Tag Archives: Libraries

MANUAL AND ELECTRONIC CATALOGUING

THE STUDY OF MANUAL AND ELECTRONIC CATALOGUING IN TWO ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This is a study of manual and electronic cataloguing in academic libraries, a case of Ambrose Alli University and University of Benin Libraries both in Edo state. The specific objectives include, to find out and compare the state of manual and electronic cataloguing in academic libraries, determine the relevance of manual and electronic cataloguing, identify the differences between manual and electronic cataloguing, investigate the problems that militate against manual and electronic cataloguing and profer solutions to the problems facing manual and electronic cataloguing. A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study; the population comprises of 29 professionals and 115 para-professional librarians from Ambrose Alli University and University of Benin Libraries (a total of 144 librarians). Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for the study; the sample size being 144 librarians. Data collection instrument was the questionnaire, while the data was analyzed using simple percentages and tables. Findings revealed that both libraries are involved in manual and electronic cataloguing (with a total of 83.03%); study equally showed that electronic cataloguing in both libraries will enhance increased accessibility to information materials that are processed on daily basis; furthermore, the study revealed that manual cataloguing involves rigorous activities such as bibliographic description, bibliographic checking, filing and interfiling of cards among others. Conclusion was drawn and recommendations were made which includes, provision of adequate ICT facilities and that libraries should carry out training and re-training of cataloguing staff in the aspect of ICT.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Libraries are charged with the responsibilities of collecting, processing and preserving information materials, such materials must be arranged in an orderly manner, so that users can retrieve them without  necessarily wasting much energy and time. Cataloguing of library materials play a very vital role towards ensuring appropriate organization, according to their subject area. A library having a million volumes that are not organized for easy retrieval will be judged as having nothing; therefore, to ensure effective and efficient retrieval, resources must be catalogue. A building filled with books is not necessary a library unless those books have been organized for easy access and made available for use (Ilo, 2008). Reitz (2004), sees cataloguing as the process of creating entries for a catalog in libraries, this usually includes bibliographic description, subject analysis, assignment of classification, notations and all the activities involved in physically preparing of the items for the shelf. Such tasks are usually performed under the supervision of trained librarian as a cataloguer.

Seriki (2011) defines cataloguing as the listing of the entire collection in a definite order for the purpose of identification when searching is conducted. A cataloguer is a librarian primarily responsible for preparing bibliographic records to represent the items acquired by a library, including bibliographic description, subject analysis and classification. The cataloguer is also referred to as the librarian who is also responsible for supervising a cataloguing department (Reitz, 2004) According to Aidenojie and Osawele (2014). Cataloguing is define as the process of listing something for inclusion in a catalog and the process involved the description of books in order to point out all the important features such as author, title, imprint collation, edition and subject of each book. Cataloguers are responsible for the processes of authority control of library materials. As a result of this bibliographic control, it can be said that cataloguers serve as the foundation of all library services, as they are the ones who organize information in such a way as to make it easily accessible. The cataloguers provide a complete and analytical bibliographic description of every item in a library collection which can be accessed through the author, title and the subject or any other access point. They therefore recommended cataloguers should actively participate in development, reform and fair application of cataloguing rules, standard and classifications as well as information storage and retrieval system.(Aidenojie and Osawele 2014), a librarian is a professionally trained person responsible for the care of a library and its contents which include the selection, processing and organization of materials as well as the delivery of information, instruction and loan service to meet the needs of its users. In an electronic environment the role of the librarian is to manage and mediate access to information that may exist in electronic format. A librarian is also refers to as a person responsible for the overall administration of a library or library system. (Reitz, 2004). Electronic resources librarian manages the databases that libraries license from third-party vendors. Technical service librarians work behind the scene ordering library materials and database subscription, computers and other equipment, supervise the cataloguing and physical processing of new materials. Collection development librarians monitor the selection of books and electronic resources. Reference or research librarians help people doing research to find the information they need through a structured conversation called a reference interview (Tiwari, 2014). 

