NAU Journal of Library and Information Science
NAU Journal of Library and Information Science is an annual publication of Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State.
Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State.
DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS, LIBRARY SERVICE QUALITY AND USE OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES BY LAW STUDENTS IN NIGERIA
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.
REVISITING READING: A VERITABLE CATALYST FOR SOCIETAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Reading is a veritable catalyst for achieving societal growth and development. It is the bedrock for a truly great democratic, politically united, economically prosperous and socially organized country. No nation of the world attains any form of development when its people are not literate. This paper defines reading as the process of constructing meaning from written texts. It underscored the importance of reading in societal growth and development. The paper discussed the paradigm shift in reading in 21st Century networked society. It highlighted the constraints for the development of reading culture such as absence of school libraries, lack of conducive and stimulating environment, radical change in value system, harsh economy and high cost of books. Major strategies for the development of reading culture including initiation of family literacy programme, early introduction of children to reading, subsidization of book publishing, promotion of reading culture by libraries and librarians among others were discussed. The paper urged librarians, parents, teachers, publishers and government agencies to work together to build a virile reading nation. It recommends the implementation of the UNESCO minimum benchmark of twenty-six percentage of a country‟s national budgets for education and adequate funding of educational sector by all tiers of government which will help to promote reading culture.
EXAMINING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS FOR INFORMATION SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIAN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
The study was conducted to examine social media platform for information service delivery by Nigerian federal university libraries. Four (4) research objectives guided the conduct of the study. One (1) null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance to test the relationship between variables of the study. Quantitative research methodology using survey research design was used. The population of the study comprised 243 system staff from 33 federal university libraries in Nigeria that used social media. Total enumeration was used to include all the system staff. Questionnaire was the instrument was used for data collection. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Blog and Twitter (also X) were used in the libraries studied and more frequently than other types of social media. They were used to deliver current awareness service, dissemination of library event and reference service. Challenges associated with the use of social media by the libraries include low presence of social media on websites, inadequate infrastructure to access IT facilities among others. Hypothesis test showed that the alternative hypothesis was accepted and the null hypothesis was rejected which signifies relationship between the variables. It was recommended to the system staff to explore other types of social media such as RSS feed, podcast and other emerging social media that may have features to fit into information services of the libraries. This would help the library diversify the scope of its service provision to include as Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), assistance in the use library tools (OPAC) among others.
Digital Libraries in Nigeria’s New Age: Challenges and Prospects
The development of digital libraries has brought about changes in the mode of service delivery and the way library information is accessed and disseminated. However, their operation is influenced by various factors, including emerging technologies, user needs and organizational contexts. This paper, therefore, discussed the concepts of new age and digital libraries, and the requirements for digital library operations in the new age. It also examined the prospects of digital libraries which focused on the expected roles of libraries/librarians, the quality of information resources and services, access to information resources in digital format, users‟ satisfaction with digital library systems as well as digital preservation of local contents. The challenges affecting the smooth running of digital libraries such as poor funding, lack of digital facilities, inadequate number of librarians with digital technology skills, etc. were highlighted. Suggestions for improvement such as improved funding for libraries, provision of training opportunities for librarians in ICT, acquisition of state-of-the-art facilities, etc. were also provided to ameliorate the situation.
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A PROTOTYPE FOR ADOPTION
This paper discusses indigenous knowledge management for sustainable development in Nigeria, using Nonaka‟s Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization (SECI) model as a prototype for adoption. Indigenous knowledge (IK) popularly known as traditional knowledge has its numerous benefits, with a high capability of contributing positively to sustainable development in Nigeria if it is rightly utilized and applied to diverse situations. This paper discusses the categories of IK, benefits of IK, and knowledge management procedures in managing IK, among others. It also identified some challenges limiting the use and application of IK such as low recognition of IK, lack of IK policy, and hi unwillingness on the part of the custodians to share IK among others. As concluded in this paper, Nonaka‟s SECI model should be adopted in promoting a viable and feasible solution to the numerous problems affecting the proper management of IK and scientific knowledge (SK) in Nigeria. The adoption of this model would help to improve the capturing, sharing, and utilization of indigenous and scientific knowledge in local and non-local communities in Nigeria. Also, this model will also help in bringing out striking areas of differences and similarities in the application of IK and SK; thereby promoting sustainable development rather than segregating one as inferior to the other.
