Provision of Library Services and Utilization of Resources by Undergraduate Students in Federal University Libraries, South-South Nigeria

Abstract:

This study was carried out to establish relationships between library services and utilization of resources by undergraduates in the above geo-political regions. Correlational research design was used while an instrument titled ‘Library Services and Utilization of Resources by Undergraduate Students (LSURUSQ)’ was used for data collection. The population was 2910 registered users in Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (2018/2019 session). The sample size was 400 determined by Taro Yamene statistical formula. The instrument was validated and its reliability confirmed using Cronbach Alpha Reliability Testing Technique. Three (3) research questions were answered and three (3) hypotheses tested. The findings revealed that utilization of library resources in these six institutions is considerably high and commendable. Effective utilization is recorded because of high quality of services carried out in these libraries. Findings from the study showed that there is a significant relationship between provision of circulation services and the utilization of resources by undergraduates in federal university libraries in South-South geo-political region of Nigeria (P=0.0008; p<0.05); there is significant relationship between provision of reference services and the utilization of resources by undergraduates in federal university libraries in South-South geo-political region Nigeria (P=0.026; p<0.05), amongst others. The study concluded that library services are very important for high quality of teaching and learning in higher institutions. The analyses showed a positive response from respondents concerning the services in the six university libraries. The study recommended training and retraining of library staff for more efficient services. It also recommended provision of more conducive working environment to enable the library staff discharge their duties more appropriately.