Before the advent of computerized cataloguing, the manual system has been in existence. It therefore becomes imperative to stand on the practice of manual cataloguing as a practice of manual cataloguing as a premise for building an understanding of the use of ICT in cataloguing. At inception, cataloguing was not a tedious task and this is attributed to the fact that there was no information explosion prior to the adoption of ICT for cataloguing purpose. Books were organized using length, colour, size and shape (Ilo,2008). Furthermore, Bair (2005), defined manual cataloguing as a hand written subject card where information has be created by hand in library and information science. Prior to the emergence of information and communication technology (ICT), the manual cataloguers engaged in activities ranging from bibliographic searching and description to assigning of subject class to materials in different subject areas. In a manual context, the cataloguer tries to find out if the materials to be catalogued exist in the library collection. This is done by cross-checking existing cards filed in the author, title and subject catalogue cabinet. For books already in existence, their bibliographic details are copied to the materials while those not found are catalogue originally, this method is cumbersome and slow. (Ilo,2012). 

The emergence of electronic cataloguing has brought a turn-around to cataloguing as a core library process for example, in electronic cataloguing there is no delay because bibliographic details are not copied manually, which is usually tedious and time-consuming. Even Library Oriented Software Packages (LOSP) such as the Strategic Library Automated Management (SLAM) packages, has provision for bibliographic searching and entries of books, the library staff make the entries directly into the computer system thereby saving the time and energy that would have been used for coping on the worksheets, erasing, re-coping and typing on the catalogue cards (Omekwu,2007). The 21st century has witnessed a tremendous growth in technology. It is therefore normal to expect it to affect manual cataloguing processes. The work of the cataloguers has shifted from manual bibliographic description to electronic cataloguing using the internet where necessary which is faster.  Ilo(2012).With the above perception, this study will examine the state of manual and electronic cataloguing in two academic libraries in Edo state.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

The responsibility of the library as a growing organism is to select, acquire, process, preserve, organize, manage and disseminate information materials to meet the needs of the library users. Based on this information, materials must be effectively catalogued using either manual or electronic method in organizing these materials for easy retrieval. Manual cataloguing is a difficult task in organizing information materials in academic library as it involves using hand to write out the bibliographic details of the material on the 3 by 5 cards, which makes it slower than using electronic method in cataloguing information materials. Many libraries in the world, especially in developed countries have adopted the use of ICT in carrying out library functions and processes and this has gone a long way to satisfy the users as they are able to access and use library materials with ease. But as regards the use of ICT in carrying out library functions in developing countries, the situation is different even as many university libraries in Edo state are yet to fully adopt the use of ICT in cataloguing operations. It is against this background that this study is set out to investigate the state of manual and electronic cataloguing in Ambrose Alli University library Ekpoma and University of Benin library, Benin City.

1.3     Objectives of the study

The main objectives of this research is to carry out a study on manual and electronic cataloguing in academic libraries, the specific objectives are:

  1. Find out the state of manual and electronic cataloguing in both academic libraries.
  2. Determine the relevance of manual and electronic cataloguing in academic libraries.
  3. Identify the differences between manual and electronic cataloguing in academic libraries
  4. Investigate the problems that militate against manual and electronic cataloguing in academic libraries.
  5. Solutions to the problems facing manual and electronic cataloguing in academic libraries.

1.4    Research Questions

The following Research questions will be used to guide the study.

  1. What is the state of manual and electronic cataloguing in academic Libraries?
  2. What is the relevance manual and electronic cataloguing in academic Libraries?
  3. What are the differences between manual and electronic cataloguing?
  4. What are the problems that militate against manual and electronic cataloguing?
  5. What are the solutions to the problems facing manual and electronic cataloguing?

1.5     Scope of the Study

This study focuses on   manual and electronic cataloguing in Ambrose Alli University Library Ekpoma and John Harris Library, University of Benin, Benin City. The study is interested in finding out the nature of manual and electronic cataloguing which has become the major focus in libraries, identifying the relevance of manual and electronic cataloguing, determine the differences between manual and electronic cataloguing, investigate problems that militate against manual and electronic cataloguing and solutions to the problems facing manual and electronic cataloguing. The study is restricted to librarians in Ambrose Alli University and University of Benin.

