources, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills, and promoting a culture of reading and learning.

Academic libraries play a significant role in encouraging students’ reading habits. According kassin (2018) listed the following as the roles academic libraries play in encouraging students reading habits, Access to Diverse Collection, Required Course Readings, Reading for Research, Study Spaces and Atmosphere,  Library Programs and Initiatives,  Information Literacy Skills.

Academic libraries provide students with access to a diverse collection of books and resources, support research activities, offer quiet study spaces, organize reading-related programs, and promote information literacy. All of these factors contribute to the cultivation of students reading habits and foster a love for reading in an academic context.

Statement of the Problem

Reading is a vital skill for academic success and lifelong learning. However, many students in higher education institutions, such as Imo State University (IMSU), have poor reading habits and low reading culture. This may affect their academic performance, personal development, and career prospects. One of the factors that may influence students’ reading habits could be the availability and utilization of academic library resources. Academic library resources are the materials and services that support the teaching, learning, and research activities of students and faculty in higher education institutions. Academic library resources can enhance students’ reading habits by providing access to diverse and relevant information sources, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills, and promoting a culture of reading and learning.

However, there are also some challenges and barriers like  lack of awareness, limited access, technological barriers, language barriers, time constraints,  information overload and lack of guidance that  hinders students from using academic library resources effectively and efficiently. Therefore, it is important to examine the students reading habits and role of academic library resources in Imo State University, Owerri.

Scope of the Study

This study focused on Students reading habits and role of academic library resources is imo state university, Owerri. The study covered reading habits of the students, influences of reading habits for academic achievement of the students, academic library resources available and utilized, strategies to improve the reading habits and academic library resource, challenges and barriers that prevent students from developing good reading habits.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study is to examine the Students reading habits and role of academic library resources is Imo State University, Owerri. Specifically the study sought to:

1. to ascertain the reading habits of the students in Imo State University
2. to identify the influences of reading habits for academic achievement of the students
3. to ascertain  the academic library resources available for the students
4. to determined the possible strategies to improve the reading habits of  students
5. to identify the challenges that prevent students from developing good reading habits

Significant of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to the following: the library staff, the librarian, the library managers, the library users and future researchers:

The findings of this study will be useful to the library staff and librarian because it will increase usage of library resources by students which will result be in a higher demand for library services, leading to job security and professional growth opportunities for the library staff. The librarian will have the satisfaction of seeing students actively engaging with the library resources and developing a love for reading and research. The librarian can also use students’ reading habits as feedback to improve the library’s collection and services, ensuring that they meet the needs of the users.

The findings of this study will be useful to the library managers because it will increase usage of library resources which will demonstrate the effectiveness of the library’s management and strategic planning. Positive feedback from students regarding the library’s resources and services will enhance the reputation of the library and the university as a whole. There will be higher usage of library resources which may also lead to increased funding and support for the library, allowing for further improvements and expansion.

The findings of this study will be useful to the library users, students will have access to a wide range of academic resources, including books, journals, databases, and other materials, which will support their learning and research activities. Regular reading habits will improve students’ information literacy skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall academic performance. The library will provide a quiet and conducive environment for studying, allowing students to focus and concentrate on their academic work.

The findings of this study will be useful to the future researchers, students who develop good reading habits during their time at the university will be better prepared for future research endeavors. Access to academic library resources will expose students to current research trends, scholarly articles, and other relevant materials, enabling them to stay updated in their respective fields.

Research Questions

The following research questions were posed to guide the study:

1. What are the reading habits of the students in Imo State University?
2. What are the influences of reading habits for academic achievement of the students?
3. What are the academic library resources available for students?
4. What are the possible strategies to improve the reading habits of students?
5. What are the challenges and barriers that prevent students from developing good reading habits?
   

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   Pages:  75

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo                            

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

   

ABSTRACT

Many studies have investigated management and organization of Academic libraries in Nigeria. There are few studies in the area of relevance of Academic libraries in Imo state. This study is on relevance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in a modern library setting: A case study of Federal University of Technology (FUTO). 5 purposes of the study and 5 research questions were drawn in respect to this study. The instruments used in data collection for this study includes interviews and questionnaire. The methods are frequency counts and percentages. According to my research question 1 which are the types of ICT facilities available,I found out that about 300 questionnaires were distributed,275 was returned at hand and 194 students (70.5%) indicated that computers were the most used ICT facilities in the library.Research question 2 is on the adequacy of staff strength and capacity and 200 students(72.7%) indicated that the staff strength and capacity is highly adequate. That is,the FUTO library is not lacking any staff. Research question 3 is on the militating factors affecting ICT services in FUTO library. 190 students (69%) indicated that poor facilities is one of the factors affecting ICT services in FUTO library. That is,the library does not have standard facilities.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is presented under the following sub-headings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background of the study

Relevance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services to clientele in FUTO library is the focus of this study. Information and Communication Technology are used to describe system only recently in use and those destined for use in the foreseeable future. Information and Communication Technology services has been defined as all the electronic infrastructure and facilities employed by libraries to improve and provide efficient services such as facilities in broad terms consist of hardware, software and communication links between the services outlets of the same library and similar outlets of different library to facilitate the sharing of common resources, for example library network, ICT utilizes computer.

According to Madu (2004), computers are linked together to one another forming large network. The telephone systems are being digitalized and their collective technology capabilities are now able to provide such services as on-line information, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, etc. Information and Communication Technology services have made the library staff to handle information in a variety of forms. Information conveyed by speech, textural materials, pictures or table of numerous can be deal in easy way. These evident about the new technologies that are have the inherent or operations of libraries considering the geometric growth rate of publication and other communication systems.

The library that automates its operations using computer and peripheral equipment’s invariably work more efficiently and save the time of their users better. More efforts should be made in the computerization of every library. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services like the digital computers, perform the routine but essential tasks at rapid speech which is far greater than-would have been expected from manual operation. Libraries performs various ICT services including author search, subject search, keyword search and combination search of Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs).

Statement of the problem

It is undoubtedly clear that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services or computerization can be very influential in matters affecting the libraries. In this regard, the Information and Communication Technology services became inevitable in every academic library as dispensation because of its roles. The absences of computer or ICT services in FUTO library has been a source of concern for most users whose interests lie on library and document services, much as they believe that the prevailing situation has been stalling progress.

The researcher attempt to delve into this area of study to find out the relevance or extent of provision of ICT services using FUTO library as a case study

Scope of the study

The scope covered the relevance of Information and Communication Services in the Federal University Of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Library, Imo State. It will investigate relevance of ICT services in terms of the types of ICT facilities available, adequacy of staff; types of services rendered to clientele and their satisfaction as library users; and the militating factors affecting ICT services.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study includes the following:

1. To determine the types of ICT facilities available in FUTO library
2. To find out if there is adequacy of staff
3. To determine types of ICT services rendered.
4. To determine user-satisfaction of the services rendered by staff, and.
5. To find out the militating factors affecting ICT services in FUTO library.

Significance of the study

Several studies have been investigated of Information and Communications Technology and technology in ICT but there are a few studies in the relevance of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) services in modern libraries. This study therefore is on Relevance of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) services with focus on FUTO library. The findings of the study will therefore be of great significance to staff, students, clientelle of academic libraries in Nigeria. It will also support plans for library development.

Research Questions

The following research questions are asked:

What types of ICT facilities are available in FUTO library?

2 How adequate are the staff strength and capacities in providing ICT services in FUTO library?

3. What types of ICT services are rendered by FUTO library staff?
4. To what extent is user-satisfaction established from the level of services?
5. What are the militating factors affecting ICT services in FUTO library?
   

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   Pages:  51

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the poor implementation of collection development policy in academia library: a case study of the Federal University of Technology Owerri’s academic library. The researcher explored four purpose of the study and four research questions for the study, Survey research design was used and rating scale served as the instrument for data collection. The population of the study was made up of 42 academic librarian of federal university of technology Owerri (FUTO). The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using mean frequency. The findings revealed that effective strategies encompass compliance enforcement, awareness creation, policy distribution, and regular reviews. The extent of implementation is notably high, consistent with previous research emphasizing policy’s role in fulfilling the library’s dynamic function. The impact of policy implementation includes standardization, consistency, friction avoidance, and continuity despite staff changes, aligning with earlier studies on policy’s influence. Causes of poor implementation encompass a lack of awareness, non-compliance emphasis, laissez-faire management attitudes, and shifting user needs. Based on the foregoing, the study recommends that academic library management should be informed and enlightened on the awareness and training, conducting regular policy reviews for relevance, allocating sufficient funding, empowering proactive library management, and aligning the policy with changing academic trends and user needs.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is presented under the following sub-headings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the study                                                      

A library is a store house of knowledge, where diverse information materials are stored, preserved and used; this includes prints and non-prints information materials. They serve as a hub for education, research, and leisure, allowing people to expand their horizons, explore new ideas, and connect with others who share their interests. The core of library is the collection. Its pivotal place is enshrined in the basic mandate of the library to stock information materials to meet the needs of users. Thus the collection that composed of the information resources, constitutes the basic instrument of service delivery in the library (Nwosu and Udo-Anyanwu 2015). In order to achieve this, adequate collection required by users should be made available to them at the right time. These library materials provided in a good learning environment promote study, teaching, learning and research.

Collection development includes everything that goes into acquiring library materials, which includes selection, ordering and payment. It involves series of activities that includes planning, administration and control. It is an established truth that people are in serious need of library and information resources as well as its services. This makes it important for the library to ensure the provision of such materials. Thus, the library is faced with the concern of whether the library collection are enough to meet the information needs of the users. Hence, the library needs to be better equipped with the latest information resources on every field of study. Collection development serves a function upon which other library services are built.There are different types of libraries but for the purpose of this study, the focus of the research is on academic library.

Bezek, and Barker, (2021) stated that collection development is a fundamental process in the field of library that involves the systematic and strategic acquisition of resources to meet the information needs of a specific user community or target audience. In their work, Bezek and Barker emphasize the significance of collection development as a dynamic and ongoing process. They underscore the need for librarians and information professionals to adapt to changing user preferences, technological advancements, and evolving information sources.

The reputation of libraries depends highly on the library facilities it offers its clientele in terms of information resources. As information and research resources become more varied, it places a challenge on academic libraries. Barringer and Pryor (2022), argued that the changes in the nature of information, research strategies, and structure of higher education are affecting academic libraries. These changes define much of the shifting context within which academic libraries must operate. It is absolutely essential for a library to possess the resources that will enable it meet its goals.

Beautiful buildings, well trained staff and modern information storage and retrieval system can only be appreciated if excellent services are given to users. These services cannot be given without a collection of information materials. The objective of any academic library is to support the teaching, learning and research activities of the parent institution. It is an objective which is achieved through a systematic acquisition and organization of all forms of recorded and undocumented information in all fields pertinent to the goals of the institution. This can be realized by making such information available to the members of the academic community and other scholars engaged in research and study (Nicolaidis, 2019).

The information materials found in the academic libraries including print and non print are acquired through a system called collection development. Collection development is the process of building-up a library information materials or collection on continual basis to enhance it exploitation and utilization in a bid to meet the information needs of clients. It is one of the fundamental functions of the library and information profession. McKenzie (2019) described it to include all planning for the systematic and rational building of a collection. In one sense, collection development includes assessing user needs, evaluating the present collection, determining selection policy, coordinating selection of items, re-evaluating and storing parts of the collection and planning for resources sharing. However, in a broader sense, collection development is not a single activity, or a group of activities; it is a planning and decision-making process. In order to play these vital roles effectively, academic libraries are supposed to be adequately funded by their parent institutions to procure adequate information resources.

A library’s collection development efforts cannot be effective unless its policy efforts are efficient. This practice is responsible for selecting and acquiring information specialist to perform their numerous function to the users effectively (Nagy, 2020). Academic librarians must strive to remain competent navigators of acquisition and collection building in order to assist library users. In addition, acquisition practices includes a policy on the conservation and preservation of information materials as well as the weeding of information materials. The policy is to provide guidance to staff when selecting and deselecting resources for the academic libraries. The importance of applying sound and functional policy as regards to collection development in academic library cannot be over looked because the well being of the library depend solely on the nature and quality of relevant materials available. Also absence of a functional collection development policy will place academic library in a risky situation, and such situation if not properly handled, will bring its services to stop. Björkdahl (2020), perceives that this policy (collection development policy) is sine qua non for any library that wants to build a functional collection whether by traditional methods or in an information age. That is to say that, it is the blue print that guides the library in its collection development policy as well as specifies the kind of materials to be selected, acquired and procedure for evaluation of library material and weeding.

Collection development policy is also seen as a document which serves as a guide in the implementation of collection development in a library. This policy could either be written or unwritten, but the written one is quite better of, because its rigid and states plainly what the library must follow in acquiring material as well as preempts pressure from the influential personalities in the society. With the above mentioned importance of collection development policy in academic libraries/libraries, its  crystal clear that, the implementation of this policy  has been a problem as most academic libraries select, preserve, acquire and weed their information resources based on personal instinct of the academic libraries heads without a proper guide from a standard document. It is in the light of this, that this study tries to bring to focus the effects of poor implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries using Federal University of Technology Owerri as a case study.

 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Collection development policy still stands out as one of the prime factor that enhance the development of a library and its collection, but it is disheartening to say that little or no attention is given to collection development policy which ought to serve as a guide to the acquisition of information materials in the academic libraries thereby culminating to acquiring materials that are of no interest to users need. Collection development policy cannot be discarded because of its essence in academic libraries. That is why Olaniyan &  Ojo(2008),acknowledge that academic libraries should acquire library materials based on policy. It was observed that most academic libraries that claim to have collection development policy do not implement it, while in some academic library collection development policy is not in existence. This research is undertaken to identify the effects of poor implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study investigated poorimplementation of collection development policy in academic libraries, A case study of Federal University Owerri (FUTO) library. The study examines the strategies for implementation of collection development policy, extent of implementation of collection development policy, impact of collection development policy in academic libraries and causes of poor implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries. The study is delimited to library staff of FUTO

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The general aim of this study is to examine poor implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries. Specifically, the study sought:

1. to find out strategies for the implementation of collection development policy in Federal University of Technology Owerri.
2. to determine the extent of implementation of collection development policy
3. to determine the impact of poor implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries.
4. to ascertain the causes of poor implementation of collection development policy Federal University of Technology Owerri .

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will be beneficial to academic library management, academic library personal, government, researcher and library advocates.

To academic library management: This study will be of immense benefits to the academic library management as it will give them guideline on how to implement collection development policy in the various libraries, and also help them to train their staff based on the guideline for better academic library services. The academic library manager will understand that when there is guideline for implementation of collection development policy, it will help them to build the library collection better in order to satisfy the needs of the users, which in turn will reduce outdated materials and superseded edition of information materials.

To the academic personnel: This study will help them to know the benefits of implementing collection development policy  in the library. It will create awareness and remind them of the need to do weeding from time to time  in the library in order to be current with information resources.

To the government: This study will be significant to them to understand the relevance of library collection development and its policy implementation in the academic libraries. Because library brings knowledge, learning, research and information to the society.

To the academic advocates: This study will enable them to contribute more on the need for implementation of collection development policy.

To researchers: To them who are interested in the implementation of collection development policy, will find this study  as a guide  in their future research and it will also add to existing  literature in librarianship

 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions were presented for the study.

1. What are the strategies for the Implementation of collection development policy in Federal University of Technology Owerri?
2. To what extent is the implementation of collection development policy?
3. What is the impact of implementing collection development policy in academic libraries?
4. What are the causes of poor implementation of collection development policy in Federal University of Technology?
   

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   Pages:  68

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

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Abstract

This research is on librarians ict skills for effective service delivery in imo state public library board owerri, four research questions was posed to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The area of study is Imo State. The population of the study comprised of fifteen (15) librarians working at the Imo State Public Library Board in Owerri. The entire population was used as the sample size. The primary instrument for data collection was a self structured rating scale. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The finding revealed that, The library services provided by librarians in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri are mobile library services, information and referral services, library  services to children . ICT skills required by librarians for effective service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri are available such as digital resource management, data analysis, E-learning and online instruction etc. librarians acquire ICT skills for effective delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri  through formal education, workshops and seminar, ICT Training etc. There are much Challenges faced by librarians in applying ICT skills to service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri such as limited budget, lack of lack of ICT training, outdated technology etc. Based on the findings, recommendations were made thus, There is need for improvement in the library services provided by the librarians for effective service delivery. ICT skills required by librarians should be improved and the librarians should be taught more with the recent and necessary skills for effective service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri are available. The ways through which  librarians acquire ICT skills for effective delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri  should be enhanced with the recent means so as to aid effective delivery. the challenges faced by librarians in applying ICT skills to service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri should be provided with solutions to enable effective service delivery.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, the researcher discussed the following subheading: background of the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significant of the study and research questions

Background to the Study

The advances made by Information and Communication Technology have doubtlessly made tremendous impact on human life and society. These have brought about obvious changes in the way people live and work .Activities which were carried out by analogical and manual process/ procedures can now be undertaken by simple, effortless, screen touch of the digital procedures. Obviously the results of the present ICT compliance of the digital world as compared to the analogue and manual process of activities are quite phenomenal and have enhanced higher productivity with minimal effort and time consumption. Libraries especially the public libraries as information centres are not left out in this revolutionary impact occasioned by ICT. It has brought about unprecedented and transforming changes in information handling which are now prominent in all library operations and services. The nature, scope and pattern of library operations have increased and also widened. They have greatly reshaped the way libraries collect, process, preserve retrieve and disseminate information. Prior to the emergence of ICT, the operations of libraries especially public libraries are cumbersome, time-wasting and frustrating activities, but the advent of ICT and its adoption in the public library and operation  has made  library services  become easier faster and more result oriented.

Libraries now use different types of ICT facilities in their operations and service delivery in core library functions such as; acqusition / collection development, cataloguing and classification, circulation activities, serials collection and control services, reference services, current awareness services selective dissemination of information, bibliographic services, document delivery etc. can be provided more effectively and efficiently using ICT. Krubu and Osawaru (2014) opine that libraries now use ICT to automate their core functions, implement management information system, develop institutional repositories of digital local content, and initiate ICT based capacity building programmes for library users. According to Edom (2012), public libraries are the only library institution established by government to inspire and encourage independent and continuing education of citizens especially those living within the particular environment or locality. Public library open its doors to provide library and information services to people in different walks of life without bias to their gender, age, religion, inclination, academic qualification, race, profession, national language etc free of change. The major objective of public libraries lie in the provision of resources/services to meet the information needs of its varied users and the ability of the public library to pursue and realize these determines its relevance and effectiveness.

The advancement in ICT has also influenced the demand made on public libraries, in terms of expectation of their customers in national and local policy agenda in which public libraries operates and these have equally influenced their service delivery (Oghenetega, Umuji, & Obue, 2014). In order to meet these challenges, many public libraries are incorporating ICT facilities into their operations and services. According to Patrica (2000), computer technology has redefined many services in public libraries including collecting, searching with Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) and so on.

ICT skills are the competencies and proficiencies required to effectively utilize ICT tools and resources. For librarians, acquiring and developing ICT skills is essential for delivering quality services to library users in the digital age. These skills include computer literacy, proficiency in library management systems, digital resource management, online searching, information evaluation, and the ability to utilize emerging technologies (Duyilemi,  Tunde-Awe & Adekola  2018).

Librarians can acquire ICT skills through various avenues. Formal education in Library and Information Science programmes equips them with foundational knowledge in ICT. However, continuous professional development is crucial to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Librarians can participate in training programmes, attend workshops and conferences, engage in online courses, and explore self-directed learning opportunities to enhance their ICT skills (Ademodi, 2019).

While librarians’ ICT skills are vital for effective service delivery, several challenges may impede their acquisition and utilization. Limited access to technology and resources, inadequate training opportunities, budget constraints, resistance to change, and the rapid pace of technological advancements are some of the challenges faced by librarians in developing and applying their ICT skills (Verma, 2014).

This work therefore was carried out to examine Librarians ICT Skills for effective service delivery in Imo State Public library Board, Owerri. Specifically, the study sought, to find out the impact of ICT skills for Effective Service Delivery in Imo State  Public Library Board Owerri.

Statement of the Problem

It  is a well known fact that Information and Communication Technology has been adopted in almost all spheres. The library is not left out in this phase. However, to effectively utilise ICT in libraries for library service delivery, the librarian should possess certain skills.

Discovering by the researcher shows that librarians have not been able to apply ICT in delivery library services. In Imo State Public Library Board, Owerri. It seems the librarians do not possess the ICT  skills required for effective service delivery and there may be challenges hindering ICT applications in Public Libraries. This is what this study is set to achieve.

Scope of the Study

The study is exclusively on librarians ICT skills for effective service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri. The investigation delimited to only one library and only the library staff of Imo State Pubic Library Board were studied. The study will also cover concepts of: public library, library services, library staff, ICT skills, ways of acquiring ICT skills, challenges to acquisition of ICT skills by library staff.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study is to investigate librarians ICT skills for effective service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri. The specific purposes are as follows:

1. identify the library services provided by librarians in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri;
2. ascertain the ICT skills required by librarians for effective service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri;
3. investigate the ways of acquiring ICT skills by librarians for effective delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri; and
4. identify the challenges to the application of ICT skills to service delivery by librarians.

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study if implemented and applied will be beneficial to the following: library patrons, librarians, community, schools, cultural heritage preservation, Students and Researchers, Government Agencies and Policy Makers and other libraries.

Library patrons will experience improved services and access to information through the implementation of ICT. With librarians equipped with enhanced ICT skills, patrons will receive more efficient assistance in information retrieval, benefiting from a faster and more accurate response to their queries.

Librarians at the Imo State Public Library Board will be the primary beneficiaries of the ICT skills development program. Acquiring essential ICT competencies will enhance their professional capabilities, allowing them to effectively manage digital resources, cataloging, and databases.

By bridging the digital divide, the library can promote digital literacy and ensure that all community members have equal access to digital resources and services.

 The focus on ICT skills development and knowledge dissemination aligns with the broader goal of promoting education and lifelong learning. By enhancing library services through ICT, the Imo State Public Library Board can serve as a powerful catalyst for intellectual growth and personal development within the community.

The digitization projects undertaken as part of the study will contribute to the preservation and promotion of the region’s cultural heritage.

Students and researchers will find the enhanced library services invaluable in their academic pursuits. With librarians equipped with advanced ICT skills, they can receive expert guidance on using digital research databases, citation management tools, and academic search engines.

 The Imo State Public Library Board, with improved ICT skills and digital resources, can play a significant role in supporting government agencies and policymakers. The library can act as an information hub, providing data, reports, and resources relevant to policy formulation and decision-making processes.

The success of the study and its implementation at the Imo State Public Library Board can serve as a model for other libraries in Nigeria and beyond. By showcasing the positive impacts of ICT integration and skill development, the project can inspire similar initiatives in other libraries, leading to collective improvement in library services nationwide. Other libraries can learn from the best practices and strategies implemented in this project, facilitating a broader transformation in the library landscape.

Research Questions

The following research questions guided the study:

1. What are the library services provided by librarians in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri?
2. What are the ICT skills required by librarians for effective service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri?
3. How do librarians acquire ICT skills for effective delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri?
4. What are the challenges faced by librarians in applying ICT skills to service delivery in Imo State Public Library Board Owerri?
   

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   Pages:  69

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

Abstract

This study examined “Challenges Of Acquisition Of Library Resources And Services To Users In Special Libraries In, Imo State, Nigeria: A Case Study of  Federal University of Teaching Hospital Owerri”. The study was guided by four (4) Purpose of the study and four research questions. The research design for this study was descriptive survey. The area of study is Federal University of Teaching Hospital Owerri. The population of the study comprises of twelve librarians working at the Federal Centre Library, Owerri(12).  The adoption of census enumeration technique was used. Self-structured rating scale was used as instrument for data collection for the study.  Descriptive statistics of mean scores were used to analyze data. The findings of the study are; that Main Challenges Faced by Special Libraries in acquiring Library Resources are high cost of foreign materials, lack of acquisition policy, Vendor relations and negotiations, evolving user expectation, copyright and licensing issues; Seek alternative funding sources and prioritize resource allocation, Develop vendor management expertise and negotiate favorable terms, Digitization and online access and Marketing and outreach are the strategies that can be implemented to address the challenges faced by special library The study recommended that; The parent institution of special libraries board should improve on the ways of  acquiring  library resource materials in the special library; This strategies if implemented can promote and address the challenges faced by the special libraries.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is the overview of this study. It is presented under the following subheading: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research question.

Background of the Study

The acquisition of information resources, also known as collection development, is a fundamental activity carried out by libraries worldwide. Within special libraries, the acquisition section plays a crucial role and serves as a vital link to other library sections (Ajayi and Akinniye, 2014). It is considered the heartbeat of any library, whether it be a traditional library or an e-library. Despite the introduction of innovative information technologies, such as e-libraries, traditional methods of acquisition have not been replaced entirely. Libraries continue to acquire and manage extensive book collections alongside other information formats (Adesanya and Agyen, 2015).

Contrary to predictions of the demise of print collections and the dominance of digital formats, printed resources, including books, still hold a central position in library acquisitions (Carr, 2011). The term “acquisition” encompasses various processes involved in acquiring library materials. These processes are carried out within specific conditions that may differ from one library to another.

Prytherch (2021), Emphasized that  the planning of a stock acquisition program goes beyond immediate needs. It aims to build a coherent and reliable collection over time that aligns with the library’s objectives and services. Acquisition plays a critical role in librarianship as the strength of a library’s collection heavily relies on the quality and relevance of the acquired information resources. Acquisition librarians, therefore, have a significant responsibility in maintaining a high-quality collection and fulfilling organizational goals through the acquisition of pertinent information resources. When a library acquires valuable and relevant materials, both the library and its users benefit greatly. The library gains credibility and authority, while users consistently find answers to their questions within such a library. The primary source of acquisition is through purchases, although information resources can also be acquired through gifts, exchanges, and legal deposits.

Special libraries serve specific user groups, such as corporate organizations, government agencies, research institutions, or specialized professional fields. These libraries play a crucial role in providing information resources and services tailored to the unique needs of their users. However, special libraries face specific challenges in the acquisition of library resources and the delivery of services to their users. This introduction will discuss the challenges faced by special libraries in acquiring and providing access to resources, as well as the impact of these challenges on users.

