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[ Article ] | |
International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology | |
ISSN: 2234-0068 (Print) 2287-187X (Online) | |
Utilisation of Resources and Services in Libraries in Selected Public Libraries in South-West Nigeria | |
Samuel O. Ogunniyi* ; Jesubukade E. Ajakaye** ; Johnson A. Akerele*** ; Dare S. Adeleke****
| |
*Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State (samogunniyi2015@gmail.com) | |
**Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State (ajakaye.bukade@gmail.com) | |
***Babs Fafunwa Library, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State (akereleayodeji100@gmail.com) | |
****Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State (dareadeleke2@gmail.com) | |
The public library is the university of the people. It is the library that is been founded and funded by local, and state governments in a particular community. Every category of people in the community is expected to enjoy the resources and services offered by the public library. It is observed that some public libraries in Nigeria are not living up to the expectations of their clientele in the area of rendering service to them. The study adopted a survey type of research. The population of the study consisted of library 136 users and 37 staff of Ekiti State Library Board, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Ondo State Library Board, Akure, Ondo State, Ogun State Library Board, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Osun State Library Board, Osogbo, Osun State, and Oyo State Library Board, Ibadan, Oyo State. The study found that textbooks, reference resources, and storybooks were resources available in the library. reference services, lending services, and book reservations were the most services offered in the libraries and users were satisfied with these services. The prevalent challenges include no internet facility in the library; inadequate library resources; and lack of electronic information resources. Public libraries are the backbone of the community and the use of their resources and services impacts the development of that community. State Library Boards must look toward automating public libraries through the provision of electronic resources and necessary gadgets, and must hold current and up-to-date titles to meet the needs of the public.
Keywords: Development, Information Resources, Information Services, Nigeria, Public Library |
The public library is the University of the People. It is the library that is been founded and funded by local, state, and federal governments in a particular community. According to IFLA (2010), a public library is an organisation established, supported, and funded by the community, either through local, regional, or national government or through some other form of community organisation. It provides access to knowledge, information, lifelong learning, and works of the imagination through a range of resources and services and is equally available to all members of the community regardless of race, nationality, age, gender, religion, language, disability, economic, and employment status, and educational attainment. Physical and electronic resources are expected to be provided by the public library for the users. The primary purpose of the public library is to provide resources and services in a variety of media to meet the needs of individuals and groups for education, information, and personal development including recreation and leisure (IFLA, 2010).
Public libraries offer access to information, knowledge, and creative works through a variety of resources and services, ensuring equal availability to all community members regardless of race, age, language, religion, nationality, gender, disability, economic status, employment status, or educational attainment. They cater to a diverse user base within their host community, providing services such as user education, interlibrary loans/connections, abstracting and indexing services, bibliographical services, reference services, and circulation services. Additional services include photocopying, compiling reading lists and bibliographies, and publishing (Obuezie et al., 2022). These services offered by libraries are typically presented in a user-friendly format to ensure easy access. With these available information resources, library services can be easily utilized and accessed. As a “layman’s university,” the public library is expected to provide ample information resources and services for all user categories in a way that ensures ease of use and satisfaction (Ntogo-Saghanen & Echedom, 2023; Obuezie et al., 2022).
The availability of these information resources and services necessitates effective access. Ejechi (2019) also confirmed that libraries in Nigeria suffer from inadequate funding due to funding cuts and budget constraints, a demoralized and insufficient workforce, inadequate accommodation, and other issues. These challenges have hindered the library’s ability to provide access and equity to diverse and underserved populations. To this end, this study seeks to research the utilisation of resources and services in libraries in selected public libraries in southwestern, Nigeria.
Every category of people in the community is expected to enjoy the resources and services offered by the public library. However, it was observed that some public libraries in Nigeria are not living up to the expectations of their clientele in the area of rendering adequate information resources and services to them. This could be due to users’ knowledge about the library, availability of information resources and services, and challenges affecting the provision of these information resources and services among others. Therefore, this study seeks to research the utilisation of resources and services in libraries in selected public libraries in southwestern, Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study are to:
Public libraries play significant roles in the development of a nation in the area of education, information provision, cultural promotion, and relaxation of the citizenry. Findings from this study will provide information to the various organs in the country to improve the services of public libraries in southwestern, Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study are to:
International Federation of Library Association (2011) as cited by Dapo-Asaju, Ekeh, Makinde, and Ogungbo (2021) stressed that the information resources to be provided by public Libraries are fiction, textbooks, newspapers, magazines, pictures, posters, records, tapes, audio, video, toys, CD-ROM, braille materials, Internets and e-resources. Literature showed different patterns of availability of these resources across Nigeria. For instance, Dapo-Asaju et al. (2021) found that textbooks were the major resources available in public Libraries in Lagos State, even though resources such as magazines, journals, newspapers, and story books were also available in various degrees.