1.6     Significance of the Study

The study will be useful to all Librarians particularly those librarians in Ambrose Alli University and University of Benin, since it will reveal the state of manual and electronic cataloguing.

Secondly, this will also be useful to University Management as it will create awareness of the importance of Manual and Electronic Cataloguing in libraries. Thirdly, researcher and students will find it useful as it will enrich the library and provide them with research materials to supplement their studies. Lastly the study will add to the existing body of literature on the of study of manual and Electronic Cataloguing in Ambrose Alli University and University of Benin libraries, thereby serving as a reference point to researchers who are interested in investigating related problems.

1.7     Limitations of the Study

During the conduct of this research work, the researcher encountered problems which affected the quantity and quality of data collected such as respondent misplacement of questionnaires and given them new one to fill, ideally I would have love to study all University in Edo State, but because of time and financial constraints I only study Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and University of Benin, Libraries in Edo State.

1.8     Operational Definition of Terms

Some technical term used in the course of the research need clarification through definition for the purpose of good understanding of this work. These definitions are only limited to the context of this study

Cataloguer: A cataloguer is a trained librarian whose primarily responsibility is to prepare bibliographic records of items acquired by the library, including bibliographic description, subject analysis and classification. Cataloguer no longer catalogue books only but also electronic materials like CD ROM. They also access online Catalogues, transform the available bibliographic records to machine readable formats, engage in resources sharing and networking.

Cataloguing: This is the process of creating entries for a catalog in libraries; this usually includes bibliographic description, subject analysis and assignment of Classification, notation and all activities involved in physically preparing the item for the shelf.

Manual Cataloguing: This is refered to as a hand written subject cards where information has been created by hand in library and information science.

Electronic Cataloguing: This refer to as the process of using bibliographic information to catalog materials through the use of the computer system and it usually consists of a collection of bibliographic records in a machine readable format maintained in a Computer database accessible to other attached Computer such as open access catalog(OPAC)

Librarian: A librarian is a professionally trained person who is responsible for the care and management of library and all its content which include the selection, processing and organization of materials and the delivery of information, instruction and loan service to meet the needs of its users

Library: This is refer to as an institution which is charged with the responsibility of collecting, processing and preserving information materials and such materials must be arranged in an orderly manner, so that users can retrieve them without necessarily wasting much energy and time.

Information and communication technologies (ICTS) are the application of computer and other technologies towards the acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information resources in an organization, such as the library.

 

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THE USE OF INTERNET SERVICES IN LIBRARIES BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

THE USE OF INTERNET SERVICES IN LIBRARIES BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Traditional library systems are gradually becoming a thing of the past. These is observed as most libraries now rely and use the internet and other technologies in performing functions and services. Thus, access to information now stimulates change, creating an environment that makes learning meaningful and more responsive. Buttressing the assertion above, Oketunji (2001) stated that internet gives us access to a vast wealth of knowledge and access tools that facilitates research. The internet offers the opportunity to conduct remote classes, allow access to remote libraries, and create an environment innovative and cooperative learning experiences.

Today, internet connectivity has become a necessity. It allows tertiary institutions to leverage the teaching and learning process. This ensure brighter future for students as it provides access to information, helping to close the global information gap (Omagbemi, Akintola and Olayiwola, 2004). Furthermore, Oketunji (2001) submitted that the internet and other ICTs provide a golden opportunity for the provision of value-added services by libraries.The internet provides challenges to the formal educational system, it has fostered a collaborative approach to learning of traditional methods. Odenewu and Olasore (2009) submitted that it is useful for the following:

  • As an expert system
  • As reference resources
  • Allows communication with any professional colleague around the world
  • Permits access to libraries and library catalogues around the world.
  • Valuable information in electronic libraries, books, journals, magazines and newsletter is made available

Leiner et al (2000) said the word internet is derived, from two words ‘international’ and ‘network’. The internet can be defined as an international computer network of information available to the public than modern links.

The internet as conceived by the Advance Research Project Agency (ARPA) of the US government in 1969 and was first known as APRANET. The original aim was to create a network that would allow users of a research computer at one university to be able to communicate with another research computer in another university and to create a network that could function even if a portion was damaged or destroyed in the event of military attack or other disaster. The government and the university were the first people to use the internet. Overtime, more educational institutions sought the services of APRANET.