Acquisition of library resources in special libraries involves the process of identifying, selecting, and obtaining materials that meet the specific information needs of the user community. However, special libraries encounter various challenges in this process. Limited availability of specialized resources in the market is one such challenge (Spiteri, 2016). Specialized materials are often published in limited quantities, making it difficult for libraries to acquire comprehensive collections. Additionally, the high cost of specialized resources can strain the budget of special libraries, which may have limited financial resources allocated for acquisitions (Walters, 2015).

Challenge faced by special libraries is the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing availability of digital resources. While digital resources offer the advantage of instant access and convenience, special libraries must navigate issues such as licensing, digital rights management, and ensuring secure and reliable access to these resources (Landry, 2017). The integration of digital resources into the library’s collection requires technical expertise and infrastructure support, which may pose challenges for libraries with limited IT resources.

In addition to acquisition challenges, special libraries also face obstacles in providing services to their users. Limited staffing and budget constraints can hinder the provision of adequate services, such as reference assistance, interlibrary loan options, or document delivery services (Gorman, 2013). Special libraries often have specialized staff who possess subject expertise and knowledge of the unique needs of their user community. However, maintaining a skilled and knowledgeable workforce can be challenging due to budget constraints, limited opportunities for professional development, and the need for continuous training to keep up with emerging trends and technologies (Nix, 2016).

These challenges of acquisition and service delivery in special libraries directly impact users. Limited access to specialized resources restricts users’ ability to conduct in-depth research, make informed decisions, or stay updated with the latest developments in their respective fields (Orr, 2015). Insufficient services, such as inadequate reference assistance or limited access to interlibrary loan options, can hinder users’ ability to access the information they require in a timely manner.

To address these challenges, special libraries need to develop strategies that involve collaboration with other libraries, sharing resources through consortia, exploring digital platforms for resource sharing, and advocating for increased funding and support for specialized collections and services (Coleman, 2016). These measures can help special libraries overcome the challenges they face in acquiring and providing access to library resources and services, ensuring that they continue to meet the unique information needs of their user communities.

Statement of the Problem:

Special libraries are one of the library/ types that have been neglected, even parent body lacks interest in providing for special libraries their resources and services. It was observed that special libraries in Imo State are faced with so many challenges in the acquisition of library resources and provision of services to the users.

These challenges may include limited budgets, inadequate staffing, technological constraints, lack of specialized materials, and difficulties in meeting the diverse information needs of their user communities. Understanding these challenges is crucial for addressing the specific issues faced by special libraries in Imo State and improving their overall effectiveness and efficiency in resource acquisition and service delivery.

More so, investigations showed that the parent institutions of these special libraries are not meeting up in providing  better facilities and qualified staff that will uphold the services and resources when provided. In order to unveil all these, the researcher is to embark on this study using medical library at  Federal University Teaching Hospital (F.U.T.H) at Orlu road.

Purpose of the study

The main purpose of the study is to access the challenges of acquisition of library resources and the provision of services to their users in special libraries in Imo state. The specific objectives include to :

1. determine the main challenges faced by special libraries in Imo State in acquiring library resources.
2. determine the main challenges faced by special libraries in Imo state in providing services to their users
3. to examine the method of acquiring special library collection.
4. determine the strategies that can be implemented to address the challenges faced by special library.

Scope of the Study:

This study focuses on the challenges of acquisition of library resources and services to users in special libraries in Federal University of Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. It examines the issues and obstacles encountered by these libraries in acquiring and managing resources, as well as delivering services to their users. The study will consider various types of special libraries in Imo State, including corporate libraries, government agency libraries, research institution libraries, and other specialized libraries serving specific professional fields.

Significance of the Study:

Special Libraries: The primary beneficiaries of this study are the special libraries in Imo State. By identifying and understanding the challenges they face in acquiring library resources and services, special libraries can gain valuable insights into areas that need improvement.

Library Administrators and Staff: Library administrators and staff in special libraries will benefit from this study by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges affecting resource acquisition. The findings can help them make informed decisions regarding budget allocation, resource selection, and the adoption of new technologies or practices.

Library Users: The study’s findings can directly benefit library users in special libraries. By addressing the identified challenges, libraries can enhance their collections, expand access to relevant resources, and improve the quality and variety of services offered to users.

Research Community: Researchers and scholars interested in library science, information management, or related fields can benefit from this study. The research findings can serve as a valuable reference for future studies, allowing researchers to build upon the knowledge gained and explore new dimensions of the challenges in acquiring library resources and services.

Policy Makers and Funding Agencies: Policy makers and funding agencies involved in the development and support of library services can benefit from this study’s insights. The findings can provide evidence-based information on the challenges faced by special libraries, highlighting the importance of adequate funding, technological infrastructure, and professional development opportunities.

Students: Students can benefit from the study on the challenges of acquiring library resources and services in special libraries by having access to Relevant and Up-to-Date Resources: By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the study’s recommendations, special libraries can improve their collections and expand access to relevant and up-to-date resources. This means that students will have access to a wider range of books, journals, databases, and other materials that are essential for their studies.

Research Questions:

1. What are the main challenges faced by special libraries in Federal University of Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Imo State in acquiring library resources.
2. What are the main challenges faced by special libraries in Federal University of Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Imo state in providing services to their users
3. What are the method of acquiring special library collection.
4. What are the strategies that can be implemented to address the challenges faced by special library.
   

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   Pages:  86

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

Abstract

This study examined “the implementation of Resource Development policies in the management of academic libraries in Imo State, Nigeria”. The study was guided by four (4) objectives of the study and four research questions. Two key theories formed the foundation for this study, which are Resource- based view (RBV), Institutional Theory The research design for this study was descriptive survey. The area of study is Imo State, Nigeria. 70 library staffs in the three different institutions.  Proportionate sampling technique was used. Self-structured rating scale was used as instrument for data collection for the study.  Descriptive statistics of mean scores were used to analyze data. The findings of the study are; That majority agreed that Budget allocation and User service are  the existing resource development policies in academic libraries; That majority agreed that Technological integration, User service and Assessment and Evaluation as  the extent of compliance to resource development policies;The respondents agreed that up to date resources, improved access to library services and advanced technologies such as online databases are  How resource development policies impact library management. The study recommended that; The government and school board should improve the  existing resource development policies in academic libraries with the enhanced and current developments to promote effectiveness; extent of compliance to resource development policies in the academic should be improved to facilitate the resource development policies in Imo State; The resource development should be equipped and improved to promote more impact on the resource development; The school board and governments should provide solutions to tackle the challenges faced.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This study is being carried out under the following subheading: background of study, statement of problem, scope s the study, purpose of study, significance of the study and research questions

Background of the Study

The library is the nerve center of academic activities in universities and is a bank of knowledge with varied and useful information carried in different kinds of material, each of which has its unique way of handling. The academic library is an important agent in the pursuit of academic excellence in higher institution. Its main goal, according to Umuakwe and Oyebinama (2009), is to support the objectives of the host institution which has to do with learning, teaching, research and administration. Academic libraries, according to Oyelude (2002), are libraries that are found in tertiary institutions which include universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. However, these academic libraries in universities are also regarded as research libraries because among their objectives are the provision of materials in support of postgraduate, faculty, external and collaborative researches. This shows that libraries are very important in institutions of higher learning because they assist the institutions to achieve their aims and objectives by providing information that will meet the information needs of the users. It is also evident that, the extent to which the institution is able to carry out its laudable objectives portrays how well the institution’s library has been supportive in the provision of all the essential information resources.

Academic libraries are crucial components of educational institutions, serving as information hubs that support teaching, learning, and research activities. In Imo State, Nigeria, academic libraries play a vital role in providing students, faculty, and researchers with access to diverse and relevant information resources. These resources include books, journals, electronic databases, multimedia materials, and other forms of information necessary for academic pursuits.

A deficient collection that is built on uninformed decision can have adverse effects on the academic library and subsequently in attainment of the goals of the parent institution. Therefore, every academic library requires a workable information resource development policy to guide its decision on resource development. The academic library is charged with the responsibility of ensuring academic performance through collection building, maintenance access and use. In addition, it supports the attainment of goals of its parent institution The development of an academic library collection is not just the duty of the librarian; it is a cooperative effort between librarians and the teaching faculties. A deficient collection can have an adverse implication on the institution. It is because of this that Olanlokun and Adekanye (2005) averred that it is imperative that the collection must be developed in such a way that it will meet the aspiration of the library patrons. This implies that it is only with adequate library collection policy that academic libraries could reach the academic goals of their parent institutions. As Chukwu (1998) pointed out, the major indicator of a good library is the quality of its collection. Imo State is located in southeastern Nigeria and is home to numerous tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The academic libraries within these institutions serve as knowledge repositories and information centers, facilitating access to scholarly resources and supporting the academic endeavors of students and faculty members.

According to Owusu-Ansah (2013), academic libraries in Nigeria face various challenges, including inadequate funding, limited resources, and outdated infrastructure. However, despite these challenges, academic libraries in Imo State continue to strive towards providing quality information services to their users. The management of academic libraries involves various activities, such as collection development, cataloging and classification, circulation, reference services, and information literacy instruction. Resource development policies form the foundation of effective library management by guiding the acquisition, organization, and maintenance of library collections. Resource development policies are essential frameworks that outline strategies for acquiring relevant and diverse resources, ensuring their accessibility to library users, and maintaining the quality and relevance of the collections over time. These policies provide guidelines for library administrators and staff on budget allocation, selection criteria, collection assessment, and weeding practices.

In Imo State, academic libraries have recognized the importance of resource development policies in enhancing their operations. However, the implementation of these policies may face challenges due to factors such as limited funding, inadequate staff expertise, and rapidly evolving information needs of library users. Imo State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is home to several tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. These institutions rely on their academic libraries to support their educational objectives and provide a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research. The academic libraries in Imo State serve as information repositories, offering access to a vast array of scholarly resources and facilitating the intellectual growth of the academic community.

Academic libraries play a crucial role in supporting the educational endeavors of students, faculty, and researchers by providing access to diverse and relevant information resources. In Imo State, Nigeria, academic libraries serve as essential components of educational institutions, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and promoting intellectual growth. These libraries house extensive collections of books, journals, electronic databases, multimedia materials, and other resources that are vital for academic pursuits.

Despite the importance of academic libraries, they often face challenges in Nigeria. Owusu-Ansah (2013) points out that inadequate funding, limited resources, and outdated infrastructure are common challenges faced by academic libraries in the country. These challenges can affect the ability of libraries to acquire and maintain up-to-date collections, provide quality services, and meet the evolving information needs of their users. However, academic libraries in Imo State continue to strive towards overcoming these challenges and providing valuable resources and services to their users.

Effective library management requires the formulation and implementation of resource development policies. Resource development policies serve as guidelines for acquiring, organizing, and maintaining library collections to meet the information needs of users. These policies play a crucial role in ensuring that academic libraries have the necessary resources and services to support the educational goals of their institutions.

However, academic libraries in Nigeria, including those in Imo State, face several challenges. One prominent challenge is the issue of inadequate funding. Owusu-Ansah (2013) highlights that insufficient financial resources allocated to academic libraries hinder their ability to acquire new resources, upgrade infrastructure, and provide quality services. Limited funding also affects the ability to subscribe to expensive electronic databases and journals, restricting access to cutting-edge research materials.

To manage their collections effectively, academic libraries rely on resource development policies. Resource development policies serve as guiding frameworks that outline strategies and procedures for acquiring, organizing, and maintaining library collections. These policies help ensure that academic libraries have diverse and relevant resources to meet the educational and research needs of their users.

Resource development policies encompass various aspects, such as budget allocation, selection criteria, collection assessment, preservation, and weeding practices. They provide a roadmap for library administrators and staff to make informed decisions about resource acquisition and management, ensuring that the collections align with the institution’s curriculum, research focus, and evolving information needs (Isioma & Nwosu, 2018).

Furthermore, academic libraries in Imo State often struggle with limited resources and outdated infrastructure. The availability of physical space, shelving, seating, and equipment poses challenges in accommodating the growing collections and meeting the diverse needs of users. Inadequate infrastructure and outdated technologies hinder efficient library operations, including cataloging, circulation, and access to electronic resources .Limited resources and outdated infrastructure further exacerbate the challenges faced by academic libraries in Imo State. The availability of physical space, shelving, seating, and equipment can pose significant obstacles in accommodating the growing collections and meeting the diverse needs of library users. As highlighted by Akpa (2020), many academic libraries in Nigeria lack modern technologies and infrastructure, which adversely impacts their operations, including cataloging, circulation, and access to electronic resources.

Implementing effective resource development policies is crucial for academic libraries in Imo State to address the challenges they face. As noted by Isioma and Nwosu (2018), resource development policies enable libraries to optimize their limited resources, prioritize acquisitions based on user needs and curriculum requirements, and ensure the relevance and quality of the collections. These policies also provide a framework for evaluating and preserving materials, as well as strategically removing outdated or underutilized items from the collection.

Statement of the Problem

Academic libraries in Imo State, Nigeria, face several challenges in the effective implementation of resource development policies. These challenges hinder the libraries’ ability to optimize their limited resources, meet the information needs of their users, and provide quality services. The following problems have been identified: Inadequate Funding, Academic libraries in Imo State in some cases,grapple with limited financial resources, which hinder their ability to acquire new resources, update collections, and provide necessary services. Insufficient funding restricts their capacity to subscribe to expensive electronic databases and journals, leading to limited access to current research materials (Owusu-Ansah, 2013). Limited Resources and Outdated Infrastructure, The availability of physical space, shelving, seating, and equipment poses significant challenges for academic libraries in Imo State. Inadequate resources and outdated infrastructure hinder the efficient organization, management, and access to library collections, impacting library operations and services. Lack of Expertise: The absence of continuous professional development programs and training opportunities for library staff can impede the effective implementation of resource development policies. The lack of expertise and knowledge in modern collection management practices, technological advancements, and evolving user needs may hinder the libraries’ ability to make informed decisions. Evolving Information Needs: The changing information landscape and user preferences pose challenges for academic libraries. With the emergence of digital resources and technologies, users expect seamless access to a wide range of electronic resources. Failure to align resource development policies with these evolving needs may lead to a disconnect between the collections and services offered by the libraries and the expectations of the users (Nkiko et al., 2019).

These problems underscore the need to critically examine the implementation of resource development policies in academic libraries in Imo State. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the management of library collections, enhancing user satisfaction, and ensuring the libraries’ relevance and effectiveness in supporting teaching, learning, and research activities.

Therefore, this study aims to investigate the current state of resource development policies, identify the challenges faced by academic libraries in their implementation, and provide recommendations to overcome these challenges. By addressing these problems, the study seeks to contribute to the enhancement of library management practices and the effective utilization of resources in academic libraries in Imo State.

 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the implementation of resource development policies in the management of academic libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it aims to examine the current state of resource development policies, identify challenges in their implementation, and provide recommendations for improvement. The study will primarily concentrate on academic libraries within Imo State, including libraries in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. These institutions represent the major stakeholders in higher education and have academic libraries that cater to the information needs of students, faculty, and researchers.

The scope of the study encompasses various dimensions of resource development policies, including budget allocation, selection criteria, collection assessment, preservation, and weeding practices. It seeks to understand the existing policies and practices employed by academic libraries in Imo State and evaluate their effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by these libraries.

Significance of the Study

The implementation of resource development policies in academic libraries in Imo State holds significant importance. By examining the current state of these policies and identifying challenges in their implementation, this study aims to contribute to the improvement of library management practices and address the specific needs and constraints faced by academic libraries in Imo State.

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of existing resource development policies in academic libraries in Imo State. This knowledge will enable library administrators and policymakers to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, collection development, and management. By identifying areas of improvement, such as budget allocation strategies, collection assessment criteria, or preservation practices, this study can help enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of resource development practices in academic libraries.

Furthermore, understanding the challenges faced by academic libraries in implementing resource development policies is crucial for developing targeted solutions. This study will identify barriers and obstacles that hinder the effective implementation of resource development policies in academic libraries in Imo State. One of the significant challenges is the issue of limited funding. According to Onyancha and Omwocha (2018), inadequate funding is a prevalent challenge faced by academic libraries in Nigeria, resulting in difficulties in acquiring new resources, updating collections, and providing necessary services to library users.

Furthermore, the changing information needs and preferences of library users pose a challenge for academic libraries. As stated by Nkiko et al. (2019), the emergence of digital resources and technologies has transformed the way users seek and access information. Academic libraries must adapt to these changing information landscapes and align their resource development policies with the evolving needs and preferences of their users. Failure to do so may lead to a disconnect between the collections and services offered by the libraries and the expectations of the users.

By addressing these challenges, this study aims to contribute to the enhancement of resource development policies in academic libraries in Imo State. It seeks to provide recommendations and strategies to overcome barriers such as limited funding, lack of expertise, and changing information needs. The findings of this study will help academic libraries in Imo State better align their resource development policies with the needs of their users and improve the overall management and effectiveness of their collections.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of resource development policies in the management of academic libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. The study aims to achieve the following specific objectives:

1. To ascertain the existing resource development policies in academic libraries in Imo State.
2. To establish the extent of compliance to resource development policies.
3. To explore the impact of resource development policies on library management.
4. To identify the challenges faced in implementing resource development policies.

Research Questions

To guide the study, the following research questions will be addressed:

1. What is the existing resource development policies in academic libraries in Imo State?
2. What are the  extent of compliance to resource development policies?
3. How do resource development policies impact library management?
4. What are challenges faced in implementing resource development policies?
   

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   Pages:  74

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The general purpose of the study is to examine the adoption of Social Media in Teaching and Learning of Library and Information Science in Imo State University, Owerri. The Diffusion of innovation theory and Uses and Gratification theory formed the theoretical base of the study. The research design for this study is survey research design. The area of the study is Imo State, Nigeria. The study population is 14 LIS educators in the Library and Information Science Department in Imo State University, Owerri. The sample of this study is 14 LIS educators. Due to the small population, the researcher studied all, hence, the adoption of census enumeration technique. The instrument for data collection was a researcher-structured rating scale. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, simple percentages, and mean scores was used to analyze data generated by the research questions. Based on the analysis it was found that: LIS educators use many social media with Facebook getting the highest mean score; educators of Library and Information Science use Facebook, WhatsApp and Zoom in teaching and learning to a Very great extent; library and Information Science educators apply social media mostly in the distance learning, conference, assignment, online teaching, research, seminars, resource sharing, workshops and posting results and the challenge of using social media for teaching and learning is mostly information overload and distraction. Others are privacy and security concerns, misinformation and fake news, technological barriers and access inequities, privacy in student-teacher interactions, academic integrity and plagiarism and online harassment and cyber bullying. Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, the following recommendations were made: LIS educators should also utilize other social media platforms aside Facebook, WhatsApp and Zoom in other to fully maximize the full advantages that comes with the use of social media. Each social media platform has its own peculiarity and its distinctive feature that meets different needs; LIS educators and students should highly maximize the benefits of social media. It provides a ready-go platform for communication, collaborative learning, research and some other areas of LIS practices; no social media platform has all features that can guaranty efficient teaching and learning in LIS education, hence it is necessary that LIS educators use variety social media platforms to meet up with the demands of the profession and the students should create a balance between chit-chatting and academic activities. More attention should be directed to research.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUTION

The chapter is the overview of this study. It is presented by the researcher under the following subheadings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information as by speech, signals, writing, or behaviour is called communication. Information and communication technology are added advantages in the hands of library professionals in the current scenario. Information and Commutation Technology (ICTs) has ushered in a histrionic change in the realm of information communication in the recent time. The evolution of internet and World Wide Web has transformed the whole globe and present a new way of communication. The limitless connectivity and potential to create an open social order and system of interaction and collaboration have been made possible only because of information and communication technology. We can see the impact of ICT in every walk of life. As everyone needs  information pin pointedly and timely manner. As organizations worldwide thrive on modern technologies, the application of web 2.0 domain in the field of Library information and communication has no exception. The web 2.0 domain has been introduced as an experimental field to be accepted and implemented for rendering virtual digital library services to patron (Saho & Sharma, 2015).

Social networking which houses social media is going to become not only regional and national but also international in its character as communication facilities become cheaper and widely acceptable. Social networking websites usually have open membership this means that anyone become a member, it’s a process of building relationship among a group of who have a common interest. The ICT has made a possible for the transmission of information to all by using various electronic channels. Social Networking Sites are very popular in the society; it allows users to share ideas, pictures, posts, interests with people in their network. It provides an innovative and effective way of connecting users all over the world. SNSs such as LinkedIn, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs set up personal communities allow users to view profiles of their friends which is widely used worldwide and very popular in Nigeria too (Edosomwan, Chu. Samuel Kai-Wah & Du, 2011).

The emergence of social media simplified the hitherto complex process of communication because they are easy to use (Wetzel, 2010). Social media comprise activities that involve socializing and networking online through words, pictures and videos. Kaplan and Haenlein (2020) defined social media as a group of internet-based applications built on the ideological and technological foundations of Web2.0, which allows the creation and exchange of user-generated content. Social media tools have been developed in order to maintain, manage and improve social interactions between people, enable people to access, reuse or comment on contents authored by others. The evolving learning environments allow students to learn anytime and anywhere (Wetzel, 2020).

Consequently, Umoru (2015) categorized social media into seven types each indicating the purpose for which it could be utilized: collaborative projects (Wikipedia); Blogs and Micro blogs (Twitter); social news networking sites (Digg and Leakernet);content communities (YouTube and Daily motion); social networking sites (Facebook); virtual game world; (World of Warcraft); and virtual social world (Second life).There are various categories of social media sites used in education which are also useful in business education for enhancing students‟ skill acquisition and academic performance. These include: Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, Flickr, Blogs, Twitter and Wiki. For the avoidance of doubt, Webber (2014) reported that in October 2012 alone, users of facebook surpassed one billion. Perhaps, this is the reason that lecturers have started thinking differently about the utilization of social media tools, which has necessitated the pace at which teachers should incorporate social media into academic curricula. For success in today‟s world, students require core academic subject knowledge and understanding, in addition to other skills such as communication, creativity and innovation and critical thinking.

Communication can be described as the interaction between peoples conventional communication involving a face-to-face interaction. In social media, communication occurred when someone is responding or commenting on others status or initiating conversation with someone else (Tufekci, 2018). Social media has emerged as one of the basic practice in students‟ life. It has revolutionized the way students think and interact. Students use social media as a platform for doing many activities such as bonding relations, finding lost contacts, for discussing common interests through the existence of smart phones, students have become more attracted to use social media in their daily routines.

Technology and social media are combined in powerful ways, enabling students to produce creative thought, external knowledge, resources, and talents on a scale that was previously impossible (Tapscott & Williams, 2018). Social media give opportunity to reach a vast number of people and engage them in creative action on environmental issues. Creativity is expressed as something that is novel and useful. It is also regarded as combination and rearrangement of knowledge in the minds of people that allows flexible thinking in the creation of the novel ideas that are unexpected but rather useful (Zhang & Dong, 2013). Creativity is a mental process involving the discovery of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the existing ideas or concepts, fuelled by the process of either conscious or unconscious insight (Vasudevan and Lalanthika, 2018). There might be several agents in helping or hampering creativity of a person and its impact may vary from person to person.

Information and communication technologies and social network can be used as effective tools to improve instructional approaches and enhance critical thinking skills using the online environment (Haghparastet et al., 2013). Critical thinking has been defined as an important educational goal and is understood to mean reasonable reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do. Critical thinkers usually raise vital questions and problems, formulate them clearly, gather and assess relevant information, use abstract ideas, think open-mindedly, and communicate effectively with others.

Social media helps lecturers to be connected to their students off campus as well as with their former students. They use social media as a way of teaching by creating groups and accounts for students where the information can be accessed. Lecturers can share ideas with each other and point students to LinkedIn and Facebook. Professors create hashtag  that allow students to tag their academic posts, and view submissions to see what the collective has creatively produced (Devi et al., 2019).

One of the main reasons behind lecturers adapting to social media in classrooms is that they can do marketing via social media. Not only they are able to make the work easy but also are branding themselves professionally, creating a name for them in the community. Facebook pages, twitter accounts, various blog sites and YouTube channels are the examples where you can see professors doing excel in their stream. These platforms are highly accessed and hence can help professors in getting the high reputation. Social Media for Community Building is the missing piece of the puzzle for Admissions departments, Enrollment Management departments, Public Relations and Student Services departments that are seeking to engage their audiences using social media. In every college and university, social media is being integrated in every way possible, including admissions, campus life, alumni relations, and in the classroom. Social media plays a vital role in every bodies life whether the person is businessman/ student/ professor. Through Social Media it became easy for students to ask, search, conversation so that get a proper answer (Ventola, 2014).

Furthermore, David Lee King in Managing Your Library Social Media (2015) says there are some benefits if we use the social media to promote the library. They are: Financially the costs of using social media are perceived to be low;  It requires little training;  It promotes library services and disseminates news quickly, delivering this information more directly to library users; It helps gather feedback to enhance user services;  The promotion of library holdings via social media can help increase usage of content;  It enhances communication both within the library and with other departments; and It can be used for outreach activities through onward sharing, well beyond the institution itself, helping build connections and reputation more broadly. Other benefits include Worldwide Connectivity, Commonality of Interest, Real-Time Information Sharing Free  Advertising, Increased News Cycle Speed, No Geographical Boundaries, Connecting with experts on topics via social media, It helps in Research process and Learners can build social credibility.

Using social media is challenging day by day due to many issues. Many challenges involved using the internet are also related to social media because social media is an internet-based platform. The common challenges involved with social media is hacking, and a threat to security and privacy. In hacking, the most common risks or challenges of using social media is hacking. Hacking is a kind of criminal offense where hacker access to the users account and cease all kind of personal information of those users. For hacking, hackers use different types of traps which include different programs, tiny files, and other attractive contents. However, hacking is a great challenge for users of social media. The most important challenging aspects of using social media is privacy and security issues. Users of social media are now very much worried about the privacy issue of social media. It is very difficult to maintain privacy in social media as social media is public platforms where anyone can easily obtain the personal information of others (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2020). Maintaining ethics in uploading content in social media is also a challenging issue because social media allows it users to upload any content. However, ensuring ethics in an individual level is a great challenge today.