In a study carried out by Nwabueze and Ntogo-Saghanen (2021) in public Libraries in Rivers State, it was found that information resources available were predominantly traditional prints such as textbooks, reference materials, fiction, and children’s books. The observation checklist showed that only the public Library in Gokana has ICT resources such as CDROM, e-books, e-journals and Internet facilities. Moreso, Iwhiwhu, and Okorodudu (2012) recorded that in Edo State, resources such as fiction, textbooks, audiovisuals, and reference resources were scantly available in public libraries. It was also found that available journals were not relevant to the needs of the users. The most used resource was newspapers.
In addition, Nwachukwu, Abdulsalami, and Salami (2014) investigated a public Library in Lafia Nasarawa State and found that 21% of respondents agreed that resources were very adequate, while 61% stated they were adequate and 18% agreed they were not adequate. Similarly, in Bauchi State public library, Abdullahi and Aliyu (2019) recorded that 27.3% of the respondents indicated that books were available, while 13.6% expressed that computers and Internet facilities were not sufficient.
Utilization means use or engagement. There are different patterns of use of library resources across states in Nigeria. For instance, Dapo-Asaju, Ekeh, Makinde, and Ogungbo (2021) studied utilization of resources in public libraries in Lagos State and found that students used them for study skill acquisition (x = 3.58), examination (x = 3.37) assignment (x = 3.33) and personal development. Contrarily, the students rarely used the public Libraries for relaxation/news (x = 2.20). Nwabueze and Ntogo-Saghanen (2021) found that Rivers State public library users used 19 out of 27 information resources available which by implication means they used different information sources.
Nwachukwu et al. (2014) observed that users of the Lafia public library used it for assignments. Also, Abdulahi et al. (2019) found that in Bauchi State public library, 56.8% of respondents utilized books/journals regularly, 75% consulted newspapers and 30% used the computer/internet. Similarly, Obinyan, Obinyan, and Aidenojie (2011) investigated four public libraries in Edo State and found that readers’ majority use them for 2 days, 25% of the respondents usually borrowed books, 18.3% read newspapers, 16.7%, 10.8% 10% and 2.5% used the library for assignments, employment, general knowledge and leisure respectively. Also, fiction and reference materials were mostly used while indigenous knowledge materials were least consulted because farmers and petty traders rarely used the libraries.
Doo and Aliyu (2015) affirmed that in Benue State public libraries, the most consulted reference materials was encyclopedia while the constitution was the least consulted indicating one of the reasons some Nigerians were not politically literate.
The diversity of services offered by modern public libraries are not easy to describe succinctly. This raises the question of whether modern public library use is best measured using separate, uncorrelated indicators, or if a multivariate factor accounting for a combination of use modalities might be more apt (Burke, 2018).
The current challenging environment for public libraries has resulted in an ever-greater need to demonstrate and evidence the quality of library provision as well as the value and impact of these services on society (Reid, 2019). This assertion was further established in research, conducted on behalf of the Scottish Library and Information Council, hat reviewed previous quality standard mechanisms used in Scotland and resulted in the creation of a new framework. Data used were gathered through a systematic review of all published quality audits of Scottish public libraries, focus groups with heads of service, and impact workshops with library personnel. The outcomes resulted in the development of new strategies for measuring and evaluating the quality of provision as well as the value and impact of Scottish public libraries.
Anusha Bhat, and Rao (2020), in a related study that investigates the utilization and user satisfaction of public library resources and services at City Central Library, Shimoga, India. The study examines the various resources provided and the services rendered by the City Central Library. It was gathered that more than half of the users (50% above) were satisfied with the resources, facilities, and services provided by the library. This outcome of the study also revealed that the library is extensively used by users of all age groups. Services available at the public library under study are Newspaper clipping service, reservation service, current awareness service, reference service, circulation service, book exhibition, computer/internet browsing service, and reservation service.
Considering the loftiness of the purpose of establishing public libraries around the globe, public libraries in Nigeria are betide with various shades of challenges that have stalled their growth and development. Saka (2019), in Chukwueke (2020) reported that neglect, lack of recognition, inadequate funding and personnel had contributed to ineffective service delivery over the years. These above stated factors have dwarfed its growth and development, giving way to its perpetual groping in irrelevance, this was attested by Bankole (cited in Ogbonyomi, 2007).
