Nigerian Libraries

Assessment of areas of coverage of undergraduate research in library and information technology at Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:14:51+00:00

The Department of Library and Information Technology like other Departments in Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria requires final year undergraduate students to write and submit research report as part of the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Technology (Library and Information Technology). Thisempirical paper focuses on the undergraduate research output (productivity) in line with the content of the research methods and projects write-up as six credit unit course in library school.The variables for this study were those of: subject areas, organizations studied and geographical coverage by the research output. Data was analysed by simple tabulation, frequency counts and percentages. Variables on tables were arranged by rank order from highest to lowest frequencyusing numeric filing system and to some extent used letter-by-letter alphabetical system of filing in case of having group of variables with equal frequencies. Results showed that a total of 572 completed research outputs were physically examined and analysed for this study. The undergraduate research report/output covered different subject areas within and outside the field of librarianship with majority concentrating on Application of ICT in libraries and user studies. Research reports also covered different states/organisations and majority of researches were on universities followed by academic and public libraries. The study further revealed that organisations studied were covered by different geographical zones and majority were conducted in Niger State. The study recommended that for sustainable library information technology curriculum particularly in the areas of research methods and projects, the library school should endeavour to inject the essential ingredients into these two aspects of curriculum to adequately include subject areas of research, organizations to be studied and wider coverage of geographical areas of the study as well as statistical element.

Keywords: Curriculum, FUT Minna, Nigeria, Library and Information Technology, Undergraduate Research output

Awareness and use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in university libraries by students of library and information science in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:14:52+00:00

The study investigated awareness and use of online public access catalogue (OPAC) in university libraries by students of library and information science in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In carrying out this study, six research questions were raised and one null hypothesis were formulated and tested at P < 0.05. A questionnaire was distributed to 326 library and information science students in the five (5) universities where library and information science is offered. Three hundred and five (305) copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and found usable and thus formed the sample size of the study. The study revealed that 80% of users are aware of the OPAC and its services, however less than 30% of the students utilize its services due to varying challenges like insufficient computer terminals, poor network and power supply. Though, user’s general perception reveals that OPAC is easy, simple and faster for bibliographic information search and retrieval. However, satisfaction level was low due to reasons aforementioned. The study recommended that user education programmes on awareness and use should be introduced and university library management should provide more terminals for use amongst others.

Keywords: Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), Use, Awareness, University libraries

Awareness of librarians on the adoption of library 2.0 applications for service delivery In University Libraries in Kano State

2019-08-12T16:14:53+00:00

The paper investigated the Awareness of Librarians on the adoption of Library 2.0 applications for Service delivery in University Libraries in Kano State. Data was collected from 132 Librarians working in University universities in Kano state of Nigeria through the use of quantitative survey technique as the methodology of the study. Findings of the paper revealed that there was high level of library 2.0 awareness among the librarians studied. However, all common library 2.0 applications are known by the librarians with facebook being the most known library 2.0 tool, followed by twitter, instant messaging, you tube, blog wikis, RSS feeds, podcast and vodcast, and flickr being the least known. the study also established that, the major source of the librarians’ awareness of individual library 2.0 tools is the immediate friends/ colleagues, followed by Search engines, co-worker and/or professional colleagues, library websites, formal training from library schools, workshops/ conferences and seminar and tutorials being the least in that order.

Towards understanding the perspectives of space in library and information centre settings

2019-08-12T16:14:54+00:00

The paper revisited the concept of space and place as perceived by philosophers, physicists and psychologist. It summed up that space has three perspectives: physical, virtual and time to form its tripod. Thus, space can be conceived as {a}absolute, physical, material, real, and tangible environmental place or location; {b} nonphysical, intangible, imagined, virtual and relational continuum which may only exist in the minds, imaginations and thoughts of the beings which include not only human beings, but animals, flying and other types of self moving creatures and mortals; and{c} time frame which bounds the existence, availability, relevance, rejuvenation and life circle of whatever. The general features of typical space, place and time categorisation and also as it relates to library and information centres were highlighted. Similarly, the elements to be considered in the evaluation of both physical and virtual spaces, places and time were considered.

