Library Research Journal

AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR IGBO STUDIES IN CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, IGBARIAM CAMPUS

Victoria Obianuju Ezejiofor — 2022-09-30

This study examined availability and utilization of information resources for Igbo language studies in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University library (COOU), Igbariam. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Population of the study comprised 55 students of Igbo Language Department in COOU. The size of the population was small and manageable hence, the entire population was studied. The findings revealed that information resources for Igbo studies were not adequate and the students were not satisfied with the resources. Major challenge the students faced was insufficient information resources particularly on Igbo Grammar and Linguistics as well as their inability to locate the information resources in the library. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made. The study recommends that the library should acquire adequate information resources and conduct user education for students. It was also recommended that the library should create a separate section for Igbo language and culture literature.

ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-EAST

Roseline Nkechi Obiozor-Ekeze — 2022-09-30

The purpose of this study was to determine the prospects and challenges to the acquisition of information resources in university libraries in South East Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of this study comprised all the 157 catalogue librarians in the cataloguing section in the 10 public university libraries in the South-East Nigeria. No sampling was done as the population was of manageable size. The two sets of questionnaires titled ‘Prospects of the Acquisition of Library Resources in University Libraries Questionnaire (PALRULQ)’ and Challenges to the Acquisition of Library Resources in University Libraries Questionnaire (CALRULQ)’ were used for data collection. The questionnaires were structured on four- point rating scale. Data collected were analysed using mean score rating. Item with 2.5 mean rating and above was regarded as positive. The findings of the study revealed that increase in the variety of books for use by library patrons; increase in the currency of information resources; availability of information resources for teaching by lecturers; availability of information resources for learning by students, availability of information resources for research as well as the provision of opportunity to weed out less vital information resources were the prospects of acquisition of library resources.Furthermore, the findings revealed that inadequate funding; lack of required materials locally; over protection of government’s documents; poor resource allocation; poor resource utilization; lack of clearly defined acquisition policy; out-sourcing; change in publication date and adherence to due process were challenges militating against acquisition practices. Based on the findings, it was recommended that acquisition librarians should ensure that only resources that meet the needs and preference of its patrons are purchased and that such acquisitions should be guided by a well-articulated collection development policy.

INSPIRING ONLINE LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES DURING COVID 19: PERCEPTION OF INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Adaora M. Orakpor — 2022-09-30

The purpose of this paper was to examine the perception of information professionals on the availability and effective use of inspiring online library and information services during Covid-19 pandemic era in Anambra State. Four research questions guided the study. The research was focused on academic libraries. The research adopted a survey research design. Population of the study comprised information professionals from selected academic libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria. An online survey google questionnaire form was created to collect and analyze data from respondents. A total of 62 information professionals in the selected academic libraries responded to the online questionnaire form which was also used for the analysis. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that inspiring online library information services should be embraced since the pandemic hindered physical visit to libraries. Poor Internet connectivity, paucity of funds, irregular power supply, ineffectiveness of Ask-A-Librarian services in most libraries, among others were some identified challenges militating against the availability and effective use of the inspiring online library information services. Based on the findings, recommendations were made on how to improve inspiring online library services in academic libraries in Anambra State.

LIBRARIANS’ ICT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: NEED FOR EFFECTIVE LIBRARY SERVICES AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN ANAMBRA STATE

Regina Eyiuche Obiadazie — 2023-02-05

The study was focused on how to developed librarians’ knowledge and ICT skills for effective library services and national integration. Three research questions guided the study. The study was conducted in Anambra State, Nigeria. Population of the study comprised 208 librarians (49 males and 159 females) in 16 libraries in Anambra State. There was no sampling as the population was small and manageable. Instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled ‘Librarians Knowledge and Skill of ICT for Effective Library Services and National Integration’. Data collected was analysed using mean score rating. The findings of the study revealed that librarians need ICT skills to develop web-based applications; access and deliver e-mails, e-resources and databases, and so on. It was also revealed that librarians in Anambra State possessed ICT skills such as sending e-mails; Internet searching; typing and printing documents; providing information literacy education, amongst others. Furthermore, the study revealed that librarians’ knowledge and ICT skill could be developed through sharing of ideas with more knowledgeable librarians; brainstorming with computer operators working in the LIS Department; enforcing the use of e-mail services in contacting librarians and online publication of articles in high impact journals. It was recommended that the NLA should increase the number of professional development programmes such as conferences and seminars to enable librarians acquire new ideas and learn best practices.