INFORMATION RESOURCES SHARING STRATEGIES AND

UTILIZATON FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES IN UNIVERSITY

LIBRARIES IN KATSINA STATE

BY

YUSUF HAMZA
SPS/19/MLS/00038

SUPERVISOR
PROF. A.A MAIDABINO

BEING A PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCES, FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

DECEMBER, 2023
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 CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background of the Study

Over the years, libraries have played a central role in the preservation and

dissemination of cultural, historical and scientific information. The written word

has been the primary storage medium for close to 300 years, physical locations

search method and the number of copies of information resources have defined the

accessibility of a library collection.

Academic libraries all over the word are established to support their parent

institutions in actualizing their objectives of teaching, learning and research.

Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) plays a vital role in bringing

about changes in our societies. The range of service provided also increase life

style, business, educational systems, as well as social and political values. The

accelerated adoption and use of ICTs has resulted in the globalization of

information and knowledge resources (Etokudo, 2009). That is why it has become

very important to adopt the technology for the good of education sector. Dunmill

and Arslangic (2006) stated that, ICTs are diverse set of technological tools and

resources used to communicate, and to create, disseminate, store and manage

information. The technologies have made communication and access to

information very convenient and timely to the users from the comfort of their

homes, offices and where ever they are, while in the move with their phones.

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These have forced libraries, to explore strategies such as information resources

sharing with greater intensity in order to provide more of the technology growth

that enables libraries to construct a powerful infrastructure of sharing.

Nwalo (2008) define library resources sharing as a cooperative association of

libraries of different types and its purpose is to share human and information

resources so that the collective strength of the institutions facilities the resources

and learning of members constituent. Information resources is phrase use to

describe an arrangement where two or more libraries come together to pull their

information resources together and make it available to their respective users

meanly to supplement their collections. Chatterjee (2010) is of the opinion that

information resources sharing does not merely mean mutual sharing of information

sources among libraries. It will mean utilizing information resources of one’s

library for generating services of another library information resources and library

resources are not synonymous library resources may include other resources,

besides information resources, like staff and equipment. Ibrahim (2006) reports

that most librarians and information workers would defined resources sharing as

the information resources typically collected by the libraries and made available

under conditions to the users in order to disseminate information properly.

From the above definitions information resources sharing can be seen as the

accommodation of deal between two or more libraries to share their educational

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resources and services among themselves for the purpose of satisfying the need of

their customers and development of teaching, learning and research activities of

the institutions.

Mohammed (2012) views resource sharing to denote a working arrangement were

two or more libraries make their stock available to their respective users and as

well as many include the collective sharing of their respective function. In other

words, resources sharing refers to activities that occurs when two or more libraries

works together to provide more developed services to their respective users. The

emphasis is to provide more developed services to their respective users within

their limited financial resources.

With the above definition, therefore, an information resource sharing is the mutual

understanding of different libraries to make their materials available between them

to serve the needs of the users must effectively and efficiently. It also seen as the

process through which member libraries within the system collaborate in the

sharing of resources and services for the improvement of academic activities.

Utilization of information depends on the available of information resources in the

library and also accessible to the student. The condition implies that availability

and accessibility must be satisfied for utilization to be achieved. The more

acquisition of information resources by a library does not translate in to

accessibility. Granting access to library information resources requires a series of

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protocol (cataloging, indexing, etc.) to ensure that users can identify and locate the

resources (Nwachukwu, Abdusalami and salami, 2014). It is also important for

libraries to consider user-needs during the acquisition stage of information

resources to maintain relevant (Aguolu and Aguolu, 2002).

Therefore, utilization of information resource can be seen the process through

which the information resources and services of libraries are actually used for

teaching, learning and research. It also defined as the systematic procedure of

using information resources and services in libraries to help learning process and

academic activities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In every academic institution libraries are supposed to be the heart that support the

teaching, learning and research activities. Libraries are expected to collect,

organize and disseminate relevant information resources towards the satisfaction of

its users. Adeniran (2011) states that, the purpose of a library is defeated if its users

are not satisfied with the resources that the library provides. This is in spite of the

fact that library is the supportive input for any academic institutions for teaching,

learning and research. It is perceived that academic libraries in Katsina state

tertiary institutions do not make provision of enough information resources and in

some cases where such information resources are available they are not put into

proper use.
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The importance of university libraries cannot be over stated. They serve as

gateways to knowledge and resources, promoting information literacy and research

skills among students. Through academic support services and collaboration

initiatives, libraries facilitate scholarly pursuits and interdisciplinary engagement.

