Utilization Of Library Resources Research Articles

Utilization of Library Resources Among Undergraduate Business Education Students at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the utilization of library resources among undergraduate business education students at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. The study had three specific objectives and research questions. The population of the study consisted of all the 91 students who registered for business education programme in the 2023/2024 academic session at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. The entire population was considered for the study. The data was collected with the use of a 44-item structured questionnaire which was designed by the researchers. Ninety-one copies of the questionnaire were administered through a research assistant. Only 80 copies of the questionnaire were returned by the respondents and used for the data analysis. The collected data were analysed using mean scores with a benchmark of 2.50 for accepting or rejecting a questionnaire item. The study revealed that there is availability of library resources for the consumption of undergraduate business education students at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, the students use them for numerous purposes and the extent of their usage by the students is high. The study concluded that since the university provides the library resources which are needed and the students are utilizing them, it stands the chance of producing competent and qualified business education graduates who can contribute toward repositioning Nigeria to the path of progress. As a way forward, the study among others, suggested that there should be increased budgetary allocation for the library, workshops and orientations should be regularly organized for the students on the use of the library and the students should ensure that they continue to use the library resources for their academic advancement.

Awareness and Perception of Students Toward Execution of Internet of Things in Library Services: A study of Indian Institute Technologies of Northern India

Abstract This study aimed to investigate students’ awareness and perception toward the execution of Internet of Things (IoT) in library services of Indian Institute Technologies (IITs) of Northern India. This study consists of a quantitative research design in which a survey was conducted utilizing a stratified random sampling technique to survey 813 students from five IITs. A total of 780 correctly filled-out surveys were received, yielding a response rate of 95.94%. Statistical tools, including Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, were used to analyze the data. To assess the significance of the results at the 0.05% level, statistical analysis was carried out utilizing percentages and analysis of variance. This study will communicate the attitude, awareness, and perception of students regarding the implementation of IoT in libraries of IITs. It is conducted to understand the motive behind new technology acceptance in academic libraries. The findings reveal that most of the students got familiar with IoT from browsing on the Web/Internet, social networking sites, research projects, conferences, workshops, webinars and faculty development programs, professional discussions, and meetings, as part of the curriculum. Respondents were in favor of implementing IoT in library services. They believed that IoT will ensure better and more efficient utilization of library resources, followed by real-time information accessibility, recommend IoT-based library services, system content quality will be updated, and will increase the quality of the library; the efficiency of library services will increase with implementation of IoT. It will increase the productivity of library services, be useful in an emergency, and promote information literacy. The study’s findings would be beneficial to libraries and academic institutions interested in implementing IoT applications in their libraries.

The Purchasing Decisions Based on Analysis of University Library Resource Utilization

The Purchasing Decisions Based on Analysis of University Library Resource Utilization

Utilization of Library Resources and Students’ Academic Success

This study investigated the relationship between the frequency of using library resources and students’ General Weighted Average (GWA); the relationship between the frequency of using library resources and student’s achievement as a dean’s lister; and the relationship between the frequency of using library resources and the student’s passing of the board exam. A descriptive quantitative research design was used where data on the frequency of using library resources and the students’ academic performance were analyzed using a quantitative research method. Library student-patrons from SY 2015-2016 to SY 2018-2019 were the participants of the study, with 1,000 patrons (100 students per semester) sampled using purposive sampling. The results of the study indicated a significantly high positive degree of relationship between the frequency of using library resources and GWA. It revealed that students visit the library to borrow books, journals and access the internet. Results showed a significant correlation between the frequency of using library resources and achieving the dean’s list. Students use the library to read and study for quizzes and exams and conduct researches as part of their course requirements. It also showed a significant moderate positive degree of relationship between frequency of using the library resources and students’ passing of the licensure examinations. The use of library resources such as references and reviewers helps improve the students’ knowledge needed to perform tasks on the job competently and safely.