Correlational investigation between library environmental anxiety and information seeking anxiety among undergraduate students at Arch Namadisambo Library, Basug

2019-08-12T16:14:55+00:00

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the Library Environmental Anxiety (LEA) and the Information Seeking Anxiety (ISA) as well as to ascertain whether demographic variables such as gender and age of the respondents have any effects that contribute towards the Library Environmental Anxiety and the Information Seeking Anxiety. A structured questionnaire was adapted and modified to fit this study for data collection. The findings from Pearman's correlation test analysis showed a statistically significant mean positive and large correlation between those who encounter LEA and those who encounter ISA (n = 224, R= .71, p < .001).The study recommended the teaching of „use of library skills course‟ as the number one priority that reduce these anxieties. It is also recommended that information literacy skills programme needs to be integrated into undergraduate studentscourses so as to be free from these anxieties.

Keywords: Library Environmental Anxiety, Information Seeking Anxiety, Undergraduate Students, Correlational test

Influence of library and information services ergonomics on performance of national library of Nigeria’s librarians for intellectual freedom through readership promotion campaign

2019-08-12T16:14:56+00:00

The study examined influence of library and information services ergonomics on the performance of the National Library of Nigeria’s librarians for intellectual freedom through readership promotion campaign. It adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected using validated questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found positive significant relationship between library and information services ergonomics and the performance of the National library of Nigeria’s librarians for intellectual freedom through readership promotion campaign (r =.541, P < .05). It was recommended that the management should improve on the library and information services ergonomics variables.

Library staff knowledge of information and communication technology skills for digitisation of information resources in federal universities in South East Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:14:57+00:00

This study examined library staff in the federal universities in South East, Nigeria to find out their knowledge of ICT skills for digitisation of information resources. Five research questions guided the study. The research design adopted for the study was descriptive survey design. The population for this study comprised 287 professional and paraprofessional library staff in the five federal universities in South East Nigeria. The instrument used for the study was a test of ICT skills designed by the researcher based on literature review and expert opinion. Data were analyzed, simple percentages were used to answer the research questions. The study revealed that majority of the library staff in Federal University libraries in South East Nigeria have good knowledge of computer skills for digitization. On the other hand, majority of the library staff have poor knowledge of scanning, editing, document analysis and archival skills. The study concludes therefore, that library staff do not have knowledge of all the ICT skills required for digitization and strongly recommends training to strengthen knowledge of ICT skills of library staff in order to improve their abilities for managing digital resources.

Keywords: Library staff, Knowledge, ICT skills, Digitization, Metadata, University Libraries

Makerspace as emerging trend in academic libraries: advocacy for adoption and domestication in Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:14:58+00:00

The study examined Maker space as an emerging trend in academic libraries globally. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study, because the data is nominal. Four objectives and four research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprised university librarians in the 165 universities in Nigeria approved by NUC, made up of federal universities, private universities and state universities. Purposive sampling technique was used to derive a sample size of 35 university librarians. The instrument for data collection was an interview schedule. 35 copies of the interview schedule were distributed and administered to the university librarians through email, telephone and face to face conversations and yielded a returned rate of 35(100%). Simple percentage was used for data analysis. Results from the analysis of the data revealed that university librarians were aware of the maker space concept as an emerging learning space in academic libraries; academic libraries in Nigeria neither had maker spaces, nor had any plans to establish any in the nearest future. Results also showed that university librarians have positive perspectives of the adoption and domestication of maker spaces in academic libraries, but with caution. The study therefore advocates for university libraries in Nigeria to embrace and explore the maker space concept for adoption and domestication. Finally, the study recommends among other things that academic libraries should come up with policy initiatives and strategies for the adoption and domestication of maker spaces in academic libraries in Nigeria.

Keywords: Maker spaces, emerging trend, adoption, domestication, academic libraries

Marginal use and absolute nonuse of digital library resources and services by faculty members in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:14:59+00:00

This study sought to explore the reasons for the nonuse of Digital Library Resources and Services (DLRS) by Faculty Members in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The research questions raised were: What are the reasons for the nonuse of DLRS by Faculty Members in ABU and how does the constructs of Perceived Attributes of Innovation Theory (PAIT) explain the experiences of faculty members in ABU on the nonuse of DLRS. A qualitative methodology using a case study research design was adopted using in-depth interview for data collection. Purposive sampling technique was used to select fifteen participants for the study however, twelve recorded voices was found usable for analysis. The findings revealed that lack of communication of DLRS and lack of librarian hospitality were the main reasons for the nonuse of DLRS by faculty members in ABU and also relative advantage and trialability were the main constructs of PAIT that explained the experiences of Faculty Members in ABU on the nonuse of DLRS in ABU. The study therefore concluded that library management should take proactive measures on marketing of DLRS and training users on how to use the DLRS with hospitality so as to achieve a higher level of awareness and increased utilization of DLRS by faculty members in ABU.