In 1980s, many people and institutions from Europe and Asia used the Internet. The World Wide Web (www) was introduced by Timothy Berner Lee an English Computer Scientist in 1989. In the early 1990s, the web was popular. Overtime, the popularity of internet exploded, more and more companies, private organizations and individuals began to use and offer internet services.

Odenewu and Olasore (2009) stated that the internet has become an important and reliable tool for information retrieval. The internet is a global network of computers linked together over large distance. It was created by the American military as a means of communication and has been in the existence since the 1950’s up until the mid to late eighteen century only commercial organizations, military based institution and educational institutions used the internet, due to its high cost. Felix Okoro et al (2004) says that The rapid development of technology has improved communication links amidst lowering of cost. The implication of this is that the internet is now more widely available to more people, and a valuable source of information for individuals looking for information with over 50million websites on the net.

Omijie (2008) added that Internet means International Network. He also said that the network is made up of several computers, which are connected or linked together for effective communication worldwide. It enables companies, organizations, individuals, schools and governments to share information across the world. Bassey (2003) also agreed that the internet uses the World Wide Web (W.W.W) that enables users to access documents in richly formatted texts and pictures, an millions of pages of information of various kinds, such as; information about your hobbies, information that will help you increase your professional knowledge, job advertisement, weather forecast, flight information, information on lucrative business, sport information, newspapers etc. Access to using the internet is guaranteed by subscribing and connecting to an Internet Service Provider (I.S.P) through a Modulator Demodulator (MODEM). Once you subscribe to an I.S.P, you can use any browser (software for searching for information such as Internet Explorer and Netscape) to view and interact with the web pages. Bassey further said that the internet is like an electronic city with many libraries, stores, business offices, vendors’ stand, shops and so on, thereby making the whole world a “global village”.

The use of internet as a facility has transgressed all sphere of human endeavour, such as medicine, military, politics, banking and most significantly education. Recent observation of internet use shows that these popularity of internet is based on the services intent is used for as internet services they include:

  • Interactive Mobile/Video Lecture.
  • Surfing the net
  • Electronic Mail Services
  • Teleconference Service
  • Internet Banking
  • Telephone Services

Kavanagh (2004) said interactive video lectures is interactive and useful for students. He asserted that the growing impact of I.T. on learning could lead to changes in the structures and the way courses are delivered in tertiary institutions. He added that the growth in student numbers means many institutions are finding their lecture facilities in-adequate hence the need for live lectures through video recording delivered through large, wall mounted display.

Omigie (2009) posited that Surfing the net is an act or process of searching for information on the internet. This is as, there exist millions of pages of information. Surfing allows access to any kind of information as long as such information is on net. The researcher describes the internet as an “Electronic World Library”, or an “Electronic Village with all kinds of shops”. The process by which you move from one of these “shops” to another or move from “shelf” in search of information in the electronic library is called Browsing or Surfing.

Another internet services is the Electronic Mail Services also known as e-mail, Bassey (2003) saysis a method of sending and receiving mails (messages) electronically. E-mails are convenient, faster, cheaper and safer than the postal services often referred to as “snail mail”. Interestingly, Davis (2004) said teleconference services refers to a meeting conducted by use of telephone or cell phones without requiring attendees to be physically present in the same physical area. It is usually of a business nature and may require a facilitator of party leader to lead the meeting. He added that video conferencing tools can keep kids in school.

Interestingly, Hussein et al (2011) observed that Internet banking, is the same as online banking or virtual banking which is an electronic payment system that enables customers of a bank or other financial institution to conduct a range of financial transaction through the financial institutions website. While telephone services by Felix Okoro (2004) is an online voice conversation between two persons using Internet Telephone facilities.

Kwesiga (2002) approved that academic performance of students is also influenced by the school in which they studied but he also said that the number of facilities of school offers usually determine the quality of the school which in turn affect the performance and accomplishment of its students. Also, Crosne and Elder (2004) noticed that school provision of facilities and access to resources such as computer and internet facilities enhances students academic performance ,adding that Academic Performance is the outcome of education to the extent to see a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals. Therefore the outcome of education is the extent to which a student has achieved his educational goals.

