ABSTRACT
The study investigated students’ attitude towards the use of library resources and
services of Imo and Abia State Universities. Specifically, six specific objectives and research questions guided the study. The study is limited to the availability of the resources and services, students’ use of the library resources and services and appropriate strategies for improving their attitude on the use of library resources and services of the university libraries under study. It was a descriptive survey study with a population of 9400 students comprising of 8065 undergraduate and
1335 postgraduate students respectively. The study used proportionate stratified random sampling technique for determining sample size to sample 783 students consisting of 672 undergraduate and 111 postgraduate students from Imo state university, Owerri and Abia state university, Uturu. Seven hundred and eighty three (783) copies of questionnaire were distributed to the respondents and seven hundred and five (705) of them returned. This represented a return rate of ninety percent (90%). The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency tables, simple percentages, mean scores and inferential statistics of z- test. And the decision rule for research question one and two items was based on fifty percent (50%) benchmark for either availability or non-availability percentage values while that of research question three to six was based on whether the item’s value for mean score was equal to or above the criterion mean for acceptance or otherwise rejected. Also the mean scores of IMSU and ABSU students on their attitude of using the university library resources and services were tested using a 2 dimensional separate z-test at 0.05 level of significance. In addition, the findings of the study revealed that: in both university libraries there is availability of print, non-print, fixed and variable capital personnel resources of all cadres; there is availability of user education, bibliographic, cataloguing, reference/referral, information and bindery services in both institution’s libraries and also purposes for the use of library resources and services were strongly agreed. Similarly, the result equally showed that: there is a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of IMSU and ABSU students with regard to their use of library resources and services. With respect to the above findings, the study recommended the provision of those strategies that were deemed appropriate for an improved use of library resources and services by the undergraduate students of universities.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study:
In the university environment, the library is a major information providing system that supports teaching, learning, and research with resources and services of varying types. It was in line with this that, Oyewusi and Oyeboade (2009) stated that the primary purpose of university libraries is to support teaching, learning and research in ways which is consistent with, and supportive of, the institution’s missions and goals. Similarly, they equally opined that university libraries is the academic heart of the university system and are saddled with the provision of user assistances and enabling environment that would facilitate teaching, learning and research; for the university staff, students and researchers.
Library services according to Parmar and Bhuta (1999) refers to assistance provided by the library for the ease of use of material and dissemination of information. They categorized such services as technical services, reader’s services and auxiliary services. Moreover, library services are as well described as the professional guidance and assistance offered to patrons (Agu, 2010). She further pointed out that the services of university libraries include: user education, inter-library loan, abstracting and indexing, cataloguing and bibliographic, referral, informational, and circulation services. Similarly, Edoka (2000) described library opening hours, staffing, seating and study carrels, circulation, registration of users, lending, reservation, charging systems, reference services, display arrangement and topics, guides and notices, extension services and user education as some of the library services to users. Specifically, technical services
according Madu and Dirisu (2002) refer to those services that prepare ground for information delivery to users. They explained that they are services behind the scene of the library users. Hence such services according them includes those operation performed at the acquisitions, cataloguing and classification sections as well as other conservative processes.
Subsequently, patron of Nigerian university libraries relies heavily on the resources and services of their libraries. This is evident from the fact that university libraries resources and services are sufficient in quality, depth, diversity and currency; so as to support the university curriculum (Oyewusi and Oyeboade, 2009). Thus, the utilization of library resources and services by students of Nigeria universities becomes imperative.
Consequently, for university libraries to perform the above roles; her resources and services must be readily available and accessible to patrons. The university library resources according to Education Centre Library News (2007) includes information resources (as: printed and non-printed materials), human resources (as: professional, non- professional and Para-professional library personnel); and financial resources (as: fixed and variable assets of the library within which the physical existence and the management of the library depends. University library resources broadly include:
Information resources as: catalogue books and cards, text books and cards, text books, journals and periodicals, electronic books, electronic journals, government documents, reference works, online public access Catalogues (OPACs), library databases and Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Audiovisual (AV) materials, etc.
Human resources as: University librarians, deputy university librarians, Assistant librarians, librarians I & II, Higher library officers, library officers, assistant library officers, library
assistants, library attendants, secretaries, typists, accountants, advisers, cleaners, etc.
Financial resources as: library building, library tools, capital
(funds), Air-conditioners, fans, computers, printers, photocopiers,
scanners, etc. (Education centre library News, 2007:54).
In this regards, reports have it that library resources of various types are used by varying cadres of students for numbers of purpose(s); that are ultimately aimed at fulfilling their academic needs within and outside the university community (Popoola, 2008). More so, Whitemire (2002) reported that university library resources are considered a good measure of university’s excellence and quality and as such must be utilized by the students and staff of the university. This means that accessibility and utility are the pre- requisite of university library resources and services. Hence, the more accessible the resources and services of university library are; the more likely they are to be used and the users tends to use the resources and services that requires the least effort to access.