In a study by Unegbu, Ikonne, and Ohwofasa (2023) titled: The application of ICT competence in library service delivery in public libraries in South-South, Nigeria sought to ascertain the influence ICT competence had on service delivery by library personnel. Findings attributed poor ICT competence to the continuing poor results on service delivery. The study concluded that ICT application improved service delivery of library personnel in public libraries in South-South, Nigeria. They recommended that library management should formulate, invest in the training, and up-skill public librarians.
Taking a clue from the work of Kamba (as cited in Saka, 2019), limitations identified with the Nigerian public library system are infrastructural in nature such as poor road network, digital divide as a result of poor ICT infrastructure, and power supply (electricity). They assert that effective information services cannot be achieved without a good road network (especially, for mobile services), internet services, regular and steady electricity supply in remote areas.
According to Anusha, Bhat, and Rao (2020), in a study that examined utilization and user satisfaction of public library resources and services: A case study of City Central Library, Shimoga, India. The authors reported that more than one-third of the respondents (41%) stated that there are insufficient reading spaces, chairs, and tables. One-fifth of respondents (20%) are faced with the challenge of frequent power cuts. Other challenges encountered by the users of the library reported are inconvenient opening hours, slow internet speed, inadequate library collection, unconducive location for learning, poor ventilation within the library, collection in the library not up-to-date, and lack of skilled staff in the library. Further, 24% of respondents mentioned that lack of time is a problem in using the library.
The study adopted a survey type of research. The population of the study consisted of library users and staff of Ekiti State Library Board, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Ondo State Library Board, Akure, Ondo State, Ogun State Library Board, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Osun State Library Board, Osogbo, Osun State, and Oyo State Library Board, Ibadan, Oyo State. Six research questions guided the study. Questionnaires were administered to library staff and users. Data collected was analysed with the use of descriptive statistics techniques such as frequencies, percentages, and mean with standard deviation. The study recruited 136 library patrons through an accidental sampling technique and 37 library personnel questionnaires duly filled and returned useful for the studies from the selected five (5) Public Libraries. Of the staff sample population, 19 (51%) were from Oyo State, 8 (22%) were from Ogun State, 4 (11%) were from Ondo State and 3 (8%) each were from Ekiti and Osun States. Of the user population, 39 (29%) were from Osun State, 34 (25%) were from Ogun State, 27 (20%) each were from Oyo and Ondo States while 9 (6%) were from Ekiti State.
∙ RQ1: What are the available types of resources in the selected public libraries in Nigeria?
From Table 1a, the library patrons opined that textbooks, story books, and reference books were the most available types of information resources available in their public library while the least available resources include e-journals, electronic databases, e-books, and audiovisual materials. From Table 1b, the library staff asserted that reference books, newspapers, textbooks, and story books, were the most available types of information resources available while in their public library while the least available resources include electronic databases, e-books, e-journals, and audiovisual materials.
Resources | Available | Not Available |
---|---|---|
Textbooks | 127 (93.4%) | 9 (6.6%) |
Journal | 97 (71.3%) | 39 (28.7%) |
E-books | 29 (21.3%) | 107 (78.7%) |
E-journals | 24 (17.6%) | 112 (82.4%) |
Reference books | 105 (77.2%) | 31 (22.8%) |
Newspapers | 98 (72.1%) | 38 (27.9%) |
Magazines | 93 (68.4%) | 43 (31.6%) |
Story Books | 114 (83.8%) | 22 (16.2%) |
Audiovisual materials | 33 (24.3%) | 103 (75.7%) |
Electronic Database | 29 (21.3%) | 107 (78.7%) |
Resources | Available | Not Available |
---|---|---|
Textbooks | 35 (94.6%) | 2 (5.4%) |
Journal | 31 (83.8%) | 6 (16.2%) |
E-books | 8 (21.6%) | 29 (78.4%) |
E-journals | 9 (24.3%) | 28 (75.7%) |
Reference books | 36 (97.3%) | 1 (2.7%) |
Newspapers | 36 (97.3%) | 1 (2.7%) |
Magazines | 28 (75.7%) | 9 (24.3%) |
Story Books | 36 (97.3%) | 1 (2.7%) |
Audiovisual materials | 20 (54.1%) | 17 (45.9%) |
Electronic Database | 10 (27.0%) | 27 (73.0%) |
This finding is corroborated by Nwabueze and Ntogo-Saghanen (2021) who studied public Libraries in Rivers State, it was found that information resources available were predominantly traditional prints such as textbooks, reference materials, fiction, and children’s books. The observation checklist showed that only the public Library in Gokana has ICT resources such as CDROM, e-books, e-journals and Internet facilities. Moreso, Iwhiwhu, and Okorodudu (2012) recorded that in Edo State, newspapers were the most available resources while audiovisuals were scantly available.
