ABSTRACT
This study investigated management of library information resources as correlate of provision of library services in Government owned higher institutions in Niger state, Nigeria, Nigeria. It sought to find out method of acquisition of library information resources and how it affects provision of library services, determine method of preserving information resources in government owned higher institutions in Niger state, Nigeria. Six research questions were formulated. Two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05level of significance. A descriptive survey design was used for the study with a population of 210 librarians and library officers. Federal University of Technology, Minna FUT MX (66); Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai IBBUL (61); Federal Polytechnic Bida FPB (25); Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru NSP ZUNG (10); Niger State School of Nursing Bida S/N BIDA (5); Niger State School of Midwifery, Minna (S/M MX); Federal College of Education, Kotangora COE KT (11); College of Education, Minna COE MX (13); college of Agriculture Mokwa COA MK (6); Federal College of Fresh Water Fishery Technology, Newbussa FCFWFT N/B (3); Federal College of Wildlife Management, Newbussa FCWM N/B (3) and Justice Fati Abubakar college of Arts and General Studies, Minna JFLA (4). Total enumeration technique was used for the study. Instruments for data collection were structured questionnaire and observation checklist. A total number of 210 copies of questionnaire was used, out of which 185 copies were dully filled and returned correctly representing 88.0% response rate. Percentages, mean scores and frequency tables were used to analysed research questions. The result obtained from the findings revealed that in all the government owned higher institutions it was found that all the major source of acquisition is through purchase, donations and gifts, the researched revealed that in providing library services, current awareness service and recommendation of library material are the most service provided in government owned higher institutions in Niger state. Library security and adequate ventilation in the library are methods adopted in preserving information resources in government owned higher institutions libraries in Niger State. The three hypotheses tested showed there was significant relationship between acquisition, organisation, preservation and management of library information resources with provision of library services in Government owned higher institutions in Niger state, Nigeria, Nigeria. Drawn from the findings, was recommended among others that there should be relevant and adequate supply of library information resource as well as adequate staff motivation which will drive them to provide library services.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
A government owned higher institution is a university or college that is in state ownership or receives significant public funds for its operation through a national or subnational government, as opposed to a private university. One of the functions of higher institutions is to ensure the impacting of knowledge, identify skills gaps, create special programmes and build the right skills that can help countries improve economic prosperity and social cohesion. Higher institutions libraries are attached to a higher education institution and serves two complementary purposes: to support the curriculum, and to support the research of the higher institution‟s faculty and students. According to Ola and Osagie (2011), higher institution libraries serve as content and knowledge repository by collecting and providing access to books, journals and other recorded information, by acquiring, re-packaging and providing access to information. Higher institution libraries can ensure that the right information is provided and in form that the users can understand.
Libraries of higher institutions consist of collection of materials or media that are accessible for use and not just for display. Library provides physical libraries of higher institutions consist of collection of materials or media that are accessible for use and not just for display. Library provides physicalor digital access to material, and may be at physical location or a virtual space, or both. A library’s collection can include printed materials and other physical resources in many formats such as Digital Versatile Disc (DVDs), as well as access to information, music or other content held on bibliographic databases. Chima and Nwokocha cited in Babadoko et al. (2018) explained that ability to identify and retrieve specific information needed for a particular situation requires an awareness of the source (availability) and the skill to retrieve it within a short time and at low cost (accessibility) material, and may be at physical location or a virtual space, or both. A library’s collection can include printed materials and other physical resources in many formats such as Digital Versatile Disc (DVDs), as well as access to information, music or other content held on bibliographic databases. Chima and Nwokocha cited in Babadoko et al. (2018) explained that ability to identify and retrieve specific information needed for a particular situation requires an awareness of the source (availability) and the skill to retrieve it within a short time and at low cost (accessibility).
Library information resources are those materials made up of books, audio-visual software, media, audio–visual hardware and other materials used in teaching and learning process in a library. Ogbebor (2011) also buttress that information resources are selected, acquired and organised by library staff so that information seekers or library clientele can have quick and easy access to them. The importance of information resources can be seen from the fact that if library information resources are not provided, the library ceases to exist as what will be left is only a building.
Library information resources include not only traditional print-on-paper media like books, journals, newspapers, and maps, but also audio-visual materials like cinematograph film records, audiocassettes, video cassettes, projectors, microfiches, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD- ROM), computer software, online databases, electronic books and e-journals and other media via the Internet. Electronic resources deliver the collection of information as full text (aggregated) databases, e-journals, image collections, multimedia in the form of CD, tape, Internet, web technology, just to mention but a few. E-resources include e-journals, e-discussions, e-news, data archives, e-mail online chatting, just to mention but a few. Electronic information sources are a wide range of products going from electronic periodicals to CD-ROMs, from mailing list to databases, all of them having a common feature of being used and sometimes modified by a computer (Thanuskodi, 2012).
Library information resources are expected to be acquired, organised in retrievable formats and made accessible to the academic staff and researchers to conduct teaching and research activities. The ability of the higher institution libraries to carry out these functions effectively depends on availability and accessibility to electronic information resources such as e-books, e-journals, research and technical reports, conference proceedings, e-theses, e-dissertations, periodicals, reference sources, microforms just mention but few. Electronic resources are very important source of information for modern community of the world because it has become preferred source of information for the higher institution community and researchers.
In another development, electronic information resources can be defined as the electronic representation of information which can be accessed via electronic system and computer network (Johnson et al., 2012). Library is now more dependent on electronic information resource systems EIRs to carry out their day-to-day functions and make decisions; common examples include systems designed for: Human resource management, online public access, Institutional repository, E-resources and Services, Licensing and ordering, Registration, and benefit delivery. New technology is making significant contributions to improving library resources and services in achieving development goals and advancing e-library strategies.
Provision of library services in higher institutions are the activities that libraries and their personnel render to meet the information needs of their users and which are core in the functions of higher institutions libraries Ikenkwe (2014) advised that it is vital that the views of the users are sought to be better informed of information needs of the users because providing satisfactory services cannot be done unless the views of users are considered. He also, asserted that users‟ views about the services they need should be sought regularly and systematically to inform decision makers about what services should be provided. Proper Management of library information resources in the higher institution library is necessary.
Provision of library services include instruction on how to access and use library materials. The library services include circulation service, reference service, online public access catalogue (OPAC) Service/Web OPAC, online reservation of books, reprographic services, recommendation of library material, current awareness service, inter library loan service, photocopying/printing service, overnight issue, orientation and information sessions for fresher‟s, selective dissemination of information, audio visual service and content page alert service on current journals.
Provision of library services can be rendered to a group or individual to enable them get as much as possible the information that is necessary for the completion of their academic pursuit. Users of the higher institutions libraries are assisted in finding the right books that contain answers to questions they have in mind. Every information service rendered is directly related to the needs of the users. Equally, the higher institution libraries in whatever type of institution should not lose sight of general reference service, routine of current periodicals to the lecturers and research fellows, preparing library bulletin and engaging in selective dissemination of information. In order to enjoy fuller exploration of the libraries, the higher institution libraries equally provide the following services: registration of readers to issue borrowing tickets to enable them borrow books and use the library outside at their convenient time, photocopying pages of highly needed books, preparing of bibliographies in certain subject areas, interlibrary loan to enable users have access to the materials that are not available in their own library, since no single library can provide enough information resources for its readers. The inability of the library managers to provide library services to library users has the tendency to affect the performance of students, researchers and lecturers in achieving their academic performance. To this end, this bring about the need for acquisition of library information resources.
Acquisition is the process by which libraries add new library information resources needed by their clientele to their existing collections to meet their current and future information needs.
Robert in Abdulsalami and Arowolo (2019) opined “Acquisition as the process of selecting materials for the library and archival collections through purchase, exchange and gift which may include budgeting and negotiating agencies, publishers, vendors to obtain the resources to meet the needs of institutions users”. Acquisition in higher institution libraries involves selection of titles, pre-order checking, preparation of final list for order and ordering, verification of receipt, checking-in of materials, claiming and renewal of subscription, and cancellation of order.
Acquisition of library information resources in government owned higher institutions libraries are therefore expected to support the teaching and research activities of the parent institutions. It is noted that the rapid pace of development in the field of information technology and the advent of networked information services have prompted a comprehensive review of the Library and Information Sciences (LIS) profession. The global trend is now characterized with a fundamental shift from traditional information environment to an e-environment where emphasis is placed more on the acquisition of e-resources such as e-books, e-journals as well as online databases. However, traditional library information services and functions are still relevant. Libraries are now expected to provide to users a range of information and communication technologies necessary for retrieving information quickly from both immediate and remote databases, as well as creating a need for library cooperation and consortium initiatives. Ochogwu cited in Ishola (2014) posited that libraries and other information related organizations provide a variety of information to society in different physical formats.
In addition to acquisition of printed library information resources, higher institution libraries also utilise Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) facilities for management and provision of library services. It is in this direction that Dafiaghor (2012) opined that the use of information technology in Nigerian higher institution libraries has been greatly affecting all facets of information acquisition, storage, and dissemination of information. It is a wonderful development that has dramatically changed the mode of library operations and information services. Hundreds of thousands monographic materials, journals, learning resources and databases which are now available in electronic formats, and these resources can now be accessed from the remote corner of any country, thereby increasing the use of information and literature and the efficiency of information services in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Users are now more independent than before; they can access these electronic formats from their home computers and search databases according to their information needs. Students, teachers, researchers, information professionals, and employees are the user categories in tertiary institutions. In other words, library managers are expected to provide abundant E-resources to meet the ever increasing demands of users.