It is based on this background that the researcher carried out this study on “adoption of Social Media in Teaching and Learning of Library and Information Science in Imo State University, Owerri”.

Statement of the Problem

The advent of social media has created new opportunities and challenges for teachers and learners alike. Social media has become the driving force in the expansion of distance learning. New concepts like flexible Blended Learning which seek to integrate the internet with traditional teaching techniques have also been introduced to library and information science with perceptible influence on teaching and learning. The use of social media have caused a great infusion of data into lives of adults and have in turn caused them to assume creative roles in their social lives in addition to their personal lives. However, LIS educators might find it difficult to know how to use modern technology facilities in the teaching and learning. This could be as a result of non-availability of internet facilities or lack of knowledge /experience of and familiarity with ICT.

The introduction of social media is similarly having noticeable impact on all strata of society and all segments of societal activities. Facebook, WhatsApps, Instagram, Imo, e-mail have become commonplace in all the nooks and crannies of the planet with great impact on all activities. In the field of education and librarianship in particular, social media are rapidly becoming the instrument of choice for communication between library and information science educators and the students and for interactions among them in areas such as: class and examination schedules, assignment, lecture materials, among others which are frequently posted on social media often engendering extensive creative interactions among the participants (Urhiewhu & Erimieleagbon, 2018). There is no doubt that social media, properly managed can have liberal effect on teaching and learning. However, it  seems that library and information science educators have not fully integrated social media in the teaching and learning. researchers‟ observation suggests that social media may also interfere with students‟ concentration potentially to the detriment of learning. Hence, the study shall assess the adoption of social media in teaching and learning of Library and Information Science in Imo State University, Owerri.

Scope of the Study

The study is exclusively on the adoption of social media in teaching and learning of Library and Information Science in Imo State University, Owerri. The investigation is delimited to only one type of institution library which is the Department of Library and Information Science, Imo State University Owerri. The study also covered the following concepts: Library and Information Science education, social media, types of social media, utilization of social media, areas of teaching and learning and challenges.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study is to examine the adoption of Social Media in Teaching and Learning of Library and Information Science in Imo State University, Owerri. The specific purposes are as follows;

1. identify the social media used by Library and Information Science educators;
2. find out the extent they use of Social Media in teaching and learning;
3. ascertain the areas of teaching and learning library and information science educators apply social media; and
4. identify the challenges of using social media for teaching and learning.

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to the following:LIS educators, students, researchers and library professionals.

The study can provide valuable insights to LIS educators by highlighting the benefits and challenges of incorporating social media into teaching and learning practices. It can help them understand the potential of social media as a tool for enhancing student engagement, collaboration, and information literacy skills. The findings can inform pedagogical approaches and curriculum development in Library and Information Science programs.

The study can benefit students by examining how social media can be utilized in their learning process. It can explore how social media platforms can be leveraged to access and share information, collaborate with peers, engage in discussions, and interact with course content. Understanding the effective use of social media can enhance students’ learning experiences and equip them with digital literacy skills that are crucial in today’s information-driven world.

The study can serve as a foundation for further research on the adoption and impact of social media in library and information science education. It can contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence and insights into the effectiveness of social media tools and strategies. Researchers can build upon the findings to explore specific aspects of social media integration, assess its long-term impact, and identify best practices for successful implementation.

The study’s findings can be valuable for library professionals who are responsible for managing and implementing digital initiatives in libraries. Understanding how social media can be utilized in teaching and learning can inform the development of library services, instructional programs, and outreach activities. It can also assist in leveraging social media platforms for effective communication, engagement, and promotion of library resources and services.

Research Questions

The following researchers are posed for the study:

1. Which social media is used by Library and Information Science educators?
2. To what extent do lecturers of Library & Information Science use Social Media in teaching and learning?
3. What are the areas of teaching and learning library that Information Science educators apply social media?
4. What are the challenges of using social media for teaching and learning?
   

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   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

   

ABSTRACT

The major aim of this study is to carry out a comparative study on the ways of generating income in academic libraries. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Dependency theory formed the theoretical background for this study. The study adopted survey research design. The total population of the study is 58. Total enumeration sampling technique is used for the study. Rating scale was used to elicit data for the study. Mean score was used to analyse data for the study. The study founded out that the academic library needed income the most to maintain financial sustainability and to expand its services and programs. They also need income for technology upgrade, collection development, professional development and community engagement, the academic library generates its funds mostly through grants and endowments and fee-based service. It also generates funds through lobbying and advocacy, consultation services and via friends of the library and the most challenging factor militating against the generation of income for the academic library is decreased funding and limited commercial activities. Other factors are rising cost, open access movement, changing information landscape, competing priorities, donor dependence and user expectations. Base on the findings, the researcher recommended that the Nigerian academic libraries should look for other means of generating fund to help the libraries meet up to its goals and laws should be enacted by the university or the parent body, to help the academic libraries generate revenue.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUTION

The chapter is the overview of this study. It is presented under the following subheading: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research question.

Background to the Study

The library is a strong research base of any institution where age long information is preserved for diverse purposes. It is a curated collection of resources, both physical and digital, that provides access to knowledge, information, and cultural materials for educational, research, and recreational purposes. Mashayabo (2017) defines the library as a collection of books and other materials organized and maintained for use. They commonly include reference works, such as encyclopedias that provide factual information and indexes that help users find information in other sources; creative works including poetry, novels, short stories, music scores, and photographs; non-fiction, such as biographies, histories and other factual reports; and periodical publications, including magazines, scholarly journals, and books published as part of a series. It serves as a central hub for learning, exploration, and intellectual growth (IFLA, 2019). Nigeria as a country with has different types of institutions and each of them has need  for a library (Lawal, 2017). This is because the presence of library makes it easy for any researcher to gather information necessary in the course of the research. Among the libraries include school, national, public, special as well as academic library. For the purpose of this study, emphasis will be on academic library, due to how important the library is, the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a regulatory body mandated that every academic institution must have a functional library before it is issued a license of operation. To further strengthen its order, the body (NUC) embarks on a routine check to ensure that academic libraries are well equipped for both the students and lecturers use. The achievement of this responsibility cannot be feasible in the absence of adequate income.

However, funding for libraries in Nigeria has been of much concern to researchers. The limited resources cannot meet the human needs on the ground; and that is why when the Federal government allocates fund to the universities before such funds will be shared with the various divisions of the university, the library will be left out. As a result of this, most institutions still have outdated books/materials in their libraries, lecturers are not sponsored to embark on meaningful researches and even to attend seminars (Okiy, 2017). Due to the fact that funding is a major issue in maintaining the library, it now beholds on the librarians to source for other means to maintain the library as the government is not performing well to achieve this; and the truth still remains that funding drives the effectiveness of a library.

It would be stating the obvious to say that adequate funding should be considered a basic necessity for the effective development of library and information services. But when such a fundamental consideration is often ignored or is not sufficiently appreciated by the parent organizations, then it becomes necessary to reiterate even what is obvious as a means of driving the wedge in a little further (Boadi, 2016).Libraries have for long played a central role in the lives of Universities, in supporting learning, teaching and research. Since Universities themselves vary considerably in the nature, range and scale of their activities, it is not surprising that their libraries too come in many different shapes and sizes (RIN, 2019).

The  university,  polytechnic  and  college  of  education  libraries  are  commonly  referred  to  as academic libraries. These libraries are attached to institution of higher learning to support the teaching and learning research activities of their parent body. Akporhonor (2015) posited  that  academic  libraries  are  libraries  attached  to  tertiary  institutions  such  as  universities, polytechnic institutions, colleges of education, colleges of agriculture, colleges of technology and also research institutes.  Academic  libraries are  at the  forefront of  providing information  services to  their respective communities which comprises students, lecturers, and researchers in order to support their teaching,  learning and  research  needs.  Scholars  have  emphasized  on the  crucial  roles  academic libraries play  in providing  adequate sources  and resources  that meets the  needs  of their  users. This makes academic libraries to be referred to as the heart or nerve centres of institutions of higher learning where all academic activities revolved.  So, there is need for adequate resources and services of the higher institution libraries to enhance their effective services provision.

Income refers to the money or financial resources received by an individual, household, or organization as a result of their economic activities, investments, or other sources. It is the inflow of funds that contributes to one’s financial well-being and can be used for consumption, savings, or investment purposes. Uche (2023) defined income as the money or financial resources that an individual or entity receives from various sources, such as employment, investments, business activities, or government benefits. It is on record that, academic library income comes from the government hence any delay turns to affect the existence of the library (Boadi, 2016). As a matter of urgency therefore, academic libraries need to think of how to generate more income so as to augment the meager support  from government, institutional funding.

Academic libraries need alternative source of funding to keep them surviving in the world of financial difficulties nowadays as argued by (Foo, Chin, Tan & Puah, 2020). Also this stems from the fact that, both public and academic cannot totally fund their activities without a vibrant alternative income generation venture as commented in (Paut & Poulter, 2014). Again, due to the high financial crisis in all sectors of the economy, it is prudent for the academic library to find avenues of alternative income generation to support their services as suggested by Chaputula (2021). Peachey (2013) commented that libraries need to adopt strategies to assist them in implementing alternative income generation activities, and not depending solely on government support or parent organization.

The need to employ consultancy services and brokerages services for their day to day survival. Generally, fee base services at this present situation of the country are very critical in the life of academic libraries’ growth. (Osei & Ahenkroah, 2013). However, Nigerian academic libraries are seriously struggling to meet up with these current needs of the users as high exchange rate current economic situation and their main source of income is posing great challenge. The problem is severe bearing in mind that Federal institutions are funded by parent institutions through National universities commission (NUC) and by the Federal government. In the 80s, about 5% was allocated by the Federal government for libraries, but this allocation was increased in the mid 90s to about 10%, of which it was given directly to the Library Development Fund (LDF); though the bad news is that the Library Development Fund (LDF) has been scrapped out from the budget (Olanlokun & Adekanye, 2015) each university now decides on what to give to its library. When an assessment was carried out to ascertain if the said 10% is allocated to university libraries, it was discovered that many federal universities have not received the allocated fund, in the state university it is about who knows who in government to help fight in order to get the said allocation similar situation also exists in the private university, where the founders that determine what goes into the funding of the library.

It is, therefore, pertinent for academic libraries in Nigeria to engage in diverse means of generating income for the upkeep of the libraries, rather than depending on the government. An introspective look into internal means of income generating for the maintenance of the library will go a long way in achieving the purpose for which it was set up, and this study is meant to discover those ways.

Statement of the problem

When the life wire of any establishment is not pumped into any system, the progress of that system is forfeited. The library is meant to be a strong and updated knowledge base for learning; but the inadequate funding keep posing a challenge The government allocation of unseen funds for the maintenance of the libraries; frequent diversion of funds/embezzlement and overdependence on government for funding by the academic libraries has been the order of the day.

In this bid, the libraries have been left in poor state of empty shelves, outdated books, and lack of maintenance of some equipment that would have assisted the librarians in the course of discharging their duties and probably serve as a means of revenue. The exacerbatory situation is the researchers concern and reason for generating income in Nigeria academic libraries rather than relying on the government.

Scope of the Study

The study is exclusively a comparative analysis of Income generation in academic libraries. It will cover issues boarding on libraries, academic libraries, income and income generation in Imo State University and Federal polytechnic Nekede, Owerri are the institutions to be compared. The study will be limited to 2 academic institutions in Imo State namely; Imo State University and Federal polytechnic Nekede.

Purpose of the Study

The major aim of this study is to carry out a comparative study on the ways of generating income in academic libraries. Specifically it intends to:

1. ascertain the various income needed in the academic libraries studied.
2. determine the ways of generating income in the academic libraries studied.
3. identify the challenges of generating income in the academic libraries studied

Significance of the Study

The study if published will be relevant to library administration, library users, library staff, policy and decision makers and future researchers.

The study provides libraries and their administrators with insights into effective income generation strategies. By understanding the comparative analysis of different libraries, they can identify successful approaches and implement them to generate revenue. This knowledge can help libraries enhance their financial sustainability, expand services, and improve user experiences.

The study indirectly will be of benefit to library users by improving the quality and variety of services offered. With increased income generation, libraries can enhance their collections, provide access to updated resources, introduce new programs and initiatives, and improve facilities and technology infrastructure. This leads to a more enriching and satisfying experience for library users.

The study contributes to the professional development of library staff and professionals by offering insights into income generation strategies. It equips them with knowledge and skills related to financial management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. This empowers them to effectively contribute to the sustainability and growth of libraries, enhancing their professional expertise and career prospects.

The study’s findings and recommendations can inform policymakers and decision-makers involved in the development and funding of libraries. By understanding the significance of income generation, they can design policies and allocate resources that support libraries in diversifying their funding sources and achieving financial sustainability. This can lead to more effective and targeted investments in the library sector.

The study adds to the existing body of knowledge on income generation in libraries, specifically in the Nigerian context. Researchers and scholars interested in library management, finance, and entrepreneurship can benefit from the study’s comparative analysis, methodologies, and findings. It may inspire further research and contribute to a deeper understanding of income generation strategies for libraries.

Libraries play a vital role in local communities by providing educational resources, promoting literacy, and offering community engagement programs. The study’s focus on income generation can result in better-funded libraries, allowing them to serve their communities more effectively. This, in turn, benefits individuals seeking knowledge, educational opportunities, and community support.

Research questions

The following questions are posed to guide the study:

1. What are the various income needed in the academic libraries studied?
2. What are the ways of generating income in the academic libraries studied?
3. What are the challenges of generating income in the academic libraries studied?
   

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   Pages:  75

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

Abstract

This study examined the Use of the information literacy skills of students of Imo State University, Owerri. Information Search Process Model (ISP) and constructivist learning theory was used as the theoretical background. Other related literatures were reviewed. The research design for this study is descriptive survey. The area of study is Imo state University. The population of the study comprises of nine hundred and eight thousand 908,000 undergraduate students enrolled in Imo State University  with sample size of four hundred  (400).  self -structured rating scale and likert scale was used as an instrument for data collection for the study.  Descriptive statistics of mean scores were used to analyze data for data analysis. the findings of the study are: online databases,  E-books, online Journals,  Institutional digital repositories, Encyclopedias and reference sources are electronic resources used, Information seeking, source evaluation, information retrieval,  ethical and legal use of information,  effective communication are the information literacy skills possessed by the students of Imo State University, online databases, on E-books,  websites, Online videos and webinars, digital libraries are information literacy skills in utilization of electronic resources re information literacy skills in utilization of electronic resources, Inadequate or insufficient instruction on information literacy skills,  Students face difficulties in navigating and using electronic resources, Students who are non-native speakers or have limited language proficiency, on Lack awareness of what information literacy skills, on Problem from busy schedules and multiple academic responsibilities are challenges faced by students in the acquisition of information literacy skills. The study recommended that, There should be provision of Electronic resources used by the students in the schools, The students should be trained on Information Literacy Skills to help enhance their performance in the school, The Use of Information Literacy Skills in Utilization of Electronic Resources should be made available in the school, The Acquisition Of Information Literacy Skills should be enhanced and improved to help the students.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, the researcher discussed the following subheadings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

In today’s digital age, the utilization of electronic resources has become an integral part of students’ academic and research endeavours. The rapid advancement of technology has provided students with unprecedented access to a vast array of electronic resources, including online databases, e-books, journals, and websites. Electronic resources refer to digital materials and information that are accessible and available through electronic means, typically accessed via computers, tablets, smartphones, or other digital devices. These resources can include online databases, e-books, e-journals, websites, multimedia content, and other digital materials that provide information and knowledge in various fields (Bonn & Bonn, 2022). However, the effective utilization of these resources requires a set of essential skills known as information literacy skills (Ankrah, Boateng, & Amartey, 2018).

Information literacy skills refer to the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from various sources. These skills are crucial for students to navigate the vast amount of information available in electronic resources and to become critical thinkers, independent learners, and active participants in the digital information landscape (Bruce, 2017). Developing information literacy skills is vital for students to adapt to the changing information landscape and to thrive in their academic pursuits.

It is essential for students to develop information literacy skills specifically tailored for their utilization. These skills encompass various aspects, including the ability to formulate effective search strategies, critically evaluate the credibility and authority of online sources, analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources, and ethically use and cite electronic resources (American Library Association, 2015). By acquiring these skills, students can enhance their research capabilities, improve the quality of their academic work, and become more engaged and informed digital citizens.

The utilization of electronic resources in education brings forth numerous benefits for students. Firstly, electronic resources provide access to a wealth of up-to-date and relevant information that can greatly enhance students’ learning experiences (Abdullah, 2019). With just a few clicks, students can access a vast array of scholarly articles, research papers, and academic publications, enabling them to delve deeper into their subjects and explore multiple perspectives. Additionally, electronic resources offer the convenience of 24/7 access, allowing students to study and conduct research at their own pace and from any location with an internet connection (Griffiths & Brophy, 2017).

Despite the immense potential of electronic resources, many students encounter challenges in effectively utilizing them. Students often struggle with information overload, the inability to evaluate the credibility and relevance of sources, and difficulties in navigating complex databases and search interfaces (Koltay, 2016). These challenges can hinder students’ ability to locate and utilize the most appropriate and reliable information for their academic needs.

Educational institutions and libraries play a critical role in fostering information literacy skills among students. They have the responsibility to provide students with access to electronic resources and to offer guidance and support in developing effective strategies for their utilization (Kapitzke, 2017). Additionally, educators can integrate information literacy instruction into their curriculum, helping students develop the necessary skills to navigate the digital information landscape effectively.

It is based on this background that the researcher carried out this study on the information literacy skills of students at Imo State University, Owerri, with a specific focus on their utilization of electronic resources.

 Statement of the Problem

In today’s digital age, electronic resources play a crucial role in students’ academic success and lifelong learning. However, many students face challenges in effectively utilizing electronic resources which may be due to lack of information literacy skills. This problem is particularly evident among students at Imo State University, Owerri, who may struggle to locate, evaluate, and use electronic resources to support their studies and research. The researcher therefore wonders if the inability to utilize electronic resources is because of poor information literacy skill. This is what this study is set to examine.

Scope of the Study

This study aims to explore the information literacy skills of students of Imo State University, Owerri, specifically in relation to the utilization of electronic resources. Only the undergraduate students in the Faculty of Education, Imo State University will be studied.

The study will also cover the following concepts: electronic resources, information literacy skills, challenges of acquiring information literacy skills.

 Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of this study is to examine the information literacy skills of students of Imo State University, Owerri, with a specific focus on their utilization of electronic resources. The  specific purposes of the study are as follows:

1. to identify the electronic resources used by the students of Imo State University.
2. to find out the information literacy skills possessed by the students.
3. to ascertain the extent students use information literacy skills in utilization of electronic resources; and
4. to examine the challenges faced by students in acquisition of information literacy skills.

Significance of the Study

This study holds significant importance for various stakeholders such as students, faculty members, University administrators, library and information science professionals, employers and industries, societies and researchers.

The study will directly benefit students by enhancing their information literacy skills and equipping them with the necessary competencies to effectively utilize electronic resources. Improved skills in locating, evaluating, and using information will support their academic success, research capabilities, and overall learning experience.

Faculty members play a crucial role in guiding students’ learning and research processes. The study’s findings can inform faculty members about the existing information literacy skills gaps among students, helping them develop targeted interventions, instructional materials, and assignments that promote effective utilization of electronic resources. This can lead to improved teaching and learning outcomes.

Understanding the information literacy skills of students is essential for university administrators in planning and implementing relevant policies and support services. The findings can inform decisions related to curriculum development, resource allocation, and the provision of information literacy training programs or workshops to enhance students’ skills.

As custodians of information resources and providers of library services, librarians and information professionals can utilize the study’s findings to design and deliver targeted information literacy programs, workshops, and tutorials. This will ensure that students have the necessary skills to access, evaluate, and effectively use the electronic resources available in the university library.

Employers value graduates who possess strong information literacy skills. By improving students’ information literacy competencies, the study can contribute to producing graduates who are better prepared for the demands of the modern workplace. This benefits employers by having a pool of job-ready individuals who can effectively utilize electronic resources for research, problem-solving, and decision-making.

The skills are crucial for informed citizenship and lifelong learning. By equipping students with these skills, the study contributes to producing individuals who can critically evaluate information, engage in evidence-based decision-making, and contribute to the social, economic, and cultural development of their communities.

The findings of this study will be beneficial to researchers as it will give them foundational information on the subject area. They may also review it as empirical study. It will add to already existing knowledge on the subject area.

Research Questions

The following research questions are posed to guide the study:

1. What are the electronic resources used by the students of Imo State University?
2. To what are the information literacy skills possessed by the students?
3. What extent do students use information literacy skills in utilization of electronic resources?
4. What are the challenges faced by students in the acquisition of information literacy skills?
   

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   Pages:  60

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the Use of E- Library resources by students in Imo State University, Owerri. Technology Acceptance Model (ATM) theory was used as the theoretical background. Other related literatures were reviewed. The research design for this study is descriptive survey. The area of study is Imo state Public library board. The population of the study comprises of seven thousand nine hundred and fifty six (7956) registered usres of students in Imo State University with sample size of three hundred and eighty (380).  Checklist and questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection for the study. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, simple percentages, and mean scores was used as the major descriptive statistics for data analysis. the findings of the study are:  that, e-journals, e-newspapers, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), CD-ROM databases, e-books, online databases, e-research reports, virtual library, science direct online, as well as Ebscohost reference databases are not available in IMSU.  e-resources such as OPAC, e-journals, full text databases, CD-ROM databases frequency of use is to a very large extent for students to access in conducting research and other scholarly works, that electronic resources were available in some academic libraries and students utilize them for research and other academic purpose, inconsistent internet connectivity, slow network, lack of computer skills, power outages and irrelevant electronic information resources were the problems students’encountered while accessing and using electronic resources in University Libraries.  Supply, Adequate finance for subscription and Provision of e-resources in various discipline. The study recommended that, The University Management should provide adequate funds for subscription to electronic journals. Appropriate databases related to faculty and students fields of study should be subscribed to address the limited subscribed titles, Appropriate user education should be organized for students for better use of electronic information resources in the library. Inverter and battery system should be installed in the electronic library to ensure regular power supply, Users (students) should be made to understand that even if they cannot use a computer system, staff would assist them to meet their information needs.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is the overview of this study. It is presented under the following subheading: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research question.

Background of the Study

Electronic resources are materials in digital format that can be accessed using electronic and computer networks. Resources such as OPAC, CD-ROM, Online databases, e-journals, e-books, digital repositories, and internet resources are some of the electronic resources available in libraries. The advent of ICT has greatly impacted how institutions of higher learning carry out their day to day functions; however, the role of librarians has remained the same: to collect, organize, access, and preserve information for the end-user. According to Kiambati, (2015), everything is having an “electronic” prefix in the modern world; the way information is accessed has changed due to advanced computer technology and high-speed internet connectivity. Omeluzor et al., (2016) established that the 21st century has brought benefits as well as challenges for information centres due to the emphasis laid on ICT infrastructural development, hence paving the way to use internet services, library automation systems, and electronic information and services  In the contemporary world, academic libraries are not considered modern by many users if not automated and offering basic electronic resources like OPAC and internet services to their clientele. There is a growing demand for the use of electronic resources in many academic libraries due to the dynamic nature of interoperability and flexibility compared to print resources. This explains why there is an increase in the subscription to electronic resources and a reduction in print resources. E-resources are gradually complementing the existing library resources, hence reducing pressure on print materials. This has led to the global dissemination of e-resources using electronic mail and social media platforms by sundry libraries.

The establishment of electronic resource centres is of great help to educationists in accessing new research developments as soon as they are made available to improve teaching, learning to prepare learners to face contemporary challenges that would enable them to obtain solutions to global problems. It is becoming increasingly convenient to search for a piece of electronic information from any point and at any time compared to conventional sources due to its accessibility. This development has shown many information centres offering” just in time” access to electronic resources should the user need them, while; other centres provide remote access to information resources from anywhere, anytime (Aniedu & Uzuegbu, 2014). Academic libraries necessitate sound ICT support by integrating their content with communication technologies from traditional print to e-resources because an enormous percentage of the library budget is spent on subscription. Okite-Amughoro et al., (2015) indicate that academic libraries have reached an era of replacing printed research materials with electronic materials that are widely accessible via the World Wide Web technology ((www). This development considerably facilitates internet connectivity in many parts of the world for quick access and utilization.

In most learning institutions, e-resources have become powerful teaching and learning tool for lecturers and students as the internet becomes a gateway to global information accessibility allowing users to access huge amounts of information. It also enables lecturers to virtual link with their students to access information from anywhere, anytime. Most academic libraries are gradually embracing library remote access platform to provide resources and services to off- campus users. Nevertheless, inadequate access to information can greatly impact the performance of students undertaking various courses in learning institutions. Most undergraduate students depend on online resources for assignments and research, therefore, non-subscription to vital electronic databases negatively impacts their performance.

Every fiscal year, academic libraries set aside a significant amount of money to subscribe to various online resources to satisfy the needs of their users (Maina et al., 2017). Study findings have shown that despite the heavy investments in online database subscriptions, some resources are extensively underutilized (Uzuegbu et al., 2012). This is largely attributed to lack of awareness, poor searching skills, unreliable internet connectivity, among others. Dolo-Ndlwana, (2013) did a study on use of e-resources among undergraduate and established that students and faculty staff used and valued electronic resources and its usage was common among undergraduate students. Majority of them were aware of these resources and valued their availability. They were mainly used to obtain answers to specific questions as well as to gain general information in their areas of study. However, it was noted that the main reason was for academic purposes. The study reported that most users encountered problems of infrastructure as well as personal basis. Yebowaah, (2017) on his study showed that, 65% of users were aware of e-resources mainly from friends, memos, workshops and library websites. A total of 67.5% did not use e-resources despite being aware of its existence. In Uganda, a study was done on e- resource utilization by students in Mbarara University library and suggested for a need to increase the level of usage. Hence training on the use of electronic resources to all users becomes expedient (Gakibayo et al., 2013). Ankrah & Atuase, (2018) conducted a study on the use of e-resources by undergraduate students on the University Of Cape Coast and established that training is very necessary because it provides adequate skills on the use of computers since that is the major means of accessing e-resources. They however reported that, e-resources were not fully utilized due to low publicity, inadequate training, restriction of access and poor internet connections.

