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Problems of Acquisition and Provision of Library Resources and Services To Users in Special Libraries by Douglas Tersugh Auva
Problems of Acquisition and Provision of Library Resources and Services To Users in Special Libraries by Douglas Tersugh Auva
Problems of Acquisition and Provision of Library Resources and Services To Users in Special Libraries by Douglas Tersugh Auva
BY
JANUARY, 2017
1
PROBLEMS OF ACQUISITION AND PROVISION OF LIBRARY
RESOURCES AND SERVICES TO USERS IN SPECIAL LIBRARIES:
A STUDY OF BENUE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY LIBRARY,
MAKURDI
BY
JANUARY, 2017
2
APPROVAL PAGE
This is to certify that this research work has been carefully examined and
approved as having met the required standard of the Department of Library and
Information Science for the award of Bachelor Degree (B.Sc) in Library and
Information Science.
______________________ __________________
Prof. Michael G. Ochogwu Date
Project Supervisor
______________________ __________________
Prof. Michael G. Ochogwu Date
Head of Department
______________________ __________________
Prof. Gbenda Batur-Laha Date
Dean, Faculty of Education
______________________ __________________
External Examiner Date
3
DEDICATION
This research work is dedicated to God Almighty, the owner and giver of
wisdom and knowledge and to the entire family of Auva Cosmos Shinku.
January, 2017
Date: ..
Sign:.
4
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
To my siblings talking about Mrs. Magdalene Angur, Mrs. Martha Nyiku, Miss
Christiana Auva, Mrs. Edith Dekera, Bro. Henry Ushahemba Auva (you are too
much) and lastly to Bro. Auva James-Hang. I am grateful to you all because
without you, there will be no joy in me.
5
work. Sir, thank you immensely for sharpening my smooth end, May God bless
you abundantly.
Appreciation equally goes to Mr. Felix Gbagbenda, Mrs. Mnena Maureen, Mr.
Nicholas Dekera, Mr. Dickson Nyiku, Mr. Samuel Angur Dzer, Mr./Mrs.
Terhemen Iorbee, Mr./Mrs. Moses Idyu, Mama Rose Cheren and Maria,
Liamgee Anthonia, Agatha Mmemshima Amachigh, Joshua Iornyaa, Atsor
Iveren Blessing, Jolenta Torkwase Apenzan, Aloysius Kpughur, Michael
Atondo, Samuel Mnena, Evelyn and Tersoo Udende and Late Mrs. Adamu
Mhoonum of blessed memory for their tremendous assistance throughout my
study period.
In a unique way, I wish to appreciate my Baby Angel, Lucy Atsor for her love
and care, spiritual and moral supports as well as her encouragements. Thank you
for being there for me.
Guilt will not allow me if I fail to dully express and appreciate the efforts and
the nature of friendliness with my course mates...to you all i say thank you.
Lastly to my well wishers, may God bless and reward you for the good you did
to me.
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page - - - - - - - - - - i
Approval page - - - - - - - - - ii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - - iii
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - iv
Table of contents - - - - - - - - - vi
List of tables - - - - - - - - - viii
Abstract - - - - - - - - - - ix
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study - - - - - - - 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - - 6
1.3 Purpose of the Study - - - - - - - - 6
1.4 Research Questions - - - - - - - - 7
1.5 Significance of the Study - - - - - - - 8
1.6 Scope of the Study - - - - - - - - 8
1.7 Operational Definition of Research Concepts - - - - 9
Chapter Two: Review of Related Literature
2.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - - 11
2.2 Conceptual Framework - - - - - - - 11
2.3 Empirical Studies - - - - - - - - 29
2.4 Summary of the Reviews - - - - - - - 38
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - - 41
3.2 Research Design - - - - - - - - 41
3.3 Area of the Study - - - - - - - - 42
3.4 Population of the Study - - - - - - - 42
3.5 Sample and Sampling Techniques - - - - - - 42
7
3.6 Instrumentation - - - - - - - - 42
3.7 Validation of Instrument - - - - - - - 43
3.8 Method of Data Collection - - - - - - - 43
3.9 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - - 43
Chapter Four: Data Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation
4.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - - 44
4.2 Response Rate - - - - - - - - - 44
4.3 Analysis of Data - - - - - - - - 45
4.4 Discussion of Findings - - - - - - - 52
Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion, Recommendations and Suggestions
5.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - - 56
5.2 Summary - - - - - - - - - 56
5.3 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - 58
5.4 Recommendations - - - - - - - - 59
References - - - - - - - - - 61
Appendix - - - - - - - - - 67
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 4: Extend to which users are satisfy with the library resources
in the library - - - - - - - 47
Table 5: Extend to which users are satisfy with the library services in the
library - - - - - - - - - 48
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Abstract
10
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
corporate bodies and organizations. They are the custodians and disseminators
the modern competitive world. Special libraries have thus been equipped to
ensure the survival and continued existence of their parent bodies. However, not
all special libraries are up to the task, as some are severely hampered by
libraries essentially meant for research on a particular field of study, and are
patronized by specialists and researchers. They are organized along subject lines
or disciplines because they are limited in scope and are inclined to a single
subject that comprises a field of activity or study. Their clientele are limited;
11
educational institution and their collections are tailored to suit a limited field of
their users are restricted to their parent organization. Within this limitation, the
12
Acquiring information resources is a core activity of every library.