The management of library information resource involves acquisition, organisation of library information resources (cataloguing and classification), preservation and providing access to them, and also making sure that the information resources shelved for users are easily accessible and which will guide an organisation towards the achievement of its goals and objectives. This can be done in a short period of time through the use of the internet, computers and other ICTs facilities. Higher institution libraries have to manage their resources for effective service provision to its patrons. Iya in Whong (2014) posited that the basic tasks in managing library information resources include acquisition, organizing, processing, maintenance, preservation, loaning and general administration. Other management issues include the planning of the construction of new libraries or extensions to existing ones and the development and implementation of outreach services and reading-enhancement services. To this end therefore having resources in the library is one thing and managing them for effective service delivery is another.
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
The advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT) brought about massive production of information which led to information explosion but the inadequate funding of government owned higher institution libraries have affected management of information resources which in turn affects provision of library services in government owned higher institution libraries particularly in Niger State, Nigeria. To further buttress this, Prangya and Rabindra (2013) concluded that lack of training; poor infrastructure and high cost of accessing some e-resources are the obstacles to provision of library services in government owned higher institutions, particularly in Niger State, Nigeria. This also has a negative effect on students and researchers of these higher institutions who will intend to carry out their assignments and research work. To this end, this study was conducted to investigate the management of library information resources as correlate of provision of library services in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The main aim of this study is to determine management of library information resources as correlate of provision of library services in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to:
1. determine the library services provided in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
2. ascertain types of information resources in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
3. determine method of acquisition of library information resources in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
4. determine how information resources are organised and how it affect provision of library services in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
5. ascertain method of preserving information resources in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
6. determine the factor affecting the management of information resources in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study:
1. What are the library services provided in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria?
2. What are the library information resources provided in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria?
3. How are the Information resources acquired in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria?
4. How are information resources organised in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria?
5. How are the information resources preserved in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria?
6. What are the factors affecting the management of information resources in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses are listed to guide this study and will be tested at 0.05 level of significance:
HO1 There is no significant relationship between acquisition of library information resources and provision of library services in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
HO2 There is no significant relationship between organisation of library information resources and provision of library services in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
HO3 There is no significant relationship between preservation of library information resources and provision of library services in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
Findings of this study will be beneficial to the students, other researchers, higher institution libraries and library managers.
Students will become conversant with library operations such as retrieval tools, rules and regulations which will enable the clientele to access the right information resource at the right time thereby saving his/her time and effort. Equally, the findings will help the students to know those services that are provided but they do not utilize and also help them know services which are supposed to be provided which are not and how to improve on the use of the services.
The researcher‟s work will be greatly enhanced with services that will be provided, besides it will benefit researchers who will embark on similar studies in this area or related areas in future so that they can know what needs to be improved upon or be covered. Finally it will as well add to the existing literature in librarianship and will serve as a reference work to both learners and the learned.
The study will provide comparisons between the libraries of higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria which will suggest better ways of managing their libraries. The management of the higher institution libraries covered by the study shall make use of available data to assist them in formulating library and information service policies. The findings will be of enormous importance to the higher institution library management also by helping them to improve on the factors that positively influence effective library and information services through eliminating those factors that are capable of hindering effective information services delivery.
The library managers in higher institution libraries will aspire to be experts in identifying relevant library information resources and providing them to the users, and also develop mechanisms for timely and adequate service provision to readers and learn how it‟s been done in other institutions.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study will focus on the management of library information resources as correlate of provision of library services in Government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
The study examined management in areas of acquisition, organization, preservation, and challenges of library information resources on provision of library services. The population of the study covers both librarians and library officers. The twelve government owned higher institutions in Niger State namely: Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MX); Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL); Federal Polytechnic Bida (FPB); Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru (NSP ZUNG); Niger State School of Nursing Bida (S/N BIDA); Niger State School of Midwifery, Minna (S/M MX); Federal College of Education, Kontagora (COE KT); College of Education, Minna (COE MX); College of Agriculture, Mokwa (COA MK); Federal College of Fresh Water Fishery Technology, New-Bussa (FCFWFT N/B); Federal College of Wildlife Management, New-Bussa (FCWM N/B) and Justice Fati Lami Abubakar College of Arts and General Studies, Minna (JFLA).
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
The following terms were operationally defined
Government Owned Higher Institution: this is tertiary education which is also called post- secondary education that is dedicated to research and advanced learning in different fields. It includes Universities, COEs, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and Professional schools which is been sponsored and managed by the Niger State government.
Higher Institution Libraries: these are also referred to as academic libraries found in higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria
Management of library information resource is the process of acquiring, organizing, preserving of library information resources and getting them done efficiently and effectively in government owned higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria.
Provision of library service: it is a service rendered to clients in government owned higher institution in Niger State libraries in order to meet their information needs.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
MANAGEMENT OF LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES AS CORRELATE OF PROVISION OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT OWNED HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA.
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