Embracing technology, they provide access to digital resources and create

innovative learning opportunities. Ultimately, university libraries create a

supportive and enriching environment that fosters intellectual growth, critical

thinking, and academic excellence. They are indispensable partners in the pursuit

of higher education and contribute significantly to the success and development of

students, faculty and researchers. Academic libraries offer extensive collections of

books journals, research papers, and digital materials that cover various academic

disciplines. By creating and organizing these resources, libraries ensure that

students and scholars have the necessary materials to support their coursework,

research and intellectual exploration.

University libraries are established to provide materials, which communicate

experience and ideas from one person to another and make them easily and freely

available to the students, researchers and scholars. The university libraries are the

center of information that makes almost all kind of knowledge and information

readily available to its users. It is established, supported and funded by the

community institutions or through some other form of community organizations. It

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provides access to knowledge, information and works of imagination through a

range of resources and services.

Therefore, university libraries are facing with number of challenges, as they want

to continue offering their best to meet the mandate of the institute. The major

problem they face is inadequate funding which lead to poor condition of services,

shortage of professional staff, poor human resource management, extreme

dilapidated structures and facilities, inadequate ICT facilities and others.

The preliminary study made by the researchers, revealed that the major problem

faced by the university libraries in Katsina State is lack of fund that will enable

lack of training and re-training of staff on ICT skills, lack of ICT facilities to

enable internet connectivity. For resources sharing couple with problems of hard

and soft ware for easy Resources Sharing etc.

The purpose for the establishment of every university library is to provide

information resources and make them available and accessible while ensuring the

information resources sharing strategies that meet the information needs of the

users at the right time. Therefore, university libraries should sustain the resource

sharing activities for the availability and accessible information resources, and

more information resources should be acquired and be given accessibility to the

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students at the right time because of their usefulness to the students and other

researchers.

This study therefore, looks at the state of information resource sharing strategies

and utilization for Academic purpose in University libraries in Katsina State.

1.3 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following questions

1. What types of information resources sharing strategies are utilized in

university libraries in Katsina State?

2. What are the purposes of using the information resources sharing strategies

for sharing information resources among the libraries under study?

3. What are the requirements of information resource sharing strategies and

utilized in university libraries under study?

4. What is the level of utilization of the information resources sharing

strategies for academic purposes in the libraries under study?

5. What policy framework commonly uses for information resource sharing

strategies and utilization in the libraries under study?

6. What challenges are faced in using the information resources sharing

strategies and utilization by the libraries under study?

7. What are the majors taken to solve the identified challenges

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1.4 Objectives of the Study

The study has the following objectives

1. To find out types of information resources sharing strategies utilized in

university libraries in Katsina State.

2. To find out the purposes of using the information resources sharing

strategies for sharing information resources among the libraries under study.

3. To find out the requirements of information resources sharing strategies and

utilized in university library under study.

4. To find out the level of utilization of the information resources sharing

strategies for academic purposes in the libraries under study.

5. To find out policy framework for information resource sharing strategies and

utilized in the libraries under study.

6. To find out challenges faced in using the information resources sharing

strategies by the libraries under study.

7. To identified the major challenges affecting the information resources

sharing strategies and utilization in university libraries under study

1.4 Significance of the Study

The study of Information Resources Sharing and utilization will be considered

significant in many aspects. Firstly, the study will help the management of the

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University Libraries in taking decision with respect to the development of their

libraries systems. The study is of great importance to researchers, educationist,

librarians, information managers and policy makers of University libraries. The

study will also contribute to the existing literature in the field of library and

information science. The study will consider significant in considering the

development of knowledge and information which firmly rested upon the cardinal

functions of a library. The study will enlighten all University in Katsina State to

see the need of having Information Resources Sharing between them so as to

improve information service provision to their clientele. The study will also try to

find out problems hindering effectiveness and efficiency of Resources Sharing

among University libraries so that they can address them and embrace this idea of

Information Resources Sharing with view of improving its information service

provision to their clientele. The study will also help university management to

establish the various Strategies to put in place so as to ensure Information

Resources Sharing and Utilization is carried out in an effective and efficient

manner among them.

