ISSN 2348-1218 (print) International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations ISSN 2348-1226 (online) Vol. 8, Issue 3, pp: (40-51), Month: July - September 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Library Resources Utilization in Nigerian Polytechnics Hamisu Manu Ibrahim Library department Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State Nigeria.
Abstract: This research work was carried out to assess the utilization of library information resources by some selected Nigerian Polytechnics in North-East Zone of Nigeria. The achievement of any library depends on its resources and the utilization of the resources. The specific objectives of the study were identify library information resources in the Polytechnic libraries, determine the capacities of each library in the sample polytechnics, identify if these information resources are fully utilized, identify factors contributing to the level of utilization, and suggested ways to improve library resources utilization by the stakeholders. Four research questions guided this study. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of this study comprises of Academic Staff and Students of the Polytechnic Libraries in North-East-Zone of Nigeria. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. A total of four hundred and fifty (450) copies of questionnaire were administered, 75 copies for each. Out of this population 50 was drawn from each polytechnic to serve as representative sample and three hundred (300) copies were retrieved from the respondents. The data gathered through the questionnaire were analysed through the use of frequency count and simple percentage. Findings shows that the respondents agreed to the convenience of all the listed information resources in the questionnaire. Majority of the respondents used the library information resources for the purpose of obtaining general information, for examination, for assignment and for research. The findings also exposed that majority of the respondents use the library information resources daily, while textbooks were found to be the most utilized library resources by the respondents. As revealed in the findings, only few respondents indicated that they were having challenges in their utilization of library information resources. Some recommendations were made to enhance better use of the library information resources in the some selected polytechnics in the North-East Zone of Nigeria. Keywords: Library, resources, library information resources, utilization information resources.
I. INTRODUCTION The library is a repository of knowledge and a dynamic social institution, an indispensable resources centre for reliable information and meant to preserve the recorded knowledge of Man for use. A resource is defined by Collins English Dictionary (2003) as the total means available for economic, political and educational development, such as Mineral, labour force and armaments. It is something that is available and can Be used for support or help. This includes human and materials items available in an environment or in an organization. Library resources are made up of these two components – human and materials. However, for the purpose of the present study, library resources refer to information materials available for Users‟ educational and research needs. Popoola and Haliso (2009:65) defined library resources as “those information bearing materials that are both in print and in Electronic format.” Similarly, Oyewusi and Oyeboade (2009:46) defined library resources as “collections of texts and bibliographic information sources and information technology such as those that support browsing and authoring and communication like computer and the internet. Meadow and Yuan as cited in Popoola (2008) noted that library resources are the message that changes the Recipient‟s knowledge base. Through the utilization of these resources, users acquire new knowledge as well as expand the existing ones.
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