Library aesthetics and physical facilities as correlates of use of library resources in Ekiti

State University
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUTION

1.1 Background to the study

Throughout history, libraries have played a vital role in education by preserving human
knowledge. They are not just places that collect, categorize, and store information but also
provide access to it, safeguard intellectual freedom, and offer assistance to users in utilizing
the vast range of information resources available. In particular, university libraries should be
innovative in developing strategies that attract more users to their resources and services,
given their efforts to acquire information resources in various formats and provide services
that align with users' information needs.

The university library being an essential part of a university system is established alongside
the university with designs and infrastructures capable of meeting the needs of the teeming
users or intending users of the building. With the advent of the internet and improvements in
technology the visits to these libraries as greatly reduced as several authors have reported low
patronage due to diverse reasons ranging from inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and
alternative access to information. (Abdulsalami & Efosa 2020; Adenekan & Haliso 2022;
Okonoko, 2022).

The level of library users’ patronage is important as it helps to determine the libraries
effectiveness and also justify the establishment and continuous funding by the parent body.
Moreso, library patronage helps the library make decisions about the acquisition and weeding
policy as it will keep them abreast of what the users want and the kind of services often
sought after. According to Usuka (2019), library patronage refers to the use of library
services and resources by users to meet their information needs. The library's purpose is to
provide resources and services that users will frequently access. In other words, the library's
existence depends on users' patronage, and without it, the library will become valueless and
eventually extinct. When users patronize the library at a lower rate, it's referred to as low
patronage. To remain relevant, especially in the era of information explosion, academic
librarians must continually improve the library's resources, services, and facilities to make
them attractive to users. One way to achieve this is by enhancing the library building's
appearance and functionality.
Ibrahim and Sakiyo (2020) defined aesthetic facilities in academic libraries as items that
enhance the beauty and attractiveness of the indoor and outdoor environment, such as good
landscaping, color, interior decoration, lighting, ventilation, temperature, and
signage/direction. Similarly, Usuka (2019) stated that library aesthetics refers to the design
and beauty of the library that is attractive and appealing to library users. He further added that
library aesthetics include the interior and exterior library decoration, painting and color
choice of the library building, signage, floor plans, furniture, art drawings, landscape,
lighting, ventilation, etc. Enweremadu (2019) also argued that library aesthetics are essential
to enhance users' library experience, make them enjoy their stay/visit in the library, and earn
their frequent library patronage. Library aesthetics will induce a feeling of comfort in users
when they enter the library, making it the most comfortable space to study, learn, and
research, either individually or as a group.

Library building aesthetics therefore refers to the beauty of the library environment with keen
attention to the landscaping, lighting, ventilation and other attributes that makes the library
appealing to the eyes.

The library aesthetics might attract users to the library but what will drive continuous
patronage is the functionality of the building itself. The definition of functionality according
to Merriam-Webster dictionary (2023) is the quality or state of being functional, while
Cambridge Dictionary (2023) describes it as the quality of being useful, practical, and right
for the purpose for which something was made. In the case of library buildings, functionality
refers to whether or not the building is useful and performing its intended purpose of
providing a conducive environment for learning and housing the resources provided in the
library. Ifidon (2018) emphasized the importance of building longevity into the construction
of university libraries to ensure long-lasting utilization. Since university libraries not only
house resources but also staff and users, mistakes like incorrect placement of toilets, walls,
vulnerable staircase, and poor ventilation should be avoided to make the building functional.
In other words, library architecture can be used as a powerful tool to attract university
students and encourage them to frequent the library. It is crucial to determine whether the
type of library architecture affects how students utilize public university libraries.

1.2 Statement of Research Problem

University undergraduates rely on informational resources such as books, journals, and other
non-book items, and have diverse needs that libraries must address. Ideally, the library should
have a steady flow of visitors who frequently use its information resources and services, as
well as an extensive collection of relevant materials and services to offer.

Ekiti State University library from observation experienced low patronage as students,
lecturers and other staff do not frequent the library as expected. This low patronage is not
peculiar to Ekiti State university library alone as several scholars have decried similar
situation in other libraries (Okoronkwo 2018; Abdulsalami & Efosa 2020; Adenekan &
Haliso 2022; Okonoko, 2022). Their reasons for low patronage ranges from the effect of
information explosion through the emergence of so many ICT channels to access
information, too inadequate resources, and many more. There has been little research on
library building aesthetics or functionality being the determinants of low patronage and none
has focused on Ekiti State University. This study aims to investigate the correlation between
library aesthetics, physical facilities, and the use of library resources at Ekiti State University.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to examine the effect of library aesthetics and physical
facilities and the use of library resources at Ekiti State University.

The specific objectives are to;

i. Assess the library building aesthetics facilities currently in place in Ekiti State University
library.

ii. Investigate how functional Ekiti State University library building and physical resources is.

iii. Examine users perception on how the available library aesthetics will affect their
patronage.

iv. Examine users perception on how the functionality of the library building and physical
facilities will influence their patronage.

1.4 Research Questions

The study has been guided by the following research questions:

i. What are the available library building aesthetics facilities in Ekiti State University
Library?

ii. How functional is Ekiti State University Library building and physical resources?

iii. Does the aesthetics facilities of the library building influence your patronage of the
library?

iv. Does the functionality of the library building and physical resources influence your
patronage of the library?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Based on the research question stated, the following hypotheses were formulated.

H01: Library building aesthetics facilities do not have a significant effect on the use of library
resources at Ekiti State University.

H02: The functionality of Ekiti State University Library building and physical resources does
not have any significant effect on the use of library resources at Ekiti State University.

H03: Aesthetics facilities of the library building do not have a significant effect on the
patronage of university students at Ekiti State University.

H04: The functionality of the library building and physical resources do not have any
significant effect on the patronage of university students at Ekiti State University.

1.6 Scope of Study

This study aims to investigate the relationship between library aesthetics and physical
facilities, and the use of library resources at Ekiti State University, located in Ekiti State,
Nigeria. The study will focus on the university's students and lecturers as the observed
elements. The content area of the study will cover the university's physical resources, library
services, aesthetics, and school facilities.
1.7 Significance of the Study

The study will provide valuable insights to stakeholders in the Ministry of Education and
policy makers, helping them to identify areas where there is a knowledge and skill gap. This
will aid in human resource planning, as well as the allocation and disbursement of funds to
public tertiary institutions across the country.

The study's findings will offer data and information for effective planning and decision-
making, benefiting the Ministry of Education, leadership, administrators, and NGOs.
Additionally, researchers can use the study's recommendations to expand their knowledge in
the area of study.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Library Aesthetics:

Library Patronage:

library building:

library aesthetics:

building functionality:

library design: