Nigerian Library and Information Science Trends
Nigerian Library Association, Imo State Chapter
Sustainability Practices for Long-Term Preservation of Digital Archival Records In University Archives.
This study is on sustainability practices for long-term preservation of digital archival records in university archives based on the UNESCO (2003) Digital Preservation Guidelines. The UNESCO digital preservation guidelines (2003) have been outlined as a working guide for preserving digital heritage in archives, libraries, and museums worldwide. The research design adopted for the study is a historical research method. It involves collecting information from primary and secondary sources. In the study, the concepts of digital archival records, digital archival preservation practices, and sustainability measures as related to university archives were discussed. Recommendations based on UNESCO digital preservation guidelines were made.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nigerian Library and Information Science Trends
Reference and Information Service Delivery in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Abia State University Libraries.
This study examined reference and information service delivery in public university libraries in Abia State. The objectives were to identify the types of reference and information services provided in public university libraries in Abia State, Identify the challenges faced by librarians in providing reference and information services in public university libraries in Abia State, and propose strategies for improving reference and information service delivery in public university libraries in Abia State. A descriptive survey design was used for the study, seventy (70) librarians from the two university libraries were used for the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and observation checklists, which yielded a 100% response rate. Frequency tables and mean scores were used for analysis. Findings revealed that reference and information services are available in the reference sections of the university libraries under study. However, librarians face several challenges in providing these services. The study also proposed strategies to improve reference and information service delivery in the libraries under study. Recommendations include enhancing user education programs, expanding digital reference services, increasing funding and resource allocation, and providing capacity-building training for librarians. These measures aim to improve the effectiveness of reference and information services in public university libraries in Abia State.
Relationship Between School Media Resources Centre and Physical Facilities on the Academic Development of Students in Secondary Schools in Umuahia Educational Zone, Abia State.
This study examined the relationship between school media resources centre and physical facilities on the academic development of students in secondary schools in Umuahia educational zone, Abia State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. The study adopted correlation design that involved simple linear method. The population of the study comprised all the secondary school students in Umuahia educational zone, Abia State out of which three thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight (3898) senior secondary schools were studied. An accidental (convenience) and proportionate sampling techniques were adopted to select five secondary schools and determine a sample of three hundred and fifty-four students used for the study. A research instrument captioned: Use of Media Resources and Academic Development Rating Scale UMRADRS) was used to obtain data for the study. Data obtained for the study were analyzed using coefficient of determination (r2) and Pearson (r) to answer research questions, while hypotheses were tested using t-test of significance of correlation. The findings of the study were that; there is a moderate positive and significant relationship between the use of school media resources and academic development of students in secondary schools in Umuahia education zone, Abia State and there is a high positive and significant relationship between the use of physical facilities and academic development of students in secondary schools in Umuahia education zone, Abia State. Based on these findings, the study recommended that given the importance of school media resources to students’ academic development in secondary schools, the management should encourage the acquisition of school media resources utilization skills among students to enable them utilize effectively all the online resources that are germane to their academic progress and since it was established that the use of physical facilities correlated with students’ academic development in secondary schools, therefore, the management should, as a matter of necessity, provide the required facilities that could motivate students to read in the library.
American Space: A Catalyst for Digital Literacy Skills, Community Development, and Social Impact in Nigeria.
This study demonstrates the potential of American Space as a catalyst for providing information services, community development, and social impact in Nigeria, offering a model for replication in other contexts. Nigeria is faced with significant challenges in community development and social impact, including limited access to education, entrepreneurship opportunities, and social connections. This study explores the impact of American Space, an innovative hub in Nigeria, on community development and social impact. The researchers adopted a mixed-methods approach, a review of articles, notes, and speech, and observations as to how to assess the effectiveness of American Space in providing digital literacy to education and skills development, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and building social connections and community engagement. Our findings indicate that American Space has positively impacted community development and social impact in Nigeria, with significant improvements in education, entrepreneurship, and social connections among participants. The paper suggests expanding American Space to other regions in Nigeria to reach a broader audience, developing strategic partnerships with local organizations to enhance impact, establishing a sustainable funding model to ensure long-term viability, and continuously monitoring and evaluating the program to ensure optimal effectiveness.
Undergraduate Library Users’ Utilization of Information Resources in Federal Tertiary Institutions in Imo State
The study focused on undergraduate library users’ utilization of information resources in federal tertiary institutions in Imo State. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study is 11, 821 registered library users of the libraries studied. The sample for the study was 387. Proportionate sampling technique and simple random sampling technique were used for the study. Questionnaire designed using four-point rating scale was used to elicit data for this study. Data collected were analyzed using mean. The findings of the study revealed that books, encyclopedia, theses and dissertations, conference proceedings, journals, electronic databases, internet resources, newspapers/magazines, dictionaries, audio-visual materials and abstracts/indexes are the types of information resources available in the libraries studied; undergraduate library users use information resources to a low extent in the libraries studied; access to current and up-to-date information, studying for examination, access to wider range of information, among others are the reasons for undergraduate library users’ utilization of information resources in the libraries studied; and insufficient search skills, users’ lack awareness of new arrivals, among others are factors affecting utilization of information resources by undergraduate users in the libraries studied. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommend, among others that government and management of tertiary institutions should allocate adequate funds for academic libraries to maintain continuous subscriptions to online databases and also enhance the availability of other information resources to ensure that undergraduate library users can utilize these resources effectively.
Accessing Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable National Development in two Selected Public Libraries in South East Nigeria.
The dynamism in the activities of organizations has called for transformation to help and create development solutions that are culturally acceptable to society in decision making for sustainable national development. The study sought to investigate accessing indigenous knowledge for sustainable national development in two selected public libraries in South East Nigeria. The study was guided by four research questions. This study adopted survey research design. The total population of this study was 226 library staff from Anambra and Imo States Library Boards both in South-East Nigeria. The researcher adopted the entire population as sample size. Instrument for data collection was a web based structured (online Google form) questionnaire designed on a four –point rating scale. Out of the 226 copies of questionnaire sent, 208 responses were received showing a 92% return rate. Data collected were analyzed using mean(x) scores (using 2.50 midpoint) based on the research questions and presented in tables. The result of the analysis showed: that users needed to access indigenous knowledge in public libraries for sustainable national development; the public library plays an important role in accessing indigenous knowledge by disseminating information to the community users to participate more actively in sustainable national development though the public libraries face numerous challenges in playing these roles. Based on the findings, the study recommended among other things that: public libraries should ensure efforts toward strengthening the recognition of indigenous knowledge for sustainable national development; serve as custodians of IK, preserving and promoting cultural heritage for future generations, while also facilitating access to IK for sustainable national development.
Awareness, Knowledge of Copyright and Digital Publishing: A Survey of Doctoral Students in Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
The study was carried out to investigate the awareness, knowledge of copyright and digital publishing among doctoral students in the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Three (3) research objectives and research questions guided the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study using an online questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised 190 doctoral students from the faculty of education. Out of the 190 questionnaires distributed to the doctoral students, only 167 were returned and found useful for analysis. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by the use of SPSS version 25. The majority, 152 (91%), of the doctoral students are aware of copyright law but their knowledge on copyright is rather low, 121 (72%). The study also revealed that a good number of the doctoral students are less aware of the various Creative Commons licenses, which impede their digital publishing. Plagiarism, piracy, indiscriminate photocopying, and counterfeiting were the major ways in which copyright is being infringed by the doctoral students in the Faculty of Education at ABU, Zaria. The study advocates for a copyright unit to be set up in the entire university to handle copyright matters in order to facilitate copyright knowledge and compliance in the faculty and entire Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Leadership Styles and Job Security as Predictors of Staff Productivity in Polytechnic Libraries in South-East, Nigeria
The researchers examined “Leadership styles and job security as predictors of staff productivity in polytechnic libraries in South-East, Nigeria”. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses. A correlation research design involving simple linear correlation was adopted for the study. The population of the study consists of one hundred and sixty (160) professional and paraprofessional library staff of seven polytechnic libraries in South-East, Nigeria which was also used as the sample of the study. A researcher-made questionnaire rated with a 4-point scale and titled “Leadership Styles and Job Security as Predictors of Staff Productivity in Polytechnic Libraries in South- East, Nigeria (LSJPPPL)" was used for data collection. The research instrument was validated by specialists from Library and Information Science and Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was obtained through trial testing and analyzed with Cronbach alpha statistics, which gave an index of 0.89. The research questions were answered using Pearson (r) and the hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings revealed that there is a significant positive and moderate relationship between leadership styles, job security, and library staff productivity in the libraries studied. The researchers recommend that the management of polytechnic libraries should ensure that they carry along every staff member in their leadership and provide feedback to the staff regularly since this influences the staff's productivity, and also the library management, and the management of the polytechnics should assure the library staff of their job security so as to positively influence their staff's productivity.