library materials to satisfy the needs of users, and its work. It is a means by
which books and non-books materials are added to the library. Anyanwu et al.
purchase, gift and exchange, legal deposit, professional associations. The major
that established them. Thus, the motto of the Special Libraries Association is
traditionally been to serve the library rather than individual readers; as long as
the library's collection was being built efficiently, the organisation was satisfied
(Vickery (1995).
serve the information needs of its users through library services. In a special
library like the Benue state House of Assembly, if the library resources and
13
services are not provided, it will affect the contributions as well as the output of
the legislatures and the end result or consequences will fall on the masses.
Library information resources are those materials, both print and non-print,
those information bearing materials that are in both printed and electronic
access in the libraries which facilitates speedy and easy access to unlimited
information from different sources has clearly helped to transform the level of
range of materials from around the world to the user. The emergence of
Odongo and Okello-Obura (2013) noted that through the use of electronic
14
Library services on the other hand are routines librarians carry out in the
Popoola and Haliso (2009) viewed library information services as the activities
that libraries and their personnel render to meet the information needs of their
database search, bindery, word processing etc are rendered to clients of the
15
It is against this background that the researcher seeks to examine the
library.
the development of this project, modern library set up, especially the special
justifiably, these problems range from poor budgetary government funding, poor
of the library attendant to get rich quick by not passing through them, poor
stocks, lack of training and retraining and library rules and regulation are known
16
1.3 Purpose of the Study
Assembly Library.
3. Determine the extent to which users of special libraries are satisfied with
Assembly Library.
Library.
1. What are the methods used in acquiring library resources in the library?
3. To what extent are those users satisfied with the library resources and
services?
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5. What are the problems with the provision of library services in the library?
Assembly library?
The significance of this study will benefit the law makers in Benue State
House of Assembly (users), as it will add value to their output, and to the staff of
the library, the study will infuse in them new knowledge and skills to improve in
their services. There is need for harmonious working relationship between the
staff and the legislatures (in the Legislature) as a veritable tool for a fair
legislature for the state in order to realize the dividends of democracy. It is also
significant that it will add to the existing literature on library and information
services in the process of law making in Benue State in particular and Nigeria in
general.
Benue State. The study therefore will be limited to the following variables; the
18
method used in acquiring library resources/materials, types of library resources
provided in the library, extend to which users are satisfied with library resources
Makurdi.