IMPACT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE ACQUISITION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS IN THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OKO LIBRARY
The objective of the study was to examine the impact of Information Communication Technology on the acquisition of library materials in Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Specifically, the study identified the impact of ICT on the acquisition of library materials and the challenges of employing ICT in the acquisition of library materials. The study was guided by three research questions. A descriptive survey research method was used to elicit responses from the entire population of 30 library staff of Federal Polytechnic Oko Library. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean scores and frequencies). The findings revealed that cost savings as a result of using ICT for material acquisition; positive impact of ICT on the acquisition of library materials and improved efficiency of library material acquisition are the impact of ICT on the acquisition of library materials. The challenges identified were budget constraints and lack of staff training. The recommendations of this study include: the training of staff on ICT applications, the upgrade of ICT infrastructure, and addressing the challenges facing ICT implementation, like budget constraints and technical issues among others. ICT has greatly impacted the acquisition of library materials, and its effect can be seen in the increased efficiency of library acquisition, real-time inventory management, and speed or fastness in acquisition procedures, which should consistently be maintained by management. This study represents a fresh empirical investigation into the impact of Information Communication Technology on the acquisition of library materials in the Federal Polytechnic Oko library.
PERCEIVED IMPACT OF DIGITIZATION ON THE RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY OF LIBRARIANS IN NIGERIA.
This work is focused on establishing how digitization of library information materials affects the research productivity of Librarians in Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting 20 libraries that have digitized their information resources. Ten librarians, each from the universities were randomly selected for the study, making the sample size 200. Self-constructed questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS software. The outcome revealed that the types of information resources digitized by the libraries include theses and dissertations, research works published in local journals, conference papers, and inaugural lectures. Opportunities presented by digitization that impact the research productivity include; enhanced access to existing local scholarly works, giving visibility to individual and institutional research output, making researchers discoverable, and exposing them to the knowledge of other researchers in their areas of interest for collaboration purposes, etc. The perceived impacts of digitization on the research productivity of librarians are; enhanced quality of research, enhanced research output, high citation impacts, created room for multi-disciplinary, national, and international collaborations, and made them visible to grantors and funding bodies. The major challenges hindering the effective utilization of these resources include; irregular Internet access, limited awareness of the availability of the resources, infrastructure limitations, and erratic power supply.
LEADERSHIP STYLES OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARIANS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated leadership styles employed by university librarians in public university libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was made up of 67 librarians in three public university libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria. Data was gathered using a questionnaire and analyzed using simple frequency and percentage techniques with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22). Findings reveal democratic leadership (38.8%) and transformational leadership (31.3%) are the most common leadership styles. Also, majority of library staff (73.1%) accept that leadership styles influence the positive organizational culture for an overall constructive and supportive work environment. This study concluded that the leadership style of librarians in public university libraries in Rivers State is participative and transformational.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AS PREDICTOR OF LIBRARIANS‟ ATTITUDE TO CONSORTIUM IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
This study examined institutional support as a possible predictor of librarians‟ attitude to consortium in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria. Three hypotheses were tested at 0.5 level of significance. The research design was a correlation. The population of the study comprised one hundred and seventy-one (171) librarians from the five federal university libraries in South- East Nigeria. Due to the manageable size of the population, total enumeration was used. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using linear regressions and computed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS, V20). The study found that institutional support, such as access to training and institutional infrastructure support, significantly predicts librarians‟ attitudes towards consortiums in university libraries in South-East Nigeria. However, results showed that institutional financial support does not significantly predict librarians‟ attitude towards consortium. The study concluded that access to training and institutional infrastructure support is key factor that can enhance librarians‟ attitude toward consortium. Based on the findings, the study recommends, among other things, that the University Management should prioritize adequate institutional support, conduct regular needs assessments to identify the training and development needs of librarians, and provide targeted support to enhance their participation in consortium.