Information Retrieval Skills as an Effective Tool for Library Resources Usage by Undergraduate Students in Rivers State Polytechnic Libraries.
This study determined the influence of retrieval skills (informational, operational, and strategic retrieval skills) on library resources usage by undergraduate students in Rivers State Polytechnic Libraries. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 1,111 undergraduate students who are registered library users. A sample size of 111, constituting 10 Percent of the population, was used. An instrument titled “Information Retrieval Skills Questionnaire (IRSQ)” which was face validated by three experts, was used to collect data for the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while an independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.5 level of significance. The findings from the study showed a significant influence of information retrieval skills (informational, operational, and strategic retrieval skills) on library resource usage in Rivers State Polytechnic Libraries. Based on the findings from the study, it was concluded that information retrieval skills have a significant influence on the usage of library resources. Consequent upon the findings, it is recommended, among others, that library management should, as a matter of urgency, increase its awareness of information literacy and information retrieval skills so as to increase students’ patronage and utilization of library resources.
Dog-Earing of Library Information Resources by Users: Its’ Effects and Way Forward
The study examined dog-earing of books amongst library users at the Laz Otti Library, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was employed on library users across all levels and disciplines within three weeks of using the library. Purposive sampling technique was employed. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Out of 400 copies of the questionnaire administered, only 331 (82.8%) copies were found usable for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that dog-earing is prevalent on paper-based library materials. From the findings, library users dog-ear book pages to note areas where they stopped reading as well as highlight important aspects of the book. It was noted that library users had a negative attitude towards dog-earing, as a positive attitude indicates a favourable disposition toward the practice. It was found that bookmarking is a safer way to engage in active reading, as dog-earing reduces the lifespan of books as well as causes early deterioration.
Accessibility and Use of Research4Life Databases by Pharmacy Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka
The purpose of the study was to ascertain the accessibility and strategies to improve access and use of research4life databases by pharmacy undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Four research questions gave direction to the study. Survey research design was employed for the study. The sample size for the study consisted of 169 four hundred level undergraduate students of Pharmacy (2023/2024 session). Accessibility and Use of Research4Life Databases by Pharmacy Undergraduate Students Questionnaire (AURDPUQ) was used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that Research4Life platforms were accessible to undergraduate students of pharmacy. The findings of the study further indicated that Research4Life platforms were used to a low extent by undergraduate students of pharmacy. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that university authorities should sustain their efforts towards making Research4Life platforms accessible to pharmacy undergraduate students.
Towards Leveraging Free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software to Enhance Library Accessibility and Inclusiveness for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria: A Review.
Libraries of all kinds are democratic institutions established to provide information services to all persons irrespective of their status. Extant literature suggests that persons with disabilities are denied most rights accorded to able-bodied library users. As people with information needs, persons with disabilities deserve the same rights to accessibility and inclusiveness in library services. This literature review paper focused on how free AI software can be leveraged to enhance library services for persons with disabilities in Nigerian libraries, given the dwindling finances experienced by libraries in Nigeria. Among other things, the paper looked at the status of library services for persons with disabilities, AI, and library services for persons with disabilities while outlining some free AI software that can enhance accessibility and inclusiveness. The place of training and retraining for capacity building, commitment, and diligence among librarians and management is also emphasized.