Bossaert Doumen (2011) said an undergraduate degree (also called first degree, bachelor’s degree or simply degree) is a colloquial term for an academic degree taken by a person who has completed undergraduate courses. It is usually offered at an institution of higher education, such as a university. The most common type of this degree is the bachelor’s degree, which typically takes at least three or four years to complete.

Polytechnics play a vital role in the educational, scientific and technological progress of Nigeria. They are established to train and produce the technical manpower necessary for the execution of the Nation’s development plans, goals and strategies

The internet is a worldwide network of inter-connected computer networks (commercial academic and government) that operates using a standardized set of communication protocols called TCP/IP (transmission control protocols/internets protocols) or the internet protocol suite.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Much has been said by authorities in the field of education about the falling standard of education. Researchers have attributed various reasons for this fall. In this age of internet facilities, it is observed that not much has been done to harness the potentials of internet library facilities in rescuing the situation.

Internet is made up of millions of computer linked together around the world in such a way that information can be accessed from any computer or device, irrespective of the location. It is observed by the researcher that even at this positive attributes of internet, coupled with increase capital investment on hardware and software by government, for the educational system, the use of internet by students in tertiary institution for academic purpose is still low and in most cases non-existent. It is in view of this that the study tries to examine the use of library internet services as well as importance and benefits of the library internets in increasing the academic performance of undergraduates in polytechnics.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of the study is to assess the use of internet services in libraries by undergraduate student. However the specific objectives are to;

  1. Find out the library internet services available in the polytechnic libraries
  2. Study how accessible the library internet services are in the polytechnic libraries
  3. Find out the frequency of use of library internet services by undergraduate students
  4. Examine the purpose of use of library internet services by undergraduate students.
  5. Examine the influence of use of library internet services on academic performance of undergraduates’ student in polytechnics.

1.4       Research Questions

  1. What are the library internet services available in the polytechnic libraries?
  2. What is the level of accessibility of library internet services in polytechnic libraries?
  3. What is the frequency of usage of library internet services by undergraduate students in polytechnic library?
  4. What is the purpose of using library internet services by undergraduate students in polytechnics?
  5. What is the influence of the use of library internet services on academic performances of undergraduate students in polytechnics?

1.5       Scope of the Study

This study is limited to undergraduate students (library users) in Polytechnics in Edo State. All other forms of tertiary institutions will not be included in this study. Similarly, this study is investigating the use of Internet Services, by undergraduate students while other library services will be excluded from the study. 

1.6       Significance of the Study

It is hoped that the findings of this study will be of significance to librarians in polytechnics as it will help them to understand the importance of library internet services. Also, it is hoped that the findings will be of benefit to the undergraduate students in polytechnics as this will showcase the importance of library internet services to their study and academic output. Similarly it is hoped that it will be of benefit to other researchers and scholars in librarianship as this will serve as a reference material.

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

  1. Internet Search Engine: This is a software system that is designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. It is generally presented in a line of results often referred to as search engine result pages (SERPS)
  2. Internet: This is also known as Net. It is a worldwide system of computer networks that connects millions of computers together globally for communication.
  3. Polytechnic: This is an institution of higher education offering courses at degree level or below, especially in vocational subjects.
  4. Surfing: This is the activity of moving from site to site on the internet.
  5. Undergraduate: This is used to refer to a student that has not yet obtained a first degree.
  6. Library Services: This refers to all such services that are provided by the library to its users.
  7. Library Users: These are the persons that visits the library with the purpose of exploiting it resources to satisfy his information need.
  8. Internet Service: This allows us to access huge amount of information such as text, graphics, sound and software over the internet. A system must be connected to the worldwide web (www) before you can access the net.
  9. Academic Performance: This is the outcome of Education- the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals.