Technology-Enabled Knowledge Sharing in Federal Universities: Examining the Predictive Factors among Professional and Paraprofessional Librarians in South-East, Nigeria
This study examines factors predicting technology-enabled knowledge sharing among Professional and Paraprofessional Librarians (PPLs) in federal universities across South-East Nigeria. A total enumeration technique was employed, involving all 238 PPLs from five federal universities in the region. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire, with reliability coefficients of 0.84 for technology availability, 0.75 for perceived ease of use, 0.84 for perceived usefulness, and 0.90 for technology-enabled knowledge sharing. Descriptive statistics addressed research questions, while simple regression analysis tested hypotheses. Findings revealed that technology availability, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness positively and significantly predicted technology-enabled knowledge sharing. However, despite the availability of technology, ownership is primarily personal rather than institutional. Ease of use was moderate, as some PPLs struggled with troubleshooting and felt intimidated by technology. A small group perceived technology as unnecessary. Although LIS professionals actively engaged in online discussions and networking, their participation in content creation and structured knowledge-sharing platforms remained low. To address this, the study recommends among others, that the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) organize training programmes to enhance librarians' librarians' ability to use technology for knowledge sharing as part of their ongoing professional development.
LECTURERS’ AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE AS PREDICTORS OF INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY USAGE IN LANDMARK UNIVERSITY, OMU-ARAN, KWARA STATE
This study primarily examined lecturers’ awareness and attitude as predictors of institutional repository usage in Landmark University, Omu-aran, Kwara State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and a sample of 308lecturers were selected by using total enumeration sampling technique. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data from 308 respondents, of which 272 copies were returned and completely filled. Frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze the data collected for the four research questions while PPMC was used to test the two null hypotheses of the study. The study found that the level of awareness of the lecturers about IRs is high, and they hold positive attitudes toward IRS. The results further showed that the majority of the respondents use IRs to a great extent while inadequate content submission; poor internet network; and epileptic power supply are the major challenges associated with the use of IRs among the lecturers. The results of the first hypothesis showed a significant relationship between awareness and utilization of IRs among the lecturers. Furthermore, the results of the second hypothesis showed a significant relationship between attitudes and utilization of IRs among the lecturers. The study recommends that university management should offer sessions to familiarize lecturers with the repository’s features, the benefits of open access, and how to deposit their works. Also, the university authority should provide clear information about copyright policies, permissions, and options for uploading pre-prints or post-prints.
USE OF ACADEMIC SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AND RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY OF FEMALE ACADEMICS IN SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA
Regardless of gender, research productivity is paramount for career progression and prestige of academic throughout universities in the world, however, observations showed that research productivity of female academic staff in Nigerian universities is undesirably low, which is due to many reasons. This study investigated the use of academic social networking sites and research productivity of female academic staff in public universities in South-West Nigeria. Survey research design of correlative type was adopted. 1785 female academic staff in the selected universities in South-West, Nigeria comprised the population of the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 536 female academic staff in the selected universities. Out of 536 copies of questionnaire distributed, 413 copies were returned. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages, mean and standard deviation, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the three hypotheses. It was found that the level of use of academic social networking sites among female academics for research productivity was moderate (= 3.61) while research productivity of female academic staff is low (= 3.15). The major purposes of use of academic social networking sites for research productivity are searching of topics/ideas for thesis, conference papers, articles 371(89.8%) and links to publish their research 344(83.3%). There is a negative relationship between use of academic social network and research productivity (r = -0.212; p = 0.000). The study among other things recommended that female academic staff should be trained by the management of the universities to improve research productivity.
POSTGRADUATE LAW STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES IN TWO UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA
This study examined the influence of attitude towards use of e-resources and proficiency in information and communication technology skills on postgraduate law students‟ use of electronic information resources in two universities in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The sample size for the study is 200 postgraduate law students. The data collected were critically analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall mean score of 2.42 which is below the criterion mean 3.5 revealed that the frequency of e-resources use by postgraduate law students was very low. The self-reported level of proficiency in Information and Communication Technology skills was high (overall mean 2.89>criterion mean 2.5) and their attitude towards use of electronic information resources was positive (overall mean 2.70 >criterion mean 2.5). The study further showed that attitude towards e-resources use is not a significant predictor of e-resources use, but proficiency in information and communication technology skills has a significant relative effect on use of eresources. The study recommends that university libraries should provide access to e-resources via remote authentication system. This would enable postgraduate law students to access the library‟s e-resources 24/7 without any physical restriction. Links to electronic information resources should be provided through online public access catalogue and library dedicated website. The law librarian should partner with faculty of law members to create awareness of the benefits of electronic information resources use among postgraduate law students. The university libraries should also organize training for postgraduate law students to enable them acquire relevant information and communication technology skills required for information retrieval.