Agricultural Information Needs and Provision to Crop Farmers in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
This paper examines the agricultural information needs and provisions for crop farmers in Ohaji/Egbema local government area. Five specific objectives/five research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was used to study the crop farmers/rural farmers in Ohaji/Egbema. The population of the study is five thousand seven hundred and forty (5,740) crop farmers. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Five hundred and seventy-four (574) copies of the questionnaire were distributed, while 560 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and used. The data generated was analysed using simple mean, standard deviation and table. From the analysis and findings, it was deduced that agricultural information is very important to crop farmers in Ohaji/ Egbema local government area. It also reveals that the agricultural information needs of the people of Ohaji/Egbema are not being met as expected. The findings also revealed that crop farmers are faced with some challenges such as poor access roads to aid the movement of extension workers, agricultural information not being broadcast in local languages, and lack of money to purchase newsletters. However, this study recommends that the government should disseminate agricultural information on radio and television twice a week, using the Ohaji/Egbema dialect to enable the non-literate farmers to understand and apply the innovation while ensuring that radio broadcasts on agricultural information when the majority of the rural farmers would have returned from the farm between 7 pm – 8 pm. Government should also deploy extension workers who are familiar with their native language to.
Agriculture information, Crop Farmers, Rural Farmers, Literate Farmers, Illiterate Farmers Ohaji/Egbema
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The Needs and Prospects of Community Information Service Personnel for Societal Development in Nigeria
The paper discusses the needs and prospects of up-skilling community information service personnel for societal development in Nigeria. The burning issues that were x-rayed in this paper include information services, upskilling the needs; of the community, prospects of community information services and place of information services personnel in societal development. The paper concludes among other things that: the management of both public and private information services existing in Nigeria communities should endeavour to upskill their information delivery personnel regularly to update their knowledge, skills and competencies to achieve the 21st-century information services of their staff and the potential users’ needs. The researchers suggest that the government should make sure that public libraries in Nigeria are adequately funded to achieve the desired information purposes in society; workshops, seminars and conferences should be constantly organized for training and retraining of information personnel to enable them to stay agile, competent, innovative and responsive to the changes in their jobs.
Information Service, Personnel, Upskilling, Need of Upskilling, Community, Prospects of Upskilling, Community Development
Cataloguing and Classification Tools and Competencies in Selected Academic Libraries in Adamawa State
Because rules and guidelines for cataloguing and classification are changing to accommodate online resources, librarians need to adapt to these changes. The study adopted a survey research design. This study sought to find out cataloguing tools and competencies available in selected academic libraries in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Three research objectives guided the study, which were to identify the existing cataloguing and classification tools, establish the competency level of cataloguing and classification staff, and identify challenges in cataloguing and classification. The population of the study was 31 cataloguing and classification staff including professionals and paraprofessionals. A Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Out of 31 copies of questionnaires distributed, only 20 (65%) copies were completed and returned. Data collated were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and mean. The mean was used to answer the research questions. The criterion mean that was used was 2.50. Values above that were termed positive and those below that were termed negative. It was found that cataloguers and classifiers are competent, some of the recent cataloguing tools like RDA and MARC were not in use and the most prominent problems bedevilling the libraries are a lack of training opportunities and a shortage of professional staff. Hence the study recommended that the staff be trained especially on RDA, and adequate and updated versions of tools be provided among others.
Cataloguing, Classification, Library, Metadata, MARC
Gender Sensitivity in Library and Information Science Management for Effective Service Delivery in the 21st-century Librarianship Practices
The primary focus of this study was Gender Sensitivity in Librarianship and Information Management in the 21st century. To achieve this, two specific objectives, two research questions, and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study utilized a correlation research design and targeted a population of 32 staff members from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Library. Due to the small size of the population, the entire group was sampled. The research employed a structured questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Descriptive statistics, including frequency count, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze the collected data, while the T-test was employed to test the formulated hypotheses. The findings indicated a significant relationship between gender sensitization processes and 21st-century information management, as well as between gender sensitization strategies and 21st-century information management. As a result of these findings, it was concluded that gender sensitization processes and strategies should be adopted in both librarianship and 21st-century information management.