Most importantly, ICT significantly changes the way learning is conducted with the increase of information and communication technologies for instructional design, delivery and technology supported learning (Barclay 2021). With the development of information technology, electronic resources are now available for use in libraries. New trends in the computer technology are allowing libraries to do things with more efficient and effective tools.

          Statement of the Problem

The migration of knowledge management from purely print materials to hybrid and electronic resource prompted the University Library to think in the lines of adopting technology not only to supplement the already stretched print resources but also to offer more up to date alternative. However despite the massive investment on the electronic resources, it has been realized that the resources utilization levels are low. It is with the above scenario in mind that this work was conducted so as to assess the use of electronic Library resources by undergraduate students of the Imo State University, Owerri.

Scope of the Study

The study is aimed at finding out the Use of E- Library resources by students of Imo State University. The study will cover Imo State University, Owerri.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to find out the Use of E- Library resources by students in Imo State University, Owerri.

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. Ascertain the types of electronic library resources are available to undergraduates of Imo State University.
2. Determine the possible reasons for students use of electronic library resources.
3. Establish the frequency of use of the preferred electronic library resources by the students.
   4. Determine how are the electronic library resources are accessed by the undergraduates of Imo State University.
   5. Identify the problems associated with the use of electronic library resources for learning and research.
   6. Identify the strategies for improving the academic use of electronic library resources by the students in the university.

         Significance of the Study

It is hoped that information derived from this study will benefit both the university administrators, students and university libraries at large. This will make a vital contribution to the already existing knowledge and understanding of electronic information resources and their effects on university.

It is expected that the result will be useful to the university administrators in planning for the future thereby providing access to internet and laboratories for students to learn more.

By finding out on use of E library resources by students, it will enable the university libraries as an information service provider and their parent institutions to structure library services in such a way that they focus not only on collections, but also on the needs of the students, to develop facilities that recognize, embrace and encourage the collaborative, faster and social nature of learning, then seek for ways towards enhancing their services to the users, thereby making library become more effective in provision of their roles especially in this era where digital and electronic libraries complement and in some cases replace traditional libraries.

On the other hand, undergraduate students will benefit from the study because when computer laboratories are built and more computers are provided by the university administrators it will create avenues for students to have access to internet quickly and gain more information at reduced expense which in turn improve their knowledge and good planning.

          Research Question

This research was conducted to find answers to the following research questions:

1. What are the types of electronic library resources available to undergraduates students of Imo State University?

2. What are possible reasons for students use of electronic library resources to undergraduates students of Imo State University?
3. What is the frequency of use of the preferred electronic library resources by the undergraduate students of Imo State University?
4. How are the electronic library resources are accessed by the undergraduates students of Imo State University?
5. What are the problems associated with the academic use of electronic library resources by the undergraduate students of Imo State University?
6. What are the strategies for improving the academic use of electronic library resources by the students in the university?
   

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Abstract

This study examined the influence of social media usage on the information behaviour of undergraduate students in selected universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. Five (5) research objectives were formulated for this study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population for this study comprised of undergraduate students in Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State University and University of Ilorin. Israel (2003) sample size model was used to calculate the sample size with precision levels of 5% and confidence level of 95% and the recommended sample size was three hundred and eighty-five (385).A simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample from the population. The self-designed questionnaire was divided into five sections. Content-related approach of validation was conducted to ensure validity of the instrument while Cronbach alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument and the overall reliability coefficient of the instrument is r= 0.679. The collated copies of the questionnaire were analysed with the IBM SPSS version 21.0. The presentations of the data for the research objectives were done using frequency counts and percentage table. The findings of the study shows Facebook as the most preferred social media tools by undergraduate students. The findings further revealed that there is a high usage of social media among undergraduate students. The findings also showed that the major purposes of using social media by undergraduate students are to connect with friends and for academic activities. However, the findings generally show that there is a significant relationship between purpose of using social media and information behaviour of undergraduate students. Since the benefits attached to using social media cannot be overemphasized,among numerous recommendations based on the findings, the study therefore recommended that, university management should ensure that they integrate social media applications into their learning and teaching system.

 Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Social media is often lauded as a potentially transformative information resource. Information is the power house of the present emerging technological driven society. Today, information has been seen as heavily stressed factor that shapes the society. Information is a life blood of present society; it is accepted as a key issue in today’s viable world (Prabhavathi, 2011). Over the last several years, information increased significantly in a large variety of formats. This information overload gave the foundation to the idea of studying the information searching or seeking behaviour of users or human information behaviour (Fasola&Olabode, 2013).

Information that is publicly available can be shared to enable people to perform various tasks in their private and official capacities (Davies, Rafique, Vincent, Fairclough, Packer, Vincent &Haq, 2012). The need to make choices among several information sources leads to variations in people’s information behaviour. In judiciously making effective use of information, the society has exhibited a kind of behaviour known as information behaviour.Information behaviour has been drastically transformed by the arrival of the internet and, in recent years, of social media.  Just as it is known, new technologies helps facilitate and provide flexibility in communicating and sharing of resources.

The 21st Century has been characterized with unprecedented increase in the

technological advancement around the world. Among these are advances in Internet facilities, establishment of libraries, development of information technology, improvements in communications multimedia and sophistication. Adeniyi (2004) established that everybody needs information to reach his or her potential and that the more information that is available to a system about itself and about its environment the more reliable it becomes and the greater its chances of survival.

On other hands, social media has become pervasive, playing a dominant role in the social structure of the society and changing the nature of social relationships (Al-Sharqi,

Hashim&Kutbi, 2015). It has revolutionized the way we communicate, interact and socialize. This new approach to consuming and creating information is in particular attractive to youths as a platform and space for activities not possible in the face-to-face context (Leea, Chena, Lia & Lin, 2015). Social media plays a vital role in the sharing of information and is used to convey different types of information (i.e. sensitive, sensational, political and casual information) (Osatuyi, 2013).

Although the history of social media is not really new, but it has only recently become part of our mainstream cultural activities both in the social and business world, people have been using digital media for networking, socializing and information gathering almost exactly like now for over 30 years (Boyd &Ellion, 2008).  Defining social media, in ClickZ, social media started as a concept many years ago but has evolved into sophisticated technology. The concept of social media can be dated back to the use of the analog telephone for social interaction. Facebook started as a local social network made for the students of Harvard. It was developed by a sophomore, Mark Zuckerberg. Facebook was actually made by hacking Harvard’s data base containing identification images of students. The initial idea was actually to compare the faces of students with images of animals, for entertainment purposes. However, due to the potentially damaging contents of the site, the creators decided to put it down before it caught the attention of school authorities. The application was shut down, but the idea of creating an online community of students came to existence. The platform was then improved and sooner than they expected, Facebook was released in campuses other than Harvard. Thereafter, high schools were already starting to get attracted to the idea of having online communities, thus opening the website to the younger population. In 2006, facebook.com ultimately offered the opportunity to the rest of the world. As 2007 approached, the registrants reached an overwhelming digit- roughly a million dozen .Facebook has grown to become the biggest and most popular social networking site today with a population of above 500 million active users (Facebook statistics, 2012).

Social media has increasingly influenced the information behavior of students in higher education over the past decade. Social media is a broad concept covering a wide range of the Internet applications that support social communication between individuals (whether direct or indirect, synchronous or asynchronous), with an emphasis on interaction between users (i.e. conversation or dialogue), user-generated content, and building of online relationships and communities (Turban, King & Lang, 2011). Social media is centered on enhancing the progress of communication in the society i.e. sharing of ideas, thoughts, and opinions among people.

Among the vast variety of online tools which are available for communication, social networking sites (SNS) have become the most modern and attractive tools for connecting people throughout the world (Aghazamani, 2010). It is also about allowing people to connect with others just as it has been for many years. According to Khoo (2010), social media applications have influenced all areas of our lives and are having a major impact on how we live, work, play, learn and socialize. Social media in its various manifestations present a golden opportunity and rich environment to study information behaviour, as much of the information (in text, image and video format) are recorded and stored in publicly accessible repositories and on personal devices (Khoo, 2010).

Basically, social media is a collection of interactive web-based applications integrated on Web 2.0 technology that enable active interactions between web multiple users to create and share information (Boyd & Ellison, 2007; O’Reilly, 2007). Although social media and Web 2.0 are distinct concepts they have been used interchangeably in the literature. However, Web 2.0 represents a newer platform foundation of the web which consists of a set of technologies such as Adobe Flash, Really Simple Syndication or RSS to enable richer content to be published on the web (O’Reilly, 2007). By contrast, the foundation of social media is based on user generated content (UGC), that is, various forms of media content created by internet users and available on the web based on Web 2.0 technology (Kaplan &Haenlein, 2010). Social media applications include blogs and micro blogs (logger & twitter), wikis (Wikipedia), social networking (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn), multimedia sharing services (YouTube), content syndication (e.g. RSS feeds), podcasting and content tagging services (Anderson, 2007; Hansen, Shneiderman, & Smith, 2010).

Social media technologies are enjoying a phenomenal success, for example, Facebook, a social networking website, claims that its active users reached 1.8 billion worldwide, more than 50% of which log in every day (Facebook, 2017). In the same vein, Twitter, a micro-blogging website hosts 317 million users who post on average 500 million tweets per day (Twitter 2017); More than 1 billion unique users visit YouTube each month, watching more than 6 billion hours of video (YouTube 2017), and at the same time it is estimated that there are over 181 million blogs worldwide (Nielsen 2012). Among the users of social media are students who use social media tools for many purposes such as access to information, group discussion, resource sharing and entertainment (Wang, Chen & Liang, 2011). This has generated speculation on their use and related positive and negative implications, in both the short and long terms.

The expediency of accessing remote information through social media has resulted in tremendous popularity for web,which has given a new dimension to the library and information centers. In light of this, the job role and concept of library and librarians is dramatically changing with the application of information and communication technologies (Quadri, 2012). The Internet has successfully entered all the areas and to a great extent is affecting the library and information centers. A wide range of public domain and commercial information sources are currently available on the internet such as bibliographical/full text databases, table of contents of journals, discussion forums, technical reports, preprints, biographies, directories, data archives, teaching and training material, library catalogues, software etc (Vijayakumar, 2015). Furthermore, Internet use has become a way of life for the majority of higher education students all around the world (Vijayakumar, 2015). Social media support all kinds of social interactions, mediated and captured by Internet applications including mobile applications (Khoo, 2015). The online communities that evolve exhibit social and collaborative information behaviour that can be studied.

In this modern society, information behaviour is a day-to-day activity that is essential to people in of all vocations and skilled occupations across various disciplines and professional groups (Yemisi, 2014). The proliferation of online social media has undoubtedly affected how students nowadays learn. Twenty first century learners, often considered critically engaged learners, are the technologically savvy students in today’s classrooms (Moore et al., 2008).They also tend to be plugged into social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and many more throughout the course of their everyday activities (Rhoades, Friedel, &Irani, 2008).

The term information behaviour is the currently preferred term used to describe ways in which human beings interact with information, in particular, the ways in which people seek and utilize information (Bates, 2010). In other words, information behaviour covers a wide range of user behaviour in relation to information and information systems, including information need generation, information creation, seeking, encountering, sharing, giving, assessment, management and use. These are studied in the context of different kinds of tasks in work, every day and play environments. All these aspects of information behaviour can be studied in the context of social media use.

George (2012) claimed that some of the challenges associated with use of social media stem from the risks inherent in student internet usage. Romero-Fríasand Montano (2010) further argued that it exposes students to inappropriate material, un-wanted adult interactions and bullying from peers. Similar remarks were made by Romero-Fríasand Montano (2010) that Web 2.0 is also a source of concern regarding issues such as, privacy, authorship and ownership rights, digital divide in the classroom or time management issues. Additionally, Thomas (2009) stated that information overload is another challenge,whereas Keen (2007), lamented quality of content as a major concern.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

There is no doubt that social media has gained wider acceptability and usability and is also becoming probably the most important communication tools among students especially at the higher level of educational pursuit. However, it has been observed that the rate at which students use social media is critically affecting their information behaviour either positively or negatively (Christopher, 2010). Additionally, several studies have been carried out by some researchers like Lenhart and Madden (2007); Boyd (2009); Madge, Meek, Wellens and Hooley (2009); Christopher (2010); Virkuss (2010); Wang, Chen and Liang (2011); Kumar (2012); Ndaku (2013); Kumar and Kumar (2013); Eke, Omekwu and Odoh (2014) on the use of social media among undergraduate students. It is therefore evident that these studies were conducted on social media usage but focuses of those studies were mainly on adoption, utilization and challenges in using social media. However, there is more to explore in terms of influence of social media on information seeking behavior of university undergraduate students, particularly among undergraduate students in Kwara state. In line with thisproposition, this study seeks to investigate the influence of social media on the information behaviour of undergraduate students in Kwara State.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of social media on the information behaviour of undergraduate students in Kwara State.The specific objectives of this study are to:

1. identify social media tools preferred by undergraduate students; ii. determine the extents of social media usage by undergraduate students; iii. examine the purpose of social media usage among undergraduate students; iv. study the information behaviour of undergraduate  students on social media;
2. investigate the influence of social media usage on information behaviour of undergraduate students.

1.4      Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the social media tools preferred by undergraduate students? ii. What are the extents of social media usage by undergraduate students? iii.          For what purpose do undergraduate students make use of social media? iv.     What are the information behaviour of undergraduate students on social media?
2. How does social media usage influence information behaviour of undergraduate students?

1.5       Research Hypothesis

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between the purpose of using social media and information behaviour of undergraduate students.

1.6       Scope of the Study

The general purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of social mediausage on the information behaviour of undergraduate students in Kwara State. Specifically, the scope of this study is limited to undergraduate students in three universities in Kwara state. These universities are Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State University and University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The variables of interest for this study are restricted to social media utilization and information behaviour.

1.6        Significance of the Study

According to Ikoja-Odongo (2000), the importance of a study can be measured by the contributions that it makes to the people under investigation and the society as a whole. It is anticipated that this study will be useful in understanding the influence of social media usage information behaviour of undergraduate students in the surveyed universities.

It is hoped that the results of this study will assist the management of the university and library, to take note of the social media usage pattern of undergraduate students and how they can capitalize on it to achieve the institutional objectives.

Findings from this study will help tertiary schools administrators to understand the information behaviour of students and the use of social media; knowing this will help them in their policy making.

Also, findings from this study will add to the existing body of knowledge in social media utilization and information behaviour. Hence, it is expected that study will provide a rich source of empirical data for other studies that are related to social media and information behaviour.

1.7        Operational Definition of Terms

Information Behaviour: Information behaviour encompasses information seeking as well as the totality of other unintentional or passive behaviours as well as purposive behaviours that do not involve seeking, such as actively avoiding information.

Social Media: Social media is generally defined as “forms of electronic communication as web sites for social networking and microblogging through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content such as pictures, videos etc. Social Media Tools: These are technological products that allow ones to be able to use social media. Examples are: internet, smart-phones, modem, etc.

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Abstract

This work deals with creativity and innovation in library and information science curriculum in library schools in Nigeria. The work highlighted the following areas; the concept of curriculum, creativity in library and information science such as entrepreneurship, skills necessary for entrepreneurship for Library Information Science (LIS) professionals, innovation in library and information science such as ICT, implication of creativity and innovation in library and information science curriculum and factors affecting the implementation of creativity and innovation in library and information science curriculum. The work concluded that if we must innovate and create avenues for successful change that will culminate in efficient library services delivery, we must embrace the wind of ICTs.

Introduction

Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. It is characterized by the ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena and to generate  solutions. According to Plucker, Beghetto and Dow, (2004) creativity has been identified as an important component in problem-solving and other cognitive abilities, as well as being a predictor for educational success and mental and social well-being.

However, innovation is the implementation of a new or significantly improved product, service or process that creates value for business, government or society. According to C. Lin (2006), the word innovation is originated from Latin word, innnovare, which means “to make something new”. Khazanchi, Lewis and Boyer (2007) also said that innovation is one of the major relevance for companies, as it can be the source of additional revenues from new products or services which can help to save costs or improve the quality of existing processes. In the view of Baregheh, Rowley and Sambrook (2009), innovation is the multi-stage process whereby organizations transform ideas into new/improved products, service or processes in order to advance, compete and differentiate themselves successfully in their marketplace. In Carlson and Wilmot (2006) definition, innovation is the process that turns an idea into value for the customer and results in sustainable profit for the enterprise.

However, library and information science (LIS) is a profession that is concerned with the knowledge and skill by which the records of human communication are collected, organized and utilized. A curriculum is a fundamental part of any education or training programme largely because it provides not only a list of courses or modules offered in a programme or course al of which are essential in successful dispensation of manpower training and education (Ocholla,2003). Therefore, the curriculum for LIS education usually mirrors what is being offered to train librarians and information professionals to get knowledge and skills to become qualified personnel in the field. Curriculum for library and information science has improved as a result of creativity and innovation.

The focus of this research is to x-ray the creativity and innovation in Library and Information Science curriculum in library schools in Nigeria.

Curriculum is a fundamental part of any education or training programme largely it provides not only a list of courses offered in a programme, but it also gives information on content, purpose, method, time or duration (Ocholla, 2003). According to traditional point of view of curriculum, it is a body of subject matter prepared by the teacher for the students to learn and it was synonymous to the “course of study and syllable.

However, progressive points of view of curriculum say that it is a list of school, subjects, syllabi, course of study and list of courses or specific discipline do not make a curriculum but it can only be called a curriculum if the written materials are actualized by the learner”. Broadly speaking, curriculum is defined as the total learning experience of the individual. Philosophical foundations of curriculum provide educators, teachers and curriculum makers with framework for planning, implementing and evaluating curriculum in schools. It helps in answering what school are for, what subjects are important, how students should learn and what materials and methods should be used. Learning experience at any level of formal education is primary determined by the contents of relevant curriculum. Perhaps this explains why curriculum is seen as the means by which education seeks to translate the hope of the society into concrete reality (Onwuka, 2000).

A curriculum according to Aina (2007), must be in tandem with the requirement of both the current and potential employers of library and information science trainees, and the curriculum must be relevant to the immediate environment and as well reflect international practices. Curriculum is the best barometer to reflect the challenges we face today (Virkus, 2012).

However, the library and information science curriculum, according to Uwa (2007), evolved through three epochs, namely, the pre-independence era, the post-independence era and the modern times. He sees the library and information science curriculum as being dynamic, that is, it is liable to change and may at any given time include more programmes to suit changes in the environment. Nwosu (2007) aptly pointed out that majority of the courses presently offered in our library schools are lecture-based. He argued that since librarianship is a service –oriented profession, the courses as well should be more practical oriented.

According to Opeke (2007), he states that the whole world is now in an information and knowledge-based economy and for the library and information science profession to take its proper position in this economy, it must produce efficient information professionals who are able to respond proactively to the needs of this economy and hence drastic reforms are needed. The library studies curriculum as pointed out by Uwa (2007), was fashioned to fit into the manual or traditional method of library operations and services. Library and information science education in Nigeria according to Edegbo (2011), cannot be relevant without effective preparation of new generations of librarians to effectively use the new information and communication technologies in their professional practices.

The infusion of ICT into all human activities as observed by Aina (2007) has completely changed the practice of library service all over the world and the curriculum of library schools in Nigeria has not responded positively to the changes in the immediate environment. According to Karisimddapa (2004), the education and training programmes in library and information science must make provision to prepare for professionals to assume the pro-active role in coping with the technology and the information explosion.

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ABSTRACT

The internet is a tool that has changed the way communication is done. Secondary school students have the opportunity to use the Internet to improve their learning as information about the subjects offered in class can be downloaded and studied by the students. Observations revealed that a significant percentage of secondary school students who have access to the Internet utilize this tool in ways that will impact their learning negatively. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of Internet use on learning by secondary school students. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study and the study population consisted of 874 secondary school students of Eva Adelaja Senior Girls Secondary School and St. Finbarrs College both in Lagos State Nigeria. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 175 and the questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics consisting of tables of frequency and percentage counts. Results showed that majority of the students (61.7%) indicated that the Internet was not available for their use for learning and 88% also expressed that they accessed the Internet through the cyber café. The tools used on the Internet by majority of the respondents were email services, blogs and social media services like blackberry messenger and Whatsapp. Findings also revealed that most of the secondary school students agreed that the Internet had influence on their learning as they spent more time on the Internet and they did not read as before. Challenges militating against the use of the Internet as indicated by most of the secondary school students were slow Internet network, distractions from the social media and lack of personal smart device. Secondary school students should learn how to set boundaries on when it comes to the use of the Internet, they should give maximum attention to studying which has the potential of improving their learning and academic performance The study recommended that Parents, school administrators and teachers should regularly advise and guide the secondary school students to use Internet tools. Teachers and parents should make sure that learning of secondary school students is not affected negatively because of the use of the Internet by giving them enough take home assignments and parents should ensure they complete them.

Keywords: Internet, secondary school students, learning, Nigeria

Word Count: 382

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

       Background to the study

All over the world, secondary school education has been regarded as the most important as well as the most patronized by people. This perhaps may be due to the fact that it is the foundation of the whole educational pursuit, which is expected to provide literacy and enlightenment to the citizens. The role of secondary school education can therefore be seen in the sense that all beneficiaries of the other levels of education by necessity have to pass through his level.

The Nigerian Educational System has experienced series of reforms tailored towards achieving national and global developmental goals. The National Policy on Education (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004) stipulated the aims/goals of education as building: a united, strong and self-reliant nation; a great and dynamic economy; a just and egalitarian society; a land of bright and full opportunities for all citizens, and; a free and democratic society. These goals, along with the United Nation’s Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), have been top on the Nation’s Education agenda, informing various administrations’ reforms and strategies in education. The Federal Ministry of Education has the overall responsibility of formulating policy and guidelines for standards in Nigerian education.

Federal, State and Local Governments, and other stakeholders work together to give direction to the sector (education is on the concurrent legislative list). Structurally, the education system in Nigeria consists of six years primary education, three years junior secondary, three years senior secondary and four years secondary school education (6-3-3-4 system). The six year primary and three years junior secondary education make up the current Universal Basic Education (UBE). The UBE programme was introduced in 1999 and passed into law in 2004 by the Federal Government to ensure unfettered access to quality and functional education. It is characterized by 9 years of continuous education with certificate examination coming only at the end of the JSS3

Fabunmi (2005) stated that recognizing the importance of secondary school education, all governments in Nigeria (past and present) have placed premium on it by making secondary education the center piece of their educational policies. Since the colonial period therefore, both colonial and independent governments in Nigeria have instituted one form of educational reform or the other. This indicates that there is a link between the past and present in the educational development of Nigeria. That is the country’s historical antecedents have impact on how educational policies are formulated and implemented. Starting with the colonial period, Nigeria, having been colonized by Britain adopted the British form of education, which consists of primary, secondary, sixth form as well as higher education.

Akudolu (2008) stated that learning in Information Age requires new secondary school role. Secondary schools cannot depend only on the traditional tools such as chalk, textbooks, overhead video projectors and other types of traditional instructional materials to teach students the skills required for survival in the Information Age. They have to use technologies of the day such as computers, interactive video, CD-ROM, Satellite communications and develop new secondary school roles. The development and use of these Information and Communications Technology (ICT) devices and ideas to promote human learning is the hall-mark of an ICT-driven curriculum. Effective implementation of this type of curriculum requires new secondary school roles regarding the and how of instruction.

The era when secondary schools were traditionally considered as “directors, lecturers and disseminators of information is over. The new roles of secondary schools include managers and leaders of instruction. He also opines that secondary schools should assume the roles of seekers, long-range planners, collaborators, researchers and mentors/mentees. However a secondary school cannot assume these roles unless he/she is at home with ICT.

The ICT has had tremendous impact on the school social system. It has engendered more constructivist approaches to teaching, improved overall student motivation to learn, to stay and behave better in school, and it has radically improved secondary schools’ professional development through constant update of their knowledge on the latest technologies, and the latest use of computers in content areas. Also, ICTs have been useful as tools in ensuring a safe school environment as improved communication is facilitated among parents, secondary schools, students, and administrators.

ICT provides students with varieties of opportunities as contained in the research review of Davies and Tearle (1999); Lopez (2003). First, ICT offers a constructivist approach to learning through the provision of interactive learning experiences. When interactivity is prominent in learning, it increases students’ performance. ICT also increases interactivity with instructional programmes. Second, learning through ICT is more effective as it provides opportunities for using multiple technologies (video, computer, telecommunication etc), thereby providing visualization aids in the internalization and understanding of difficult concepts and processes. This gives opportunities for providing links between theory and practice.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a term which is currently used to denote a wide range of services, applications, and Technologies, using various type of equipment and software, often running over telecom networks (Heathcote 2000). ICTs include well known telecom service such as telephone and fax. Telecom service used together with computer hardware and software from the basis of a range of other service, including email, the transfer of files from one computer to another, and in particular, the Internet, which potentially allows all computers to be connected, thereby giving access to source of knowledge and information stored on computers worldwide (Heathcote 2000). Its Application includes videoconferencing conferencing, teleworking, distance learning, management information system, stock taking; technologies can be said to include a broad array ranging from ‘old’ technologies such as radio and TV to ‘new’ ones such as cellular mobile.

The Internet is a global network of computers linked together over large distances. It was created by the American Military as a means of communication and has been in existence since the 1950’s. Up until the mid to late eighties the Internet was mainly used for educational purpose. This was due to high costs. The rapid development of technology has seen improvement in communication links and a lowering of costs. The implication of this is that the Internet is now more widely available to more people.

Since the Internet is now available to a wide sector of the population in the western world many educational establishments have seized on its educational potential. The Internet is a valuable source of information for students looking for ideas for assignments etc. It also serves as a useful tool for secondary schools in helping to prepare lesson plans as there are a number of sites, especially in America, dedicated to providing educational material. For example, between 2000 and 2010, the rate of the growth of Internet accessibility use was 444.8% (Internet World Stats, 2010b). Likewise in Nigeria, 46.3% of the students of this century were Internet users in 2010. There are many benefits associated with Internet accessibility device, such as access to needed information, worldwide access to news and events, and interpersonal communication through email. However, along with the phenomenal growth of the Internet usage, there has been a growing concern worldwide regarding the risks associated with Internet over-use. It is now believed that there could be widespread addiction to it, in particular amongst secondary school students. (Buchholz 2009).

