Tag Archives: Library Services

STUDENTS’ PATRONAGE OF INTERNET FACILITIES

STUDENTS’ PATRONAGE OF INTERNET FACILITIES IN E-LIBRARY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (FUT) MINNA LIBRARY

ABSTRACT

The primary aim of this research is to examine Students’ Patronage of Internet Facilities in E-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Library. Five objectives guided the study from which the five research questions were formulated. The research design adopted was the survey method using the questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised all the undergraduate students totaling 13000. The sample size of the study is (388.06 approximately 388) representing 2.98% of the population (13,000). The 388 questionnaires were distributed, 350 were found valid representing 90.20%. The study was analysed using simple percentage. The study revealed that: E-mailing, surfing and downloading services and online database are the library internet services available; majority of the respondents are satisfied with level of accessibility of library internet services in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Library, Niger State. Based on the findings conclusion was drawn and recommendations given that: Seminars and workshops should be organized for both the students and lecturers to constantly acquaint them on the benefits of internet usage; all students should be computer literate and internet conscious; all students and lecturers should be made to have an internet connectivity device.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Students’ Patronage of Internet Facilities in E-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Library is fast becoming very popular means of both research and education especially among students-users in the university. 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 (2016) 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, 2018). Furthermore, Oketunji (2016) 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 (2019) submitted that it is useful for the following:

  1. As an expert system

  2. As reference resources

  3. Allows communication with any professional colleague around the world

  4. Permits access to libraries and library catalogues around the world.

  5. Valuable information in electronic libraries, books, journals, magazines and newsletter is made available

Leiner et al (2016) 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.

With the students’ patronage of internet facility in e-library of FUT Minna Library, Kwesiga (2017) approved that academic performance of students is also influenced by the school in which they studied but he also said that the number of services 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 (2018) noticed that school provision of services and access to resources such as computer and internet services 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. Universities 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

It is in the light of the above that this research work will seek to assess Students’ Patronage of Internet Facility in E-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Library, Niger State.

Historical Background of Federal University of Technology (FUT) E-Library Minna

Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA) is a Federal Government owned university located in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The university specializes in technological education. It was founded in 1983 and the main campus Gidan Kwano which is sited on 10,650 hectares of land is located along the Minna – Kataeregi – Bida Road.

The University Library Services is on both campus of the University. The main campus library Gidan Kwano is called Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Library while the branch Library in Bosso campus is called Auwal Ibrahim Library.

The University Library now has a digitalized section connected with internet to cater for 200 students at a time. Through TETFund support, the University Library procured large volume of books and journals as well as subscribed to several online platform libraries with the aim of boosting research.

The Library is subscribed to different electronic resources database to enhance teaching, learning and research of the university community. The Library has over 80,000 collections of print resources made of books, periodicals and other materials.

The library provides 24/7 internet services to students and staff of the University which is powered by the Information Technology Services Unit. The library has over 350 desktop computers with internet connectivity to provide access to electronic resources for use by the university community. (https://futminna.edu.ng).

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The purpose of the study is to assess students’ patronage of internet use on e-library. This is to meet the gaps in the field of education about the falling standard of education. Researchers have attributed various reasons for this fall. In this age of internet services, it is observed that not much has been done to harness the potentials of internet library services in rescuing the situation.

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 assess Students’ Patronage of Internet Facility in E-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Library, Niger State.

1.3       Research Questions

The following research questions are formulated to guide the study:

  1. What are the types of internet services available in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State?

  2. How satisfied are the students with the level of accessibility of internet services in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State?

  3. What is the level of students’ patronage of internet usage in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State?

  4. What are the problems affecting students’ patronage of internet services in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State?

  5. What are the strategies to remedy the problems affecting the students’ patronage of the internet in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State?

1.4       Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of the study is to assess Students’ Patronage of Internet Facility in E-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Library, Niger State. However the specific objectives are to:

  1. Identify the internet services available in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State.

  2. Access the extent of satisfaction of students with the level of accessibility of internet services in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State.

  3. Identify the level of students’ patronage of internet services provided by e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State.

  4. Examine the problems affecting the students’ patronage of internet services in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State.

  5. Determine the strategies to remedy the problems affecting the students’ patronage of the internet in e-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Library Minna, Niger State.

1.5       Significance of the Study

It is hoped that the findings of this study will be of significance to librarians, students-researchers and decision makers. The findings of the study will help the students to identify internet facility as a means of improvement in their academic performance. The findings of the study will also help libraries to know the satisfaction in the use of internet facility for academic purpose as well as the frequency of students’ patronage.

1.6       Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study is limited to students (library users) in Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, Niger State. Similarly, this study is assessing Students’ Patronage of Internet Facilities in E-Library of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Library, Niger State, while other library services are excluded from the study. The study is limited by time frame, financial constraints and information resources.

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

Academic Performance: This is the outcome of Education- the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals.

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)

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.