Gender, Gender Sensitivity, Librarianship, Information Management, 21st Century Library
Extent of Use of Maker-spaces in Library as Innovative Tool for Harnessing Creativity in School Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria
This study investigated the extent of the use of maker-spaces in libraries as innovative tools for harnessing creativity, learning and innovation in Rivers State's private secondary schools. The research had three main objectives, three research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consists of 1,365 with a sample size of 309. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the survey. The hypothesis was tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMC) at a 0.05 level of significance. In contrast, the study's themes were analyzed using fundamental descriptive statistical tools including means and standard deviations. The findings show among others that there was a strong positive relationship between maker-spaces and innovation within the student body of Rivers State's private secondary schools (P =.000, p<0.05), additionally, there is a strong correlation between these students’ inventiveness and maker-spaces. (P =.001, p<0.05). The study among others recommended that school administrators should consider investing in maker-spaces, including in the school library, as it serves as the institution's intellectual cornerstone.
Maker-spaces, library, creativity, connectivity, innovation, secondary schools, school libraries, Nigeria
Makerspace Acceptance and Integration: A Veritable Tool for Readjusting and Enhancing Public Libraries in Developing Countries
For public libraries in developing countries to maintain their relevance in this 21st century, there is a need to embrace innovative library activities. Innovative library services entail converting old library services as well as creating new programmes that will aid in enhancing library services and activities. This literature-based opinion paper considers maker space acceptance and integration as a veritable tool for readjusting and enhancing public libraries in developing countries. The paper x-rayed the state of public libraries in developing countries, how public libraries can benefit from Makerspace, the competence required and strategies to achieve that. The paper concludes that services of the public libraries in developing countries should not comprise only those services and activities the literates stand to benefit from but should also include those innovative services that the non-literate will also benefit from.
Makerspace, Integration, Veritable Tool, Enhancing, Public Libraries, Developing Countries.
Knowledge Sharing Practices and Digital Literacy Skills Among Academic Librarians of University Libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria
Academic libraries serve as lifelong learning hubs, and digital literacy is a core component of this mission the digital era has brought forth a multitude of online platforms that facilitate knowledge-sharing practices. This study investigates the knowledge-sharing practices and digital literacy skills among academic librarians of university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was adopted for this study, the population comprised 85 academic librarians in all university libraries in Kwara State. A total enumeration technique was adopted, and a questionnaire was employed to collect data. The data collected were analyzed and presented with frequency, percentages and mean scores. Findings revealed that knowledge-sharing practices among the respondents were high and the majority of them engaged themselves in sharing knowledge with other colleagues. The respondents shared knowledge through seminars/workshops, verbal discussions, and mentoring during staff meetings as revealed by the findings of this study. The study further revealed that the level of digital literacy skills of the respondents was high. It also revealed that the respondents possessed digital literacy skills such as downloading files from databases among others. This study concluded that the academic librarians in university libraries in Kwara State engaged in knowledge-sharing practices and they adopted some knowledge-sharing platforms. It further concluded that the level of digital literacy skills of the academic librarians was high and they possessed digital literacy skills. Lastly, the study recommends that academic libraries can enhance the practice of knowledge sharing by utilizing all available media and opportunities to maintain the culture of knowledge sharing.
Knowledge Sharing Practices, Digital Literacy Skills, University Libraries, Academic Librarians, Kwara State.
Extent of Provision of Information Resources to meet the Information Needs of Law Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) and University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
This study ascertained the extent of the provision of law students’ information needs in Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) and University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) law libraries. Being federal universities known for their academic prowess, research is needed. Two research questions were raised and one hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. The population of the study was nine hundred and twenty (920) registered students of these law libraries under study. One hundred and eighty-four users were sampled for the study using stratified simple random sampling. The observation checklist and the questionnaire were the instruments for data collection. The researchers administered hundred and eighty- four (184) copies of the questionnaire. One hundred and seventy-six (176) copies were returned and found usable, representing a 95% response rate. The data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation while t-test statistic was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that law students need information in different areas ranging from professional to legal administration and research and that a variety of legal information resources on legislation, case law, law textbooks, and reference resources are provided by the law libraries. Based on the findings, the study recommended that law libraries and librarians first understand the information needs of their users - the law students more seriously, among others.
Information Resources, Information Needs, Law Students, Legal Information Resources, Law Libraries.
