Challenges of Post-Covid-19 Pandemic in Providing Information Services in Public Libraries in Anambra State

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges of the post-COVID-19 pandemic on public libraries providing information services in Anambra State. The study was guided by two research questions. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study are the librarians in public libraries in Anambra State. According to the Anambra State Library Board, there are 91 librarians in the public libraries. No sampling technique was used for the study since the entire population was small and manageable. Thus, the sample size of the study is 91 librarians. A self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was entitled: ―Questionnaire of Challenges of Post-COVID-19 Provision of Information Services (QCPCOVIDPIS)‖. The questionnaire was structured on a four-point scale with 17 items. The questionnaire was validated by two research experts at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The instrument was subjected to test rest. The study used 10 librarians in public libraries in Enugu for the test of reliability and the Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. At the end of the exercise, the study obtained a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.89 and was considered reliable for the study. The researcher personally went to the libraries to collect and administer the questionnaire and retrieved it on the spot and 100% of the questionnaire was returned. The data obtained from the copies of the questionnaire were analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Mean scores of 2.50 above were considered ―Agree‖ while mean scores below 2.50 were considered ―Disagree‖. The study found that inadequate funding post-COVID- 19 affects the delivery of library information services because most public libraries across various states in the country suffer from neglect, displaying deteriorated structures and limited interest from successive governments. The study recommended that government should try as much to fund public libraries to enable libraries to sustain the provision of information services to the users. Government and library management should always work in synergy to make a budget for libraries that can help in the provision of infrastructural facilities.