Nigerian Academic Libraries Research Articles

Problems and prospects of electronic resources usage in Nigerian academic libraries

This work dealt with the problems and prospects of electronic information resources in Nigeria. It was obvious from the review that the use of e-resources is not problem-free in Nigeria. Amongst others, it was pointed out that acquisition and maintenance cost, availability of electronic information resources gadgets, spare parts and experts, erratic power supply, are major problems militating against the effective use and usability of e-resources. It was also seen that though there are numerous problems plaguing the use of e-resources in Nigeria yet there are also numerous positive prospects; with emphasis that the use of e-resources will increase immensely; possibly, e-resources are likely to send print-resource on parking or the barest minimal use. These positive prospects were as a result of the numerous advantages that e-resources have over the print. Key words: Academic library, e-resources, internet, information.

Automation Process in Nigerian Academic Libraries

Automation process in Nigerian libraries has been the subject of discussion. this paper discussed the automation process in Nigerian academic libraries in regards to information and communication technologies in libraries, benefits of library automation, automation in library, need of library automation, areas of library automation, scope of system integration, choice of hardware, constraints and how the library can cope with the new trend in librarianship.

Public Service Librarianship: Need for Effective User Education and Information Literacy Programmes – The Nigerian Experience

Library patrons are the ultimate consumer’s of the librarian’s services. But if the patrons are not knowledgeable in the use of the library, they are bound to suffer frustrations. Hence the major objective of this paper is to examine the importance of user education and information literacy. The two concepts – user education and information literacy fall within the purview of the public service librarians who are also known as pubic relations agents in the library. The major finding of the study is that Nigerian academic libraries are still lagging behind in service delivery in the areas of user education and information literacy. It is, therefore, recommended that literacy schools should incorporate user education and information literacy in their curricula that library manager should organize seminars and workshops, that orientation programmes should be organized for fresh students and that librarians should be trained to acquire ICT skills. KEYWORDS: Academic Libraries – Nigeria – Public Services Information Literacy User Education

Comparative study of students’ patronage at the academic libraries of two Nigerian universities: FUTO and EEU

This paper surveyed the users’ patronage of Nigerian academic libraries at two universities: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Evan Enwerem University, Owerri (EEU). Four research objectives and five research questions were formulated by the researchers. Uzoagulu’s (1998) statistical formula was adopted for the stratified sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed by using tables and simple percentages. The results identified inadequate relevant current information material; a library environment not conducive to use; and inadequate reading accommodation as the major problems that hampered full patronage. The provision and acquisition of more current and relevant information materials and a comfortable and conducive reading environment would greatly improve the patronage of the libraries under study.

Comparative study of students’ patronage at the academic libraries of two Nigerian universities: FUTO and EEU

This paper surveyed the users’ patronage of Nigerian academic libraries at two universities: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Evan Enwerem University, Owerri (EEU). Four research objectives and five research questions were formulated by the researchers. Uzoagulu’s (1998) statistical formula was adopted for the stratified sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed by using tables and simple percentages. The results identified inadequate relevant current information material; a library environment not conducive to use; and inadequate reading accommodation as the major problems that hampered full patronage. The provision and acquisition of more current and relevant information materials and a comfortable and conducive reading environment would greatly improve the patronage of the libraries under study.

Library skill instruction in Nigerian academic libraries.

This survey was undertaken to portray the level of library involvement in library skill instruction courses taught in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Survey instrument used involved construction and distribution of questionnaires. These were distributed to professional librarians. The result of the data analysis indicate that library skill instruction courses are taught in most tertiary institutions in Nigeria, but this has not attained a firm footing. Time allocated for lectures and involvement in the mode of students’ assessment is not determined by library instructors even when they are fully responsible for teaching the course. Allocation of time period for lectures and opportunity to be involved in assessment of students’ performance in the course has not been fully granted to the library skill instructors. Information technology is not fully developed in most of these tertiary institutions. It is only 13% of all the universities surveyed in this report that have reached 70% compliance in information technology. Consequently, not much has been offered by library skill instructors on the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to their users. However, there is visible and encouraging beneficial impact of library instruction on library user. The library skill instructors have awakened the interest of the students towards library use. The much they have done in all areas has had visible and encouraging results.KEY WORD: Library Skill, Library Use Instruction, Nigeria, Library in Tertiary Institutions

Human Resources Development Programmes in Nigerian Academic Libraries: A Comparative Study of Universities in Imo State.