      Statement of the problem

The internet is tool that has changed the way communication is done. It provides the link to access information wherever it is stored all over the world. The educational sector has benefited immensely from the Internet. Secondary school students have the opportunity to use the Internet to improve their learning as information about the subjects offered in class can be downloaded and studied by the students. The Internet makes it possible for students to learn new things and thereby increase their vicarious experience. Educational videos are also available for free and students can share experiences through email and social media platform on the Internet.

However, despite the perceived usefulness of the Internet in learning of secondary school students, it is as if secondary school students are not using it to the full. Observations revealed that a significant percentage of secondary school students who have access to the Internet utilize this tool in ways that will impact their learning negatively. They browse for sports and entertainment stories and chat their time away on the social media. How empirical is this observation? Can it be said that secondary school students also have challenges in utilizing the internet for learning? This study titled Effect of Internet use on learning by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria becomes imperative.

      Objectives of the study

The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of Internet use on learning by secondary school students, the specific objectives are to:

find out the availability of Internet use for learning by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria;

determine the access points of Internet use for learning by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria;

ascertain the tools used on the Internet by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria to enhance learning;

find out the influence of Internet use on learning of secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria; and

identify the challenges militating against the use of the Internet for learning by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria.

     Research questions

The research questions derived from the specific objectives are:

How available is the Internet for secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria to use for learning?

What are the access points of Internet use for learning by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria?

What are the tools used on the Internet by secondary school students to enhance learning?

What is the influence of the use of the Internet on learning of secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria?

What are the challenges militating against the use of the Internet for learning by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria?

     Scope of the study

This study will examine the effect of Internet use on learning of secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria. How the social media, email, and different websites are used for learning will be considered in students in selected schools in Shomolu Lagos.

      Significance of the study

The findings of this study will benefit the secondary school students as they would have the opportunity to indicate how their use of the Internet has affected their learning. The information provided by them will assist parents, secondary school managements and other concerned individuals and organizations to develop ways to help them focus on their study and use the Internet moderately.

The results of this study will also assist parents to take decisive actions in monitoring the use of the Internet by their children. This is very important as it would assist their wards to spend more time studying using the internet or reading their textbooks. Parents will have the opportunity to guide their wards in the proper use of the Internet.

The results of this study will also assist secondary schools management as well as the teachers in emphasizing the use of the Internet for educational activities that can improve the learning of students. Teachers can incorporate Internet learning methods in computer studies so as to help the students identify various information resources on the Internet that can improve the learning and the techniques of accessing these information resources. This will assist the students to utilize the Internet to improve their learning.

    Operational definition of terms

Internet: refers to the global interconnection of computer networks that facilitates information sharing and communication.

Learning: refers to activities geared towards the acquisition of knowledge by secondary school students in Lagos State Nigeria.

Secondary School: refers to the educational institutions, like the selected schools in Lagos State that provide basic knowledge to students in preparation for higher education.

Secondary School Students: refer to students of the selected secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria that are involved in learning activities.

Pages:  70

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF               

Chapters: 1-5                                          

Source: Imsuinfo                                     

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study investigated Assessing the ICT competencies of library science teachers and students in State universities in South East Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. To guide the study the researcher posed Six research questions and formulated three hypotheses. The design used for this study is descriptive survey. The area of the study are Abia and Imo State of Nigeria. The sample size of 125 teachers and students were sampled from the population of 579 using Proportionate stratified random sampling technique.   The instruments for data collection were questionnaire and observation checklist. One hundred and twenty five copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the Teachers and Students in the two Library Schools in South East Nigeria with a 100% return rate. The reliability of the instrument was computed cluster by cluster using cronbach alpha which yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.82. The following statistical measures were employed for the data analysis: frequency, Z-test, percentage and mean. The results obtained from the findings revealed that the extent of application of ICT by teachers and students in library and information science is significantly low, that the frequency and percentage of the resources needed by teachers and students for the teaching and learning of ICT related courses in the two Library schools is high. Also, the Proposition of available ICT resources is significantly greater 0.50. The findings reveald that  the level of ICT competencies possessed in the two library schools is significantly above expectation. The respondents agreed with most of the itemized problems affecting teachers and students implementation of ICT competence in the two Library schools, that the teachers and students in the two library schools studied lack some basic competencies. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommended that teachers and students should avail themselves of the available ICT resources in their institutions as a way of enhancing their studies, learning and aiding retention. Better funding of ICT resources by universities/government is necessary in the library schools. Teachers and students in Library schools should have full ICT skill, especially in the areas of power point and use of projectors as this will promote learning making it more permanent in students. Finally, there should be adequate power supply and power back up as this is necessary for continuous ICT resources usage.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, the researcher presents the background of study, and statement of the problem, purpose of the study, significance of the study, research questions and hypotheses.

Background to the Study

ICT stands for information and communication technology and defined as a means of accessing or receiving, storing, transferring, processing and sending ideas perceptions or information through computers and telecommunication facilities (Ezekoka, 2009).

ICT is divided into two main approaches in education such as; ICT for education and ICT in education. ICT for education implies the development of information communication technology for learning and teaching purposes while ICT in education involves the adoption of general components of information and communication technology in practical use in teaching and learning processes.(Vooge and Pelgmm; 2015)Watson, 2016). Ajayi (2017) highlighted that the world of today is considered a global village through the use of ICT in different educational, political, economic and social sectors. Almost in all situations of task, we find the integration and the use of technology to solve problems. Accordingly, teachers and students need to be equipped and acquaint themselves to make changes brought by technology.

The introduction of ICT into teaching and learning in the tertiary institutions clearly changed the way education is conducted. It paves the way for a new pedagogical approach, where students are expected to play more active role than before (ie getting more involved in the learning process being active participants of knowledge creation not mere receipts of knowledge). Using information and known ICT tools in education, students and teachers should be able to communicate, create presentations in power point, and interact with each other using technology.

Etim, Akpan, and Ibok (2013) defined the internet as the interconnections of system of subsystems of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission or reception of data or information. Dickson (2016) noted that the internet can be seen to provide resources and services that are used for accessing, processing, gathering, manipulation and presenting or communicating information. The use of internet in education is now growing in all parts of the world and their application is becoming an integral part of teaching and learning in many parts of the globe. Abacal and Nicolle (2015) indicated that most developed countries have exploded the potential of internet to transform their education landscape.

Internet as a digital tool of ICT has strengthened teachers and students teaching and learning as it provides powerful resources and services for teachers and students, thereby enabling them meet their educational needs. It also allows for networking among students and teachers to facilitate exchange of ideas and improve opportunities for connecting schools to the world (Dotimi & Hamilton- Ekete, 2013).

Competence is viewed as demonstrating the knowledge, skills, experience and attributes necessary to carry out a defined function effectively. It is the acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities at a level of expertise sufficient to be able to perform appropriately a given task in a work place. Wojtezak (2000) defines competence in  generic term as possession of satisfactory level of relevant knowledge and acquisition of  a range of skills that include interpersonal and technical components at a certain point in  the educational process. Such knowledge and skill are necessary to perform the tasks that reflect the scope of professional practices. It is a combination of theoretical and practical experience that makes an individual able and willing to take the right decision in daily working environment.

ICT competencies could therefore be viewed to be those relevant skills and knowledge to be acquired by library science teachers and students to be able to fully exploit information search, retrieval, and deliver using electronic format. The teachers and students in Imo and Abia State universities are expected to possess the technique for gathering, processing and disseminating information to users via the electronic format or skills required to effectively source information stored in electronic format, such as basic computer operating skills, internet and electronic document search skills and also storage and information skills. They should also be competent in the use some of library software packages that can enable them handle the professional technical operations in the library like cataloguing, classification and to generate user databases. For this research therefore, competencies and skills will be used interchangeably.

The availability of these ICT material resources when combined with the ICT human resources will aid in the production of ICT literate graduates that are needed in this digital age. Library and information science education in Nigeria today cannot be relevant without adequate preparation of a new generation of librarians to effectively use the new information and communication technologies in their professional practices (Igwe, 2014). The graduates must endeavor to acquaint themselves with the practical utilization of various types of information and communication technology resources.

Nigeria as a country is yet to make available and use ICTs to transform its educational system. Olelube (2016) indicated the benefits of internet use in education, and also found positive and moderately high achievement at all educational level, from computer use in school subjects, which allows students and teachers to focus on strategies and interpretation of answers rather than spend time on tedious computational calculation. It is then generally believed that the use of internet in the education sector in a developing nation like Nigeria would help teachers and students in learning that would yield better result and also bridge the information barrier between developed and developing nations. The 21st century ICTs has stretched educational boundaries and created new ones some of which are internet, e-learning and M-learning. The concept of mobile learning (m-learning) by students and teachers is facilitated by mobile devices. M-learning according to Sharples, Arnedillo Sand Milrad and vavould (2017) is an emergent paradigm in a state of intense development filled by technological streams, good competition and development intelligent interface.

According to Yusuf (2015), Culture and society which are major factors of Education have adjusted to meet the challenges of the knowledge age. These prevalence and rapid development in ICT has transformed human society from the information age to knowledge age. The use of ICT in education by library science teachers and students has become a necessity as it can be used to improve the quality of teaching and learning library and information science. Teacher   and students needs to have the knowledge, skills and tools in handling digital information to be efficient  creators, collectors, consolidators and communicators of information and must become familiar with information and communication technology (ICT) and feel comfortable both when using the ICT resources themselves and when helping others to make  effective use of them, The emergence of powerful technologies, vast amounts of information in multimedia and other digital formats and more technologically talented users means that librarians and information managers are faced with the great challenge of dealing with this information revolution. ICT permeates almost all the courses taught in Library Schools. Such courses include: Introduction to library resources and services, technical services in libraries, collection development, computers and data processing, introduction to information science, audiovisual librarianship, school libraries and media resource centers, references and information services etc.

The use of ICT in education and training has been a priority in most European countries during the last decade, but progress has been uneven (Pelggmm, 2004). In most developed countries such as UK, schools have embedded the use of ICT in teaching and learning into the curriculum and demonstrate high level of effective and appropriate use to support teaching and learning. Organization for Economic Cooperation and development, (OEC, 2004).

Furthermore, (UNESCO, 2005) reiterates that those countries have integrated ICT into their education system because of its profound implication such as enabling teachers and students to construct rich multi-sensory, interactive environments with almost unlimited teaching and learning practical. According to (Unwin, 2014), computers and internet can be used to increase teachers basic skills and subject mastery, to provide resources that can later be used in classroom, and to help teachers build familiarity with specific instructional approaches. Oduma (2013), likened ICT to a utility like water and electricity which plays a major role, in education and has impacted on the quality and quantity of teaching and learning as well as research in educational technology to initiate a new age in education.

The rapid growth of the global economy and the information based society has pressurized education systems round the world to use ICTs to acquire the knowledge and skills they need in the 21st century (World Bank, 2015). The growth of the ICT sector has challenged teachers and students to prepare for effective use of the new teaching and learning tools (UNESCO, 2011). Laferreire, Breulex and Bracewell, (2015) argue that there are significant benefits of using ICT as part of teaching and learning process as long as teachers recognize the relationship between the use of ICT and overall curriculum. Haddad and Draxler (2015), pointed out the difference ICTs do make in the valuable contributions to various parts of educational development and effective learning through expanding access, promoting efficiency, improving the quality of learning, enhancing quality teaching and improve management systems.

On the contrary, many developing countries in Africa are living in a world of technological deficiency, that is lack of access to knowledge that is learnt via the internet (DECP, 2006). Additionally, if Africa aims to better prepare its citizens for the challenges of the 21st century, it must also foster through implementation of ICT to tap new attractive, promising and diversified potentials. New partnership for African’s Development, (NEPAD, 2013) Grabe and Grabe, (2017) emphasizes that technologies can play an important role in enabling students gain skills and knowledge in the teaching and learning process. As a result of the importance of ICT at this age, educational systems around the world are under increasing pressure to use the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to teach students the knowledge and skills they need in the 21st century. Resources may be seen as any physical or virtual entity of limited availability. Information and communication technology resources are the major factor in shaping the new global economy and producing rapid changes in society.

According to Hetachew (2017) ICT resources could also include access to machine, multi-media equipments etc. However, while talking about resources, one needs to look at their usage, as well as competencies possessed by the ICT lecturers and students. Competencies as observed by special librarians of the 21st century are the interplay of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes required to do a job effectively from the point of view of both the performer and the observer. It is important to note that many resources cannot be consumed in their original format as consumable product. The material resources have to be processed by the human resource, in order to put them in more usable form, and this process is known as resource development. With the rise in human numbers all over the world, the demand for ICT resources has also increased.

ICT resources are one of the major infrastructures needed in library schools today due to the information age we are currently living in. Consequently, any graduate of Library and Information Science (LIS) needs to be quite versatile in the use of ICT resources. Many library schools all over the world have developed strategies to eliminate ICT illiteracy by designing their curricula with a view to producing information and communication technology literate graduates who would be relevant and marketable. For example, many library school curricula now include courses on web design, networking, software application, systems design and management, electronic publishing, internet and other on-line databases access to reflect the changing competency needs of their graduates (Mabawonku and Okwilagwe, 2014). In view of the above, teachers, students, libraries, librarians and information managers have to cope with the new demands of an information society by evaluating their curriculum as at when due.

In Nigeria priors to independence, the only method of becoming  librarian was by taking the Associate Ship of the British library Association (ALA); A number of studies of west African library needs were sponsored by the Carnegie corporation of New York. This led to the Achimota library school which opened. In 1994, but it lasted for an experimental period of three years only. The closure of the Achimota library school stunted and impended the early efforts made by the Carnegie.

Corporation to produce crop libraries who would have led the movement for the expansion of library services in West Africa. This was then the end of the foundational efforts in creating modern libraries in Nigeria (Aguolu and Aguola, 2002). Library education in Nigeria nevertheless has come a long way today. Since, the first library school in 1960 at the university college, Ibadan, several changes has been witnessed in the society at large and in the library profession in particular. The end of the 1980s saw the establishment of qualifications up to the Ph.D level (Igwe, 2015).

The department of library and information science, Imo State university, Owerri, took off in 1993/94 academic session with admission of fifty undergraduate students. (Imo State University Owerri, Department of Library and information Science 2016. The department is located in the faculty of education. The Department produced its first graduates in the 1996/97 academic session. The history of library and information science programme at university of Nigeria, Nsukka can be traced to the 1983/84 session, when the department took of with one full-time and four past time lecturers with a pioneer population of 18 students its full complement of classes in the 1986/87 session and graduated its foundation students in 1987. On the other hand, department of library science Abia State University, Uturu took off in 1981/82 academic session, and graduated her batch of students made up of 19 Bachelor of Library studies (BLS) graduate in 1984/85 academic session (Abia University University, Uturu, Department of library and information science, 2016).

 Statement of the Problem

ICT is an indispensable tool for information service delivery in modern university library schools essentially for its speed, accuracy and high precision. With the aid of ICT, Information is generated quickly with less mistakes and it ensures dissemination of  precise and concrete information.

Though the ICT facilities have been provided, it is observed that they are not effectively utilized by teachers and students in some university library schools Chifwepa, (2013). Therefore, uncertainty exists about whether teachers and students of library and information science possess adequate competencies to operate ICT facilities effectively. The overall ICT objectives in library schools can only be achieved if the teachers and students that use these facilities possess the right competencies. Where the needed ICT competencies are lacking in them, then library schools in Nigeria would probably be cut off from the rest of the world in terms of globalization. This would further cripple the university’s basic objectives of teaching, learning and research.

To remedy this, there is an urgent need to assess the ICT competencies of library science teachers and students in State Universities in South East Nigeria and how they can improve, This in fact is what this study is poised to do.

Scope of Study

The study is poised to assess the ICT competencies of library and information science teachers and students in State universities in, South, East Nigeria. The study ascertained the availability and implementation of ICTs in teaching and learning.

Factors that enhance the availability of resources for teaching and learning library automation were also explored in this study. The study covered two universities specifically Imo State University, and Abia State University Uturu.

 Purpose of study

The purpose of this study is to assess the ICT competencies of library and information science teachers and students in State universities in south east Nigeria specifically this study is intended to.

• ascertain the extent to which ICT is applied by teachers and students in teaching and learning library and information science.
• find out the resources needed by teachers and students for the teaching and learning of library and information science.
• find out the resources available for teachers and students for the teaching and learning of library and Information Science.
• ascertain the ICT competencies possessed by teachers and students.
• identify the problems affecting teacher and students in the application of ICT competence for teaching and learning library and information science.
• determine strategies that could be adopted to solve the problems affecting the application of ICT competencies of teachers and students in teaching and learning library and information science.

 Significance of Study

This study is expected to be useful to the following groups: Teachers, students, library management, researchers and the government.

The significance of this study to teachers and students cannot be over emphasized as it is obvious that by Assessing the ICT competencies in teachers and students of library and information science it will accelerate, enrich and deepen basic competence in teaching and learning, it also helps in motivating and encouraging students in learning, as all loop holes slowing down teaching and learning process will be exposed there by encouraging students to be more dependent and responsible for their own learning. Most importantly, this study provides basic understanding of ICT pervasiveness in education and strengthen teaching and learning to provide powerful resources and services for students, thereby enabling them to meet their individual needs and also for networking among students and teachers. Thus teachers and students are more connected to each other.

In addition, the findings of this study may establish some skill gap which management may see the need to fill up in other to bring library services for lecturers and students up to date and hence provide standard services to its clientele.

It is hoped that the findings of this study would help the government to know what ICT resources the school libraries lack with a view to making gifts or donations to the school libraries. Researchers will equally benefit from this study because when the students are well trained, their future impact on research activities in libraries will bring about efficient library and information science. Finally, the result of this study would add to the existing pool of knowledge and would serve as a basis for further research.

Research Questions

The following research questions guided the study.

1. What is the extent of application of ICT by teachers and students in Library and information science?
2. What are the resources needed by teachers and students for the teaching and learning of ICT related courses in library and information science?
3. What are the resources available for teachers and students in teaching and learning of ICT related course in Library and information science?
4. What are the ICT competencies possessed by teachers and students in Library and information science?
5. What are the problems affecting teachers and students application of ICT Competence in Library and information science?
6. What strategies could be adopted to solve the problems affecting the application of ICT Competencies of teachers and students in Library and information science?

Hypothesis

The following null (Ho) hypotheses were coined from the research question.

• The mean rating score on the extent of application of ICT by teachers and students in Library and information science is not significantly greater than the expected mean of 25.
• The percentage of available resources for teachers and students in teaching and learning of ICT related course in Library and information science is not significantly greater 50.
• The mean rating on the ICT competencies possessed by library and information science teachers and students is not significantly greater than the expected mean of 27.50.
  

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  Pages:  99

  Category: Project

  Format:  Word & PDF               

  Chapters: 1-5                                          

  Source: Imsuinfo                            

  Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the use of information communication technology facilities by library professionals in Delta state. Objectives of the study were to assess the frequency of usage of information communication technology facilities by library professionals in Delta state, establish the available information and communication technology facilities utilized for research output  in Delta state, establish the competence of information staff in support of information and communication technology services for research output and identify challenges faced by library professionals in use of information and communication technology facilities for research output and suggest possible solutions to the identified problems. The study utilized semi structured questionnaire as the major data collection instrument. Interview method and general observation was used whenever required to supplement the process and make the information more explicit. Target population of 124 library professionals was selected for the study. Purposive sampling method was used to select the sample size of the study while the data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences program. Findings from the study revealed availability of information and communication technology facilities in the two libraries were chosen for the research in Delta. Slow connectivity, inadequate resources, security protocols, inefficient bandwidth were the major challenges to use of these facilities by library professionals. Useful recommendations for eradicating these challenges militating against use of information and communication technology facilities by library professionals included; top management implementation of the scarce information and communication technologies for video conferencing technology, electronic learning software, smart card technology and exploration of cloud computing technology to maximize information and communication technology.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Today libraries are shifting their role from the custodian of traditional information resources to the provider of service-oriented digital an ICT-based information resources. Widespread use of computers, increased reliance on computer networks, rapid growth of the internet and explosion in the quality and quantity of information compelled libraries and library professionals to adopt new means and methods for the storage, retrieval, processing and dissemination of information (Quadri, 2009).

In this age of globalization, the importance of ICT to library professionals cannot be over-emphasized. This is true because ICT facilitates quick and easy access to a wide range of information and information resources worldwide. In fact, it is now difficult to imagine a world without information technology (William & Channaveeraiah, 2008). The provision and use of ICTs is part and parcel of the entire system to both the students, library professionals and the society at large. It is one thing to recognize the importance of ICTs and another to know if they are effectively used by library professionals. If ICTs are effectively put to use, the essence of acquiring them is to a large extent, justified (Quadri, 2009).
Lowe and McAvley (2002) defined ICT as tools in the digital age used in the information profession for acquiring processing and communicating information. Similarly, Ebijuwa (2005) defined ICT as electronic tools used for collection, processing storage, transmission and dissemination of information. Haag (2002) sees ICT as any computer based tools that facilitate the search and retrieval as well as dissemination of information to information seekers and also supports the information processing needs of individuals, groups and organizations. In the view of Ehikhamenor (1993), ICT encompasses the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of information by means of computers, office machines and telecommunications. He further stated that while computers provide the processing, storage and retrieval facilities, telecommunications provide the facilities for the transfer or communication of data and information to users.
With advances in ICTs, electronic information resources such as electronic books, electronic journals, CD-ROM databases, OPAC, online databases and the internet have launched the world and library professionals into an information age. In the developed world, no library professional can still rely on only traditional printed information resource to perform library services and operations effectively and efficiently. To library professionals, ICT is a significant development that provides tools for managing the vast quantity of information generated by modern society (Ebijuwa, 2005). With the emergence of ICTs, library professionals subscribe to e-journals, e-books, CD-Rom databases, online databases, web-based resources and a variety of other electronic resources. Library professionals participate in library consortia and build a network of information exchange via ICT facilities (Quadri, 2009).

According to Khan and Bhatti (2008), a library professional is a person who looks after the storage and retrieval of information in the library. In the library, the library professional is usually a professional who is trained and educated to deal with information in a wide variety of formats and settings including the use of ICTs. Wordiq (2010) state that library professionals help users to navigate into the voyage of internet and evaluate information efficiently. Furthermore, library professionals after a helping hand for users to find out the required piece of information and to use it for personal and professional purposes.
Rao and Babu (2001) opined that due to the advent of the internet, world-wide-web, ICT tools and proliferation of online catalogue, the role of the library professional has been changed. Now, library professionals are more efficient and have new roles as intermediary, facilitator, end-user trainer/educator, web organizer and designer, researcher, interface designer, knowledge manager/professional and provider of timely information via ICT-based resources. In the view of Career Overview (2011), with the advent of ICTs, library professionals should acknowledge and be knowledgeable in a variety of information sources and follow the new trends and advancements in computers, media and publishing. It is evident from the literature that information and communication technologies (ICTs) have affected positively the skills and responsibilities of library professionals in this new era. ICTs have changed not only the face of information but also the professional work ethic of library professionals. Technology demands high level of technical skill set from library professionals in order to make maximum use of new technological tools for providing effective and better services to users (Khan & Bhatti, 2008).

Library professionals are traditionally information brokers, they deal with the packaging and dissemination of information for people in the society. The need for the recognition and use of information by all sectors of the society has always been of paramount interest to the library professionals with the result that they are always in the vanguard for the creation of awareness of information need, access, retrieval and utilization (Ugboma, 2006).

Book fairs, workshops, seminars and readership campaigns are some of the strategies that had been employed in the past to create an informed society.
However, in the recent times, campaigns for the use of ICTs have been added in Nigeria, this campaign started in-house, that is, among and for the library professional themselves. This is evident from the themes of conferences and Annual General Meetings of the Nigerian Library Association, which since has been strengthening libraries and library professionals for new information age through ICT. It is obvious that library professionals are conscious of the need for them to acquire ICT knowledge and use ICT in order to function effectively in the new digital age (Ugboma, 2006).

According to Ifidon (2003), for any library professional to function effectively in this information and digital age; it is imperative, therefore, that library professionals need to use ICT in the discharge of their duties, which is, matching information to users.

Much more than before, information seeking process transcends the simple librarian-client relationship of question and answer to involve a whole new, more complex process of advisory, search, retrieval and delivery vis-à-vis ICE-based resources (Madu & Adeniran, 2000).

In a changing environment when most of the library services are ICT-based, it is important for library professionals to be well informed and updated regarding developments in ICT and therefore use ICT for library services and operations. Srivastava (2008) conducted a study to determine the extent of usage of ICT components by library professionals and found that ICT components form an integral part of library operations and services. The study revealed that library professionals use ICT resources in library services and operations. Also, DOS/UNIX databases, library application software, CD-ROM databases, word processing, bar-coding, multimedia, etc are important to library professionals.

Similarly, Ramesh and Parameswaran (1999) conducted a study on the automation of public library and information services in and around Chennai and the attitude of library professionals towards the application of ICT. The results showed that the library professionals have a positive attitude towards the application and use of ICTs for library operations and services. Also, the library professionals showed their keen interest in professional development vis-à-vis ICT usage to keep pace with the trends of electronic information era. The study concluded that ICT applications and usage among the library professionals improved communication and helped in enhancing technical knowledge, providing better services, improving library status, change information handling methods and reduce work-load (Ramesh & Parameswaran, 1999).

Hence, this study seeks to investigate the use of information and communication technology by library professionals in Delta State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Library profession is revolutionizing significantly in many aspects. The emergence of new information and communication technologies, the internet, world wide web, among others pose new challenges for library professionals therefore, it requires library professionals to become positively energetic, equipped with greater skills and capabilities to survive and thrive in this new digital environment (Khan & Bhatti, 2008). Despite the afore-mentioned positivity, library professionals in Nigerian Libraries are still lagging behind in the adoption, application and use of ICTs in the library profession. This is as a result of certain constraints such as poor budgetary allocation, inadequate ICT infrastructure in libraries, ineffective leadership, low professional status, poor information literacy skills and digital literacy, inadequately trained and skilled ICT manpower, limited ICT resources, insufficient communication skills and poor power supply. It is against this background that this research is embarked upon to investigate the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by library professionals in Delta State.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The aim of the study was to assess the use of information and communication technology by library professionals in Delta state.

