CHALLENGES FACING UNDERGRADUATES ON THE USE OF LIBRARY SERVICES: A CASE STUDY ON FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges facing undergraduates on the use of library services in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The objectives were to assess the attitude and level of satisfaction of undergraduates as well as the challenges they face on the use of library services. This study adopted the descriptive survey design. The sample of 180 respondents, who were undergradu- ates, was randomly selected from all Colleges of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The instrument used to elicit responses from the respondents was a questionnaire designed by the authors while descriptive statistic was employed to analyse the data. Findings of this study revealed that ma- jority of the respondents (55.00%) agreed that there is enough space in the library, 75.00% agreed that there is adequate number of staff in the library, 76.67% agreed that there are spacious shelves to house books, and 85.00% agreed that the library is conducive for learning. On the other hand, majority of the respondents (64.45%) disagreed that the library has current textbooks and 83.89% disagreed that the internet services in the library are accessible. Students«¤?? attitude towards the use of library varied, majority of the respondents (78.33%) agreed that the library is meant for reading or studying and not only during examination period. The major challenges identified by undergraduates in the use of the library services are inadequate up-to-date books in the library and tight academic schedules of students while the minor challenges include poor infrastructural facilities and insufficient space to ac- commodate users. It was recommended that libraries should ensure that adequate orientation and training are given to students on the use of the library services.