The purpose of this study was to assess Human Resources Development (HRD) programmes of librarians and para-professionals in Imo State University, Owerri and Federal University of Technology, Owerri with a view to compare the HRD programmes of the institutions under study. The study examined different types of HRD. Related literature was reviewed. To carry out the study, four objectives were stated and research questions formulated from them. Questionnaire was used to collect relevant data from the entire population of 50 librarians and para-professionals. The two University librarians were also interviewed. Percentage tabulation and bar chart when necessary were used to answer the objectives. The study revealed that: the two universities carry out HRD programme and their types of training and development programmes vary. In Imo State University, librarians and para-professionals sponsored themselves for training and development programmes while in FUTO they were sponsored by the university management. The research showed inadequate funding; personal financial constraints, lack of facilities to train with were major problems that affected training and development of librarians and para-professionals in IMSU and FUTO. It was suggested that for effective HRD, each university library should have a written staff development policy; In-service training and short courses should be encouraged; Facilities for training should be provided; adequate fund should be provided for training and development of library personnel.

Web‐based legal information services and academic law libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThis article seeks to discuss the need for a web‐based information delivery system in academic law libraries in Nigeria. It highlights the benefits of harnessing interactive web technologies to provide the kind of information which legal scholars and researchers need to find the law, interpret the law and apply the law to solve societal problems.Design/methodology/approachA literature survey was carried out to support the proposal for a web‐based legal information service in Nigerian academic law libraries; visits to the websites of universities that have law faculties were also made.FindingsMost of the libraries in law faculties, law schools and legal institutes are not utilizing web technologies such as blogs, Wikipedia, really simple syndication feeds, instant messaging, streaming media, podcasting and tagging. Lack of IT skills, finances, and government support are the major problems facing these libraries.Practical implicationsIt should sensitize Government, library schools, library associations and information professionals to the challenges of ICTs.Originality/valueWeb‐based information delivery is relatively new in Nigerian libraries. This work will serve as a reference source.

The application of Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.) in Nigerian academic libraries prospects and problems

Academic libraries play a prominent role in providing information services in various forms to researchers, scientist, policy makers, planners etc. A well organized academic library should have I.C.T. to assist both patrons and information professionals in the libraries. This paper highlights the prospects and problems of I.C.T in Nigeria academic libraries. Recommendation for functional I.C.T. in Nigerian academic library has also been given. The Information Manager Vol. 6 (1&2) 2006: pp. 35-39

A survey of users\' perception and use of ICT resources in Kennet Dike Library, University of Ibadan Nigeria

This study examined the perception and use of ICT resources in Kenneth Dike library by postgraduate students of the university of Ibadan .The survey research design was adopted and 208 postgraduate students participated in the study. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS and results revealed that the use of ICT facilities to support learning and research in Kenneth Dike Library by postgraduate students is low, irregular and ineffective as majority of users lack adequate ICT awareness training and support to use ICT facilities available in the library. The study suggested that it is essential that active steps be taken to ensure that those who can most benefit from higher education are not further marginalized as majority of the users cannot access, use and receive support for ICT enabled learning in the university. The study recommended that Nigerian academic libraries should operate the manual system alongside the computerized system in order not to sideline the majority of staff and students who cannot access the computer until conversion is completed and fully appreciated by all library users.The Information Technologist Vol. 5 (1) 2008: pp. 87-97

Theft and Mutilation of Library Materials in Nigerian Academic Libraries

ABSTRACT The survey discussed in this article investigated the prevalent rate at which book theft occurs, especially in academic society and with special interest in Nigerian academic institutions. The main objective was to evaluate the level at which book theft and mutilation are plaguing academic libraries in Nigeria and to proffer some measures for curbing the menace. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to professional librarians, library officers and library porters (security staff) in four academic institutions in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo, Oyo state, Nigeria. Seventy-eight copies were returned and found useful (a response rate of 65 percent). Reference materials and periodicals such as journals, newspapers, and magazines are mostly affected. The results from the analysis of responses showed that most of the academic libraries investigated agreed that book theft and mutilation are serious problems facing their collections. The study, however, concludes with suggestions on the use of some co...

