British Journal of Library and Information Management (BJLIM)

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.

Library Policies for 21st Century Reference Service Delivery: Its Implication For Post Covid-19 Era

Abstract

In the 21st century, the internet has become a powerful, popular and more essential channel for the delivery of reference services and it is rapidly gaining wide patronage. In order to key into this new concept, libraries have resorted to leveraging digital technologies to meet the information needs and demands of the 21st century seekers in this era. However, to freely and confidently utilise the digital technologies in reference service delivery, there is a need to have policies which will guide the reference service delivery and the technologies to adopt. This paper discussed the library policies for 21st century reference service delivery and its implication for present day information seekers that will enhance reference services. It also explained the five laws of library science as applicable to reference services in this period, the information sources required and the way forward.