∙ RQ2: To what extent is the resources available utilized in the selected public libraries in Nigeria?
Using the 2.50 cut-off mark, Findings from Table 2 only Textbooks and storybooks are highly used by respondents in public libraries. Reference books and Newspapers were moderately used while the extent of use of e-journals, electronic databases, e-books, and audiovisual materials is very low. Overall, the use of information resources in public libraries can be said to be low.
Resources | Very High Extent |
High Extent |
Moderate Extent |
Low Extent |
Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Textbooks | 46 (33.8%) |
30 (22.1%) |
34 (25.0%) |
26 (19.1%) |
2.71 | 1.130 |
Journal | 19 (14.0%) |
16 (11.8%) |
51 (37.5%) |
50 (36.8%) |
2.03 | 1.025 |
E-books | 4 (2.9%) |
10 (7.4%) |
41 (30.1%) |
81 (59.6%) |
1.54 | .759 |
E-journals | 2 (1.5%) |
13 (9.6%) |
30 (22.1%) |
91 (66.9%) |
1.46 | .729 |
Reference books | 26 (19.1%) |
26 (19.1%) |
45 (33.1%) |
39 (28.7%) |
2.29 | 1.081 |
Newspapers | 21 (15.4%) |
33 (24.3%) |
35 (25.7%) |
47 (34.6%) |
2.21 | 1.083 |
Magazines | 22 (16.2%) |
27 (19.9%) |
36 (26.5%) |
51 (37.5%) |
2.15 | 1.099 |
Story Books | 38 (27.9%) |
28 (20.6%) |
36 (26.5%) |
34 (25.0%) |
2.51 | 1.148 |
Audiovisual materials | 6 (4.4%) |
12 (8.8%) |
40 (29.4%) |
78 (57.4%) |
1.60 | .828 |
Electronic Database | 4 (2.9%) |
10 (7.4%) |
40 (29.4%) |
82 (60.3%) |
1.53 | .760 |
Arithmetic Mean = 2.00, Std Dev. = .964 |
Nwachukwu et al. (2014) observed that users of the Lafia public library used it for assignments. Also, Abdulahi et al. (2019) found that in Bauchi State public library, 56.8% of respondents utilized books/journals regularly, 75% consulted newspapers and 30% used the computer/internet. Similarly, Obinyan, Obinyan, and Aidenojie (2011) investigated four public libraries in Edo State and found that readers’ majority use them for 2 days, 25% of the respondents usually borrowed books, 18.3% read newspapers, 16.7%, 10.8% 10% and 2.5% used the library for assignments, employment, general knowledge and leisure respectively. Also, fiction and reference materials were mostly used while indigenous knowledge materials were least consulted because farmers and petty traders rarely used the libraries.
∙ RQ3: What are the services being rendered in the selected public libraries in Nigeria?
Using the 2.50 cut-off mark, Library users from Table 3a revealed that reference services, lending services and book reservation were the most library services offered to them in public libraries. Library staff on Table revealed that reference services, circulation services, book reservations and newspaper clipping were the most offered library services in their library. The users noted that least provided library services in public libraries included internet services, interlibrary lending, and photocopying services.