A Survey Of Cataloguing Practices And Job Satisfaction In Nigerian Academic Libraries

The paper presents a survey of cataloguers in Nigerian academic libraries. With the use of a questionnaire, it attempts to identify the cataloguers' demography and work practices. It then attempts to explain the result as inferred satisfaction. Tables of frequency and percentages were used for data presentation. Findings reveal that the respondents possess higher education, but despite accumulated years of work experience, they have fewer publications. They generally adopt work redistribution among other cataloguers. Sixty-one percent (61%) spend an average of three to six hours daily on cataloguing, classification and indexing. In general, the cataloguers expressed high job satisfaction. Keywords : Career advancement, academic libraries, productivity, motivation, job satisfaction. Ghana Library Journal Vol. 19 (2) 2007 pp. 73-87

Funding Nigerian libraries in the 21st century

PurposeTo address the issue of poor government funding for Nigerian libraries. This situation has led many librarians over the years to explore the possibility of raising additional funds from alternative sources of income.Design/methodology/approachExplores the current levels of funding for Nigerian academic libraries and identifies some alternative funding sources. On identifying these sources, the success of alternative sources of income is presented and suggestions are made for funding in the future.FindingsFunding for libraries and information centers in Nigeria is largely through government allocations to the overseeing ministries or institutions. Government funding has been poor, requiring libraries to look for alternative sources of income in order to meet the increasingly sophisticated demand of library users for electronic information services. Several methods for generating income have been identified, explored by many libraries, and discussed in library literature, but have yielded little in the way of additional funding.Originality/valueOn evaluating all the sources of income available to Nigerian academic libraries, this paper suggests that the most stable and reliable source of funds remains with allocations from the federal government. As the support from the government has not been adequate, suggestions are included on areas where the government could raise taxes to support education in general, and libraries specifically, within Nigeria.

Shift work in Nigerian academic libraries

The phenomenon of the shift work culture is quite significant in academic library services, and to eliminate it entirely is too idealistic. In attempting to provide an effective service to users, libraries have to extend their closing time into the evenings. Continuing complaints from staff working shifts at the University of Ilorin Library may affect the level of service provided if the complaints are not addressed. This study gathers information about the views of the staff concerning shift duty, and how they cope with the problems caused by shift rotation. Using information gathered by the use of questionnaires and interviews, shift rotation is described together with the problems raised, and suggestions offered for ways to manage a vexing issue.

The Adequacy of TINLIB Bibliographic Display for OPAC in Nigerian Academic Libraries: A case Study of Kenneth Dike Library

The Adequacy of TINLIB Bibliographic Display for OPAC in Nigerian Academic Libraries: A case Study of Kenneth Dike Library

A study of the use of CD-ROM databases in Nigerian academic libraries

This study investigates the use of CD-ROM databases in academic libraries in Nigeria. The impact of CD-ROM databases on library development in Nigerian academic libraries is discussed. A questionnaire was sent to ten academic libraries in Nigeria, identified from preliminary studies on their CD-ROM database collections and use. High cost of subscriptions to CD-ROM databases was ranked highest as the major constraints to CD-ROM use. Other constraints include: high cost of acquiring personal computers, CD-ROM drives, printers and other peripherals; unavailability of identified documents found in CD-ROM databases in the institutions’ libraries; lack of computer education; shortage of manpower. The most commonly used bibliographic database on CD-ROM is AGRIS and CAB Abstracts. The study recommends joint ventures with CD-ROM producers/vendors and inclusion of substantive abstracts in CD-ROM databases as ways of improving the use of CD-ROM databases in academic libraries in Nigeria.

A study of the use of CD-ROM databases in Nigerian academic libraries

A study of the use of CD-ROM databases in Nigerian academic libraries

Libraries as bureaucracies: the viewpoints of librarians

Bureaucracy is usually associated with the negative consequences of large organisations such as “red tapeism”, unexplained delays, and general frustration. Max Weber assumed that the bureaucratic structure would always be the most effective approach. This study focused on how heads of libraries and practising librarians in selected libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria view bureaucracy within libraries using information obtained by means of a questionnaire and personal observation. It describes their views on the topic. The article concludes by calling on heads of libraries to begin to think more positively, at least with a view to creating a working environment that will de‐emphasise the strict compliance with bureaucratic values, particularly in Nigerian academic libraries.

Charging Patrons for Lost or Damaged Books

Abstract This article discusses the results of an investigation into the approaches to charging patrons for lost or damaged books in four academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. It covers the ways in which charges were assessed, the circumstances in which charges might be waived, the responsibility for the setting and collection of charges, the difficulties encountered in the collection of charges and the libraries' responses to them. It also discusses approaches to replacing books for which charges had been collected, policies for lost or damaged books, and the medium through which patrons were informed about the policies. It concludes that the approaches were similar to the practices elsewhere and recommends further research to cover a larger number of Nigerian academic libraries to allow for the generalization of the conclusion on the situation throughout Nigeria.

Recent Developments in Nigerian Academic Libraries: The Effects of Accreditation on University Lybrary Bookstock

Recent Developments in Nigerian Academic Libraries: The Effects of Accreditation on University Lybrary Bookstock