Scientific Innovations in Education for Sustainable Growth and Development of the Nigerian Economy: The Roles of Polytechnic Libraries in Rivers State

Abstract

This study examined scientific innovations in education for sustainable growth and development of the Nigerian economy: the roles of polytechnic libraries in Rivers State. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The survey design was used for a population of 24 professional librarians from three polytechnic libraries in Rivers State namely: Kenule Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Library, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Library and Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology Library. A structured four points Likert scale questionnaire of 'Strongly Agree', 'Agree', 'Disagree' and Strongly Disagree was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while correlation analysis was used to test the hypothesis at 0.5 degree of freedom. Findings of the study revealed that polytechnic libraries promote scientific innovations in education through the provisions of information resources and services such as current and relevant print and electronic books, journals, newspapers, encyclopedias, dictionaries, online database, current awareness service selective, dissemination of information, academic counseling, internet services and conducive reading space. It was established that polytechnic libraries are hindered by lack of funds, lack of qualified staff, lack of modern library facilities, and poor power supply among others. This work therefore recommended that there should be improved funding for polytechnic libraries, employment of more qualified library and information professionals and better remuneration for polytechnic librarians.