Library Resources: Library resources are those materials, both print and
Library Services: Library services are routines librarians carry out in the
19
library. It can also be seen as a personal assistance given by the librarian to
and knowledge or skills from the library staff to exploit the information
systems in a library.
lack of the requisite staff that or who will achieve a functional provision of
20
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Introduction
scholars that are related to the study. The chapter covers conceptual framework,
empirical studies and summary of the reviews. This chapter will focus on the
following headings:
acquisition begins, confirming the detail of price and publication, placing order,
physically procure (through buying, gifts or exchange) the items that acquisition
21
personnel. Coordination can only be achieved when all the parties involved in
the work understand the other groups processes, problems and potential utility.
resources were mostly books, journals, newspapers and other editorials, and
encyclopedias. But with the advent of the internet, digital sources of information
have become prevalent. These digital sources of information include, but not
limited to, online libraries and journals, online encyclopedias like the Wikipedia
among others.
consist of two types: the book/print materials e.g. books, journals, bulletin,
theses, dissertations, magazine etc. and non-print materials which include maps,
internet, vertical library etc. these types of information resources are put out in
the above media for information user communities to peruse for their
information needs.
materials that are in print and non-print format such as text books, journals,
internet services among others. These information resources are the raw
materials that are acquired by the libraries, processed and disseminated to meet
22
the needs of users. Information resources in libraries are meant to furnish users
The quality and diversity of library materials varies according to size, purpose
and programme of the institution to which the library is serving. The materials
are carefully selected so that the library stock is balanced and not only reflects
the curricular range of materials but to serve the interest of the entire users.
activities that libraries and their personnel render to meet the information needs
23
Functionally, library services in the other hand is an activity to find out
the reader. These services includes the reader services, reference services,
special services which are the services rendered occasionally to assist the
instruction.
books that will add value to the information needs of its users or clienteles.
Acquisition by gift/donation
This refers to materials that are donated to the library freely by individual
or groups. Gift are very valuable sources of enriching the library book
collection. Most libraries receive books and other library materials as gift from
(Wilkinson and Lewis, 2003). The acquisition by gift is done by identifying the
24
information about the need of the library to enable them know the area of your
need. Gifts can be solicited for, but in whichever way they are given and
resource materials received are useful to the library or not. Proper records of
donor and gifts received should be kept in a file of gift correspondence for
reference purposes. The file is available if a donor visits the library and wishes
to see how his gift was used. In addition, the policy on the acceptance of gifts
Acquisition by exchange
libraries can enter into agreements with several libraries. Records of such
with thanks.
items for those of another library or libraries. The commonest items of exchange
25
such as government publications and written agreement. The agreement will
Taiwan for instance, the National Central library through its energetic and
documents with over one thousand institutions outside the republic of China.
However, many libraries because of its attendant problems do not properly adopt
Acquisition by purchase
the open market or through the book vendors. Most libraries apart from National
library acquired materials for the library by this major method (Ode and
complex activity that involves who is responsible for the mistake and damage
(Aina, 2004).
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2.2.2 Types of library resources provided
timely and convenient way (Heap, 2001). These library resources include,
provision of services and accessing resources, with movement away from print
virtual libraries which help librarians and information providers in the provision
of library resources and services. Access to licensed e-journals and e-books has
not just help in the provision of library resources but also improves services like
electronically direct to users) (Bower & Mee, 2010).This has been enabled by
resource discovery software (Bower & Mee, 2010). These benefit all users and
enable them to access library resources from home or work (Hensley & Miller,
2010).
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2.2.3 Extent to which users are satisfied with library resources and services
The user expectations and satisfaction has been used to determine the
service quality which is been seen as critical for service organizations to position
measure the resources and services of their library as a way of ensuring that they
are meeting the set objectives of the library (King, 2005). Libraries are service
resources and quality services to meet their users information needs. Sowole
(2000) noted that users are described as the raison (reason for existence) of the
library. Meeting the information needs of users requires the provision of the
actual information resources and services that will satisfy the needs of users.
efforts to ensure that their library users derived the best possible benefits from
the services they render. Materials are to be provided by libraries to support the
28
learning, teaching and research processes and to provide assistance to users.
academic libraries is now a major issue among academic librarians; they see the
library more in terms of the provision of and access to service quality than as
Technology and automation have also changed the way people perceive
libraries. As a result, the roles of libraries and librarians themselves have been
provision of good library service as more important to the users than the mere
on users satisfaction with library services with academic libraries services. The
convenient and can compete on cost, libraries need to re-examine the range and
29
quality of services they provide and develop systems for consultation and
cooperation with their customer needs and customer expectations to the highest
degree. Abagai (1993) noted that the use of library by users and indeed their
comment, Abagai argued that the main objective of any library is to support the
the goals of the institution and by making such information available to the
responsibility of the library staff to know these needs and expectations and strive
to meet them. Igben (1993) noted that for a library to be most functional, the
services it renders should correspond closely with the needs of its users.