 

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THE IMPACT OF POOR FUNDING ON PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

THE IMPACT OF POOR FUNDING ON PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to determine the impact of poor funding on public libraries in Nigeria using the Edo State Library Board as a case study. Survey research method was employed for the study. Also, total enumeration sampling technique was used due to the small population size. Thirteen (13) respondents made up the population size of the survey. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Frequency table and percentage were used to analyze the data collected. The study revealed the alternatively sources for funding the public library. Findings showed that there is inadequate fund to acquire relevant up to date materials, hence some recommendations were made. These include; the people of the state should be made to understand that the public libraries are theirs and such should help in financing them. This amongst other recommendations was made.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study      

The public library is a social institution, which is tied to the political and social realities of the communities where it is situated. As the name implies, this is a library that served the public.

UNESCO (2012) Defines public library as a local centre of information, making all kind of knowledge available to users. The services of the public library are provided on the basis of access for all regarded of age race sex religion nationality or social status. Specific services and materials must be provided for those who can not for whatever reason use the regular services and materials. In age groups most fined materials relevant to their needs. High quality and relevant to local needs and conditions are fundamental. Material must reflects current trend and evolutions of the societies as were as the memory of human endeavors and imagination. Collection and services are not subjected to any form of ideological, political or religious censorship or commercial pressure.     

According to the oxford dictionary, public library is a non-profit library established for use of the general public and maintained drifty by public funds.

Public library has been defined variously by different individuals. Many see it as a place built for the inflection of books and other printed resources and the personal to provide and interpret such resources as required to meet the information, research, educational, recreational, cultural and aesthetic needs of the various users and it is usually financed with public funds. The public library’s clientele is heterogeneous and devoid of race, rank, status, bias as to who would avail of its services. It stocks every conceivable item that would add knowledge education, research, information and cultural needs to the society. In Nigeria today. Each of the 36 states including the FCT, Abuja has a public library board established under the public library act as United Kingdom (UK), but here in Nigeria, library board a state is established by edict or laws made by the state legislators.

Public library funding refers to making money available for the day to day running of the libraries. Finance is the live-wire of any established including land, labour, capital and entrepreneur and information. The capital here refers to finance which can be used to procure other factors of production thereby making it more important than others. Fund is obviously the major element in every established. It is equally the working capital of an establishment.

Public library funding generally means the various ways we derive the expected funds for capital and recurrent expenses. It involves the money available or allocation to for running its day-to-day activities. However, the funding and financial allocations to public libraries have remained poor decodes. Public libraries need adequate resources to run their services, pay and hire personnel, provide current information, arrange organize and monitor both human and material resources. Nigeria is a developing country and its society is not a reading society. Nigerians do not appreciate the importance and needs of public libraries and the services it offers and this problem reflects in the level of fund allocated to it by the government state government subventions which constitute about 80% of public libraries funds is grossly inadequate. This inadequacy is because of the political instability and bas economy of the country.

Late release of fund by the government is another problem; it means things cannot be done when required. All the plans of public library are hampered by late release of fund. Another problem is the existing infrastructural facilities in most public libraries are inadequate. Most of their reference materials are too old. There are no separate rooms for music library and audio-visual materials, and no rooms for serious library and audio-visual materials, and no rooms for serious readers, especially those carrying out research works. Lack of appreciation by policy makers in government is one of the problems. This shows that the public libraries in the nation are not given recognition and this is traceable not only to the non-quantifiable nature of library services but also the misconception given to libraries by government to get off these problems. There must be a re-orientation on the part of the policy makers in government to accord the public library the recognition it deserves. The problems have adversely affected the public library services and its operations. The result of the impending global economic situation on the other hands has drastically affected the attainment or achievement of basic standards in funding the libraries. From the history of public libraries in Nigeria, the problem of funds has remained an untraceable phenomenon. The Nigeria library association is worried by the poor funding of libraries in general but public libraries in particular. Therefore, the Nigerian libraries Association (NLA) has organized several conferences that highlight the problems of poor funding of public libraries and the need for improved funding. This conference suggested and recommended widening the sources of funding public libraries rather than solely depending on the government.    

1.1.1      Historical Background of Edo State Libraries Board, Benin-City   

Edo state at a point was the proud owner of some of the best library facilities in the country to the extent that people came from far and near for research work. The libraries in the then Midwest region and later Bendel state were built during the military administration of Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia. Then there was at least a government library in every local government headquarters. The library system so flourished that it even pride itself of having a will library which was explored by legal luminaries and wealthy persons who did not want to create acrimony for their children when they depart the earth.