Keywords: Digital Library Resources and Service, Nonuse, Faculty members

Promoting intellectual freedom: the role of the library

2019-08-12T16:14:59+00:00

The study investigated how library and information services promote intellectual freedom. It adopted a descriptive research survey and sampled both undergraduate and postgraduate students that use the library in Rivers State University. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. 120 copies of questionnaire were randomly administered to the undergraduate and postgraduate library student users, 100 copies of the questionnaire were successfully completed, returned and used for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency distribution and percentages were used to compute the data based on the number of questionnaires successfully completed and returned. The findings of the study revealed that the library was well equipped with current book/materials and journals on various fields including E-books and E-journals. The reasons for using library resources were to enhance thinking/intellectual ability, enhance academic performance, be motivated and decisive in order to contribute meaningfully to the society and to be informed positively. It was also reported that the reasons for using library resources were achieved and that library and information services could really promote intellectual freedom. It was therefore recommended that the society should see library and information services as a tool to intellectual freedom.

Keywords: Change, Mindset, intellectual freedom, Library, Information Services

Role of librarians in using information dissemination techniques on the health and social implications of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:15:00+00:00

Female genital mutilation is the excision of any part of the female genital organs without medical reasons. This culture is peculiar to many cultures. FGM has attracted attention at both national and international levels due to its violation to human rights. World Health Organization, other government and non governmental agencies have condemned this dehumanizing practice. Despite efforts from many sources the practice has hardly abated in Nigeria. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate into (1) the health implications of female genital mutilation( FGM), (2) examine the social implications of female genital mutilation (FGM), (3) inquire into the appropriate information dissemination techniques that can be used against the practice of female genital mutilation, (FGM) (4) find out the challenges librarians encounter in disseminating information on female genital mutilation and (5) find out strategies that will enhance librarians’ information dissemination on female genital mutilation (FGM). The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 229 respondents comprising of 111 librarians and 118 health practitioners was used for the study. The findings of the study showed that FGM has some serious social and health implications for women and therefore should be discouraged. The finding also showed that appropriate information dissemination techniques can be used against the practice of FGM and that if the strategies for information dissemination about the consequences of FGM are properly carried out by librarians, it will go a long way in enhancing the awareness of FGM in Nigeria and will also reduce the risk women face as a result of FGM. Finally, a conclusion was given.

Keywords: Librarians, information dissemination, techniques, health and social implications, female genital mutilation

Assessment of entrepreneurship opportunities and preferences among library and information science graduates in university libraries in north central states of Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:15:01+00:00

This study assessed Entrepreneurship Opportunities and Preferences Among Library and Information Science Graduates in North Central States of Nigeria. Survey research design was used to, find out the type of entrepreneurial opportunities available to LIS graduates in the University libraries studied, ascertain the type of entrepreneurial opportunities LIS graduates prefer and to determine the extent to which graduates of the LIS satisfied with the entrepreneurial education and training acquired. A proportionate sample was used to collect data in Ten University Libraries from 138 Library and Information science Graduates who constituted the population of the study through the use of close ended questionnaire.The collected copies of the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics expressed in percentages, frequency distribution and mean scores for the three research questions that guided the study. The findings of the study revealed that the available entrepreneurial opportunities in the University libraries studied included lecturing, research in Library and Information Science, and library automation.LIS graduates prefer entrepreneurship opportunities in lecturing, library networking and digitization. The study amongst other things recommends that Entrepreneurship development centres should be established to promote skills acquisition and there is the need for Library and Information science graduates to translate the entrepreneurial skills they have acquired by establishing small and medium enterprises and make the best use of the available entrepreneurial opportunities in their respective university libraries for effective and efficient service delivery.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship opportunities, Library and information science graduates, University libraries

Strategies for overcoming the challenges of electronic resources collection development in university libraries in southeast Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:15:02+00:00