Services | Strongly Agreed | Agreed | Disagreed | Strongly Disagreed | Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reference service | 34 (25.0%) |
68 (50.0%) |
12 (8.8%) |
22 (16.2%) |
2.84 | .983 |
Lending service | 34 (25.0%) |
48 (35.3%) |
30 (22.1%) |
24 (17.6%) |
2.68 | 1.039 |
Interlibrary Lending | 9 (6.6%) |
22 (16.2%) |
61 (44.9%) |
44 (32.4%) |
1.97 | .869 |
Internet services | 7 (5.1%) |
33 (24.3%) |
39 (28.7%) |
57 (41.9%) |
1.93 | .932 |
Photocopying services | 14 (10.3%) |
40 (29.4%) |
39 (28.7%) |
43 (31.6%) |
2.18 | .998 |
Newspaper clipping | 17 (12.5%) |
35 (25.7%) |
47 (34.6%) |
37 (27.2%) |
2.24 | .991 |
Book reservation | 25 (18.4%) |
44 (32.4%) |
40 (29.4%) |
27 (19.9%) |
2.49 | 1.011 |
Current Awareness Service | 15 (11.0%) |
50 (36.8%) |
33 (24.3%) |
38 (27.9%) |
2.31 | 1.000 |
Selective Dissemination of Information | 15 (11.0%) |
51 (37.5%) |
35 (25.7%) |
35 (25.7%) |
2.34 | .983 |
Services | Strongly Agreed | Agreed | Disagreed | Strongly disagreed | Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reference services | 23 (62.2%) |
14 (37.8%) |
- | - | 3.62 | .492 |
Circulation services | 26 (70.3%) |
11 (29.7%) |
- | - | 3.70 | .463 |
Current Awareness Services | 11 (29.7%) |
19 (51.4%) |
5 (13.5%) |
2 (5.4%) |
3.05 | .815 |
Internet services | 9 (24.3%) |
12 (32.4%) |
11 (29.7%) |
5 (13.5%) |
2.68 | 1.002 |
Photocopying services | 9 (24.3%) |
8 (21.6%) |
16 (43.2%) |
4 (10.8%) |
2.59 | .985 |
Newspaper clipping | 13 (35.1%) |
12 (32.4%) |
9 (24.3%) |
3 (8.1%) |
2.95 | .970 |
Book reservation | 16 (43.2%) |
16 (43.2%) |
5 (13.5%) |
- | 3.30 | .702 |
Book exhibition | 6 (16.2%) |
18 (48.6%) |
10 (27.0%) |
3 (8.1%) |
2.73 | .838 |
Anusha Bhat, and Rao (2020), reported that Newspaper clipping service, reservation service, current awareness service, reference service, circulation service, book exhibition, computer/internet browsing service, and reservation service.
∙ RQ4: How satisfied are you with the services being rendered in the selected public libraries in Nigeria?
Findings from Table 4 revealed that users were most satisfied with reference services, book reservations and lending services. The least library services respondents are satisfied with include internet services, interlibrary lending and selective dissemination of information. Anusha Bhat, and Rao (2020), gathered that more than half of the users (50% above) were satisfied with the resources, facilities, and services provided by the library.
Services | Highly satisfied | Satisfied | Dissatisfied | Highly Dissatisfied | Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reference service | 28 (20.6%) |
72 (52.9%) |
23 (16.9%) |
13 (9.6%) |
2.85 | .860 |
Lending service | 25 (18.4%) |
42 (30.9%) |
43 (31.6%) |
26 (19.1%) |
2.50 | 1.004 |
Interlibrary Lending | 9 (6.6%) |
31 (22.8%) |
60 (44.1%) |
36 (26.5%) |
2.10 | .868 |
Internet services | 10 (7.4%) |
26 (19.1%) |
55 (40.4%) |
45 (33.1%) |
2.01 | .907 |
Photocopying services | 8 (5.9%) |
45 (33.1%) |
51 (37.5%) |
32 (23.5%) |
2.21 | .873 |
Newspaper clipping | 12 (8.8%) |
43 (31.6%) |
48 (35.3%) |
33 (24.3%) |
2.25 | .925 |
Book reservation | 19 (14.0%) |
55 (40.4%) |
36 (26.5%) |
26 (19.1%) |
2.50 | .958 |
Current Awareness Service | 14 (10.3%) |
45 (33.1%) |
42 (20.9%) |
35 (25.7%) |
2.28 | .964 |
Selective Dissemination of Information | 14 (10.3%) |
36 (26.5%) |
52 (38.2%) |
34 (25.0%) |
2.22 | .940 |
Arithmetic Mean = 2.32, Std Dev. = .922 |
∙ RQ5: What are the challenges confronting the resources and services rendered in the selected public libraries in Nigeria?
The users as shown in Table 5a reported that the challenges they face while using the resources and services provided by public libraries include no internet facility in the library; Inadequate library resources; Lack of electronic information resources; Relaxation centre/room not available in the library; and There are obsolete collections in the library. Also, the library staff of Table 5b reported that poor funding, Non-provision of electronic information resources in the library, lack of electronic databases, and inadequate staffing were the major challenges they faced in the provision of information resources as services.