Internet: This is also known as net. It is a worldwide system of computer networks that connects millions of computers together globally for communication.

Library Patronage: The support given by library user or patron.

Library Services: This refers to all such services that are provided by the library to its users.

Library Users: These are the persons that visits the library with the purpose of exploiting it resources to satisfy his information need.

Patronage: The support given to an organization by someone.

Surfing: This is the activity of moving from site to site on the internet.

Undergraduate: This is used to refer to a student that has not yet obtained a first degree.

University: This is an institution of higher education offering courses at degree level or below, especially in vocational subjects.

 

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A SUVERY OF STUDENTS INFORMATION NEEDS AND LIBRARY SERVICES IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (HMS) JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARY, KADUNA STATE

A SUVERY OF STUDENTS INFORMATION NEEDS AND LIBRARY SERVICES IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (HMS) JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARY, KADUNA STATE

ABSTRACT

The study on A survey of Users Information Needs and Library services at Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School, Kaduna. The objectives of the study were to identify the user information needs in use of resources in Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School Kaduna, to determine the library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary school Kaduna, to identify challenges of users in meeting their information, needs and library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior secondary School. Lastly to provide solution of solving the problems of user information, needs and Library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School. The questionnaire in form of checklist was used as the instrument for gathering information. The sample size is 70 population. For this study, the subject random sampling techniques was used. The sample in random sampling technique is subject is the population. The data gathered were analysed in frequencies, percentage tables and charts. However, is more in Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School Library, and others are less, the Library must as a matter of Policy periodically re-assess the information needs of their community. This is even more imperative now that the users have developed sophisticated needs which are constantly. Libraries should give proper orientation to library users. In order to ensure adequate use of library information, authorities should budget enough funds for the acquisition of adequate library and information resources, it is also recommended that current and adequate information resources should be acquired to increase the level of user satisfaction.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0       Background of the study

A survey of Student information needs and library service at the Health Information Management System (HMS) School, Kaduna is a general phenomenon. Library has been described as the “heart” of the learning community, providing a place for students and faculty to conduct their research and advance their knowledge. In the education system, library is the centre of academic life. A library attached to a secondary education exists to support the goals of its parent organization. Since library are an integral part of the education system, they should provide support services for the formal educational programs as well as for facilities for research and for generation of new knowledge. It is important for any information or any other library to know the real needs of the user in the school.

The library users need to improve on the quality services to survive in this volatile competitive environment. Wittaker (2011) noted that Provision of easy to use library catalogues; adequate guides to library collections and keenly shelved books enhance and facilitate library use. Hence, in order to serve all parties and support research and development, the library has to embrace such valuable tools as a catalogue, proper shelving, adoption of library automation and well trained staff. The library also serves as a place where the student can learn to keep himself up to date with the development in the social, political and economic situation in his society and the world generally. An ideal academic institution library is also expected to provide light reading materials that can help to broaden the student’s mind, to aspect and appreciate his culture and to develop his moral and intellectual horizon. It is also an institution for training of the student to understand his surroundings and well groomed individual who has been prepared to give his quota to the development of his society.

Alokun (2010) noted that every academic staff is particularly keen in keeping himself current in his subject field. Therefore, academic staffs are one of the many users of the library who expect the library to provide them with materials to enhance their teaching and research findings. The survey provided valuable data on the nature of students’ use of the library and its collections. According to literature the secondary library users are generally satisfied with the collection both in print and electronic format but there are a number of shortfalls that cause dissatisfaction. They include insufficient electronic databases, inadequate outdated books, difficult information retrieval tools, insufficient computer terminal, slow connectivity etc. The study recommended various practical steps to satisfy their clients’ needs. These were arms of stock and services. The librarians must above all establish very good relationship with the students so that they should encourage them to express their true satisfaction (Alokun 2010).

Since the library service  is committed to provide information resources, it has to develop an on-going dialog with its user in the school. Therefore it is crucial to evaluate the library services- from customer’s point of view. At the same time in order to set up user –centered service the library needs to know the users and user needs. It is impossible to assess the changing needs of the clientele unless user surveys are conducted to determine user needs and their reading interests. The school is not a static environment but, rather, one charge with change and adjustment to change.

1.2       Historical Background of Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School Library

Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School library is the product of the successful culmination of 15 years struggle by the Kaduna polytechnic community. The need for a secondary school library filled in the gap in the educational cycle, which has been existing since. In fact, the PTA of the staff school spear-headed the struggle for the establishment of the secondary school.

The secondary school dream was actualized during the leadership of DR. Nuru Yakubu who was then the rector of the Polytechnic, on Monday 17th November, 1997. It was handed to Mrs. M.A. Mahmoud as the first acting principal of the school supported by a team of (9) teaching staffs. The school took off at it temporary site, comprising of 3 block of classes the principal office and a staff room all located at the staff premises, with the population of 112 students.