Academic Library: A Managerial Review

This paper Academic Library: A Managerial Review explores management of academic libraries. The paper looks at academic library as an information center established in tertiary institution to support the mission of their parent institutions, which has to do with teaching, learning and research with the available information resources. The paper further defines academic library management as an efficient utilization of library resources to achieve the organizations objective and also as a process of getting things done through an individual, a group or people, to accomplish set targets. The paper looks at an academic library management and states that the extent, to which the academic library is able to perform effectively, depends so much on its managerial competence. This paper discusses also the origin of academic library, library management in terms of its functions such as staffing, organizational structure, funding, collection development and challenges among others. The paper concludes with recommendations that funding library, training of library staff, and equipping the organization with modern facilities with the managerial competence of librarian will help for smooth functioning of library.

Library Use Instruction on Undergraduates’ Utilization of Library Resource

Background of the study: This study investigated the effects of library use instruction on undergraduate utilization of library resources: a case study of the Delta State University Library, Abraka. Purpose: The study’s major goal is to investigate library use instruction and undergraduates’ utilization of library resources. Method: The descriptive survey research design was used in this study. The population of the study is 4,714 Faculty of Education students. A sample size of 256 was chosen for this study. A questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics (frequency) and the statistical mean were used to analyze the data. Findings: The study found that the types of library resources used by undergraduates are the internet, databases, computer software, e-books, and books. The extent to which they use library resources is low. The types of library use instruction taught to the students are library orientation and electronic databases. The extent to which they participate in the instruction is low. Conclusion: Consequently, the study recommended that the Delta State University Library make library use instruction programs mandatory for both freshmen and transfer students in order to improve their use of library resources.

Accessibility and utilization of information resources in the post COVID-19 era

University libraries play a pivotal role in fostering teaching, research, and innovation by offering essential information resources. However, patrons often encounter challenges in using these resources. The research aimed to examine the factors influencing the utilization of information resources in university libraries at Kenyatta University Meru University of Science and Technology and post-COVID-19. The objectives were to: determine the skills needed by librarians in supporting utilization of information, analyse the innovative methodologies used to facilitate access to library resources/services, examine the challenges faced by librarians and patrons and determine the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in improving information resources usability and consumption. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with quantitative research methods. The study was conducted at Kenyatta University and Meru University of Science and Technology libraries. Simple random and purposeful sampling techniques were used to distribute questionnaires to patrons and librarians, respectively. Data was collected from 20 librarians and 309 patrons, out of whom, 26 librarians and 357 patrons were sampled. The questionnaires underwent expert review to ensure their validity and reliability. The study found that 81% of librarians prefer online search resources, while 41% prefer physical textbooks. 16.5% of patrons preferred e-books and e-journals, with inadequate computers (32%) and unreliable networks (25.7%) as challenges affecting access and utilization of resources. The librarians identified lack of cooperation, inadequate digital library skills, understaffing, and poor network as major obstacles to facilitating access and utilization of library resources. The study recommends that university management should enhance librarian capacity building, training, and reengineer ICT infrastructure to enhance access and utilization of resources in the post-COVID-19 era. The study's findings will aid librarians in redesigning library functions to enhance the efficacy of library services in meeting user information needs.

Coping Strategies of Failing International Medical Students in Two Chinese Universities: A Qualitative Study

Phenomenon: China hosts a large number of international medical students from low-income countries, and some fail examinations in the early stage of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. Little is known about how failing international medical students cope to recover their academic performance. It would be beneficial to investigate the coping strategies they use to help them recover their academic performance and progress. Approach: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 international medical students at two universities in China from September 2020 to January 2021. These students had passed make-up exams or re-sits and progressed academically. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify major themes in the interview data. Findings: After failing initial exams or re-sits, students were found to adopt seven coping strategies to help them pass future examinations and recover their academic performance: (i) increased help-seeking behaviors, (ii) improved learning motivation and attitudes, (iii) improved learning strategies, (iv) improved exam preparation, (v) utilization of library resources, (vi) enhanced time management, and (vii) enhanced English language skills. Of the seven strategies, seeking help from friends, peers, seniors, and teachers was the strategy reported most frequently. Insights: The results of this study provide insights into the coping strategies that international undergraduate medical students adopt to recover from poor academic performance in Chinese universities. Host institutions should recognize the resilience and agency of such students to make positive changes. Furthermore, institutional efforts should be made to develop contextualized intervention plans that stimulate students’ learning motivation and encourage them to adopt self-help strategies by incorporating useful resources (e.g., help from peers, seniors, and teachers). Enrollment should integrate specific English language proficiency criteria, and interviews and entrance exams should be conducted. For some failing students, it may be necessary to provide academic remediation.

