DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS, LIBRARY SERVICE QUALITY AND USE OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES BY LAW STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined demographic factors, library service quality and use of Electronic 
Information Resources (EIRs) by final-year law students in selected federal universities in 
South-West Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, employing total enumeration of 
552 final-year law students from the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, the University of 
Ibadan, and the University of Lagos. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire 
comprising four sub-sections and using the Cronbach Alpha method: demographic 
characteristics (α = 0.83), EIR use (α = 0.88), and library service quality (α = 0.71). Out of 
552 copies administered, 92.2% response rate were retrieved and found usable. Data were 
analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard 
deviation. Findings revealed that respondents were largely young adults, particularly those 
aged 26–35 years (30.1%).. Regarding EIR utilisation, Nigeria Weekly Law Report (80.7%), 
Law Pavilion (63.3%), and the library website (60.7%) were the most used resources, 
whereas   -ROM (18.9 ) was the least used.  espite the high usage of select resources, the 
overall frequency of EIR use was low (x  = 1.94), falling below the criterion  ean of 2.50. 
Si ilarly, perceived library service quality (x  = 1.24) was slightly below the bench ar  
average (x  = 2.46). The study concluded that although final-year law students in selected 
federal universities in South-West Nigeria, demonstrate awareness and selective use of key 
EIRs, the overall level of EIR utilisation and perceived library service quality remain below 
expected standards. Therefore, the study recommended strengthening awareness and training 
on EIRs, and high-quality library services should be prioritised.