Potentials of University of Maiduguri’s Websites for Enhancement of Undergraduate Students’ Success: An Analysis of Perceived Usefulness and Extent of Usage
This study investigated the potential of academic websites to improve the academic success of undergraduate students, with the goal of determining the impact of perceived usefulness on the extent of the University of Maiduguri's website usage. Three hundred and forty-seven (347) Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduate students in 300 Level were all engaged in the study with no sampling to capture quantitative data based on cross-sectional survey research design. After the lecture, a structured questionnaire was administered to students. It was determined that 303 of the collected copies of questionnaires were valid and viable for data analysis. Frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations were used to analyse the collected data, while simple linear regression was used to test the relationship between variables at a significance level of 0.05. The study revealed that LIS undergraduates viewed the university website as moderately useful, particularly for academic purposes (x = 3.16), and that it does not significantly improve their academic performance (x = 2.94). The findings revealed that students used the website extensively when they accessed it, perusing numerous pages for lengthy sessions, but accessed the website to a relatively lesser extent frequently. The study found that perceived usefulness positively and moderately predicted respondents' website usage, with perceived usefulness accounting for 36.1% of usage variation. The study recommended that the management of the university website should be prioritized on the website the course/study resources, library databases, academic policies, and learning support services.
Academic Websites, Library and Information Science, Undergraduate Students, Perceived Usefulness, Extent of Usage
Towards Making Graduates of Librarianship in Nigeria Efficient Entrepreneurs for National Development
The pursuance of entrepreneurship as a panacea to the pervading problem of massive unemployment among graduates including graduates of librarianship in Nigeria has taken the front burner in recent times. This problem is a fall out of the poor economic climate in Nigeria which recorded as low as 4 percent GDP since 2011 from the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the economic. This scenario has been a huge stagnating factor for the Nigerian economy. This paper discussed several personality traits and professional skills that would assist the graduates of librarianship in setting up library and information related businesses. Several services which they can render in their business are enumerated. The principles and features of marketing and branding including strategies for marketing as applicable to library products and services are discussed in order to make it easy for them to be efficient in their information business. Some recommendations made include encouraging unemployed graduates of librarianship to take the bull by the horns and start their businesses even if it is on a small scale.
Electronic Library Use by Staff and Students in Universities in South-West Nigeria.
This study examined the electronic library use by students and staff of three Nigerian universities namely; University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obafemi Awolowo University, He Ife, Osun State. Stratified random sampling techniques and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Two hundred and ninety-responses were returned and found usable out of 300 copies of questionnaire distributed. The main reason of using the electronic resources by both student and staff is for academic research. The major constraints identified by the respondents were lack of adequate power supply and limitation to speed of access. The study recommends adequate power supply and adequate training in the use of electronic library literacy for students and staff of universities.
Library and Information Services in the Age of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the Challenges.
There is no gainsaying that in the world today many organizations, both government and private are taking advantage of the numerous opportunities that are provided by modem Information and communication technologies (ICTs). Libraries are not exception. ICTs present an opportunity to provide value-added information services and access to a wide variety of digital-based information resources to their clients. As a result, they are able to automate their core functions, implement efficient and effective library cooperation and resource sharing networks, implement management information systems and develop institutional repositories of digital local content. The implementation of these opportunities have been characterized with challenges which include including lack of funds to sustain the ICT infrastructure, inability of librarians/libraries to keep up with the pace of developments in ICTs and inadequate ICT facilities in the libraries. Others include lack of staff with appropriate skills to manage ICTs both at the strategic and operational levels, absence of institutional policies and strategies to support and guide the use of ICTs, and lack of adequate knowledge and skills to manage digital information resources and to deal with issues relating to copyright. Issues of intellectual property rights in a digital information environment are yet to be resolved.
Training and Development Needs of Library Assistants in Three Academic Libraries in South-West Nigeria.
Training and development is an important organizational responsibility. However, in many libraries, management pay only lip-service to the training of their staff especially, the library assistants. This study employed the descriptive survey design to explore the training needs of library assistants in three university libraries in South-West Nigeria, The research used questionnaire administered directly to the respondents to collect data from a sample size of 40 library assistants in the three libraries. The sampling method used was random sampling, 30 out of 40 questionnaires were returned reflecting a response rate of 75%. Frequencies and percentages were used to present the result. The findings showed that most library assistants are at a transitional phase in their career path, indicating a likelihood of high turnover and loss of human capital. Libraries should endeavour to create value for the library assistant position by encouraging training/development and promotion opportunities. Training in computer skills and accessible training opportunities are some of the recommendations of this study.