Availability and utilization of library resources for enhanced service-delivery of healthcare workers in government tertiary hospitals, Abuja Nigeria

The study titled availability and utilization of library information resources for enhanced service delivery of healthcare workers in government tertiary hospital in Abuja- Nigeria was carried out to ascertain the library resources for healthcare workers’ service-delivery enhancement in tertiary hospital Abuja, Nigeria; to investigate if the healthcare workers service delivery is enhanced through using those resources; the problem envisaged by healthcare workers in accessing and using the library resources and possible solutions. The respondents are healthcare workers in the categories of doctors; nurses; medical laboratory scientists and pharmacists. A descriptive research design was adopted with the use of Questionnaires to elicit information from the healthcare workers. The objective of the study was to investigate information resources availability and utilization for the enhancement of the healthcare workers’ service delivery in the hospitals under study. The numbers of the questionnaire distributed are 353; the numbers retrieved are 333. The major findings are limited numbers of relevant library information resources both in print and electronically. Poor internet connectivity and lack of computers, also an epileptic power supply, and a lack of seasoned personnel to pilot library activities. The study recommended – improvement in the provision of current and enough health information resources; librarians to involve healthcare workers in making requisitions in order to avoid irrelevant resources; management of the hospital to vote more funds to the library for the subscription of e-resources in good time

Book Clubs As Means of Reducing Library Anxiety

Utilization of library resources can make a major impact in academic success; however, library anxiety can inhibit students from being willing to access library resources. The present study investigates how book clubs influence library anxiety. Five librarians were interviewed about their experiences with book clubs. Patterns emerged indicating book clubs offering holistic student support, focusing on building relationships, and addressing different levels of anxiety saw decreases in library anxiety. Suggestions for best practices in designing and running book clubs to decrease library anxiety are provided. Reduction in library anxiety helps increase a student’s ability to use library resources and can thereby increase their academic success.

DETERMINANTS OF USERS’ SATISFACTION WITH ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND SERVICES PROVISION IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

Despite the number of studies conducted on users’ satisfaction with library services, only a handful of reports was able to assess the level of users’ satisfaction with library electronic services. The review showed that previous studies measured the quality of services rendered by the federal university libraries with just a question or an extract from the ServQual instrument without proper application of the ServQual model. Identification of determinants of library users' satisfaction needs an in-depth investigation using different methods before librarians can work towards improving those identified factors for maximum utilization of library resources and services. This present study used the ServQual model for determining users' satisfaction with electronic resources and services provided in six federal university libraries. The instruments used for data collection were descriptive surveys, focus groups, observation, and interview designs. This study applied a multistage sampling technique to arrive at the 733 sample size that represented the registered postgraduate users for the selected federal university libraries from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Structural Equation Model and SPSS were used to analyze data collected from the respondents, it was found that the federal university libraries provided minimal (acceptable) electronic services with a beta coefficient of (β=0.66**) which showed a significant level of user satisfaction with electronic services. Determinants of users’ satisfaction were a conducive environment; good Internet connection; constant power supply; adequate computer systems; use of laptops either personal or loan; longer operating hours; remote access to eResources; adequate security measures, availability and accessibility of electronic resources, currency and adequacy of electronic resources. The study concluded that users were moderately satisfied with library services provision but libraries need to improve the quality of resources quality of services provided in the various universities. This paper recommended that, the library environment must be conducive to learning; good Internet connection is provided and sustained; have power backups; provide adequate computer systems; allow users to bring in their laptops to the library; increase their operation hours; provide remote access to e-resources; re-work the security systems and subscribe to numerous electronic resources to optimally satisfied users.