Item | Strongly Agreed | Agreed | Disagreed | Strongly disagreed | Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poor lighting system in the library. | 21 (15.4%) |
47 (34.6%) |
34 (25.0%) |
34 (25.0%) |
2.40 | 1.028 |
Inadequate library resources. | 31 (22.8%) |
53 (39.0%) |
34 (25.0%) |
18 (13.2%) |
2.71 | .965 |
Epileptic power supply in the library | 23 (16.9%) |
47 (34.6%) |
35 (25.7%) |
31 (22.8%) |
2.46 | 1.025 |
Unconducive environment in the library. | 9 (6.6%) |
22 (16.2%) |
69 (50.7%) |
36 (26.5%) |
2.03 | .834 |
There are obsolete collections in the library. | 29 (21.3%) |
40 (29.4%) |
46 (33.8%) |
21 (15.4%) |
2.57 | .994 |
There is no internet facility in the library. | 45 (33.1%) |
41 (30.1%) |
29 (21.3%) |
21 (15.4%) |
2.81 | 1.065 |
Inability to borrow books in the library. | 13 (9.6%) |
21 (15.4%) |
65 (47.8%) |
37 (27.2%) |
2.07 | .900 |
Insufficient furniture in the library. | 21 (15.4%) |
40 (29.4%) |
42 (30.9%) |
33 (24.3%) |
2.36 | 1.016 |
Lack of electronic information resources. | 38 (27.9%) |
44 (32.4%) |
34 (25.0%) |
20 (14.7%) |
2.74 | 1.027 |
An uncooperative attitude of library staff in locating information resources. | 9 (6.6%) |
13 (9.6%) |
64 (47.1%) |
50 (36.8%) |
1.86 | .845 |
Relaxation centre/room is not available in the library. | 35 (25.7%) |
37 (27.2%) |
43 (31.6%) |
21 (15.4%) |
2.63 | 1.031 |
Children section is not available in the library. | 12 (8.8%) |
17 (12.5%) |
55 (40.4%) |
52 (38.2%) |
1.92 | .927 |
Item | Strongly Agreed | Agreed | Disagreed | Strongly disagreed | Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poor funding | 25 (67.6%) |
9 (24.3%) |
2 (5.4%) |
1 (2.7%) |
3.57 | .728 |
Inadequate library space | 6 (16.2%) |
4 (10.8%) |
20 (54.1%) |
7 (18.9%) |
2.24 | .955 |
Lack of current and up-to-date information resources in the library. | 12 (32.4%) |
9 (24.3%) |
12 (32.4%) |
4 (10.8%) |
2.78 | 1.031 |
Epileptic power supply in the library. | 9 (24.3%) |
11 (29.7%) |
7 (18.9%) |
10 (27.0%) |
2.51 | 1.146 |
There is an inadequate library staff. | 11 (29.7%) |
18 (48.6%) |
6 (16.2%) |
2 (5.4%) |
3.03 | .833 |
Non-provision of Internet facilities in the library. | 14 (37.8%) |
16 (43.2%) |
6 (16.2%) |
1 (2.7%) |
3.16 | .800 |
Non-provision of electronic information resources in the library. | 17 (45.9%) |
16 (43.2%) |
3 (8.1%) |
1 (2.7%) |
3.32 | .747 |
Lack of electronic databases. | 13 (35.1%) |
14 (37.8%) |
8 (21.6%) |
2 (5.4%) |
3.03 | .897 |
Saka (2019) reported that neglect, lack of recognition, inadequate funding, and personnel had contributed to ineffective service delivery over the years. Kamba (as cited in Saka, 2019), limitations identified with the Nigerian public library system are infrastructural in nature such as poor road network, digital divide as a result of poor ICT infrastructure, and power supply (electricity). Anusha, Bhat, and Rao (2020) reported that insufficient reading spaces, chairs, and tables, frequent power cuts, inconvenient opening hours, slow internet speed, inadequate library collection, unconducive location for learning, poor ventilation within the library, collection in the library not up-to-date, and lack of skilled staff in the library were some of the challenges faced by users of public libraries.
∙ RQ6: What are the solutions to the challenges confronting the resources and services rendered in the selected public libraries in Nigeria?
Finds from Table 6a reveal suggested solutions from users which include the provision of Internet facilities in the library; Provision of adequate information resources in the library; Acquisition of current information resources; and Provision of electronic resources in the library were the major solutions suggested by the users. The staff in Table 6b suggested that the Government should provide adequate funds for the acquisition of current and up-to-date information resources in the library. The Government should provide Internet facilities for effective library services. Funds should be released for the provision of solar systems for the library for the provision of alternate power supply.