Ensuring that relevant information resources are provided and made accessible
to users goes a long way to encourage users to visit the library more often.
Simmonds and Andaleeb (2001) stated that the effectiveness of libraries has
30
often been measured by the volume of library materials available to clients, the
user needs. He notes that user needs change continuously and recognizes also
varied and useful information in different kind of materials each of which has its
unique way of handling. Chukwu (1998) maintains that, the major indicator of a
good library is the quality and quantity of its collection. It is therefore necessary
for libraries to acquire current and relevant information resources and services
necessary for teaching, learning and research activities that institutions are
known for. However, there are certain factors or hindrances militating against
Inadequate Funds
(1999), Olanlokun and Adekye (2005) and Lawal and Okwueze (2007) that
31
libraries generally are poorly funded and continue to experience budgeting
setback every year. Pryddey (2000) found out that, academic libraries in Nigeria
have not been able to acquire materials comprehensively enough to meet needs
(Nwangwu, 2002). Ekere (2010) also posits that, poor financial management and
wise to place decision on allocation and utilization in the hands of those bodies
which are too bureaucratic. This is because they can lead to huge losses and
32
Lack of Written Acquisition Policy
Some academic libraries do not have a written acquisition policy; they tend
to take decision on the importance of the library resources when the need arises.
important that every library including special libraries should have a sound
acquisition policy. This will make for effective and efficient acquisition of
when one succeeds, the rate is very high. The implication is far fetching. It
means that, libraries especially academic libraries that want to acquire foreign
currency all conspire to frustrate the aim of the libraries. This was because the
33
authority. In a nutshell, libraries have always suffered a setback in resources of
2005).
standard library resources. This can be understood when one accept the fact that,
well known in our tertiary institutions and account for large percentage of the
sub-standard materials that we have in our market or books stalls (Mirza, 2008).
All libraries provide information services that carter for the information
needs of their users. Nevertheless, the provisions of these services are hinged
Poor Infrastructure
of the major problems facing libraries in Nigeria as they move into the 21st
century. ICT infrastructure development and poor funding have been identified
34
Adedoyin 2005). The culture of infrastructure development and maintenance is
Inadequate Funding
Nearly all library materials are purchased from outside Nigeria, mostly
from Europe and America, and due to a shortage of foreign currency and a high
exchange rate, acquisitions have dropped sharply and in some states completely
funds is the greatest problem libraries face. Inadequate funding is hindering the
information infrastructure.
are a part (Chad 2008, cited by Harris 2009). Change is focused on innovation,
35
technology, user experience, resource management, and service delivery. These
changes call for education and training of librarians and other library staff. The
inadequate numbers of staff, and many others have staff who are seriously
are to survive, they must invest in the intellectual capital of their employees.
provide resources and services required in the libraries, and to bridge the
library services in Nigeria, the result shows that public libraries services have
declined dramatically over the past years due to the effect of both the economic
and political situation in the country. The financial crisis has affected the
structure and maintenance of the building, the size, and the contents of the
collections and the overall provision of services. So therefore, the main library
activity now is just to serve as reading and study rooms for students, who in the
36
majority of cases use their own materials and do not consult the library
collections.
The financial crisis is not only the problem, but also public libraries lack
adequate and professional work force needed to handle the affairs of the library.
Even with the availability of few staff, the inability of the state government to
train them in the field of library profession to some extent affects the quality of
libraries are challenged with the provision of services that will help in the
With the advent of ICTs, most libraries in this 21st century are migrating
electronic library settings. This is however not true of most public libraries in
Nigeria. Most public libraries have not been able to computerize their
collections, not to even talk of using computers to provide services, but rather
they are still indulging in the use of traditional library setting to provide services
to users.
special libraries and the strategies to overcome these problems are also almost
same.
37
2.2.6 Strategies to overcome the problems of acquisition of library resources
and services
keeping with the policies and programs that affect library system. Furthermore,
the special library of Benue State House of Assembly should not only depend on
government alone for funds, but venture into some commercial activities such as
services, typing of documents among others which will enable the library to
meet some of its financial obligations locally (Nwagwu, 2002). The library must
acquisition policy that will guide the establishment whenever the need arises.