The Role Of Libraries in Promoting Peace Education In Nigeria.
Peace is a fundamental tool in development of any society, and it is obvious that national development and transformation can only be achieved in a peaceful environment. This study discussed the strategic role of the libraries in promoting peace, the importance of information for peace promotion and the use of new technologies in achieving it. The paper also examined the role of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in promoting peace, libraries as advocates for democracy and the need for global collaboration for research on peace promotion. Budgetary limitation and other challenges were identified. Recommendations were also proffered for the achievement of peace education.
Utilization of Internet Resources by Students in Humanities in Selected Universities in Nigeria
Several students use Internet resources for knowledge enhancement and advancement while some use it to the detriment of their academic performance. This study investigated the impact of Internet utilization as determinants of academic performance of the students in humanities in some selected universities in Nigeria. The descriptive survey method was used. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. Out of 6000 copies of the questionnaire distributed to 10 universities (federal and state) in Humanities in Nigeria. 5250 (87.5%) were retrieved and analyzed for this study. The data were subjected to frequency counts, percentages and Chi- Square test. The finding indicated that the students of humanities use the Internet mainly for academic work, sending and receiving electronic mails, but not for leisure and games. They also relied on teacher's notes and their colleagues through e-mail for information while their disciplines encourage constant use of the Internet. The result also indicated that there are sufficient evidences to conclude that Internet use and academic performance are related. Creation of more access points within the universities and integration of computer skill into the pedagogical frameworks of the institutions were recommended.
Mutilation and Theft of Library Resources In the Imo State University Library, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria
The study investigated mutilation and theft of library resources in Imo State University Library Owerri. A total of 221 users' population made up of 41 staff and 180 library users were obtained through random sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and direct observation method. The result showed that the major cause of mutilation and theft of library information materials is lack of adequate security network as 61% opined that users hide library materials inside their bags and files. The result also showed that reference materials are the most frequently affected as 43% of the users attested even though all library materials are vulnerable to mutilation and theft In other to prevent mutilation and theft of library resource, 40% are of the opinion that there should be guards and attendants at the main entrance of the University Library and 33% suggested that offenders shot/Id be handed over to the library committee for disciplinary action. The researcher therefore recommended as a way to alleviate this ugly situation that there is the need for a good and strong electronic security system, multiple copies of library materials, photocopying machines, user education programme and adequate financial support from government for effective management of information resource in the University Library.
Undergraduate Students' Use of University Libraries in Imo State: A Comparative Study of Imo State University Owerri (IMSU) and Federal University of Technology (FUTO)
Undergraduate students' use of university libraries of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the Imo State University Owerri (IMSU) was conducted with the purpose of finding the extent of students' use of the libraries. The survey research design was used for the study and questionnaires were used for data collection. The study was guided by six research objectives. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 671 respondents for the study. Frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze data collected. Major findings of the study revealed that there were reasonable patronages of the two libraries by their respective users. Materials mostly used by the students are textbooks and they visited the libraries mainly to read for examination. The study recommended among others that use of library as a course of study be taught to the students for more than a semester, provision of library materials and facilities should be increased and the libraries should be made more conducive for effective use.
Imperativeness of Library Statistics in Library Management: A case study of Polytechnics in South East
This research work on "imperativeness of library statistics in library management: a case study of polytechnics in South East Nigeria" was conducted through the survey method and data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result shows that the libraries keep library statistics but the method of collection varies. Almost all the operations of the Readers' Services Department are taken care of. All of the respondents see statistics as relevant to library management especially in the areas of decision making, appraisal/evaluation, annual reports and setting standards. However, statistics collection in these libraries was seen as having some shortcomings which include; inconsistency in its collection, attitude of the staff collecting it and inadequate use of statistics by the library management. The researchers gave recommendations which they believe will help in effective and efficient statistics collection in libraries.