Utilization of Funds Allocated to Agricultural Research Institute Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on the utilization of funds allocated to agricultural research institute libraries in Nigeria. All the fifteen (15) agricultural research institute libraries were involved in the main study; three in the pilot study, and twelve in the main study. The survey research method was adopted and the instrument used for data collection was the utilization of funds allocated to Agricultural Research Institute Libraries in Nigeria Questionnaire (UFARILNQ). UFARILNQ solicited responses from the principal officers of ARIs and their librarians who were themselves major users of the libraries. The responses were in line with the two research objectives of the study: utilization of funds allocated and extent to which appropriated funds met services needs of the agricultural research institute libraries. The data collected were analysed using frequency distributions, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation, graphs, and tests of differences and relationships for the four hypothesis. One way ANOVA was used to test for the differences in received funds and their utilization among the ARILs. The study established that funds allocated to ARILs were inadequate but well utilized except for purchase of computers which were deployed for services provision. The services provided were literature search, reference, selective dissemination of information, which were adjudged to be those required to meet the needs of users, except mobile library services which was non-existent. Even as funding was inadequate, the respondents were satisfied with their judicious use resulting in the ARILs offering satisfactory services. However, the hypotheses was tested at significant level of 0.05. The decision of the hypothesis was rejected at P< 0.05 and retained at alpha level of 0.05 (P> 0.05). For hypothesis one, the observed P-value in the test was 0.134, which was higher than the fixed level of significance 0.05 (P> 0.05). From this observation, the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in fund utilization by Agricultural Research Institute Libraries in Nigeria is therefore retained. Hypotheses one was retained. The recommendations of the study included all funds allocated to the agricultural research institutes libraries in Nigeria should be properly utilized for their respective purposes. Also the librarian of each agricultural research institute libraries in Nigeria should be a Principal Officer of the respective institute to enable the librarian to have a meaningful understanding of funds allocations.