38
Technology facilities in place, special libraries can computerize some of their
book publishing industries. This financial upgrade will help in terms of quality
production. With the standard and high quality production of these local library
resources, libraries will start acquiring their resources locally with reduced cost
in price and a lot of value added to the above, the establishment of financial
security. With this in place, it will help reduce the problems of foreign exchange
(forex) for librarians will hardly acquire foreign materials (Nwagwu, 2002).
Lastly, the poor state of infrastructural facilities like the library building
reviews the related research works conducted by others. The empirical studies of
39
Ganiyu (2016) conducted a study on Library Information Resources and
Polytechnics in South West, Nigeria. The results of this study showed that the
Services are good predictors of creativity of the respondent. However, the study
of the respondent were not significant. The Library Information Resources had
Olalude (2007) that internet facility as a library resource is currently having the
The study further revealed that the Library Information Services had also
influenced the creativity of the respondents. The study also found that there was
found that most of the respondents were high in creativity. The study equally
found that, Library Information Resources mostly used by the respondents were
40
performance of administrative duties. They therefore had direct linkage with
their creativity. The study as well found that computer word processing,
These library information services no doubt have direct bearing on the day to
day activities of the respondents and these could also enhance their efficiency
polytechnics.
resources users were not satisfied with the infrastructure available in the library.
It is also in line with the findings of Okello-Obura & Ikoja-Odongo (2010) and
faced.
41
Towolawi and Adeyemi (2010) conducted a study on Acquisition and Use
Assessment. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The
from the library. The population of the study consists of 300 library staff and
users were drawn. Data were compiled and collated by the staff in the readers
services department, which includes circulation, security desk and serials. Data
Findings of the study revealed that, the total book collection of 15,329
volumes and titles of 545 is respectively adequate for the total population of
1,053 students and 202 staff members of the university. Further findings of the
study revealed that, books and journals consulted by all categories of users had a
programme for staff and new students as well as members of staff of the
university.
study in the sense that, it dwells on acquisition and use of library resources, the
42
and services by the library staff and users, thus having a link with the present
study.
University Library: A case study of Pakistan. The purpose of the study was to
explore the basic issues on the acquisition of book through purchase in the
used was the questionnaire and interview guide were developed to collect
quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected in 2003 and 2004 as part of
interview guide. Interviews were transcribed by the researcher and the text was
purchase have negative implications based on the type of collation, the buying
buyers and sellers of these materials. Further finding also revealed that,
43
The research study by Kanwal is related to the present study in the sense
and use of library books and journals for the last five years (5) in College of
on acquisition and use of library resources and services. The population of the
study comprised of 20, 000 library users. Data was compiled and collected by
the staff in the reader services department which include; circulation, reference
and serials. The data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages.
Findings of the study revealed that, a total books collection of 15, 457
volumes and data of journals 238 titles was small especially considering the new
universitys status of the institution. Further findings also revealed that, a total of
4, 650 books volumes and 233 journals were added to the collection during the
five years period, books and journals consulted in the library by all the
categories of users had a steady increase during the five year period and the
44
highest numbers of registered NCE (Nigerian Certificate in Education) students
finding revealed that, there was a need for a comprehensive user education
The research study by Niran is related to the present study in the sense that,
encourage the library into creating a proactive acquisition policy and purchase
of relevant books and journals in appreciable quantity, thus having a link with
involved in the Imo State Academic Library. The research employed survey
45
accommodation, lack of storage facilities and inadequate number of personnel.
The research study by Edoka is related to the present study in the sense
some of the problems that affect acquisition and storage of library materials and
selected universities. The study used a descriptive survey design and data were
46
Findings of the study revealed that, there is every need for adequate
findings of the study were also revealed that, librarians should solicit book
libraries should have collection development policy which will serve as a guide
The research study by Owolabi and Akintola is related to the present study
in the sense that, it dwells on acquisition and provision of library materials. The
Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to analyze the library acquisition of
survey method. The instrument for the study was the use of questionnaire. The
population of the study comprised of acquisition librarians and final year law
students and a total of 768 were drawn from the 15 Federal Universities offering
courses and programmes leading to the degree of Bachelor of Law (LLB). The
university of Abuja, Lagos and Calabar were selected using stratified sampling
47
approach to present the first, second and third generation. Two sets of research
instrument were designed for the survey of law students and acquisition
librarians. The selections of 384 of law students were guided by the proportional
law textbooks publishing was made by local firms during the period under
information resources in academic libraries, thus, this present research will look
of related literature whereby empirical studies relevant to the study are revealed.