LIBRARIANS INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AS CORRELATE OF PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN DELTA AND EDO STATE
The study examined the correlation between librarians’ Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills and the preservation and conservation of information resources in university libraries across Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. Employing a correlational survey design, data were collected from 183 librarians using questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed a high level of preservation and conservation of library resources in the university libraries, alongside a similarly high level of ICT skills among librarians. Furthermore, a significant relationship was established between librarians' ICT skills and the preservation and conservation efforts. While ICT facilitates preservation and conservation processes, it was noted that librarians must possess adequate ICT skills to effectively utilize electronic resources for this purpose. The study concluded that preservation and conservation efforts in these libraries are commendable, and changes in librarians' ICT skills could impact preservation outcomes. Recommendations include intensifying efforts to preserve and conserve library resources to meet user needs effectively.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND INNOVATION CAPABILITIES OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS: A CASE STUDY OF BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
This paper examined knowledge-sharing and innovation capabilities of academic library professionals of Babcock University in Ogun State. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised forty-nine library staff at Babcock University. A self-structured questionnaire was used, and the total enumeration method was also used for sampling while collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that academic library professionals at Babcock University utilize marketing, technological/service, and organizational innovations to discharge their duties. The study found that 91.8% of the respondents strongly agreed that new services are provided through mobile applications and user-friendly interface to meet user needs. Similarly, 85.7% of the respondents strongly agreed that they share knowledge with colleagues through notice boards, WhatsApp, bulletin, symposia, lectures, conferences, training, and mentoring. It was concluded that academic library professionals should inculcate knowledge sharing through innovation capabilities for user satisfaction.
Perceived Effect of Open Access Institutional Repositories on the Research Activities of Academic Staff in Some Selected Federal Universities in North-East Nigeria
The study examined the perceived effect of open-access institutional repositories on the research activities of academic staff in some selected federal universities in North-East Nigeria. It adopted a survey design using three (3) federal universities in three (3) States of the zone, purposively selected. Four null hypotheses were employed to guide the study. 363 academic staff were sampled from a total study population of 3,631 using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a questionnaire. 363 copies of the questionnaire were distributed but 337 were returned. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistics were used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The study found a high level of awareness and a high extent of utilization of OAIRs. It also revealed numerous perceived effects of OAIRs on the academic staff’s research activities, with different strategies for enhancing the functionality of OAIRs in federal universities in North-East Nigeria and beyond. However, based on the findings, the study recommended that the National Universities Commission should intensify efforts in organizing seminars, workshops, and symposiums on the issue of OAIRs and ways in which academic staff can utilize and enjoy its usefulness.
LIBRARIANS’ ICT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: NEED FOR EFFECTIVE LIBRARY SERVICES AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN ANAMBRA STATE
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.
INSPIRING ONLINE LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES DURING COVID 19: PERCEPTION OF INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ANAMBRA STATE
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.
CHALLENGES IN THE SELECTION AND ACQUISITION OF GREY LITERATURE IN LIBRARIES IN CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated challenges in the selection and acquisition of grey literature in Nigerian Libraries. Five research questions guided the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Population of the study comprised 17 staff working in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Library, Igbariam Campus. There was no sampling because the population of the study was small and manageable. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Mean and frequency tables were used to analyse the research questions. The major findings of the study showed that all categories of grey literature resources were available in the library studied and that grey literature was acquired through purchase, donation and exchange. Major challenges libraries face in the acquisition of grey literature was paucity of funds. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government should increase the funding for the acquisition of grey literature in university libraries. It was also recommended that the library management should embark on regular review and supply of new and more grey materials. It was further recommended that the library management should employ subject specialists to assist in the selection acquisition of grey materials. The study further recommended that the library management should create proper awareness to both teachers and students on the importance of grey literature in education.
ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-EAST
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.
AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR IGBO STUDIES IN CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, IGBARIAM CAMPUS
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.