Libraries and access to open online courses

This article aims to raise consciousness about the value of massive open online courses (MOOCs) for learners who cannot afford the exorbitant cost of higher education. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is a relatively new method of education in the digital age. The courseware is inexpensive, and students can access the materials whenever and wherever they like. MOOCs can be broken down into three distinct types: cMOOCs, xMOOCs, and quasi-MOOCs. A MOOC is an online education programme that allows for an infinite number of participants. The course materials typically consist of videotaped lectures, assigned readings, quizzes, and tests, but students, instructors, and Teaching Assistants (TAs) also have access to discussion boards. Libraries today offer a wider variety of services, communicate with their patrons through more channels, and serve a more varied group of people than ever before. Libraries must vindicate their essential positions in society by maintaining unfettered access to knowledge. Free and open to a huge number of individuals, MOOCs are delivered over the Internet. Hence, libraries are regaining their status as academic hubs. Libraries and librarians can improve the utilization of library resources by supporting MOOCs and promoting the programmes at libraries more effectively than in other settings. While they offer numerous benefits, MOOCs present a number of obstacles related to issues like intellectual property, licensing, technology, data storage and control, etcetera.

Determinants of continuous usage of library resources on handheld devices: findings from PLS-SEM and fuzzy sets (fsQCA)

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the key factors that motivate learners to use handheld devices to access library resources. To do so, this study integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the DeLone and McLean information systems success (D and M-ISS) model.Design/methodology/approachThe relationship between the causes and the outcomes may not be symmetrical. To test this proposition, data were collected from 210 respondents in a Gulf country and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and complemented by fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).FindingsThe SEM results revealed that three constructs – perceived ease of use (PEOU), service quality (SQ) and system quality (SEQ) are strong drivers of students’ continuous intention to use handheld devices to access library resources. However, perceived usefulness (PU) and information quality (IQ) do not significantly influence students’ intentions. Besides, SQ and PEOU are positively related to PU. Furthermore, fsQCA results show that two different conjunctions, PU*PEOU*IQ*SEQ and PEOU*SQ*IQ*SEQ, cause the students to show a continuous intention to use handheld devices to access library resources.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies on mobile library resource utilization, this analysis extends TAM to investigate the linear additive influence of two basic TAM constructs: PEOU and PU, and three constructs, namely, SEQ, SQ and IQ of the ISS model, on students’ library resource utilization. Furthermore, the findings of SEM were complemented by a set theory-based configuration method, fsQCA, to investigate the asymmetrical, equifinal and configurational causation leading to the desired outcome. The findings of this study have theoretical and practical implications.

Provision of Library Services and Utilization of Resources by Undergraduate Students in Federal University Libraries, South-South Nigeria

This study was carried out to establish relationships between library services and utilization of resources by undergraduates in the above geo-political regions. Correlational research design was used while an instrument titled ‘Library Services and Utilization of Resources by Undergraduate Students (LSURUSQ)’ was used for data collection. The population was 2910 registered users in Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (2018/2019 session). The sample size was 400 determined by Taro Yamene statistical formula. The instrument was validated and its reliability confirmed using Cronbach Alpha Reliability Testing Technique. Three (3) research questions were answered and three (3) hypotheses tested. The findings revealed that utilization of library resources in these six institutions is considerably high and commendable. Effective utilization is recorded because of high quality of services carried out in these libraries. Findings from the study showed that there is a significant relationship between provision of circulation services and the utilization of resources by undergraduates in federal university libraries in South-South geo-political region of Nigeria (P=0.0008; p<0.05); there is significant relationship between provision of reference services and the utilization of resources by undergraduates in federal university libraries in South-South geo-political region Nigeria (P=0.026; p<0.05), amongst others. The study concluded that library services are very important for high quality of teaching and learning in higher institutions. The analyses showed a positive response from respondents concerning the services in the six university libraries. The study recommended training and retraining of library staff for more efficient services. It also recommended provision of more conducive working environment to enable the library staff discharge their duties more appropriately.