48
types of library resources provided in the library, extend to which users are
and use of locally published law textbook publishing in Nigeria, others includes;
acquisition and use of library resources and services in the transition from a
library materials and their attendant problems and acquisition and use of library
there are information bearing materials on the research topic in different format;
49
of adequate funds to the library for proper project execution, formulation of
50
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
methods and procedures for conducting the research which are captured in the
specified how data relating to a given problem should be collected and analyzed.
It provides the procedural outline for the conduct of any given investigation.
Research design helps the researcher to know what ought to constitute the target
technique. It also assists the researcher on how to collect and organize data
pertinent to the problem under investigation and type of statistical test would be
appreciated.
researcher can explain clear about any question and reduce if not eliminate cases
51
Finally, descriptive survey will be used to describe and analyze the variables in
This studys focus and field of investigation was carried out in Benue State
Doki Street High level, Makurdi. The maiden Benue State House of Assembly
was inaugurated on 2nd October, 1979 following the return of democratic rule in
The population of the study consisted of all the seven (7) staff of the House
of Assemblys library.
Considering the small size of the population of this study with only seven
(7) respondents, that is, one librarian and six Para-professional staff, there was
no need for sampling the population. Source: 2016 Library Staff Duty Roster.
3.6 Instrumentation
The instrument for this study was structured questionnaire to collect data
and information from the respondents. The questionnaire is divided into six (6)
sections: (A) Methods of acquisition of library resources in the library (B) Types
of library resources provided in the library (C) Extend to which users are
52
satisfied with library resources and services (D) Problem of acquisition of
services.
and proper criticism. The questionnaire were validated by the supervisor who is
After validation by the supervisor, the researcher was able to modify and adjust
53
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Introduction
of the data collected. The data collected from the questionnaires for this study is
percentages.
A total of seven (7) questionnaires were administered and all the seven (7)
Table 1 above represent the response rate of the staff of Benue State House of
Assembly library, Makurdi. The table revealed that seven (7) questionnaires
were administered to the staff and all were returned and found usable
representing 100%.
54
4.3 Analysis of Data by Research Questions
The data collected has been presented in eight (8) tables and analyzed using
Question 1: What are the methods used in acquiring library resources in the
used in acquisition of library resources. The result of the analysis indicates that,
55
acquisition by exchange is not a method used for acquiring library resources in
Question 2: What are the types of library resources provided in the library?
library resources provided in the library. The result of the analysis shows that, 3
(48.5%) respondents agreed that the main type of the library resources is special
and newspaper/magazines are also one of the resources that the library provided.
56
However, reference resources and electronic online resources with 0.% each was
Question 3: To what extent are users satisfied with the library resources and
services?
which users are satisfy with the library resources. The result of the analysis
indicate that 2 (29.9%) respondents were highly satisfied (HS) in using books in
the House of Assembly library, while another 2 (29.9%) respondents were also
57
online databases, internet and audio-visual materials with 0.% each were not
which users are satisfy with library services. The result of the analysis shows
that out of the seven (7) sample, 2 (40.1%) respondents were highly satisfied
(HS) with user education services, while 1 (11.98%) respondent each were
58
respondents were not satisfied (NS) with inter-library loan and lending services
library?
acquisition of library resources. The result of the analysis shows that 5 (20.32%)
respondents attested that, inadequate funds is the major problem in the library, 4
(15.2%) respondents each agreed that, high cost of foreign materials and poor
59
are lack of acquisition policy and poor quality of locally published materials
were among the problems that militate againt the effective acquisition of library
Question 5: What are the problems with the provision of library services in the
library?
the provision of library services. The result of the analysis shows the
library services in the House of Assembly library, Makurdi. From the table,
respondents accepted that, they were encountered with the following problems:
60
system each with 3 (25.1%) respondents, poor knowledge of ICT infrastructure
and utilization and lack of ICT tools and compliance each with 2 (3.4%)
resources mitigate against the provision of library services in the library. Lastly,
among the major problems affecting the provision of library services in the
library.