This paper examined the challenges and strategies for overcoming the challenges of electronic resources collection development in university libraries in Southeast Nigeria. This study employed a descriptive survey design with population of 86 librarians in collection development, serials and digital library. The survey used questionnaire and interview as instruments for data collection. Data collected were tabulated and analyzed using simple statistics of percentages and mean. The findings showed that the university libraries employ various strategies in overcoming the challenges of electronic resources collection development, and the overall mean showed that an increase in the library budgets (mean = 3.36) is ranked highest and are applied mostly by the libraries, while the selectors should devise a means of applying statistics to a cancellation decision (mean =2 .92) is ranked lowest as strategies employed by university libraries in enhancing electronic resources collection development. The study revealed twelve strategies with an increase in the library budgets as a major strategy in enhancing electronic resources collection development. The study recommended that the university libraries in Southeast Nigeria should provide adequate funds to the libraries; make alternative provision of electricity/power in the provision of energy needed for building electronic resources; should train and retrain their staff on the technical skills; training on the areas of software and hardware troubleshooting in developing electronic resources collection. That the university libraries should train the librarians on business and negotiation skills that will enable them understand the integrity of the licensing and negotiation involved in the subscription of electronic resources.

Keywords: Electronic resources, collection development, University Libraries, Strategies of electronic resources

Use of library e-resources and user’s satisfaction by undergraduates Of National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Study Centre

2019-08-12T16:15:03+00:00

The major purpose of this study was to ascertain use of library electronic resources and users’ satisfaction by undergraduates of National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Study Centre. In carrying out this study, three (3) research questions were posed. The study adopted a survey design. Multistage sampling technique was used since the population was large. The study sample population comprised of 722 undergraduates of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lagos study Centre. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The research questions were answered using SPSS to determine frequencies, percentages, cross tabulations. The 1 (one) hypothesis of this research were measured using linear regression analysis and multiple regression analysis. The major findings of the study revealed: Inaccessibility to some electronic resources, incessant power supply, poor internet access, inadequate computer facilities to access information. Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made. Library management should make sure students are given adequate orientation to increased use of the library electronic resources. For users’ to be satisfied, there is need for appreciablelevel of power supply, improved infrastructure, improved Internet facilities among others.

Keywords: Academic Library, library e-resources, Use of Library e-resources, User‟s satisfaction with library e-resources

Use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) for research by undergraduates in developing countries: a viable change agent

2019-08-12T16:15:04+00:00

The purpose of this paper is to identify use of library OPAC in realizing change in research and the nation by undergraduates in the university libraries and to determine the extent of utilization of library OPAC by undergraduates in the university libraries in Nigeria.A survey of three university libraries in Enugu, Lagos and Imo was carried out usingquestionnaire, observation checklist along with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as instruments of data collection.Results shows that undergraduate students from these three universities used the OPAC to check availability of books in the library and the number of copies in the library stock. It further shows that the purposes for which OPAC was utilized was at a low level.The originality of the work lies in the strategies of creating awareness drive to users and students who are not yet aware of OPAC, and inculcating it as part of the teaching curriculum for LIS undergraduate students to bring about change in research attitude and to the nation in general.

Keywords: OPAC, Web OPAC, University libraries, Undergraduates, ICT, Change Agent, Developing countries

Application of social media for the marketing of library products and services in university libraries in Nigeria

2019-08-12T16:15:05+00:00

There is scarcity of literature on the application of social media for the marketing of university library products and services in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to ascertain the extent of adoption of social media in university libraries. All eight university libraries in Delta and Edo States of Nigeria were selected. Using survey design, a sample of 77 librarians was selected through census sampling technique. The results showed that face to face, notice boards, bulletins and internal memos are the most used conventional methods of service delivery. The most available virtual methods of service delivery are library websites, Twitters, e-bulletins, telephone calls, WhatsApp and Facebook while blogs, Flickr, YouTube, text messages and E-mails are barely available for use. The major social media available (inclusive of the virtual methods) are My Space, Research Gate, Wikis, Instagram, Slide Share, LinkedIn, SMS and online public catalogues while Orkut, Picassa/Flickr, Pinterest, Delicious, RSS feeds and social bookmarking. Only Facebook, SlideShare, LinkedIn, SMS, WhatsApp are used at a moderate extent while others have either low or no extent of use in the marketing process. Social media helps save time, and ease interaction and sharing of information and incorporate users into decision making processes by the libraries hence its adoption. Social media are used on an average of once/twice monthly for one to three years now. Though, there was clear indication of inefficient utilization of social media tools for marketing in University libraries in Nigeria from the study. It was thus recommended that a campaign is needed for greater awareness and adoption by librarians and library users acceptance.

Keywords: Social media, marketing, library products and services, university libraries, Nigeria