Factors Influencing Accessibility and Utilization of Library Resources by Nursing and Midwifery Students Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi

The study was conducted on factors influencing accessibility and utilization of library resources by nursing and midwifery students Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. Two objectives with two corresponding research questions and two null hypotheses were used. A total of 450 students comprising of 265 student nurses and 194 student midwives were used in this study. The entire population of the study was used to take care of subject attrition. Multistage sampling procedure with appropriate techniques was used. The instrument for data collection used in this study was a structured questionnaire. Three experts validated the instrument. From the duly completed copies of the questionnaire, the required data were generated and analyzed using mean and standard deviation statistics for answering the research questions and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for testing the hypothesis at 0.5. The findings revealed that there is accessibility of library resources among the students. The result further shows that students’ utilization of library resources. Out of the twelve (12) items in the Table, eight (8) of the items were accepted by student nurses as the mostly used library resources, while four (4) of the items were accepted by student midwives as the mostly used library resources. The three items accepted by both nursing and midwifery students as the mostly used library resources include “Reference books”, “Journals (hard copies)”, and “Submitted (past) students` project”. The study recommends that adequate computer with internet facilities and other electronic resources should be acquired and made more readily available for use by students. This is to complement the print resources which are already available in the library as well as enable the students to have access to online resources and data bases.

Factors Influencing Accessibility and Utilization of Library Resources by Nursing and Midwifery Students Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi

Factors Influencing Accessibility and Utilization of Library Resources by Nursing and Midwifery Students Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi

Utilization of Library Resources Among Graduate Students of Leyte Normal University (LNU)


 
 
 
 This study assessed the utilization of the resources of the Leyte Normal University Learning Resource Center by the graduate students enrolled in various graduate curricular program offerings for the AY 2018, 2019, and 2020. The assessment concentrated on the subject area, borrowers per program, professional journals and magazines, and databases, e-books, and internet connectivity during the academic years 2018, 2019, and 2020. In this context, utilization was focused. Utilizing the survey design, statistically treated data showed that books are commonly borrowed resources and that borrowing frequency is dependent on the enrollment of a curricular program offering. Bulk of borrowers were recorded for AY 2018 and 2019. Taking things holistically, the general circulation of the library is deemed helpful to its immediate users. An intervention plan was prepared further to promote the richness of the resources in the library and consequently attract more users.
 
 
 
 

Public relations strategies as predictor of resources utilization in academic libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigated public relations strategies as a predictor of resources utilization in academic libraries in Cross river State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the incessant complain of the students sourcing for materials which were not optimally utilized. Four research questions and four hypotheses were posed and formulated respectively to guide the study. Expo-facto research design was adopted. Questionnaire was used for data collection. The statistical tool used for data analysis was multiple and simple regressions. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that, there is a significant influence of public relations strategies on the utilization of resources in academic libraries. Publicity, social media and current awareness services of library have significant influence on utilization of library resources. Based on the findings it was recommended among others, that library schools should as matter of urgency include in their curriculum public relation courses in order to strengthen the leadership quality of future librarians, as well as training them on how to use all public relation strategies in publicizing information about the library for optimum utilization of resources in libraries. That adequate technology such as internet facilities and social media platforms should be provided in all offices in academic libraries as well as a viable ICT policy. Academic libraries management should carve out current awareness services for the dissemination of library resources information that will keep its users well informed and up to date in their fields of basic interest as well as in related subjects.

The Attitude of Lecturers towards the Utilization of Library Resources and Services in Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Nigeria

The Attitude of Lecturers towards the Utilization of Library Resources and Services in Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Nigeria

Utilization of Resources and Optimization of Services in Libraries

“Resource utilization” is the foundation of library services. This article analyzes the reasons of low utilization of library resources. Besides that, the existing resources are classified according to different genres. The methods of utilizing the existing resources in the library are also discussed. Based on the analysis, by optimizing the service patterns, the service reaches more targeted readers as well as improve the utilization rate of existing resources.