Question 6: What are the strategies to overcome the problems of acquisition and
61
Table 8 above represents the distribution of respondents on strategies to
services. The result of the analysis shows the percentages of the responses to
strategies to overcome the problems that affects the acquisition and provision of
From the table, respondents agreed that the strategies to ameliorate the
for the execution of project and adequate bibliographic control mechanism are
also among the strategies when adopted will enable the library to overcome the
and 2 (10.3%) respondents each agreed that, other strategies to overcome the
The findings drawn from the study revealed that, the methods of
62
by membership. No inter-library is made in the library because it is not an
automated library. The above statement was supported by (Aina 2004: Ifidon
1999) who opined that about 90% or more of information materials in the library
are generally acquired through purchase. Wilkinson and Lewis (2000) observed
that, most libraries receive books and other materials as gifts from individuals,
The responses also shows that, the types of library resources are; reference
Another important finding was on the extend to which users were satisfied
with the library resources and services in the library. It was discovered that the
library users were highly satisfied (HS) with library resources like, books,
encyclopedias. In terms of library services, they were highly satisfied (HS) with
user education services and moderately satisfied (MS) with Current Awareness
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The Benue State House of Assembly library, Makurdi is encountered with
a lot of problems that hampered the effective acquisition and provision of library
resources and services. The findings equally revealed that, acquisition and
and staff of the library. The findings also revealed that, acquisition of library
(2006) who posits that acquisition is the process by which library physically
procure the items that acquisition librarian have identified as desirable addition
Benue State House of Assembly library is a joint responsibility that is not only
(2011) who posits that, the provision of library and information services is a sine
qua non, access to, and ability to use the information provided is a single most
important factor.
64
knowledge of ICT infrastructure and utilization, inadequate human resources
and lack of ICT tools and compliance. These teething problems among others
have hampered the effective acquisition and provision of library resources and
services. This signifies that, Benue State House of Assembly library Makurdi is
faced with a lot of problems that affects acquisition and provision of library
resources and services. This statement was supported by Ekwelem (2004) who
opined that the library is handicapped when it comes to increasing both the stock
mechanism should be taking care of. These strategies among others can improve
effective acquisition and provision of library resources and services and with
this, the library will be able to meet some of its financial requirement locally. By
implication, this indicates that, when all the above mentioned strategies are met
65
CHAPTER FIVE
SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Introduction
based on the findings from the responses, make recommendations that will
improve the situation and ends with the possible or appropriate suggestions for
further study.
5.2 Summary
The data for this study were based on responses of the respondents from the
frequency counts and percentages for the analysis of the research questions,
66
1. It was revealed that the methods of acquiring library resources in House of
2. That, the types of library resources provided in the library are; special
newspapers/magazines.
3. The findings also revealed the extend of users satisfaction with library
4. The problems faced with the acquisition of library resources in the House of
5. That, the problems with the provision of library services in the House of
67
exploit the information system, poor knowledge of ICT infrastructure and
of funds for the execution of projects, funds released to the library should be
5.3 Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that, there are a lot of
resources and services in the library. Among the problems includes; inadequate
knowledge or skills to exploit the information systems, and of lack of ICT tools
and compliance.
The issue of lack of funds, poor management of library funds can hinder
68
indispensable tool for the achievement of the objectives of any organization.
Without finance, the library cannot effectively play the role of organization and
On the other hand, the issues of lack of acquisition policy was found as one
library resources and services in the State House of Assembly library. Lack of
priority. Another challenge was poor quality of locally published resources such
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusion drawn from the study, the following
2. The library should formulate and adopt workable acquisition policy that
69
3. The government as parent organization should therefore make it as a
priority or policy in funding the library with adequate and timely release of
funds since the library remains the medium for the development and
compete favourably with foreign publishing companies which will meet the
at when due.