For years, the Edo state library was a board of its own and was run as an independent body until it was merged with the ministry of education under the supervision of the commissioner of education. The state of the library began to deteriorate in the late 90’s when the military administration of the state group captain Baba Lyiam insisted that all government agencies should be self-sustaining. Students and others were made to pay stipends before they could use the library. The no funding policy of that administration led to the deterioration of the public library as workers made do with the few available books, and no attention was further paid to library facilities.  

However, since 1999 when the country returned to the civilian rule, the library board has suffered poor funding even though it blossomed during the time of Ogbemudia, it deteriorated during the time of the military. At a time in Edo state, the public library was a bee hive of activities, but it is no longer so and this has led to the drop in the reading habits of the youths.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

In many public libraries, the budgetary allocation are not released as and when due, and this in turn delays the implementation of the programs of those libraries when the funds are eventually released. There is inadequate funding of public libraries by the state government which provides about 80% of the funds required by the public libraries. Shortage of funds have resulted in shortage of relevant text books as currently being experienced by students and researchers who are I need of the materials. Inadequate provision of funds has prevented the provision of current material needs by the staff and client in public libraries. Also, poor appreciation of the services of the library by those at the helm of affairs, how societal rating of the libraries especially public libraries in Nigeria pose a problem to funding of the public libraries.

1.3       Research Questions

  1. What is the major source of fund for public library?
  2. What is the state of funding in public libraries?
  3. Are the public libraries facing any problems?
  4. What are the problems faced by public libraries in Nigeria especially Edo state library Board, Benin city?
  5. What are the other sources of fund available to these public libraries?
  6. What are the problems associated with inadequate funding of libraries in Nigeria?

1.4       Scope of the Study

The scope and literature of this study will enable us to know the funding of public libraries in Nigeria, especially Edo state library board. The investigation is limited to Nigeria and only one type of library which is the public library. Only the staff and users of Edo state library board and other public libraries are to be consulted in the course of this investigation.

1.5       Significance of the Study

This study will enable us to know the state of public libraries in Nigeria that is the problem facing public libraries in Nigeria. It will also be of importance to the researcher or any other person who is interested in finding out the state of public libraries in Nigeria, especially Edo state library board, Benin City. It will also help us to appreciate the public library as an agent of political social and religious development of a community which can compel them into passing he right judgment and taking the right decision that affects their lives and existence. The topic as expected will be an added literature in this branch of public librarianship.

1.6       Operational Definition of Terms

  1. Subvention: – a subsidy, provision of financial or other support.
  2. Clientele: – the body or class of people who frequent an establishment or purchase a services.
  3. Heterogeneous: – diverse in kind or nature, composed of different parts.
  4. Library: – on institution which holds books and/or forms of stored information for use by the public or qualified people.
  5. Research: – diligent inquiry or examination to seek or revise facts principles, theories, applications, etc.

 

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MARKETING LIBRARIES SERVICES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

 

ABSTRACT

This study examined marketing libraries services for sustainable development of academic libraries in Kaduna State Nigeria using Kaduna State University (KASU) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria as a case study. The field survey research design was used in this study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The population of this study consist of all undergraduate library and information science students of Kaduna State University (KASU) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. A sample size of two hundred (200) undergraduate students in library and information science in two universities in Kaduna State. A total of one hundred and fifty one 151 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and analyzed with simple table percentage, mean and standard deviation. It was found that there is need for marketing library services according to academic librarians to achieve the objectives of the library and to enlighten the users on the relevance of library use; several services were available for marketing; several techniques are been employed in marketing library services. It was also evidenced from the findings that the major problems militating against effective marketing of library services include: inadequate fund and lack of effective communication between librarians. The study revealed several strategies in enhancing of marketing library services, these strategies are trainings, seminars and organizing workshop to educate librarians on marketing library services. The study recommended that: More funds should be allocated to develop of libraries by parent organizations and Library management should expose librarians to marketing library services through trainings, conferences.

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