Information services provision and user satisfaction in agricultural research libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the extent to which users are satisfied with reference and circulation services provision by agricultural research libraries in Nigeria. Descriptive survey method was used for the study. Through purposive sampling six agricultural research libraries: (three university of agricultural libraries and three agricultural research institute libraries) were selected from three out of six agricultural zones of Nigeria. A total of 701 respondent’s, 241 from agricultural research institute libraries and four hundred and sixty (460) users from university of agricultural libraries were obtained in this study. The study finds out that reference and circulation services were highly provided by the agricultural research libraries in Nigeria. Majority of the users were satisfied with both the reference and circulation services provision by the agricultural research libraries. However, referral service and shelf management of books were rated dissatisfied. Irregular internet services, expensive, internet services, outdated material and staff unresponsiveness were some of the constraints to user satisfaction. The study recommended that there is need for librarian to design system that can facilitate and enhance referral services between the library and users. Adequate shelf management system that would allow proper shelf arrangement of books should also be put in place. Key words: Africa, agricultural research, libraries, shelf management, books.