70
References
Aina, L.O. (2004). Library and Information Services Text for Africa. Ibadan:
Third World Information Services Limited.
Ajibero, M.I. (2000). Strategies and tools for information service delivery in the
New Millennium. A paper presented at the 2000 NLA Annual Conference.
Aju, David and Karim, Usman (2014). Groundwork on the Use of Library, Study
Skills and Information Communication Technology (ICT): Makurdi,
Bookworks Publishers.
Chukwu, O.C. (1998). The Role of the Library in the Accreditation of Academic
Programme in Nigeria Polytechnic: Need to improve standards through
better funding. A paper at a seminar on standards of library services in
Nigeria Held at Yaba College of Technology 19th-12th December.
72
Fordham, A.E. (2007). The Collection Development Planning Progress. Special
libraries hand book. Available at:libsci.sc.edu/bob/.../clis724/ Special
Libraries Handbook/collection.htm.
Kibat, K.K. (1990). Community information and referral services for rural areas
of South East Asia: A conceptual framework. World Libraries1 (2).
Available: http://www.worlib.org/
Ochogwu, M.G, Ugah, A.D., Jane .A, and Uganneya, S.A (2016). An
Introductory Text to the Library and Information Professions, Makurdi:
Climax Graphics and Publishers Ltd.
74
Ochogwu, Michael G. (2009). Educating Library and Information Science
Professionals to Bring Library Services to All. A paper presented at the
NALISE conference held at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, June 2-5,
pp.5-7.
Ode, E.O and Omokaro, D.A (2007). Basic Principles and Practice of
Librarianship: Makurdi. Oracle Business Ltd.
Reitz, Joan (2002). Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science.
London: Libraries Limited.
75
Shumaker, David. "Special Libraries." In Encyclopedia of Library and
Information Sciences, third edition, 4966-4974. New York: Taylor and
Francis, 2009.
Wilkinson, F.C and Lewis, L.K (2003). The Complete Guide and Acquisition
Management. West Port C.T: Libraries Unlimited.
76
Appendix A
Dear Respondent,
Yours faithfully,
Douglas T. Auva
77
Appendix B
Questionnaire
Instructions: Tick [ ] the appropriate column to indicate your level of
agreement with each statement in the following sections.
Section A: Methods of acquisition of library resources
Question 1: What are the methods used in acquiring library resources in the
library?
S/N Methods of acquiring library resources
1. Gifts/donations
2. By exchange
3. By purchase
4. Depository agreement
5. Acquisition by membership
Others (specify)
1. Reference resources
2. Textbooks
3. Journals
4. Newspapers/magazines
5. Special collection/Government publications
6. Electronic online resources
7. Audio-visual materials
8. Online database
Others (specify)
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Section C: Extent to which users are satisfied with library resources and
services
Question 3: To what extent are users satisfied with the library resources and
services?
S/N Extend to which users are satisfied with library resources HS MS FS NS
1. Books
2. Journals
3. Online database
4. Special Collections/Government Publications
5. Magazines/newspapers
6. Audio-visual materials
7. Encyclopaedia
8. Electronic Online Resources
Others (specify)
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Section D: Problem of acquisition of library resources
Question 4: What are the problems of acquisition of library resources? Tick as
appropriate
S/N Problems of acquisition of library resources
1. Inadequate funds
2. Poor management of library funds
3. Lack of acquisition policy
4. High cost of foreign materials
5. Poor quality of locally published materials
6. Poor communication services
7. Poor bibliographic control
Others (specify)
1. Poor infrastructure
2. Inadequate funding
3. Inadequate human resources
4. Lack of ICT tools and compliance
5. Poor knowledge of ICT infrastructure and utilization
6. Lack of knowledge or skills to exploit the information
systems
Others (specify)
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Question 6: What are the strategies to overcome the problem of acquisition and
provision of library resources and services?
S/N Strategies to overcome the problems of acquisition and SA
provision of library resources and services
1. Provision of adequate funds
2. Funds released to the library should be monitored by the
management
3. There should be formulation of acquisition policy
4. Government should provide grant to indigenous publishers
5. Imported information materials should be made tax-free
6. Adequate bibliographic control mechanism
7. Recruitment of qualified personnel
Others (specify)
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