1.4.1 Objectives of the study

1. Asses the frequency of usage of Information Communication Technology by library professionals in Delta state.

2. Establish the available Information Communication Technology facilities utilized by library professionals and students in Delta state University and Petroleum Training Institute Library, Warri, Delta state.

3. Establish the competence of information staff in support of Information Communication Technology services for research output.

4. Identify challenges faced by library professionals in use of Information and Communication Technology facilities for research output

Suggest possible solutions to the identified problems.

1.5 Research questions

1. How frequently do the library professionals utilize Information and Communication Technology for research output at Delta state University and Petroleum Training Institute Library, Warri respectively?
2. What are the available Information Communication Technology facilities utilized for research output by library professionals?
3. How have these facilities and equipment contributed in research output at the University of Delta libraries?
4. How have the information staffs supported use of Information Communication Technology for research output by library professionals?
5. What challenges are faced by library professionals in use of these facilities for research output and what are the possible solutions to these challenges?

1.5 Significance of the Study

ICT as an advance technology, enhance service provision in the library as well as teaching, learning and research. Hence, library professionals are expected to use and maximize the awesome potentials of ICTs in order to improve their information search, storage, retrieval and dissemination and at the same time promote effectiveness and efficiency in the library and information profession. This study therefore, will be of immense benefit to policy makers and library management in Delta State, to enable them formulate effective policies towards the provision and use of ICTs in libraries by library professionals.

Also, this study will be beneficial to library professionals in Delta State, in the area of creating awareness of the relevance of ICT usage in the library and information profession by library professionals. In the same vein, this study will be of significant benefit to students by providing them information on the use of ICTs by library professionals in Delta State.

Lastly, it is believed that this research work will fill a gap in knowledge and will be useful to prospective researchers who intend to conduct similar study on this topic in the near future and this will go a long way to increase the literature base of this research.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The focus of the study is on the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by library professionals in Delta State. The study covers library professionals in libraries in Delta State. The study is delimited to library professionals in two academic libraries in Delta State. They are: Delta State University Library, Abraka and Petroleum Training Institute Library, Warri.
The scope of this study covers ICT facilities used by library professionals in Delta State, the attitude of the library professionals towards ICT usage, the level it use of ICTs by library professionals in Delta State, benefits of ICT usage to the library professionals and the constraints militating against the effective use of ICTs by the library professionals.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

The following operational terms have been defined as used in the study:
ICT: This is an acronym which stands for Information and Communication Technology. It is the technology used for information gathering, processing, storage, retrieval and dissemination by library professionals and users.
Library: This refers to a warehouse of knowledge where information resources are acquired, processed, organized and kept for usage and dissemination.
Library Professionals: These are well trained librarians or information practitioners working in the library.

Pages:  56

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF         

Chapters: 1-5                                                      

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study focused on motivation of library staff in academic libraries in Imo State with particular reference to Imo State University, Owerri Library. Five research questions guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study is 27 library staff from the library studied. The sample for the study was 27 library staff. Using census sampling technique, all the 27 library staff were used for the study. Rating scale captioned “Motivation of Library Staff Scale” was used to elicit data for the study. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor. The researcher used mean scores to analyze the data collected for the study. The findings of the study revealed that physiological needs, safety/security needs, social needs, esteem needs and self-actualization needs are the motivational needs of library staff in the library studied; conducive work environment, staff training and development, cordial relationship between management and staff and job security are the motivational factors adopted by the library studied; library staff are motivated to a low extent in the library studied; motivation enhances high productivity, it helps to get the best out from library staff, it increases employee job performance, increases staff skills and knowledge, increases quality of service to users, increases high level of job satisfaction and leads to togetherness in the library are the relevance of motivation to library staff in the library studied and poor working conditions, poor remuneration, unfair staff training policies, lack of promotion, poor funding, lack of management commitment and support and lack of technological knowledge and skills are constraints to effective motivation of library staff in the library studied. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others that government and university management should allocate adequate fund in their budget for academic libraries for continuous provision of motivational needs of the library staff. It was thus concluded that motivation of library staff is very important as it helps them to put in their best thereby increasing quality of library services rendered to library users in the library studied.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

          In this chapter, the researcher discussed the background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

Academic libraries are libraries found in institutions of higher learning, established to support teaching, learning and research needs of students, lecturers and other members of the institution. Umoh (2017) defines academic library as a library that is attached to an academic institution above the secondary level, serving the teaching and research needs of students and staff. Academic libraries are at the forefront of providing information resources and services to their respective communities in pursuit of the mission of their parent institutions. They are of uttermost importance in any learning institution and community due to the fact that they are structures which houses information materials (print and non-print) with the aid of services performed by librarians who have undergone training in library schools. They are seen as the heart or nerve center of institutions of higher learning where all academic activities revolve. For an academic library to perform its functions effectively, quality and efficient staff are required.

In order to achieve the objectives of the library, library staff perform library operations for the satisfaction of library users. Thus, they offer services that meet the information needs of library users which in this case include students at undergraduate and post graduate levels, teaching and non-teaching staff and other members of the library community. The variety of information resources in academic libraries are managed and made accessible to library users by library staff. It is the library staff who act as a link between the library users and the information resources (Akanwa, 2016). Each unit of the library is made of library staff who perform one duty or the other. These duties range from developing acquisition policies for the library, acquisition of information resources, processing of information resources, participating in their delivery among others. The librarians can only perform these duties effectively and efficiently if they are adequately motivated.

Motivation is a driving force within an individual that energizes and propels an individual towards attaining some goals. It is a form of stimuli that propels an individual to put in their best to an assigned duty. Aarabi, Subramaniam and Almintisir as cited in Ikonne and Fajonyomi (2019) described motivation as the direction and persistence of action of an individual. Motivation is what drives individuals towards realizing a set goal. Thus, if an organization or institution such as the academic library wants its employees to perform in a certain way to enable them achieve the institution’s mandate, it has to have an understanding of the kind of motivation that will encourage the employees to perform in the desired manner. Motivated employees are essential to the success of an organization as motivated employees are generally more productive at the workplace. It is therefore very important that employees are motivated so as to guarantee job satisfaction which will lead to effective and increased job performance. Staff motivation is one of the most significant in managing people and changing people’s attitude. Stoner, Freeman and Gilbert (2002) recommend that managers must pay attention simultaneously to a number of factors in dealing with their employees.

The motivational factors are very essential in an organization and should be applied to achieve maximum performance and job performance of employees. There are various motivational factors that tend to have positive impact on the job performance of library staff in academic libraries. Idiegbeyan-Ose, Opeke, Aregbesola, Owolabi and Eyiolorushe (2019) maintain that good and competitive salary, good working condition, recognition for work done, regular promotion, regular incentives, participation in decision making, feedback, cohesive work teams among others are factors that enhance motivation of employees. These factors may likely affect the mental and physical health and the job performance of those staff. Thus, maintaining and retaining efficient and effective library staff is one of the most essential tasks of library authorities. The heads of libraries can also contribute in making the workers’ performance improve by ensuring normal working conditions of staff, appropriate reward system, worker to worker relationship, fair performance appraisal and adequate training options for library staff. These factors can stimulate the staff to react positively to the library job system. However, all these are mere speculations. It is therefore against this background that the researcher conceived the idea to investigate on motivation of library staff in academic libraries in Imo State with particular reference to Imo State University, Owerri Library.

Statement of the Problem

          It is believed that the desire of academic libraries have always been to increase and enhance productivity. The effectiveness of any academic library is measured by the quality of job performed by the staff. Motivation can be a vital tool to get the best out of the employees and at the same time enhance higher productivity. It appears that lack of motivation cannot allow much increase in staff job performance. Close observations of academic libraries reveal that there are a number of staff motivational factors or packages in place. However, they are poor, inadequate and some are not effective. Poor motivation of library staff in academic libraries have resulted to poor management and poor productivity by library staff in the following areas: indolence, unsatisfactory services, inefficiency, low self-esteem, poor working conditions, high scale of absenteeism and inadequate training and development. Many researches have been carried out on aspects of these problems in different parts of the world but none has actually examined the relevance of motivation to library staff. Hence, this research on motivation of library staff in academic libraries in Imo State with particular reference to Imo State University, Owerri Library.

Scope of the Study

          The study focused on motivation of library staff in academic libraries in Imo State with particular reference to Imo State University, Owerri Library. It examined the motivational needs, motivational factors, extent of motivation of library staff, relevance of motivation to library staff and constraints to effective motivation of library staff in academic libraries. The study is delimited to library staff in the academic library studied.

Purpose of the Study

          The general purpose of the study is to examine motivation of library staff in academic libraries in Imo State: A case study of Imo State University, Owerri Library. Specifically, the study sought to:

1. identify the motivational needs of library staff in the library studied;
2. ascertain the motivational factors adopted by the library studied;
3. determine the extent of motivation of library staff in the library studied;
4. ascertain the relevance of motivation to library staff in the library studied and
5. identify the constraints to effective motivation of library staff in the library studied.

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be of immense benefit to government, academic library management, library staff, students and researchers.

For the government, this study will reveal to them how to adequately motivate library staff and other employees in academic institutions in order to contribute their optimal quota to the institution’s growth. It will create awareness on the importance of adequately funding the academic institutions of higher learning by increasing subventions given to them.

The findings of this study will benefit the academic library management as it will provide useful information on effective motivational factors that will influence job satisfaction and how to apply them to achieve greater results. It will also reveal to the academic library management why staff perform below expectations.

The result of this study will be of benefit to library staff in academic institutions because it will create awareness on motivational packages and make them make good demands on what can improve their work conditions and performance.

Finally, this study is expected to benefit the students and researchers who are engaged in research on the area of motivation or other similar areas. This study will also add to already existing literature on the subject.

Research Questions

          The following research questions were posed to guide the study;

1. What are the motivational needs of library staff in the library studied?
2. What are the motivational factors adopted by the library studied?
3. To what extent are library staff motivated in the library studied?
4. What are the relevance of motivation to library staff in the library studied?
5. What are the constraints to effective motivation of library staff in the library studied?
   

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   Pages:  60

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF        

   Chapters: 1-5                                 

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

This research work is on Bad user behaviours in Nigerian Universities: A case study of Imo State University Library. Four (4) purposes were drawn and four (4) research questions were answered. The study had a conceptual framework, theoretical framework and empirical study which act as a guide. The research method adopted for the study was a survey method. The population was thirty (30) staff consisting of fifteen (15) professionals, ten (10) para-professional staff and five (5) non-professional staff. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire, the method of data analysis were mean, statistics tables and simple percentages were used for data presentation, thereby enabling for easy discussion and interpretation of data. Findings from the study revealed that bad user behaviours have an influence on the library. Based on the findings, the study recommends that proper physical arrangement of library to determine the level of supervision, library buildings should be secured to control loss of books and employment of more library staff to checkmate offenders.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is an overview of the study on bad user behaviors in Nigerian libraries: A case study of Imo State University, Owerri. It presented under the following subheadings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of study, significance of the study and research question.

Background to the Study

Bad user behaviors are simply referred to as those behaviors or actions that are against the library rules and regulations which impede the growth and development of the library institution. University libraries which are part of academic libraries are libraries established in universities such as – Imo state university, FUTO library, etc.

Nwosu (2000) asserts that certain behavior traits of library users in recent times are a source of concern as they pose a threat to the library. Nwosu (2000) also states that there has been witness to a gradual erosion of the order that used to characterize the library as an entity; indiscipline, long established in the larger society has naturally found its way into the library as users today behave in utter disregard for the rules and regulations of the library.

Bad user behaviors have of late become a cankerworm which has eaten deep into the institution’s library system without distinction. These types of behaviors on library resources and personnel are not a new phenomenon in the history of Imo state University library. Edom (2012) suggests that libraries, despite the clustered air which surrounds them have not been exempted from it. The author further states that library crimes range from attacks on information resources, library equipment and facilities to attacks on library staff. Unfortunately, for the introduction of free and open access to materials gave way to anti-social or anti-regulatory behaviors towards the library resources and even to the staff themselves.

Bad user behavior ranges from theft which means the act of stealing. Nwosu (2000) averred that stealing puts the library in terrible jeopardy and defeats the library quest for continuity through the store of books- record of human knowledge for posterity. Edom (2012) defines mutilation as one of the bad user behavaiors as the act of disturbing and making reading materials imperfect of no second-hand value, effect by removing or irreparably damaging parts of the material; be it books, serials or even non-book information resources.

Also, includes, assault on library staff, making noise in the library, eating and drinking in the library, theft of other users belongings etc.

Today, bad user behaviors in university libraries especially in Imo State University library has become a social and natural problem that the universities management has taken steps to safeguard lives and properties. The Imo state University has been place in a pitiable condition because of the activities of bad user behaviors. These bad user behaviors are seen as set back to library development especially now that the importance of library and its resources are being recognized and utilized as a major partner in the education of the institution.

Therefore, the primary motive of the research is to examine the nature of these behaviors, how they come about, their consequences and finally to proffer solutions as to how they can be minimized if not, completely eliminated.

Statement of the Problem

The main purpose of the university library is to achieve its set goals and objectives which are to support teaching, learning, and research. It was observed that the universities libraries are facing a lot of challenges especially bad user behaviors are in the form of mutilation of library assault on staff, noise making, eating and drinking in the library, theft of user’s and staff belongings.

These problems hinder the provision of effective services by the university libraries. The researcher therefore aims at finding out the causes of bad user behaviors in academic libraries with a view of proferring solutions.

Scope of the Study

This study deals generally on bad user behaviors in Nigerian Universities; A case study of Imo State University Library, Owerri. The study covered the bad user behaviors in Imo state university library and also the response of staff to these behaviors. The study also investigated the consequences of bad user behaviors, the categories of users who indulge in these bad user behaviors, the types of bad user behaviors as well as the challenges of curtailing bad user behaviors in Imo state university library.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study is to determine the bad user behaviors in Imo State University library. With this, the specific objectives of the study are;

1. to identify the category of users who indulge in these bad user behaviors in Imo state University library,
2. to determine the types of bad user behaviors obtained in Imo state university library,
3. to determine the consequences of bad user behaviors on the library staff, users of library in Imo state university,
4. to determine the ways of curtailing bad user behaviors in Imo state university library.

Significance of the Study

The study is significant as its findings would help the undergraduate students, post graduates, research, lecturers and library management.

The library management will be able to know through the findings of this study, the bad user behaviors that exist in their library and give priority attention to solve the problem, providing solution to these problems will enable them to provide adequate services to their clients.

The undergraduate students stand a better chance to enjoy a high level of service delivery. The findings will also be of great value to researchers as it will stimulate them to venture into related areas of research.

The lecturers will find the outcome of this study very valuable in their areas of academic discipline as it will help them to identifying users bad behaviors and help the library to ensure that students do not exhibit such behaviors in the libraries.

The post graduates will find this study very useful as it will make them improve on their use of academic library. They can now feel relaxed whenever they come into the library to read and make research as no one will disturb them again.

Finally, this study will be found useful since it will become a reference source of acceptable standard and also an added literature in the field of librarianship.

Research Questions

The following research questions are stated to guide the this study;

1. Who are the categories of users who indulge in bad user behaviour?
2. What are the types of bad user behaviour?
3. What are the consequences of bad user behaviour in Imo State University Library?
4. What are the ways of curtailing bad user behaviours in Imo State University Library?

Pages:  47

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5                                 

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the survey of human resources development in academic libraries using Imo State University Owerri Imo State Library. The researcher adopted a survey research design. Four purpose and four research questions were posed for the study. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data collection was analyzed using simple percentage and tables. The study discovered that the human resources development programmes offered to staff in Imo State University, Owerri Library include apprenticeship, short courses, seminars, conferences, on the job training, simple orientation programmes, lecturers, formal professional and library education, organized visit and job rotation. The study discovered that the reason for offering the development programmes in the library includes greater responsibility, guidelines for high staff morales, increase in quality of service, overcoming impediments and reduction of wastes. The study discovered that the categories of staff benefit from these development programmes are the professional staff, para-professional staff and the library management administrators. The study discovered that the problem militating against human resources development in the academic library understudy, finance, staff shortage, staff relationship with management, managerial problems and lack of development policies. Based on the findings the research made some recommendations.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is presented under the following subheadings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

Human resources is all about “people”, in every organization, they are factors without which the organization is reduced to nothing. It is all about the human and people who carry out the organization’s activities. Armstrong (2006), in his work identifies human resources as the organization’s most valued asset; the people working for the achievement of the organizational objectives. Human resources vary from organization to organization. The types of human resources needed in the library vary from the type needed in a hospital organization or banking organization and many other establishments, be it private or public have their goods Adegbie (2009) states that human resources efforts are directed towards putting the needed materials resources and equipment in use in order to achieve desired goals. Thus, the efforts of all these human resources in any organizational are geared towards achieving one purpose which is the organizational goal.

The library as an organization is made up of human, material and financial resources. These are basic component of a given organization and are necessary for efficiency. However human resources supersede all other resources of the library. They help to co-ordinate and organize all other resources. Human resources in the library are the greatest assets for progress and posterity. They are employed to carry out the routine activities of the library. They include the professional staff, para-professional staff and the support staff in the library which are the category of staff who went through professional training and qualification in librarianship. The staff that fall under this category are with the minimum qualification of first degree from a professional staff are with same but incomplete professional training and qualifications. The minimum requirement for para professionals is a diploma in librarianship. Those in this cadre include among others, the chief library officers, assistant chief library officers. They support staff are those without both the training and qualification requisite for library practice. The minimum qualification here is five (5) credits in West African School Certificate (WAEC). Those in this cadre include clerical staff, messengers, porters, cleaners etc. They all need to grow in the places of their primary assignment, hence there is need for their development.

Development is the process of exposing an individual to the method or orders of improving in their activities. Uchenna (2014), defines development as activities undertaken to expose an employee to perform additional duties and assume positions of importance in an organization. Also, Casio (2009) states that it is a function/activity aimed at preserving and enhancing employees competence in their job through improving their knowledge, skill, abilities and other characteristics. The principles, behind development is that by giving individual time to study the techniques of being good managers and by counseling them about their achievement, they will realize their full potential this development seeks to enhance and individual knowledge about existing things, broadens their effort to perform their job and promote the organization’s purpose of establishment.

In developing these human resources, the organization has to place the right individual at the right place and also expose them to the activities of their field to enable them perform their activities well for the promotion of the organization. Development exist in all levels and areas of life, hence the many forms of development; family development, institutional development, organizational development, and even library development exist. While in families parental and child development are considered, there is human development in institutions and organizations.

Development exist in all levels and areas of life, hence the many forms of development; family development, institutional development, organizational development, even in the library development exist. While in families parental and child development are considered, there is human development in institutions and organizations. Library as an institution also need development, especially as it relates to its human resources. Prior to 19^th century when libraries were managed by people who do not require any special training. There was no staff development programme used in libraries then, thus were inadequate and could not yield the desired output. Given the nature and scope of services expected from libraries, its staff which constitute the nucleus upon which services depend becomes indispensable. These staff needs to be adequately developed so that they will cope with the demands of their job.

Human resources development is an organized procedure by which people learn knowledge or skill for a definite purpose. It is the process of equipping  the employees. Human resources development in the library is a way of empowering staff to attain self improvement and contribute to efficiency and productivity in the library. Sahai (2003) state that development of human resources is a long term organizational strategy in the library for assisting employees in optimizing their skills and advancing their education in the library organization. It incorporates all cadre in the library system. Tayeh (2010) affirms that libraries are determined to deal with human resources as an intellectual capital that forms the most important of its body. So there is an increasing relationship between the quality of investment in the human resources and their job performance. Suffice to say that the human resources development is an integral part of any library since the aim of the library is to propagate and achieve their objective their objectives and the programmes vary from one institution to another.

According to Azino (2014) some of the development programmes are; job rotation, apprenticeship, organized visit, short course, formal professional library education, simple orientation programmes and seminar. Job rotation involves making all staff of the library go round every unit, trying to known what is obtainable so that they can do various jobs whenever they are called upon by their superior or the head librarian. Apprenticeship is that which gives a newly employed staff the opportunity of working alongside with a master i.e a library officer or librarian, to learn the skills and procedures of a job. This period is mostly useful for job that require complex and diverse range of skills and knowledge.

Organized Visit: This kind of development takes place within other library. It is a visit to other library system. The value of this development tools is to offer members opportunities to observe operation in other libraries to exchange ideas and to realize that library problems can be solved in different other ways.

Simple Uncertain Programmes: These introduces this practice of a library to a new employee, with the aim of helping the person discover his talent, area of interest and appreciate the library’s policies and practices. In order to make the exercise attractive it is supplemented by short talks, work manual and flow of work charts.

Seminars: These as means of human resources development could be organized locally, by the senior staff presenting papers within the framework of a general theme. The paper presented should not be mere academic exercise but should form a basis for discussion and exchange of ideas on peculiar library problems.

These and more are the programme set-out for the development for these human resources of if achieved the library will, stand a better ground in  achieving their goals.

Statement of the Problem

No one would easily deny the importance of well trained librarian both for his efficiency and ensuring proper assistance on the use of library resources. The library is a service organization a non fee based institution that renders service to its users community. To enable the services to be rendered librarians make efforts to employ staff of different cadre. These staff are expected to render different kinds of services to the users. However, despite the efforts of the library to employ different cadre of library staff, it is still noticed that these staff fail to render services effectively leading to users inability to patronize the library. Then the question is, what could be the problem and reason, is it as the result of their educational background or the type of development programme given to them while working in the library?. These are the problems of the study.

Scope of the Study

This study is limited to human resources development of both  professional and non professional staff in academic libraries with particular reference to Imo State University, Owerri library. It is also confined within the programmes set out for the development in these library resources or staff in the library organization.

Objective of the Study

This study is on human resources development in academic libraries. Specifically it intends to achieve the following objectives:

1. To find out the development programmes offered in these libraries.
2. To identify the categories of the human resources that benefit fom the development programme.
3. To identify reasons for the development programme.
4. To discover problems militating against the human resources development programmes

Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to the following; the students, researchers, the library staff and the library itself.

For the students, when these human resources are developed, it will motivate them to use the library because they will be better equipped with better and easy ways to provide the information needs of the users unlike when their staff are not develop. Also when their information needs are been attended to, it will encourage them to make more use of the library to solve their information needs.

To the researchers: It will be seen as their research room, because their research needs are been achieved there. This improvement will encourage them to always come around the library to carryout their research at anytime they are in need of such.

To the library staff: If the motivation is geared towards training sponsorship, it will help to broaden their knowledge and enhance their performance in their job.

It will also help in bringing harmony and organization in the library because there is nothing more cherished and important than a staff that know what to do in an organization at anytime.

The library stands the chance to encourage their user community to use the library as information centre. Because this development will improve their service to their community users and when this is done, the library without doubt have or will achieve their main purpose of establishment.

Research Questions

1. What are the development programmes offered in these libraries.
2. What are the categories of the human resources that benefit fom the development programme.
3. What are the reasons for the development programme.
4. What are the problems militating against the human resources development programmes

Pages:  58

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5                                 

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the utilization of information resources in Federal Polytechnic Nekede Library, Owerri. It was guided by five purposes of study and five research questions. Survey research design was adopted for this study. A sample of 385 students was drawn from the population of 10,400 registered users of the library studied. Rating scale was used as instrument for data collection. Data collected were presented in frequency tables and analyzed using mean scores. The findings showed that journals, textbooks, abstract/indexes, maps/atlases, encyclopedia, dictionaries, audiovisuals and electronic resources are information resources available in the library studied. It also showed that the purpose for students use of library are for assignments, to borrow books, examination preparations, knowledge acquisition and use of ICT facilities, and the problems that militates against the utilization of these information resources are poor attitude of staff, epileptic power supply, low level of technology, inadequate information resources, lack of user education and opening and closing hours of the library. It revealed that Journals, textbooks, indexes/abstracts, electronic resources, audiovisuals and dictionaries are used to high extent. It revealed that users are satisfied to a high extent in the use of journals, textbooks, indexes/abstracts, project work, electronic resources and dictionaries in the library studied. The study therefore recommended among others that, there should be provision of adequate and up-to-date materials, employment of competent staff to promote user education as well as creating a conducive environment for library users.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, the researcher presents the background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

Academic libraries are those libraries established to serve universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other related institution. It can also be seen a library that is attached to a higher institution which serves two complementary purposes to support the school’s curriculum and to support the research of the University, polytechnic, faculties and students. The main purpose of the library is to provide services to the users for the enhancement of their academic pursuit.

Okoro (1999) defines the academic library as library found in institutions of higher learning such universities, polytechnics, colleges of education etc. The objective of the parent institution which is teaching learning and research is being supported by the academic library which provides information materials or resources. The libraries help to equip students with skills and knowledge which will enable them succeeds academically or otherwise. An institution cannot stand without the establishment of a library.

Nwosu (2002) describes academic libraries as the singular most important resources in the pursuit of general goals and objectives of higher learning. The functions of any academic library are the promotion of teaching; research and learning, through the academic library set goals are achieved. The brilliant, the average and the dull students are given equal opportunity to make use of the library in studying at his or her own time. The tertiary institution as a formal organization exists to pursue and accomplish a common purpose which basically is the enhancement of teaching and learning. The academic library promotes information literacy among students of the institution.

In tertiary institutions, it has been observed that students do not make use of the library as they ought to. The way many students make use of the library has given much concern for opinion to be analyzed. It can be seen that students do not have such patience and time to make use of the library. Opara (1998) posits that the library is regarded as the hand maiden of educational empowerment and research, but the problem is that these libraries are not being put together to effective use. He is of the opinion that the reason for students less concern towards the use of the library is mainly due to the fact that most patrons or users of these academic libraries have not been educated, trained and enlightened enough on the techniques and skills of the library use and its resource application. It supplies lecturers with the resources needed for teaching and professional growth. It enables students develop awareness for inner satisfaction and reward to be derived from reading books. The academic library which supports and complements teaching and learning has wide range of freely available information sources. There are a wide range of information materials found in academic library; they include educational books and general books (Edom, 2002). Educational books are those which helps in enlightening students, they can be humanities, education, social science, technology, law etc. the general books are those associated with usage of the general public which include religious doctrines. The academic library provides students with educational books ranging from books and non-books which include filmstrip, relics, models, periodicals, journals, textbooks, reference books etc. they can also be in form of magazine, research paper, video/audio recordings, research papers, articles etc.