Furthermore, the use of library resources and services by student dates back to the establishment of libraries in institution of higher learning (Okiyi, 2007). This is because he emphasized that the academic health, intellectual vitality and effectiveness of these educational institutions in producing higher level graduates depends solely in the quality of her library resources and services.
In addition, library resources and services are responsible for the overall academic development of the students especially in the university where individual research is embraced and rewarded. Against this background, Ugah (2008) stated that the utilization of library resources and services by students of Nigerian universities has necessitated the acquisition of quality information resources, employment of vibrant and qualified library personnel, provision of tangible and in-tangible infrastructure, and provision of un-
alloyed services in university libraries. This is evident from studies which concluded that there exist many adequacies in terms of resources and services of Nigerian university libraries (Onah, 2007).
In view of the above, Reddy (2010) opined that students and other spirited researchers make extensive use of books, periodicals, research reports, theses, reference sources and personnel assistants as well as internet services, Current Awareness Services (CAS) and Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI). Moreover, studies also stated that students uses books, Journals, indexes and abstracts, non-print media, reference materials, government publication, magazines/newspapers and library resource persons in their day-to-day quest for information needed for their studies (Nwezeh, 2010).
Therefore, students (graduates and undergraduates) of universities mostly use the resources and services of their university libraries in achieving their individual and collective needs of class works, assignments, research papers, seminar papers and among others. To be precise, they use those resources and services for the purpose of enhancing their academic pursuit, passing their course work exams, writing their project, thesis and dissertation and publication papers.
Principally, students can either be a person(s) that are still studying for their first degree or those who have finished their first degree and are pursuing an advanced study or research in an area of their interest in an institution of higher learning (Hornby, 2010). Student’s attitude connotes a series of enduring systems of positive or negative evaluation, emotional feeling and tendencies of students with respect to social object, events and/or occurrence (Isman, 2004). He further emphasized that depending on the feelings and opinions of student towards an innovation, a situation or a phenomenon
within their places of learning; they could develop positive or negative attitude. Thus, in both social and psychological context; attitude of students to a particular events, objects or themes often have a dual consequence on the said objects, events or themes.
Significantly, the term attitude denotes an enduring system of positive or negative evaluations, emotional feelings and tendencies with respect to social objects (Isaa, Bashorun, M’Bashire, and Adewusi,,(2011). Therefore the attitude of students towards the use of resources and services of the university libraries depends on the level of awareness created for such resources and services; such that it can be positive or negative.
On the contrary, lack of adequate, comprehensive and up-to-date information resources in some university libraries had its toll on the attitude of the students and users of such libraries (Nwosu, 2000). In view of this, they see the library as one that is not adequate enough to meeting their information needs; thus most of them do not like going to the library. However, he further stated that the resources may not be in-dept enough but the services and attitude of staff could be encouraging. This situation obviously could have changed the perception of the students towards the resources and services of university libraries. For instance, services such as: press clippings, CAS, orientation programs/instructions, library co-operations (consortia services), photocopying, consultations, and good public relations; have all played a major role in building positive attitudes for users of university libraries. Conversely, all the inadequacies in terms of personnel, finance, materials and users assistance have resulted in negative attitudes for students.
Obviously, very negative students’ attitudes towards the use of library resources and services in university libraries have resulted to non-utilization of the libraries in general. Certainly, these scenarios are made possible by some perennial and inherent hindrances to the use of library resources and services. Prominently, some of these hindrances according to Iyabo (2004) are: lack of qualified personnel; insufficient funding of the library by the parent institutions; improper organization and/or processing of materials; improper management and/or administration; lack of storage facilities and preservative measures; accessibility status of resources; and lack of security for both collections, personnel’s, and users. Imperatively, there is no doubt that the above listed hindrances; unarguably mars the utilization of library resources and services in university libraries. More so, they ultimately negate the altitudes of students towards the use of resources and services of university libraries and other academic libraries in general.
Suggestively, a profound measure abounds for ameliorating these stated hindrances. In this regard, Ugah (2008) buttressed that appropriate measures be put in place for the ease of use of library resources and services in university libraries. In his view, such measures include: compulsory teaching of library instructions to all students; creating of awareness for what the libraries have in terms of resources and services; advertising and/or product promotion of the newly acquired stocks and services; employment of qualified staff; proper organization of materials; efficient management of libraries; equitable access to resources and services; formidable security for personnel, collection and users; … and provision of efficient storage facilities with formidable preservative measures.
Subsequently, in Imo state university library Owerri, the library was established in 1981 as her parent institution. The library upon establishment was situated at Etiti with collection strength of about five thousand (5000) volumes of books, mostly from donations. As at that time, it had a seating capacity of one hundred and fifty (150) readers and staff strength of twenty three (23) personnel. Objectively, the Imo state university library seeks to: provide extensive materials for study, teaching and research for the benefit of students and staff of the university and other accredited persons; inculcate the reading and library habits in the student; preserve the material for future use and also provision of adequate reading space for users. The library is sectionalized into five departments as: administration, acquisition, technical services, readers’ services and serial sections.