This paper discussed Igbo language as an endangered indigenous language in Nigeria. The paper also highlighted the probable factors affecting the use of Igbo language in Nigeria. English language is the official language in Nigeria. It is the language of instruction in primary, secondary and tertiary education. Nigeria was a former British colony and part of our colonial heritage was the use of English language as our lingua franca. Even the Ibos who are the original owners of the language shy away from grooming their children at home with their mother tongue. The resultant effect is that these children grow into adulthood not speaking their mother tongue. Thus their language of communication both at home and in the school is English language. The paper equally discussed the role of libraries and librarians in the preservation of indigenous language. It suggested strategies through which libraries and librarians in Igbo land can preserve and promote Igbo language thereby saving it from possible extinction in future. Strategies suggested include collecting and documenting oral histories, provision of adequate information resources for Igbo studies, organizing lectures and programmes and deploying ICTs for promotion of Igbo language.
AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TOWARD PLAGIARISM IN MOSHOOD ABIOLA POLYTECHNIC
This study investigated the awareness and perception of plagiarism among undergraduate students in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Five research questions guided the study. The research design was a survey. A multi-stage random sampling was adopted to select respondents for the study. The first stage involved selecting the Mass Communication Department from the Faculty of Arts using random sampling, while the final stage involved selecting 229 Higher National Diploma 11 students from among 534 students of the Polytechnic understudy using purposive sampling. Instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Out of the 229 copies of questionnaire administered 195 (85%) copies were properly filled and found usable for the study. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The findings of the study revealed that students have high level of awareness about plagiarism. Forms of plagiarism include direct copying, giving incorrect information about source. The perception of students regarding plagiarism differs. While some see it as a serious offence, others see it as a minor offence. Reasons of plagiarizing include lack of knowledge and understanding about plagiarism, and teachers’ unclear instruction about academic integrity.) Based on the findings, the study recommends that, seminars on plagiarism should be organized by management of the institutions; lecturers should take plagiarizing in assignments as a serious offence. The study also recommended that plagiarism can be reduced to the barest minimum through awareness creation and introducing the Turnitin plagiarism software in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State.
MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES IN ALEX EKWUEME LIBRARY, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OKO, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.
The study sought to investigate library management and utilization of electronic information resources in Alex Ekwueme Library, Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State. Information and Communication Technology has transformed the way information is created, stored and exchanged and has become a driving force in the 21st Century. This study was guided by six research questions. Descriptive survey research design was used. Population of the study comprised fifty-four (54) library staff of the institution studied. The entire population was studied because the number was considered small and manageable. Hence no sampling was conducted. Instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. A total of 54 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and same number was returned. The questionnaire contained sixty-one (61) items. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and mean(x) scores. A criterion means of 2.50 was used to determine items that received positive rating or otherwise. Findings of the study revealed that management does not make constant provision of electronic information resources (EIRs), as they were identified in the Alex Ekwueme Library, Federal Polytechnic Oko. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the library management should organize training on EIRs on regular, increase the library budget to enhance the acquisition and maintenance of EIRs in Alex Ekwueme Library, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra state, Nigeria. This will enhance the teaching and learning in the institution.
DIGITIZATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES
Digitization is simply the process of converting information in print format into a machine-readable form. Digitization improves access to information resources. This paper discussed the concept of digitization and information resources, benefits of digitization of information resources, skills and competencies required for digitization of library resources, and the digitization process. Challenges involved in the process of digitization of information resources in academic libraries were also highlighted. Major constraints in the digitization process include lack of ICT infrastructure, high cost of digitization equipment, poor funding, shortage of technical staff, sustainability/maintenance problems as well as legal/copyright issues. This paper established that strategies that could be adopted to enhance digitization of library resources include provision of infrastructural facilities; improved funding, trained manpower, inclusion of digitization skills in library education and maintaining standard policy protection in line with global practices.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES AND GIRL CHILD EDUCATION IN SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AWKA EDUCATION ZONE OF ANAMBRA STATE
The study sought to find the relationship between school library resources and girl-child education among public secondary school students in Awka Education Zone of Anambra State in Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study. Correlation research design was employed for the study. The population of the study comprised all Senior Secondary 1 to Senior Secondary 3 students in the study area. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 600 female students from the 10 selected schools. Instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient which yielded an average coefficient value of 0.80. Copies of the questionnaire were personally administered to the students. Same number of questionnaires distributed was same number retrieved yielding a 100% return rate. The analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics and hypothesis tested at 5% level of significance the result of the two hypotheses tested showed that statistically there was significant barriers to girl-child education. These barriers statistically have significant relationship with girl child education in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that state government and school management should work towards reducing the barriers that hitherto hinder the use of school library resources. This will enhance girl child education in Awka Education zone of Anambra State.