Ahanene (1997) is of the view that academic libraries are concerned with the collection, processing and organization. The functions of any academic library are summarized in the promotion of teaching, learning and research. These roles are prosecuted through balanced acquisition, paper presentation, proper processing, storage, interpretation and dissemination of relevant information; anything on the contrary renders the institutions impotent in achieving its mission.

The utilization of library resources by students is a pressing issue. The academic library which provides a wide range of information materials is available for students but most students do not consider the library as one which should be used. Some students who visit the library regularly or use the library regularly know that the libraries have resources and information materials which will be utilized by students and such information are rare and hardly found online. It is based on this background that the study on utilization of information resources by students in Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri is carried out.

Statement of the Problem

It has been pointed out that academic libraries are burdened with the problem of inadequate information resources and also non-existent working tools. Academic libraries have shown serious lapses in the area of provision of up-to-date information resources, adequate information materials, qualified library professionals who can help the library users solve their information needs organizing of information materials and funding.

Ifidon (1999) stresses the fact it is important to know the extent of the library use due to the fact that one’s impression of the library is totally different from others and what is on ground. Also timing is a factor which limits the utilization of library resources by both students, researchers and the rest. The opening and closing time of the library sometimes do not suit these scholars.

Researchers have been carrying out researches on the use of academic libraries and most of them revealed that students have not been making use of these libraries as they should. Could inadequate use of the library be attributed to inadequate information resources or lack of standard reading environment? These are the facts the researcher intends to ascertain in the course of this study.

Scope of the Study

The content scope of this study is utilization of information resources in academic libraries. It examines the types of information resources available for use in the library, the extent of use of these information resources, student’s level of satisfaction with the information resources and problems that militate against the utilization of information resources by the student.

The geographical scope of this study is Imo state. The study covered Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State. It covered the regular students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of this study is to investigate the utilization of information resources in academic libraries. The study seeks to;

1. Find out the types of information resources available for use in the library studied.
2. Ascertain the purpose for which students use the library
3. Find out the extent of use of these information resources,
4. Identify the students level of satisfaction with the information resources
5. Identify the problems that militate against the utilization of information resources by the students.

Significance of the Study

This study will be of great significance to the following; librarians, lecturers, students, government and the library management.

The librarians will be sensitized on the current state of library resources and the need to improve on their services to users of the library. It will also give a picture of the situation in other institutions within Imo State.

The students will benefit from this study because they would be exposed to wide range of information resources that are available in academic libraries and make use of them in their studies, research, class assignment and so will be more knowledgeable than they were.

The study will draw the attention of the government, university authorities and the library management to the importance of well-equipped academic libraries. It will help them restructure their priorities as regards to provision of information resources in order to improve the performance of the students.

Finally, the result of this research will serve as a valuable contribution to the existing literatures on utilization of information resources in academic institutions.

Research Questions

The following questions are posed to guide the study;

1. What are the types of information resources available for use in the library studied?
2. What are the purposes for the use of library by students?
3. What is the extent of use of these information resources?
4. To what extent do the information resources satisfy the users?
5. What are the problems that militate against the utilization of information resources by students?

ABSTRACT

This study examined the use of e-library resources by students of Imo State University, Owerri. Five research questions were posed to guide the study. The study employed survey research design. The population of the study was 1,020 and the sample size was 287 which was derived using Taro Yamane statistical formula. Rating scale was used as the instrument for data collection and data was analyzed using mean scores. The findings of the study revealed that types of e-library resources available for use by students include; e-books, e-dictionaries, e-encyclopedia, e-thesis and dissertations and e-journal; purpose of using e-library resources includes research work, to gain current and general information, for class assignment, for social interaction and entertainment and for teaching and learning. The study also revealed that the benefits of e-library resources include; access to current and up-to-date information, provides wider range of information, makes research work easier; students use the e-library resources to a high extent and high cost of internet browsing, limited access to computers, poor electricity supply, lack of ICT knowledge and unavailability of server at all times are factors hindering use of e-library resources. The study recommends among others that the university authority should provide internet facilities, increase the extent they use e-library resources and as well, reduce the cost of utilization of e-library resources for students.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, the researcher discussed the background to the study statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

Electronic Information has become the backbone of many academic organization, Awareness and us of electronic Information resources depends mainly on skills of each individual to locate information materials. Information explosion has increased the amount of electronic information resources help to expand access, increase usability and effectiveness and establish new ways for individuals to use information and to be more productive in their endeavours (Negahban & Talawan 2003). Awareness of electronic resources may aid the users in keeping abreast of current development in the various subject fields. The use of electronic information resources is necessary for users mainly because electronic resources provide better, faster and easier access to information than the print media. Electronic information resource can be relied upon for timely information. This means that information needed by a user can be accessed at any given time at different location.

Academic institutions are established for teaching, learning and research. These education functions depend on information resources. These resources are the driving forces for making an education society, the educated society can only exist when information is stored, shared and properly utilized. In an academic arrangement both education and library are inseparable concept, working for the promotion and evolution of teaching, learning and research for greater use of the academic (Lang, 2008). The proliferation of electronic resources has had a significant impact on the way the academic community uses, stores and preserves information (Heterick, 2002). These e-resources have added value to the academic libraries to offer better services to users, they are accessible from many different approaches.

The electronic resources empowerment and the staff and users of the library and the entire academic institutions academic libraries these days prefer electronic resources to substitute print media or the traditional library collections for optimum use. E-library resources unlock the key to global information from more than one location because of this reason academic libraries now prefer electronic resources in meeting the needs of the large community of users. This evidenced by the adoption of ICT for the library services at FUTO and many other universities in Nigeria (Anunobi, 2010). The use of electronic resources in the academic environment makes classes more efficient lectures more compelling informative and varied, reading and assignments more extensive, interesting and accessible (Monegomery & King, 2002).

The library is a repository of resources. It is an integral part of any educational system of which its primary functions is to serve the information needs of users (students, researches and staff) computer and electronic resources have come to play a central role in education (Lang, 2008) electronic resources are the prime ingredients in information search of users and they have become a common part of the choice of most academic library resources today with the advancement of ICT, academic libraries are moving towards digital resources are helped especially to distance learners who have limited time to access the libraries from outside by commonly available electronic resources mainly CD-Roms, online public access catalogue (OPAC) the internet etc which are replacing the traditional library materials or the print media (Mulla, 2011).

The term “E-library” refers to Information accessed through the internet. Unlike the traditional libraries, e-libraries are not limited by location or time libraries have changed with the emergencies and application of ICT. They use information both in the library continues to soar users are expected to develop information literacy skills. These skills as (Julien 2002) observe will enable users to make efficient and effective use of the e-resources. The work of Uwafor, (2012) Shama (2009) and Nergaliban and Talawar (2009) indentified a checklist of e-library resources that are available for use. These includes database, digital libraries metadata, e-books, e-conference, e-thesis, e-research report and bibliographic database, CD-Rom etc.

The justification for the choice of this topic is the if libraries and librarians fail to catch-up with recent developments in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) by adopting the use of e-library resources relevance in the services with its limited access to current and relevant information contents and other problems such as space mutilation of print resources by users, misplacement of book on the shelf and other ant-social behaviours of some library users etc. will be a problem in meeting the needs of information seekers, therefore it becomes imperative that libraries should as a matter of urgency, adopt the use of electronic resources in this era of ICT. It is based on this background that this study on use of e-library resources by students of Imo State University, Owerri is being carried out.

Statement of the Problem

The emergence of e-library resources seems to have threatened the use of printed resources in our academic libraries, the introduction of e-library resources has pared way for a new system of getting current and reliable information from the net when compared with the print resources. The limited access to up to date information materials that are prevalent in the manual or traditional library system and practice in this academic library is a major problem that impedes/research and teaching and makes information searching and retrieval very cumbersome. It has also been observed that certain information materials in the library may not be accessible due to wrong shelving or intentional misplacement by users thereby preventing others from making use of the materials. The manual library system faces the problems of space,. Mishandling and mutilation of library resources. The use of catalogue card as the major access tool to information materials is outdated.

Students and lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions have increasingly demanded and preferred access to electronic sources delivery and networked information from their respective libraries. Timely information is required by all categories of users of academic libraries and for our libraries to meet up with the use of e-library resources, it is hoped that these identified setbacks associated with old manual/traditional system of library operations and service will be minimized if not eradicated. Hence, this study to investigate use of e-library resources by students of Imo State University, Owerri.

Scope of the Study

This study focused on the use of e-library resources by the students of Imo State University Owerri. The study covered types of e-library resources, purpose of students’ use of e-library resources, benefits of students’ use of e-library resources, extent of students’ use of e-library resources and factors that hinder students’ use of e-library resources. The study is limited to undergraduate students of Imo State University, Owerri.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study is to ascertain the use of e-library resources by students of Imo State University, Owerri. Specifically, the study sought to;

1. identify the types of e-library resources available for use;
2. ascertain the purpose of using e-library resources by students;
3. ascertain the benefits students derive from the use of e-library resources;
4. determine the extent of use of e-library resources by students and
5. identify the factors that hinder students’ use of e-library resources.

Significance of the Study

Those that will benefit from this study include the students, staff (academic and non-academic), university management and researchers.

The students will benefit from this study because they will be exposed to a wide range of e-library resources that are available globally through the net and make use of them in their studies and class assignment and so will be more knowledgeable than they were.

Secondly, the staff of this institution will benefit from the study. It will expose them to know the resources that will help them to access recent development in their field of study and pass it on to their students. It will also help them to update their knowledge. The librarians in the libraries will also benefit from the finding of this study as they will help to ease their services to the academic community they serve.

The university management will benefit from this study as it will help them to develop new policies on how to harness the potential of e-library resource in the information and communication technology era and support library management in the selection and acquisition of these e-resources into the library for use by the academic community.

Finally, this study is expected to benefit researchers in the area of utilization of e-library resources and librarianship in general by furnishing them with data for their research and also serve as a useful reference material for further studies and researches.

Research Questions

The following research questions were posed for this study

1. What type of e-library resources are available for students use?
2. What are the purposes of using e-library resources by students?
3. What benefit do students derive from the use of e-library resources?
4. To what extent do students use the e-library resources?
5. What are the factors that hinder students’ use of e-library resources?

Pages:  51

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5                                 

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study is on “The role of library in the growth and development of media Centre’s”. The study has three objectives and four research questions.  Survey research design was used for the study. The population was (150) staff of Orient Television, Owerri and the sample size was thirty (30) staff selected using the Simple Random Sampling techniques. The findings revealed that although there are libraries in media centres under study, there is need for it to be equipped with modern facilities, there are information resources which include: compact disc, textbooks, video CD, Encyclopedia, etc., the usefulness of the library to the growth and development of media centres include: efficiency in service, updating staff with the latest information and it encourages more research, some of the problems affecting media libraries in the growth of media centres under study include: lack of modern facilities, Poor management of facilities, inadequate information resources, poor attitude of staff towards utilization of library facilities, staff turnover as well as weak interpersonal relationship. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends that computers and ICT facilities in the libraries and resources should be fully utilized by the staff in media centres in order to enhance teaching and learning of library. Workshops, seminars and conference should be organized to acquaint the library teachers on how to use computer in the effective teaching and learning of library. Government should see that the software necessary for teaching and learning are made available to media libraries. Philanthropic individuals, donor agencies and non-governmental organizations at different level should be encouraged to assist in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and computer education in media libraries. Nigerian scientists should work towards developing prototypes for different Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets with a view to reducing the price of these materials.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A library can be considered a store – house of knowledge. It is often referred to as “a building or room containing a collection of books”. A library renders a great service to the society. A library plays a very important role in promoting the progress of knowledge. There are many people who love reading. But they can’t afford to buy books because the prices of books are very high. So when one becomes a member of a library, he can borrow valuable books. A member can borrow two books at a time and he can keep it with him for two weeks. Libraries are particularly useful for poor children. Even those who are better off can’t afford to buy all the books they require for their studies. For instance, invaluable books like Encyclopedias and large dictionaries cannot be purchased. Libraries depend on ethical principles more than any other institution because library services are essentially human-oriented. He stressed that librarians must follow the intellectual freedom principle and they have a moral responsibility to the patrons (Ademola 2011).

Media are those channels of information, radio, TV Newspaper, magazine and journals, which can make the same message available to a cross section of people despite their distance from the source of the message. Just as the nervous system receives, processes and interprets stimuli reaching the body, in order to achieve the needs, organize and correlate the activities of the body, the broadcast industry today collects information from a wide diversity of sources and places in the globe, processes and reports back to people located in an equally wide diversity of places in the Diaspora in an effort to bind parts of society together in their interactions and interdependency moves.

Nevertheless, the extent to which the broadcast media have gone in making the work smaller and more interactive is obviously lucid. The effects of these media are becoming so pervasive that people in the communication field are today talking of global neighborhood family. Therefore, regardless of whatever the radio and television say, their very form (broadcast simultaneity in reaching a heterogeneous audience) facilitates relationship in the world to an unspeakable degree. During world soccer and Olympic event, at least half the world is focused on one topic – sports encounter between nations. The media thus set agenda, interests and pursuits. Accordingly, it entails a system comprising nations in the Diaspora where people live and work in unison regarding given social, economic and political objectives regardless of religious learning, ethnic nationalities, languages, race, geography, etc. and where also communication is used to give expression to the interactions.

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Another major challenge that weakens the power of Orient Television (Imo Broadcasting Corporation- IBC) Owerri, is poor infrastructural facilities. As Sobowale (2008) quoted in Okunna (2009), it has been observed that media centres in Nigeria especially in the South East are faced with challenges, such as: basic infrastructural facilities as roads and transport system are in an abysmal state of development; and this limits the work of the media practitioners in gathering information.

More so, some of the staff do not posses high level of computer skill. Also due to the inflationary rate and economic challenges in the country, there is shortage of fund as a result of lack of financial support by government of Imo State

Similarly, some of the facilities need to be upgraded to meet modern standard for effective dissemination of information.

1.3    PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The general purpose of the study is to determine the role of library in the growth and development of media centres. The specific purposes are:

1. To ascertain the establishment of library in media centres.
2. To identify the information resources in the libraries in media centres
3. To ascertain the usefulness of the library to the growth and development of media centres.
4. To ascertain how the usefulness of library can be sustained in media centres.

1.4    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is no doubt very unique in the sense that it focuses on the role of library in the growth and development of media centres.

However, the study in its simplistic approach or analysis would make it possible for the stakeholders and more importantly those that are at the helms of affairs to know the importance of library in news dissemination especially in Orient television, Owerri.

It will enlighten the public about the role which library plays in promoting the progress of knowledge because libraries are important cornerstones of a healthy community.  Libraries give people the opportunity to find jobs, explore medical research, and experience new ideas.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. Are there libraries in media centres under study?
2. What are the information resources in the libraries in media centres under study?
3. What are the usefulness of the library to the growth and development of media centres under study?
4. What are the problems affecting media libraries in the growth of media centres under study?

Pages:  69

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the attitude of undergraduate students towards academic use of electronic information resources in two federal universities in Nigeria, specifically University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in Enugu and Anambra states respectively. Six research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study and the population consisted of all registered undergraduate students of U.N.N and N.A.U. with a total of 35,854 from both universities, out of which seven hundred and twenty students were sampled. Stratified random sampling technique was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The questionnaire has 61 items. Descriptive statistics including frequency tables, percentages and mean were used to answer research questions. The finding revealed that: undergraduate students’ use of electronic information resources enhances their access to a wider range of information, most of them prefer to use internet for their academic work, and they prefer to use phones and laptops as their sources of electronic information resources. They are motivated to use electronic resources because they provide quick access to information. The study also revealed that some electronic resources like CD ROM, Library portals, wire radiophone, news group, and online public access catalogue (OPAC) were not popular among the students. However, the students face the problem of limited access to computer terminals, slow internet connectivity, irregular power supply, lack of IT knowledge to effectively utilize the electronic information resources services, as well as inadequate time to access electronic information resources due to pressure from academic work. Some of the strategies for improving the academic use of electronic resources by the students include giving them more education on the use of electronic information resources, provision of more computers in the university libraries, provision of free internet connectivity to students within the university and providing constant power supply among other suggestions.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

University education is the process of teaching, learning and training in an institution at the highest level of education where one can get a Degree or do research to improve knowledge and gain skills. Also, university education is a formal learning, or gaining of formal educational qualifications from the institutions at the highest level of education where one can study for a Degree, (Krejsler, 2006). University education includes teaching, research and social services activities, and it includes both the undergraduate level and the Postgraduate level. University education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, and academic degrees. In Nigeria, universities can be privately owned, state or federal government funded. The objectives of university education include: developing reasoning about perennial questions, mastering the methods of scientific inquiry, cultivating the intellect, creating positive change agents, developing spirituality, and fostering a democratic society. University education is very important to national economies as a source of trained and educated personnel for the economy. Universities are hubs of knowledge and information services in their institutions. These hubs require modern technology which has advanced greatly. With this advancement, information needs of students have also changed (Chen and Wu 2009).

Information is the pivot on which the survival of any society rest. It remains the major ingredient in taking decision, and assist in reducing the degree of uncertainty. Information and its use are as old as man. Indeed without information, there cannot be communication, (Olatokunbo and Asiru, 2011). Information can be written document or oral.       Information resources are those materials which provide information for learning, teaching and research such as books, journals, encyclopedias, films or pictures. According to Bennett (2003) the revolution in information technology is changing information delivery in education. Information and communication technologies are, a diverse set of tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information. The technology embrace has led to the proliferation of electronically available information resources.

Electronic Information resources is defined as an information retrieval system operating with a computer terminals, communication lines and links, models, disk drives, and databases in machine –readable form that are accessible in an online, interactive mode (Harper,2006). Electronic information sources according to Ekwelem, Okafor, and Ukwuoma (2009), may be defined as information sources that are available and can be accessed electronically through computer network facilities, such as online library catalogue, the internet, the world wide web, digital libraries, government portals and websites, CD-ROM databases, online academic databases such as Medline online, or commercial bases such as LEXIS and NEXIS. Electronic information resources can therefore be defined as various infrastructures used in the creation, processing, storage, dissemination of information and various services rendered by these infrastructures. The last few years have seen a number of changes in the University sector. These changes necessitated the importance of electronic resources in this age and they include the following: Rapid growth in undergraduate students’ numbers with little or no relative increase in the number of library and information services staff and inflation in the cost of printed materials. Growing number of academic publications, fall in library budgets as a percentage of the total institutional budgets, changes in the teaching and learning methods, towards a greater emphasis on the undergraduate students’ centered learning, and technological developments.

Undergraduate students are university students who are studying for a first Degree in a university. Undergraduate students according to the American Heritage Dictionary of English Language (2007) are university students who have not yet received a Bachelors’ or similar Degree. Undergraduate students need electronic information resources because of their flexibility, dynamism in information retrieval, storage and processing. Electronic information resources are important to undergraduates because they need to have access to timely, accurate and relevant academic information (Adomi, Omodeko Otolo, 2004). Computer services like internet and other electronic sources have greatly increased the speed of searching out information. They have brought considerable relief to students in universities, as students can conveniently walk into any library that has its holdings on the internet and have access to unlimited information sources (Ezeji, 2008) Electronic information sources offer many advantages. According to Brophy, (1993) an advantage of electronic resources is that the information needed can be delivered from the most appropriate source to the user. The user can re-specify his or her needs dynamically. The information is obtained when it is wanted, and so becomes just in time, In addition, the user selects only the information needed to answer the specific question and the information is only stored if the user wishes. Electronic information can therefore provide a number of advantages over print based resources. Electronic information resources are often faster than consulting print indexes, especially when searching retrospectively. They are straight forward when wishing to use a combination of keywords open and open the possibility of searching multiple files at one time. Electronic resources can be printed and searches saved to be repeated at a later date. They are updated more easily and more often than conventional resources. One main advantage, especially for those with limited time to access the library and distance learners, is their availability from outside the library by dial-up access. Mobile phones and the internet are seen as easier and more convenient in the co ordination of activities, for example, in planning, seeking information and communication.

Electronic sources also generate opportunities to find new interests, activities and friends which might be positive in terms of one’s quality of life. Electronic resources provide an access to unlimited sources of information through search engines, which are continuously being upgraded to provide efficient ways to help users find what they want. The electronic equivalent offers the ability to integrate text with charts, graphs, photographs, sound, video and other forms of multimedia. The use of electronic information resources as an extension of the classroom or as a vehicle for higher education is increasingly widespread. The internet is now being used as a powerful supplement to the traditional ways that students study and learn in lecture halls, tutorials, laboratories and in preparing of assignments. These resources could be stored electronically, thereby saving the space, reducing the risk of lost, theft, or damage and reducing costs significantly (Dadzie, 2005). Electronic resources have much to offer, but their utility depends on attitudes of users, how they feel about them.

Attitudes are ways that people think and feel about something. Attitudes are inclinations and feelings, prejudices or bias, preconceived notions, ideas, fears, and convictions about any specific topic (Taiwo, 1998). Attitudes represent the conceptual value of these technologies in the minds of students and not the values of the technologies themselves. Positive attitudes are fundamental in implementing new technologies. Students constitute one part of society who is fortunate to have access to a variety of electronic information resources. Universities use considerable proportions of their budgets to provide this technology for their students to assist in the learning process. The question then is what is the level of use of this type of resources? How do students themselves feel about various issues surrounding electronic resources, which may require the acquisition of new skills to utilize them effectively, and whether attitude change depends upon the availability of these resources? Little is known about student’s attitude towards this form of information provision and without a better understanding; it is difficult for service providers to know if they are meeting the needs of students effectively.

The University of Nigeria is a federal university located at Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria. Founded in October 1960, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (U.N.N) has two campuses-Nsukka, and Enugu, Enugu state, Nigeria. It is a premier institution of higher learning in Nigeria with over 40,000 enrolled students, and 21,148 as registered undergraduate students.(Registrars department 2011). It is one of the oldest and prestigious universities in Nigeria. U.N.N. has fifteen faculties offering regular, sandwich, and part-time programmes. There have been a number of changes in the University of Nigeria, including the way in which information is provided to the university community. The university through a number of supported programmes has embarked on electronic provision of information to facilitate study programmes and research. The transition from print to electronic medium, apart from resulting in a growth of electronic information, has provided users with new tools and applications for information seeking. The University of Nigeria recognizes the need to provide students, researchers and faculty members with electronic information facilities by provision of modern computer laboratories or cyber cafes equipped with advanced computer databases and internet connectivity. Access to EIS was first introduced into UNN in 1995 by the university’s Management Information System (MIS), a computerized information management innovation that was initiated and sponsored by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Subsequently, the old university computing center was rehabilitated with advanced modern facilities including internet connectivity. The university library has also been digitalized to cater for the growing access needs of students. Also, other private owned commercial cyber cafes such as AFRIHUUB, E-Network have been established to augment the internet access facilities provided by the university. For this reason, students’ use their personal computers, as well as computer services provided by the various organizations, business centers and cyber cafes as an alternative to support their academic work.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is also a federal university in Nigeria. Its main campus is located in Awka, Anambra state capital and a second campus is at Nnewi. It is one of the twenty five federal universities which are overseen and accredited by the National University Commission. Nnamdi Azikiwe University came into being as an offshoot of the defunct Anambra state university of Technology (ASUTECH). In 1991, following the split of the old Anambra state into Anambra and Enugu states, the Awka and Nnewi campuses of the former ASUTECH were combined into Nnamdi Azikiwe university by the Anambra state –Edict No.5 of November 26.1991, and which was later taken over by the Federal Government from Anambra state.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (N.A.U.) was taken over by the federal Government by Decree No.34 of July 15, 1992. Nnamdi Azikiwe University has a population of twenty –four thousand, seven hundred and six (24,706) for the full-time, and twelve thousand, four hundred and seventy- six (12,476) students for part-time programmes (Registras department 2011). The university offers a diverse range of courses of study, including Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Management sciences, Medicine and surgery, Social sciences, Law African languages, European languages, and Education. The university also boasts of quality education, academic stability and a credible academic culture including a digital library service for growth of electronic information, and new tools and applications for information seeking and retrieval.

Statement of the Problem

The emergence and rapid growth of electronic information resources and their application, especially in universities, has continued to revolutionize the pattern and scope of learning and research. Institutions of higher learning in Nigeria must maintain and support the instructional and research needs of their faculties and students. Having ready access to varieties of information is essential in any university. A typical Nigerian student like his counterparts in America wants specific bits of information as quickly as possible. However, cost of periodicals and indexes continue to mount, publishing costs continue to grow, making the cost of books higher. The solution to this however is the use of electronic resources which sometimes are free or are sometimes open to access without subscription.

Despite the availability of electronic resources and their benefits to university education, their effective use in Nigerian universities are hampered by various factors, which include poor funding of universities, high cost of IT equipment, high rate of foreign exchange, and poor telecommunication infrastructure.(Fatoki,2004; Adeoti-Adekeye, 1997). In all the efforts made by different Nigerian universities towards automated information retrieval, it appears that very little progress has been made by the undergraduate students. This shows that there is still a gap to be filled in order to achieve a maximum utilization of these electronic resources. Previous researchers have carried out studies on the attitude of librarians and research scholars towards usage of electronic resources, but little or nothing is known about undergraduate students’ attitudes toward this form of information provision. Without a better  understanding, it is difficult to plan and execute meaningful strategic measures to mitigate the problems and to know if the needs of undergraduate students are being met effectively. It will help the university and library planners or the library and information science educators to rethink on how to improve on electronic resource access and utilization. Hence, there is the need for this study in order to contribute to the limited information on the students’ attitude of electronic information resources, and how it can help to improve them academically.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to find out the students’ attitude towards electronic information resources in University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (NAU).The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. Examine the attitude of undergraduate students to the use of electronic information resources.
2. Find out what electronic information resources the undergraduate students of the two universities under study prefer to use for academic purposes.
3. Determine the motivational factors for using electronic resources for information retrieval.
4. Establish the frequency of use of the preferred electronic resources by the students.
5. Identify the problems associated with the use of electronic resources for learning and research
6. Proffer the strategies towards improvement on the academic use of electronic resources by the undergraduate students in the university.