With growth and expansion the library currently serves postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma students and university staff. As a result, her collection has expanded to over eighty thousand (80, 000) volumes of books and periodicals; with a seating capacity of two thousand (2,000) readers and staff strength of sixty (60) personnel. Service-wise, the library organizes orientation programmes for fresh students and also provides ready reference information services, readers’ advisory and guidance services. She equally provides consortia, current awareness, photocopying and bindery services (Student Handbook, 2012).
While in Abia state university library Uturu, the library was established in 1991 together with the university. The library on inception started with about two thousand (2000) volumes of books and other journals mostly from donations as was the case with Imo state universe library. The Abia state university library upon establishment had a
seating capacity of forty four (44) readers and staff strength of seventeen personnel. Her objective was derived from the parent her institution; which is to serve the interest of the university by providing extensive material and man power needed for study, teaching and research for both staff and students’ benefit. She also provides for inculcating the reading and library habits in the students. Interestingly, for easy management, the library is divided into three sections of: administration, technical services and reader’s services sections.
As growth is inevitable, the library now covers about 875.6 meters squared of landed area; and currently has a seating capacity of over seven hundred (700) readers. Moreover, the collection strength now stands at over sixty thousand (60, 000) volumes of books and pamphlets with about eight hundred (800) serial titles. Surprisingly, the library currently has over seventy two (72) personnel and offers the following services: Orientation programmes for fresh students in conjunction with the school and the General study (GST) until; ready referral and consortia services; indexing and abstracting services; selective Dissemination of Information (SDI); photocopying and bindery services.
Statement of the Problem
The provision of adequate infrastructure, library system and technologies as well as up to date resources and services cum co-ordinated users education programme can build a strong positive attitude for the use of library resources and services.
Consequently, university libraries in Nigeria are facing financial constraint in terms of resource acquisition, service delivery and above all provision of conducive atmosphere
devoid of hampering teaching, learning and research in the university community. In view of this, students in these universities could develop negative attitude on the use of the resources and services of their university libraries.
This is because, the researcher’s personal observation shows that in most Nigerian universities libraries especially the state owned ones, there is gross inadequacies in terms of resources ( information, financial and human) services and technologically supported systems. This as was observed by the researcher could hamper the building of strong resources and services by the students of the Nigerian Universities. Upon this background the study deemed it worthy to investigate the student’s attitude towards the use of library resources and services of Imo and Abia state universities.
Purpose of the Study:
The purpose of this study is to investigate Students’ altitudes towards the use of library resources and services of Imo state and Abia state university libraries. Specifically, the study intends to:
1. Ascertain the categories of library resources available in the libraries for use by students of Imo and Abia State Universities.
2. Identify the categories of library services available in the libraries for the students.
3. Determine the purpose for the use of the resources and services of the libraries.
4. Determine students’ attitudes towards the use of resources and services of the libraries.
5. Ascertain the factors affecting students attitudes on the use of resources and services of the libraries
6. Provide the appropriate strategies for improving the student’s attitudes on the use of the resources and services of the libraries.
Research Questions:
The following research questions were formulated to guide the study:
1. What are the categories of library resources available in the libraries for use by students of Imo and Abia State Universities?
2. What are the categories of library service available in the libraries for the students?
3. For what purpose do students use the library resources and services of the university libraries?
4. What are the students’ attitudes towards the use of library resources and services of the university libraries?
5. What are the factors that affects students attitude towards the use of library resources and services of their university libraries?
6. What are the appropriate strategies for improving student’s attitudes on the use of the resources and services of their libraries?
Research Hypothesis:
Ho: There is no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of IMSU students and ABSU students on their attitude towards the use of their library resources and services.
Ho: There is a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of IMSU students and ABSU students towards the use of their library resources and services. Significance of the Study:
The findings of this study are expected to benefit the following: university libraries, librarians, students, other researchers and the library profession.
University libraries will benefit from the findings of this study because it will provide them with the mind-set of the students towards their resources and services. It will also enable the libraries to ascertain whether they are meeting the needs of their users.
In addition, librarians will immensely benefit from the findings of this study because the findings will help them to know their areas of strength and weakness; thereby increasing the efficacy and efficiency of their services in the libraries where they works. Similarly, students will equally benefit from the findings of this study; as an improvement in the resources and services of the university libraries primarily provides for the information needs of students in the universities thereby building a positive attitude for the use of library resources and services.
Finally, other researchers and indeed library profession benefits too; from the findings of this study. For instance, as it serves as sources of information for other
researchers; it also adds to the knowledge in the profession. This obvious broadens the spectrum of the profession and make information available for future researchers.
Scope of the Study:
This study will cover Owerri in Imo state and Uturu in Abia state. This is because the university libraries under study – the Imo state and Abia state university libraries are located in those cities. Moreover, the study will cover the attitude of undergraduate and postgraduate towards the use of resources and services of these university libraries. The study is limited to the availability of the resources and services; students’ use of library resources and services; students’ attitude towards their use; factors affecting students’ attitudes on the use of library resources and services; and appropriate strategies for improving their attitude on the use library resources and services of university libraries under study.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES OF IMO AND ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
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