School administration took over all responsibility for coordinating resources

(human and materials from within and outside the school) for the achievement of optimum result. Administrators were therefore given mandate to approved educational policies by adhering to educational curriculums. The head of the Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School was the principal, the appointments of the school’s principal was expected to be a planner, organizer, manager of resources director and coordinator of all the activities in the school.

Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School had experienced the service of three principals from 1997 – 2007.

The first was Mrs. Maimunatu A. Mahmood, she acted as the first school principal from 1997 -2001, while the second was Malam Musa Bado Gumel, from 2002-2004, and the third in leadership series was Mrs. Asmau’u Abdulkadir from 2004 -2007. It is on thus premise that the study will investigate the user needs and effectiveness of library services in the Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School, Kaduna

1.3       Statement of the Problem

In order to determine the information needs of the user of services library, as of any other kind of library, it is necessary to establish goals involved in the education process and thus achieve satisfactory interaction with supporting units in the polytechnic. This collaboration should not be disregarded, since the library user is an active participant in the information system and it must be borne in mind that his/her needs should determine the shape of the education system.

In some instances users of library services may be unaware of many of the information sources and services available or potentially available, given that their information needs may be directed towards solving a limited number of problems whereas the system is geared to very broad disciplines.

The staff of the library is responsible for the efficiency of the system and should direct users to the relevant sources and services, adapting their services to user demands. In addition, an information source should anticipate the requirements of users and gear itself to them. This can only be done through continuous cooperation between library and schools goals, making it possible not only to establish current needs but also to discern trends which will lead to the system being faced with new information demands.

Library Administration solicit funds and assistant from foreign agencies and foundations who are interested for the cause. Most student fail in achieving academic work because they do not have enough facilities in the library that will encourage them to read. Library is equipped to enable the student achieve his or her personal academic goals. Therefore, the uncertainty has motivated a survey of user needs and effectiveness of library service at the Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School, Kaduna.

 1.4      Research Questions

  1. What are the information needs of Students in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna ?
  2. What are the available Library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna?
  3. What are the challenges of users information needs in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna?
  4. What are the solutions to challenges of users information, needs in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library, Kaduna?

1.5       Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of the user survey were:

  1. To identify the information needs of Students in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna
  2. To determine the Library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Kaduna?
  3. To identify challenges of users in meeting their information, needs and Library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) School?
  4. To provide solution of solving the problems of user information, needs and Library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) School?

1.6       Significance of the Study

The finding of the study will be significant to user of library, teachers, Ministry of Education, students in secondary school and management.

The findings of the study will help users of library to identify information needed in achieving their goal in Health Information Management System (HMS) School, Kaduna.

The finding of the study will help in defeating the effectiveness of library same to the (teachers, Students).

The Findings of the study will benefit management, ministry of Education and Policy makes in taking decisions through identifying services.

1.7       Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research was done in Kaduna State and it covered the following: Users’ needs in achieving library services Effectiveness of library services to users of Health Information Management System (HMS) School.

Identify the problems and solutions of library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) School.

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms

Information: This can be thought of as the resolution of uncertainty; it is that which answers the question of “what an entity is” and thus defines both its essence and nature of its characteristics.

Library: It is an institution that acquires, organizes, preserves and make available recorded knowledge for reading, studying and consultation.

Library Service: These are Services provided by the library to the users. This can include instruction on how to access and use library materials. The Library services / facilities include Circulation Service, Reference Service, Online reservation of books, Recommendation of library material, Current Awareness Service etc.

Needs: This is something that is necessary for an organism to live a healthy life.

School:  A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students (or “pupils”) under the direction of teachers.

School Library: A school library (or a school library media center) is a library within a school where students, staff, and often, parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources.

Users: Somebody who exploits or manipulate as a means to an end.

Library user needs: It integrates students’ class educational experience and library as gateway of information resources.

 

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IMPACT OF LIBRARY SERVICES ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

 

This study examined “The Impact of Library Services on Academic Performance of Secondary School” with reference to Private Schools in Television, Kaduna as Case Study. Purposefully, the study assessed the school library, library services, use of library and its effect on academic performance in school and suggestions to improve library services to enhance academic performance. The researcher used research design survey to carry out the study. The sample size of the population was 100. So 100 questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents, out of which 90 were filled correctly and 10 discarded due to incorrect response. But, ninety (90) usable questionnaires provided the database in this study The data obtained was analysed using simple percentage. From the research, the findings revealed that library use can improve the academic performance of students by studying independently on a wide range of materials for class projects, individual report and class assignment. Based on the findings, conclusion was drawn and recommendations given that (i) The qualification of staff is an important factor in providing effective library service. Therefore school management should be concerned with library policy in selection of staff. There should also be staff trains and their entitlements be given during service training and also the staff should observe current developments in their field; and (ii) The provision of a well-equipped and conducive library should be made top priority in order to create good learning environment. The school authority, P.T.A and State Government should solicit for funds from corporate organizations and private individuals to enhance the library facilities.