Use of library resources in a University of Technology: A statistical assessment

Abstract

The study examined the acquisition and use of resources at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri using statistical record assessment. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data was obtained from daily library statistics which was compiled and collated by the user services unit of the library over a period of ten years, from 2010 – 2020. The data was analyzed using frequencies percentages and histogram charts. The results showed that books acquired rose to the peak in 2015 at 2350 volumes of 26.65% with the lowest in 2018 at 48 volumes of 0.73%. Registered users rose to its peak in 2016 with 3032 users of 9.21% as against the lowest in 2013 with 767 users of 2.33%. While materials consulted rose to its peak in 2012 at 29,446 of 6.47%, with the lowest in 2020 at 920 of 0.20%. Loans stood at 11,654 of 9.43% as the peak and the lowest in 2020 of 752 at 0.61%. The study recommends among others things, an improved and comprehensive User Education and investigation into loans and materials consulted by subject and gender.