Research Question

This research was conducted to find answers to the following research questions:

1. What is  the  attitude  of  the  undergraduate  students  to  the  use  of  Electronic  informationresources?
2. What electronic information resources do undergraduate students of U.N.N and N.A.U. prefer to use for academic purposes?
3. What factors motivate the use of electronic resources for information retrieval?
4. What is the frequency of use of the preferred electronic resources by the students?
5. What are the problems associated with the academic use of electronic resources by the undergraduate students?
6. What are the strategies for improving the academic use of electronic resources by the students in the two universities?

Significance of the Study

It is hoped that information derived from this study will benefit both the university administrators, students and university libraries at large. This will make a vital contribution to the already existing knowledge and understanding of electronic information resources and their effects on university.

It is expected that the result will be useful to the university administrators in planning for the future thereby providing access to internet and laboratories for students to learn more.

By finding out what the students think and feel towards electronic information resources, it will enable the university libraries as an information service provider and their parent institutions to structure library services in such a way that they focus not only on collections, but also on the needs of the students, to develop facilities that recognize, embrace and encourage the collaborative, faster and social nature of learning, then seek for ways towards enhancing their services to the users, thereby making library become more effective in provision of their roles especially in this era where digital and electronic libraries complement and in some cases replace traditional libraries.

On the other hand, undergraduate students will benefit from the study because when computer laboratories are built and more computers are provided by the university administrators it will create avenues for students to have access to internet quickly and gain more information at reduced expense which in turn improve their knowledge and good planning by the university libraries will create a learning environment that empower students continuous learning, free choice learning which enable them to turn information into knowledge in the university. In addition, on the side of time management, it offers a better opportunity to those who want to optimize time for private studies.

Scope of the Study

The study is aimed at finding out the undergraduate students’ attitudes towards the academic use of electronic information resources in two federal universities. The study will cover two federal universities in Enugu and Anambra states. They are university of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe university, Awka.

Pages:  89

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study is on “The role of library in the growth and development of media centres”. The study has four objectives and four research questions. Survey research design was used for the study.  The population for this study comprises of one hundred and fifty (150) staff of Orient Television, Owerri. and the sample size was is thirty (30) staff selected using the Simple Random Sampling techniques.. Questionnaire was used for collection of data while simple percentage and frequency counts table was used to analyse the research questions.  The findings revealed that although there are libraries in media centres under study, there is need for it to be equipped with modern facilities. There are information resources which include: compact disc, textbooks, video CD, Encyclopedia, etc. The usefulness of the library to the growth and development of media centres include: efficiency in service, updating staff with the latest information and it encourages more research. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made: It is strongly recommended that computers and ICT facilities in the libraries and resources should be fully utilized by the staff in media centres in order to enhance teaching and learning of library. Workshops, seminars and conference should be organized to acquaint the library teachers on how to use computer in the effective teaching and learning of library. Government should see that the software necessary for teaching and learning are made available to media libraries. Philanthropic individuals, donor agencies and non-governmental organizations at different level should be encouraged to assist in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and computer education in media libraries. Nigerian scientists should work towards developing prototypes for different Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets with a view to reducing the price of these materials.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A library can be considered a store – house of knowledge. It is often referred to as “a building or room containing a collection of books”. A library renders a great service to the society. A library plays a very important role in promoting the progress of knowledge. There are many people who love reading. But they can’t afford to buy books because the prices of books are very high. So when one becomes a member of a library, he can borrow valuable books. A member can borrow two books at a time and he can keep it with him for two weeks. Libraries are particularly useful for poor children. Even those who are better off can’t afford to buy all the books they require for their studies. For instance, invaluable books like Encyclopedias and large dictionaries cannot be purchased. Libraries depend on ethical principles more than any other institution because library services are essentially human-oriented. He stressed that librarians must follow the intellectual freedom principle and they have a moral responsibility to the patrons (Ademola 2011).

Media are those channels of information, radio, TV Newspaper, magazine and journals, which can make the same message available to a cross section of people despite their distance from the source of the message. Just as the nervous system receives, processes and interprets stimuli reaching the body, in order to achieve the needs, organize and correlate the activities of the body, the broadcast industry today collects information from a wide diversity of sources and places in the globe, processes and reports back to people located in an equally wide diversity of places in the Diaspora in an effort to bind parts of society together in their interactions and interdependency moves.

Nevertheless, the extent to which the broadcast media have gone in making the work smaller and more interactive is obviously lucid. The effects of these media are becoming so pervasive that people in the communication field are today talking of global neighborhood family. Therefore, regardless of whatever the radio and television say, their very form (broadcast simultaneity in reaching a heterogeneous audience) facilitates relationship in the world to an unspeakable degree. During world soccer and Olympic event, at least half the world is focused on one topic – sports encounter between nations. The media thus set agenda, interests and pursuits. Accordingly, it entails a system comprising nations in the Diaspora where people live and work in unison regarding given social, economic and political objectives regardless of religious learning, ethnic nationalities, languages, race, geography, etc. and where also communication is used to give expression to the interactions.

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Another major challenge that weakens the power of Orient Television (Imo Broadcasting Corporation- IBC) Owerri, is poor infrastructural facilities. As Sobowale (2008) quoted in Okunna (2009), it has been observed that media centres in Nigeria especially in the South East are faced with challenges, such as: basic infrastructural facilities as roads and transport system are in an abysmal state of development; and this limits the work of the media practitioners in gathering information.

More so, some of the staff do not posses high level of computer skill. Also due to the inflationary rate and economic challenges in the country, there is shortage of fund as a result of lack of financial support by government of Imo State

Similarly, some of the facilities need to be upgraded to meet modern standard for effective dissemination of information.

1.3    PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The general purpose of the study is to determine the role of library in the growth and development of media centres. The specific purposes are:

1. To ascertain the establishment of library in media centres.
2. To identify the information resources in the libraries in media centres
3. To ascertain the usefulness of the library to the growth and development of media centres.
4. To ascertain how the usefulness of library can be sustained in media centres.

1.4    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is no doubt very unique in the sense that it focuses on the role of library in the growth and development of media centres.

However, the study in its simplistic approach or analysis would make it possible for the stakeholders and more importantly those that are at the helms of affairs to know the importance of library in news dissemination especially in Orient television, Owerri.

It will enlighten the public about the role which library plays in promoting the progress of knowledge because libraries are important cornerstones of a healthy community.  Libraries give people the opportunity to find jobs, explore medical research, and experience new ideas.

• RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. Are there libraries in media centres under study?
2. What are the information resources in the libraries in media centres under study?
3. What are the usefulness of the library to the growth and development of media centres under study?
4. What are the problems affecting media libraries in the growth of media centres under study?

Pages:  68

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study is on “Influence of user education on the use of information resources: A case study of Imo State University, Owerri Library”. The study has four objectives and four research questions. Survey research design was used for the study. The population was 1000 and the sample size was 250 undergraduate students who registered in Imo State University, Owerri Library. Taro Yamanne (1969) statistical formula was used to determine the sample. Questionnaire was used for collection of data while simple percentage and frequency counts table was used to analyse the research questions. The findings show that information resources used by the undergraduate students are basically book materials; library orientation, lecture method and bibliographic instructions are the types of user education students are exposed to. It was also found that lack of user education policy and inadequate library collection are the problems associated with user education programmes and inadequate funding, inadequate current information materials, high cost of audio-visual materials etc are the factors militating against the use of information resources for research in Imo State University, Owerri Library. The study therefore recommended among others that, the library should include in its collections electronic information resources that will enhance the students to be versatile in knowledge and also intensify their user education programmes. 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The researcher in this chapter presents an overview of the study. It is presented under the following sub headings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study, and research question.

Background of the Study

          Information resources are collection of book, non-book materials and electronic materials contained in libraries. The book materials include: text books, journals, periodicals, pamphlets, newspapers, and magazine. While pictures, films, radios, televisions, tape recordings e.t.c. make up the non-book materials. They also comprise the library staff, equipment and facilities. Ija (2003), defines information resources as those materials, both print and non-print, found in libraries which support curricular and personal information needs. To Ija, while books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets e.t.c. are the print formats, the non-print format include; Films, Disc, Records, Filmstrips, Slides, Prints, Audio Tapes, Video Tapes, Compact Disc e.t.c. Ifidon (2017), opines that library resources are basically sources of information. Traditionally, these resources were mostly books, journal, newspapers editorials, encyclopedias and even movie clippings especially from history. These resources have played a large role in research. Although they assist researchers in carrying out their research activities. However, there is need for the users to be thoroughly drilled on the best ways of using library resources for effective and efficient research. The drilling on the use of these resources is often referred to as user education.

User education is the instruction or library orientation given to library users (usually new students) with the aim of improving and enhancing their skills in the effective utilization and exploitation of library and information resources. Suleiman (2012), defines user education as various programs of instruction, education and exploration provided by libraries to users to enable them make more effective, efficient and independent use of information resources and services. Similarly, Murugan (2012), describes it as instruction and all activities involved in teaching and equipping library users with the skills to enable them make the best possible use of the library resources, service facilities, as well as to become independent and sophisticated library user. It is also formal and informal instruction delivered by a librarian or other staff member one-on-one or in a group.

User education could be done through library orientation, bibliographic instruction, library awareness programmes and issuing of library’s handbooks and library guides. For the purpose of this study, library orientation and bibliographic instruction will be explained.

These library resources and user education programmes vary from library to library. However, the need to determine the resources used in Imo State University, Owerri library and the influence they have on students research ability prompted this study.

Statement of the problem

Universities in Nigeria adopt various ways of equipping their clientele with skills and knowledge of library and use of its information resources. They also strive to stock the library with information resources in the right quantity and quality. The purpose is to assist their patrons to become better users of the library and good research students. Despite the efforts of the library to provide these information resources and also give instruction on how to use them, it is surprising to note that students’ ability is still low and the researcher now wonders what could be the problem. Could it be as a result of the types of resources provided, the types of user education employed in instructing the users or the people that offer the user education programme?

The need to ascertain this issue makes it imperative for a study to explore the prevailing situations in universities especially those with similar background with a view to critically examine the situation and at the same time, proffer credible solutions.

Scope of the Study

This study is on the influence of user education on the use of information resources in Imo State University, Owerri library. This study covered concepts like; information resources, user education, the problems militating against the use of information resources and factors hindering the provision of user education to students.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of this study is to ascertain the influence of user education on the use of information resources in Imo State University, Owerri. Specifically, the research seeks to:

1. identify the information resources used by the undergraduate students.
2. identify the types of user education the undergraduate students are exposed to.
3. ascertain the problems associated with user education in Imo State University, Owerri library.
4. ascertain the factors militating against the use of information resources.

Significance of the Study

The results of this study will be beneficial to University libraries, librarians, students and researchers.

University libraries as an entity would benefit from this research since it would afford the University library administrators the opportunity of reassessing their user education programmes for relevant services. Imo State University, Owerri would be in good positions to compare the relevance of each of their programmes towards their students research ability thereby providing opportunity for modification and improvement.

Librarians in tertiary institutions will find this study relevant in making selections for the information resources and in adopting the appropriate methods in teaching and implementing user education programmes that will be beneficial to users.

Students will appreciate the usefulness of library resources and user education programmes as it will ease the challenges they face in using the library and its resources. Hence, it will lead to enhancement of their research skills in all fields, and this will ultimately lead to new discoveries as well as enhance their reading culture.

Researchers in the field of Library and Information Science will find this study useful because the library resources will assist them in carrying out their research activities. Also, it will add to the existing body of knowledge and create the user education programmes in their various institutes of learning.

Research Questions

The following research questions are posed to guide this study;

1. What are the information resources used by the undergraduate students?
2. What are the types of user education the undergraduate students are exposed to?
3. What are the problems associated with user education programmes in Imo State University, Owerri library?
4. What are the factors militating against the use of information resources?

Pages:  59

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to investigate influence of user education on the use of academic library in Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Six research questions were posed and answered by the study. The study employed descriptive survey research design for gathering data, through the use of a rating scale. The sample for the study was 100 students randomly selected from the entire population. The data for the study were collected and analyzed using mean scores. The findings of the study revealed that students are taught how to use the library, methods used in education of users are lectures, freshmen’s orientation and shelf guides, user education is taught in one semester, the staff responsible for user education are the English language lecturers and the library staff, user education has influence on library use, the challenges of user education are inadequate fund to execute user education programme, combining it with use of English course and not assigning credit load. As a result of these findings, the study recommended that school management in collaboration with the head of library and staff who teaches user education should adopt other methods such as library tour, handbook etc., audio visuals should be used so that all the students will hear what is being taught. Apart from the usual one semester course with use of English, the library can organize library week with attractive programmes that can attract students to the library and acquaint students with the resources, services and operations of the library, use of the library should be separated from use of English course and made a credit carrying course so that students will be serious with it. The school management should provide adequate funds for effective teaching of user education, paying the staff responsible honorarium will be a step in the right direction in motivating them to take it serious.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is an overview of the study on the influence of user education on the use of academic libraries in tertiary institutions in Imo state: A study of Federal University of Technology, Owerri. It is discussed under the following headings: background of the study, statement of the problem, scope of study, purpose of the study, significance of the study, and research questions.

Academic libraries are integral part of any tertiary institution because they support teaching, learning and research needs of these institutions. These libraries provide user access to knowledge and information they need to do their assignment, projects and conducive environment to read and study.

Background of the study                                                                             

The main goal of an academic library is that the resources (book and non-book) must be well consulted. The librarian has to acquire and provide access to information stocked in the library. The user is very important in the practice of librarianship, because the library process revolves around the users.

The academic library provides user education in order to equip a user with enough knowledge on the use of library so as to enable them use the library resources effectively. User education impacts confidence in the user. So many studies carried out on availability and use of school libraries discovered that most secondary schools in Nigeria do not have school libraries at all while the once that have are not effective. For this reason, most of the students gaining admission in tertiary institutions do not have background knowledge on use of library which makes user education very necessary.

Some higher institutions incorporate user education in their curriculum for fresh students as general studies (GST/GNS) course, so that they can learn how to use the library effectively. The reason for the provision of user education in the library is because library process could be so complex that an average user may not easily comprehend how to utilize the available resources, as a result of the era of information explosion in which we are, information is expanding at a very fast rate and new resources are being introduced into the library (Aina, 2014). The ultimate objective of any library is to enable users exploit its resources to the fullest.

Fjallbrant (2010), Defines user education as: “the teaching of those skills that will enable students to locate and use materials effectively and feel confident in using the library”. Also, its aim is to acquaint users with the use of materials in the library. Similarly, Fleming (2009) defined user education as, “various programmes of instruction, education and exploration provided by academic libraries to users to enable them make effective, efficient and independent use of information sources and services to which these libraries provides access”.

Bello (2013) defined user education as: “A device by the librarians to educate users on how to use the resources available in the library in a result oriented ways”. Thus it’s concerned with information retrieval, since the objectives of the user education in academic library, according to Osagie (2013) are as follows:

• To enable users to know how to use the library catalogue independently in any library with particular reference to author, title and subject catalogues.
• To enable users to understand the classification schemes in any library so as to be able to locate materials with little or no problem.
• To be able to see library catalogues as indexes to the entire collection and use the as such.
• To enable the users to see the library as a repository of knowledge that determines the success of the students academic programme because it’s not possible for an individual to have the collection of the library.

Students in the universities are introduced to the library in one form or the other, in order that they might know what to consult in their quest for information. Today, most students in higher institute of learning find it difficult to explore the world of information resources in the library, which contributes their inability to undergo meaningful researches or at best become poor library users. It is believed that a concerted effort to know and understand library more will eventually, enable the individual to develop him/her to the fullest potentials. This become very important as it will enable man to contribute effectively and positively to the development of the society at large.

Effective user education cannot be achieved if the staff in charge is not competent. Proper organization and effective method to carry out user education by skilled persons promote utilization of library resources by patrons of the library and performance of students in their various course offered in the institution. Okon (2012) posits that one of the major impediments to full appreciation of user education is the use of unqualified personnel to teach the use of library in some institutions or the use of some lecturers who are not learned in the use of library to teach user education as a resource method course. It is worthy of note that where user education is poorly organized and thought in an institution, there will be poor utilization of library resources and academic performance.

Until the issue of user education is given its rightful place in tertiary institutions, effective use of the library may not be guaranteed. It is against this background that this study is being carried out.

Statement of the Problem                                                                                      

  User education is intended to enhance maximum use of the library resources and services by undergraduates in tertiary institutions. There are assertions that with the way students make use of the library, one wonders if they are aware of the purpose and functions of the library. Sadly enough some students pass through higher institutions without making use of the library while those who do, do not use it effectively. There is an insinuation that students do not use the library because they have not been educated on the use of the library. This may be wrong method of handling it, incompetence of the staff or lack of priority given to it by the management of tertiary institutions. This is a gap in knowledge which this study intends to fill.

Scope of the Study                                                                                               

    This study examined the influence of user education on the use of academic libraries in tertiary institutions in Imo State. The study will focus on types of user education, methods, frequency, influence of user education, staff responsible for user education, problems of user education. This study will concentrate on regular users of the library and it is limited to Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Purpose of Study                                                                                                    

This study aims to:

1. Identify the constituents of user education in Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
2. Find out the methods used in educating students on library use.
3. Ascertain the frequency of user education in Federal University of Tehnology, Owerri.
4. Identify the staff responsible for handling user education.
5. Determine the influence of user education on library use.
6. Find out the challenges faced in carrying out user education in the stated university.

Significance of the Study                                                                                        

This study would be beneficial to students, library staff, library management, institution, lecturers and researchers.

The students will benefit in the sense that they will know the importance of user education and thereby make every effort to be present whenever the programme is being carried out. It will also enhance their skill on library use.

With the establishment of the influence of user education on the use of academic libraries by this study, the library staff will become more exposed to the importance of user education in effective use of the library. This will enable them to carry it out effectively as it will lessen delinquent behaviors in libraries.

Through this study the library management will have a better understanding of the importance of user education which will lead to the appointment of staff who are competent enough to carry out the programme. Also the recommendation that will be preferred by this study will help in ameliorating the challenges faced by these libraries in carrying out user education if implemented.

In institution where the issue of who should handle user education is a problem, it is believed that this study will open the eyes of management to know who is competent enough to carry it out.

Lecturers will also benefit since the literature reviewed can help them in preparing lecture notes on user education.

Researchers will use this study as a reference source to conduct further investigations. This study will also add to existing literature on this subject.

Research Questions                                                                                    

In line with the purpose of the study, the following questions will guide the study:

1. What are the constituents of user education in Federal University of Technology, Owerri?
2. What are the methods used in educating students on library use?

• How frequent is user education carried out in Federal University of Technology, Owerri?

1. Who are the staff in charge of handling user education in Federal University of Technology, Owerri?
2. What is the influence of user education on library use?
3. What are the challenges faced in carrying out user education out user education in Federal University of Technology, Owerri?

Pages:  72

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF        

Chapters: 1-5

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate capacity building programmes in Imo State Public Library, Owerri.  Four research questions and objectives were used to conduct the study. Survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study was ninety two of the staff of the public library studied.  Rating scale was used as instrument for data collection.  Descriptive mean statistics were used to answer the research questions. Findings showed that there are capacity building programmes in the library studied and there are reasons why the library studied engages capacity building programmes in library which include; to enhance library services to users, career development training of their staff, improved good working condition of their staff without depending on external help as well as provide job security of their staff. Based on the result of the study, recommendations were made that the library studied should device ways of solving the problems confronting capacity building programmes in library studied and also the management should design effective and efficient capacity building programmes that will accommodate every staff of the library studied. 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The chapter is discussed under the following sub-headings: background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background of the study

Public library is a type of library set-up for public use. It does not discrimination in providing services to its numerous users. Public library is very important for the intellectual development of the masses. One of the benefits of public library is that it supports informal education. Therefore, information resources of public library need careful gathering, processing, storage, retrieval and utilization.  For this to be achieved, public library personnel must be well trained as well as motivated. The public library offers fast and required efficiency in her services to numerous users, hence there must be improved working conditions, environmental comfort and service delivery consciousness among the workers. The situation only comes in the public library when such library enjoys a sustained level of capacity building. This concept has been explained by many authors probably in other fields of human endeavours. However, in the field of librarianship the concept may have different definitions and meaning. Public library according to Okoro (1999) is tax – supported library serving the generality of the public without bias to sex, age, race or religion, free of charge that provides wide range of information resources of various subject areas that cater for all level of demands.

Capacity building is the provision of quality services to public library users. Capacity building aims in providing services that satisfy the interest of public library users. Capacity building is defined by Ifidon and Ifidon (2007) to mean the enhancement of the factors that make for user satisfaction, the realization of the library’s parent organizations, functions and the achievement of the libraries objectives. These factors include generous financial support from all possible sources, skilled, knowledge and competent staff; bibliographic and electronic information resources; physical facilities such as space, requirement, furniture and equipment; and technical expertise. As all these involve huge capital, government must provide needed finance in support of public library development for its capacity programme to be achieved. Based on the above assertion, each public library such as Imo State Library Owerri should embrace capacity building via generous financial support, which can come from both government subvention and other classified votes through public and private financial support to the library. More so, staff of the public library must be qualified, motivated and also exposed to skill and functional effective training from time to time. It can also be noted that capacity building in public library must include availability of useable space for reading and users recreational activities. There should equally be well organized and stock of books and other technological information sources coupled with furniture and equipment should not be lacking. Public library must have and a dependable technical expertise.

Capacity building programme in (Imo State Library, Owerri) should involve activities which aim at strengthening the knowledge of its personnel, ability to provide information needs of its information seekers. The public library should equally embrace improved institutional structures and establish trusted skills and approaches on the side of the workers, so as to give users their expected level of satisfaction. In support of the above state view point, Ifidon and Ifidon (2007) strongly believe that capacity building in library will create service efficiency delivery. Thus, using well trusted working public library personnel that can enable the library effectively and efficiently meet its mission and goals in a sustainable way,   now every effort of the public library is geared towards rendering efficient library services to its numerous users. A well capacity building programmes is therefore, necessary in this era of new technology in library operation. Thus, capacity building is more than just training of library professional and support staff; rather it includes human resources development in general that will ensure for prompt public library services delivery.

The above definitions make it assuring that capacity building as defined above can still be applied anywhere, and in any organization. Hence, capacity building in public libraries can revolutionalize the order, lubricate and energize the public library to be effective and efficient in service delivery to clients. Towards this line, Ifidon and Ifidon (2007) explained that library capacity building involves activities which strengthen the knowledge, abilities and behavior of individuals (library staff and users) and improve institutional structures and processes such that the library can effectively and efficiently meet its missions and goals in sustainable way.

Therefore, capacity building in libraries is more than just training of library professionals and support staff, it includes human resources development in general, the process of equipping individuals with understanding skills and access to information, knowledge, and training, that enable them to perform effectively, provision of information materials that equip librarians to render the required services, library development and the elaboration of management structures so as to be in good position to apply effectively the details of capacity building in  libraries. There are various types of capacity building programmes such as in-service training, workshops, conference of local and international, in-house training, job on the training. There are various reasons why capacity building programme is introduced in libraries. This include improving the knowledge of the library personnel, impact modern trend of librarianship to the staff and also helping them in providing efficient and effective library services to various categories of library users.

Capacity building in libraries according to Peizer (2006) can be obtained via assistance of the following bodies and agencies to mention but a few library proprietors, library users, Private Sector Organizations, National and International Library Associations, Book Aid International and other International donor agencies. The emphasis here is that through capacity building library’s finances can improve, staff development realized, collection development and organization of new technologies which enhances library operation and service delivery gained. Capacity building programmes embrace improvement of information resources of the public library, improvement on finances, personnel (staff), infrastructure, technical expertise and effective and efficient service delivery. There are various capacity building programmes in public library such as training of staff in computer appreciation, fundamentals of librarianship, seminars and workshops, conferences, in-Service-training.

Statement of the Problem

Capacity building programme has been observed to be a very important device in personnel management in public library as well as other libraries. In spite of the fact that no organization can grow in its services without continuous training of their staff, it has been observed that most workers of public libraries as well as other libraries around them may not have been adequately exposed to capacity building programmes. Could this be as a result of inadequate funding on the part of the government or as a result of not knowing the importance of capacity building programme on the part of the public library management? From previous researches carried, it has been discovered that State government has not been adequately supporting Public Libraries, financially towards its capacity building programme.

Therefore, this study is embark upon to investigate why is capacity building programme not taking serious in State Public Libraries, in South East using Imo State Public Library as a case study.

Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is treated in two dimensions – content and geographical scope. This study focused on capacity building programmes in Imo State Public Library, Owerri, such as workshops, seminars, conferences, in-service-trainings, etc. The major aspects of the study’s focus were workers’ performance towards giving users’ deserved services. The workers include, – Professionals, Para-professionals and Support Staff. Its geographical scope is Imo State where the public is located.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of this study is to investigate capacity building programmes in Imo State public library, Owerri for enhanced services: Library. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. identify various capacity building programmes in the library studied.
2. determine the reasons for capacity building programmes in the library studied.
3. ascertain the extent capacity building programmes has improved the services in the library studied.
4. find out the challenges of capacity building programmes in Imo State Public Library, Owerri.

Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will be beneficial to lots of people, public library administrators, libraries, librarians, library schools, students and public users.

The study will be significant to public library administrators in managing their public libraries as well as shed lighter to the importance of prudent management in the means of scarce resources particularly in a public library set-up where funding is a major constraint.

It will draw attention of other types of libraries on the best ways of improving their various libraries by adopting the same programmes of capacity building.

Further more, the study will aid librarians and other practitioners in librarianship to understand the funding, staff motivation as part of capacity building programme for enchancing service delivery to the users.

Consequently, the study will equally educate practitioners in the profession on how capacity building can enhance the public library financial base and help the library adopt new technology prevalent in this age.

Again, the study can serve as reference materials to researchers, students who are doing research on the related subject area as well as           sensitizing the general public who uses public library resources in their studies on the usefulness of public library development based on their capacity building programmes.

Finally, the study will also make far reaching studies that can help handle some inherent problems associated with public libraries.

Research Questions

The following research questions are posed to guide this study:

1. What are the various capacity building programmes in Imo State Public Library, Owerri?
2. What are the reasons for capacity building programmes available in the library studied?
3. What are the extent capacity building programmes has improved the services in the library studied?
4. What are the challenges of capacity building programmes in Imo State Public Library, Owerri?

Pages:  51

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF

Chapters: 1-5

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References