Item | Strongly Agreed | Agreed | Disagreed | Strongly disagreed | Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Provision of adequate information resources in the library. | 67 (49.3%) |
58 (42.6%) |
4 (2.9%) |
7 (5.1%) |
3.36 | .776 |
Acquisition of current information resources. | 63 (46.3%) |
57 (41.9%) |
6 (4.4%) |
10 (7.3%) |
3.26 | .880 |
Provision of adequate furniture in the library | 55 (40.4%) |
61 (44.9%) |
12 (8.8%) |
8 (5.9%) |
3.20 | .833 |
Lending of books should be provided in the library. | 49 (36.0%) |
55 (40.4%) |
21 (15.4%) |
11 (8.1%) |
3.04 | .918 |
Provision of electronic resources in the library. | 66 (48.5%) |
53 (39.0%) |
9 (6.6%) |
8 (5.9%) |
3.30 | .837 |
Library staff should assist users in locating information resources. | 50 (36.8%) |
68 (50.0%) |
8 (5.9%) |
10 (7.4%) |
3.16 | .836 |
Internet facilities should be provided in the library. | 78 (57.4%) |
47 (34.6%) |
9 (6.6%) |
2 (1.5%) |
3.48 | .688 |
Relaxation centre/room should be provided for users in the library. | 58 (42.6%) |
51 (37.5%) |
21 (15.4%) |
6 (4.4%) |
3.18 | .854 |
Children section should be available in the library. | 49 (36.0%) |
59 (43.4%) |
13 (9.6%) |
15 (11.0%) |
3.04 | .950 |
Item | Strongly Agreed | Agreed | Disagreed | Strongly disagreed | Mean | Std Dev. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Provision of adequate information resources in the library. | 24 (64.9%) |
10 (27.0%) |
3 (8.1%) |
- | 3.57 | .647 |
Government should provide adequate funds for the acquisition of current and up-to-date information resources in the library. | 32 (86.5%) |
4 (10.8%) |
1 (2.7%) |
- | 3.84 | .442 |
The government should employ adequate library staff. | 28 (75.7%) |
8 (21.6%) |
1 (2.7%) |
- | 3.73 | .508 |
Funds should be released for the provision of solar systems for the library. | 24 (64.9%) |
12 (32.4%) |
1 (2.7%) |
3.62 | .545 | |
Modern library buildings should be provided to accommodate staff, users, and information resources. | 25 (67.6%) |
12 (32.4%) |
- | - | 3.68 | .475 |
The government should provide Internet facilities for effective library services. | 28 (75.7%) |
6 (16.2%) |
3 (8.1%) |
- | 3.68 | .626 |
Public libraries are the backbone of our society and the use of their resources and services impacts the development of that society. State Library boards in Nigeria must do more than the provision of adequate reading space but must begin to provide adequate information resources and services to users of all categories. Furthermore, Public Libraries in Nigeria need to begin to figure out how to bring more senior citizens to the library which interactions with the younger users help build the community identity. Public libraries need to do more in their provision of information resources and improve upon outdated information resources currently available.
The following recommendations are made to improve the utilisation of resources and services in public libraries in Nigeria:
1. | Abdulahi, D., & Aliyu A. A. (2019). Availability and use of information resources and services in Bauchi State Public Library. Research Journal of Library and Information Science, 3(14), 29-35. |
2. | Anusha B. N., Bhat, Shivananda K., & Rao, Mahabaleshwara (2020). Utilization and User Satisfaction of Public Library Resources and Services: A Case Study of City Central Library, Shimoga, India. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 4698. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4698. |
3. | Burke, Ian (2018). “Understanding Public Library Services and Use: A Structural Equation Modeling Framework” Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 1494. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd. |
4. | Chukwueke, & Chukwuemeka (2020). Transposing Public Libraries for Effective Information Services Delivery and Rural Development: The Nigerian Focus. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 4660. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4660. |
5. | Dapo-Asaju, H. S., Ekeh E. M., Makinde O. O., & Ogungbo A. (2021). Public libraries and available library resources and services in Lagos State. International Journals of Library and Information Sciences, 7(4), 25-32. |
6. | Doo, A. P., & Aliyu M. (2015). Utilization of references sources and services by users of Benue State public library, Makurdi, Nigeria. Information Impact, 6(1). |
7. | Ejechi, V. T. (2019). The State of The National Library of Nigeria: Why The Nigeria Government Must Act Fast. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 3571. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/3571 |
8. | International Federation of Libraries and Associations-IFLA (2010). IFLA public library services guidelines. The Hague, Netherlands: IFLA. |
9. | Ntogo-Saghanen, G. B., & Echedom, A. U. (2023). An assessment of library services rendered by public libraries in Rivers State of Nigeria. Bichi Journal of Education, 17(1), 13-25 |
10. | Nwabueze, A. U., & Ntogo-Saghanen G. B. (2021). Assessment of information resources in public libraries in River State. |
11. | Nwachukwu, V. N., Abdusalami T. L., & Salami P. F. (2014). Availability, accessibility and use of information resources and services among information seekers of Lafia Public Library, Nasarawa State. Information and Knowledge Management, 4(10). |
12. | Nwhiwhu, B. E., & Okorodudu P. O. (2012). Public library information resources and services. Library Philosophy and Practice. |