OPEN ACCESS REPOSITORIES IN NIGERIAN LIBRARIES
This paper discussed issues and challenges involved in the management of open access repositories in Nigerian libraries. Open access repository concerns the archiving of a research report or book written into a database belonging to an institution. This platform allows free access and exchange of ideas without subscriptions. The era of publishing in closed access is gradually being phased out with the emergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This new media form has enabled gathering together of already published works by an institution, on an institution and its staff into a database called institutional repository. Expectedly, this synergy has numerous advantages amongst which is free access and exchange of knowledge. This in turn promotes web visibility and global university ranking. This paper thus highlights software that enhances open access repositories, types of open access repositories, advantages, challenges, as well as strategies that can be adopted to enhance open access repositories in Nigerian libraries.
CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS GLOBAL INFORMATION SERVICES BY UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES THROUGH INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY
Institutional repositories provide academic institutions with an opportunity to create a central location that collects and preserves their digital output. The opportunity to share and distribute this output is significant and serves to benefit the contributing authors and the institution itself. Since the purpose of an institutional repository is to make its contents freely available, then the global community also has something to gain. When an academic institution collects and shares its creative output, members of the institution not only benefit but also make the world academically richer by allowing scholarly communication to flow more freely. Academic libraries around the world are increasingly embracing institutional repositories to communicate effectively institutional scholarly output of all types. The collection, processing, preservation and integration of academic institution literature is critical to the mission of the institution, regardless of the format. Institutional repositories have enhanced wide dissemination of all types of research output globally. Institutional repository programs enhance global visibility of both the library, institution and the authors. As libraries move to support faculty digital publishing activities, the library’s relevance to the faculty and, consequently, the institution will increase.
PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF DIGITIZATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN ANAMBRA STATE
Digitization is simply the process of converting information into a digital (computer-readable) format. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prospects and challenges of digitization of information resources in university libraries in Anambra State. Two research questions guided the study. The research design was a survey. The population of the study comprised 38 library staff in public universities in Anambra State. No sampling was done as the population was of manageable size. Two sets of questionnaire were used for data collection. The first was titled ‘Prospects of Digitalization of Information Resources in University Libraries (PDIRUL)’ While the second was titled Challenges to Digitalization of Information Resources in University Libraries (CDIRUL)’. Data collected was analysed using mean scores. The findings of the study showed that enhanced access to information resources on the web; increase in the visibility of information resources, efficient use of web and electronic data bases; increase in the availability of information resources on the web and improvement in the efficiency of information search mechanisms were prospects of digitalization of information resources in university libraries. The study equally found that the absence of digitalization policy; inefficient supervision of the project; lack of clearly stated or specified evaluation performance measure, poor preservation of digitized content and erratic power supply were major challenges major challenges inherent in the management of digitalized content in university libraries in Anambra State. It was thus recommended amongst other things that both the commencement and management of the digitization project in public universities in Anambra State should be anchored on a well-articulated digitization policy. This is to ensure the sustainability of the project in public university libraries in Anambra State.
INSPIRING INNOVATIVE LIBRARY SERVICES FOR COVID-19 INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
Present day library services are IT driven. Rapid technological advances in information and communication technology have enabled the provision of library and information services beyond the four walls of the library building. With this development, it is possible to render library services online via library portals and websites. This has enhanced library services around the world. The outbreak of COVID 19 disease has affected the nature and structure of library services. The contagious nature of the outbreak of the disease forced many public institutions to shut down at the hit of the disease in 2020. Libraries as public institutions were shut down but the information needs of their users remained unsatisfied. Added to this is the increasing growth in the number of information service providers who feed the information seeker with both filtered and unfiltered information resources. For libraries to meet the information needs of its users and to continue to remain relevant, libraries need to restrategise and create innovative services in line with the WHO safety protocol. In this regard, libraries now consider using massively Online Public Access Catalogs (OPAC) and networked databases, personal space / my library, Short Message Service (SMS) notification, Quick Response (QR) codes, online / text reference services, library portals among others as innovative approaches to library users' information dissemination. These form the focus of this paper.