13. | Obinyan, G. A. Obinyan, O. O., & Aidenojie (2011). Use of information resources in four public libraries in Edo State. Chinese Librarianship. |
14. | Obuezie, A. C., Babayi, B. U., & Nwosu, C. M. (2022). Availability of information resources and services in public libraries for people with special needs. Library and Information Science Digest, 16, 1-12 |
15. | Ogbonyomi, A. N. (2007). The role of public library in universal basic education and learning to live in Nigeria. Borno Library and Information Science Journal, 6(2), 33-34. |
16. | Reid, P. H. (2019). How good is our public library service? The evolution of a new quality standards framework for Scottish public libraries 2012-2017. Journal of librarianship and information science |
17. | Saka, K. A. (2019). Public library services for a truly democratic Nigeria. A Paper Presented at the 57th National Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Library Association Held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Efurrun-Warri Delta State, Nigeria from 28th July – 2nd August, 2019. |
18. | Unegbu, Vincent, Ikonne, C. N., & Ohwofasa, Faith (2023). The Application of ICT Competence in Library Service Delivery in Public Libraries in South-South, Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, VII(VI), 1728-1737. |
Dr Samuel Oke Ogunniyi holds Bachelor, Master, and PhD degrees in Library and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. He has co-authored three (3) books, twenty-three (23) contributions to books and published conference proceedings, and fifty-three (53) published journal articles (local and international). Dr. Ogunniyi won the best documentation staff at the National Council for Arts and Culture, Lagos, Nigeria in 1991 and 1992. In 2016, Dr. Ogunniyi was awarded Prof. M. I. Ajibero’s 2015 Best PhD Thesis in Nigerian Library Schools at the National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association in Abuja. He is a registered member of the Nigerian Library Association, Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria, and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. He was promoted to Chief Librarian at Adeyemi College of Education (now Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo) in 2022. Dr. Ogunniyi is the pioneer Polytechnic Librarian at the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State. His areas of interest in library and information science among others are organization of knowledge, academic, school and public libraries, and library automation. He can be contacted through samogunniyi2015@gmail.com/+2348060053878.
Jesubukade Emmanuel Ajakaye has an MLIS in Library and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. He has 6 journal publications, 3 chapter contributions, and 9 conference papers, of which he presented 7. He was awarded Fellow of the Society for Scholarly Publishing for 2024. Since 2022, he has been the Systems Librarian at the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, Nigeria where he helps the user community access electronic information resources available to the Library.
AKERELE Johnson Ayodeji holds a PhD in library service delivery (Ibadan), a master’s in Library and Information Studies (Ibadan), a Bachelor of Forestry (Abeokuta), Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Ife) and a Certificate in Computer Studies. AKERELE is the Current Polytechnic Librarian of the Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti, Nigeria. He has written and published over 50 articles in reputable local and international journals and has contributed over 20 articles to several books. His research areas include library service delivery, school library media centre management and Information and Communication Technology utilization by library clientele. He can be contacted via 08033285670 or akereleayodeji100@gmail.com.
Dare Samuel Adeleke is currently the Head of, the Technical Services Department and Metadata Librarian at The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede (FEDPA), Nigeria and the immediate past Head, of Serials Services, Polytechnic digital Library, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Library and information studies from the Nigeria Premier University, University of Ibadan and a doctoral degree in view in the same department. Earlier in his career, he was with the University of Ibadan Archives and Information Services as an Ad hoc Project Assistant. He later served with Pathfinder College, Samonda, Ibadan, as the College Librarian. He has published in local and international journals of repute and has presented papers at local and international conferences. He has served in different academic and administrative committees at The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and currently serving as an internal member of the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, Nigeria. As an Academic Librarian, his research is inclined to information literacy, resource metadata, resource discovery, access to information, SDGs and user education. His passion for research in the field of Library and Information Studies positions him as a peer reviewer for some notable Journal outlets like DESIDOC Journal of Library and Information Technology (DJILIT) International Journal of knowledge Content Development and Technology (IJKCDT) in the field. He may be contacted at: adelekeds@federalpolyayede.edu.ng; dareadeleke2@gmail.com.