In addition, the significance of this study lies in the fact that the findings of this

study would be of immense assistance to the administrators, librarians of the

University Libraries to determine the strength and weakness of the information

Resources Sharing and utilization strategies in the Libraries. The study will add to

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the literature on information of information Resources Sharing and utilization as an

educational document for use by students, researchers and academicians by making

the research findings potentially useful as well as utilization to it's intended users.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the study

The study investigated the information resource sharing strategies and utilization

for academic purpose in university libraries in Katsina State. Its scope was

specifically to study the concept , development and significance of information

resource sharing, purpose/objectives, requirements, types and utilization of

information resources sharing strategies, areas of resource sharing in university

libraries, how information resources sharing support academic activities, policy

framework and the challenges faced in using the information sharing strategies by

university libraries.

Specifically, it will limited to researchers, librarians and students of the institutes

who are also constrained with inadequacy of literature on information resources

sharing, especially related to the institutes under study.

1.7 Definition of the Terms

1. Information: is processed organized and structure data it provides context

for data and enables decision making.

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2. Information resources: Is the total collection of library materials including

print and non-print provided with a review to satisfying information needs

of users to help them perform better in their chosen areas of studies, such

materials include books, journals, reference books, computers and related

electronic gadgets.

3. Resources sharing: is the sharing of library resources by certain

participating libraries among themselves on the basis of the principle of co-

operation.

4. Information sharing strategies: These are the set of activities by which

information is provided to others through a careful plan or method for

achieving a particular goal in university libraries.

5. Utilization of information: Is the ability to make effective and independent

use of information resources in university libraries

6. University Libraries: Are libraries found in institution of higher learning

like university, polytechnic, college, and all other institute of higher

learning. They are libraries which is an integral part of an institution of

higher education.

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 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction

The literature review section is divided into the following sub-headings:

2.1. Introduction

2.2. The Concept, Development and Significance of Information Resource

Sharing in University Libraries

2.3. Types of Information Resource Sharing Strategies for University Libraries

2.4. The purpose/Objectives and Rationales for Information Resource Sharing in

University Libraries

2.5. Requirements for Information Resource sharing in University Libraries

2.6. Utilization of Information Resource Sharing Strategies in University Libraries

2.7. Areas of Resource Sharing in University Libraries

2.8. How Information Resources Sharing Strategies Support the Academic

Activities in the University Libraries

2.9. Policy Framework for Information Resource Sharing Strategies and

Utilization in the Libraries

2.10.Challenges Faced in Using the Information Sharing Strategies by University

Libraries

2.11.Theoretical Framework

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2.12.Conceptual Framework

2.13.Summary of the Review and Uniqueness of the Study

2.2 The Concept, Development and Significance of Information Resource

Sharing

Information is integral to our experience of the world and to personal, social and

organizational functioning. Information is all around us; our senses collect and our

brains filter and organize it every minute of the day. At very fundamental levels,

information colors our perception of the world around us and thereby influences

our attitudes, emotions and actions. It is an indispensable resource to individuals

and corporate groups, especially in the ever–widened complexity of our modern

society.

Information is a collection of data that has been processed, organized, or structure

in a meaningful way to convey knowledge, ideas, or instruction. Such as text,

images, audio, or video, and can be accessed and shared through multiple channels

such as books, websites, and social media.

At its core, information is a representation of reality, and it is used to convey

knowledge about the world around us. It can be factual, subjective, or even

fictional and can take many different forms depending on its purpose and audience.

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Information is a data that has been organized, processed, or structured in a

meaningful way to provide context, relevance, and value to users. It can take many

forms, such as text, images, audio, or video, and can be communicated through

various means, such as books, websites, social media, or conversation. Information

is essential for decision-making, learning, and communication and it plays a

critical role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. The quality and

accuracy of the information can significantly impact individual and collective

outcomes, making it crucial to critically evaluate and verify the sources and

reliability of the information we consume.

According to Prytherch (2016) information is an assemblage of data in a

comprehensive form capable of communication. This may range from content in

any format such as written or printed on paper, stored in electronic databases,

collected on the internet, etc. to the personal knowledge of staff of an organization.

The value of information lies in its ability to help us make informed decisions,

solve problems, and communicate effectively with others. It is a crucial resource

for individuals, organizations, and society as a whole and plays a vital role in

driving progress and innovation in all areas of human endeavor.

As technology continues to evolve, the amount of information available to us is

growing exponentially. This has created new challenges around accessing,

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processing and using information effectively. However, with the right tools and

strategies, we can harness the power of information to drive positive change and

achieve our goals.

According to Judge (2011), information, in its most restricted technical sense, is an

ordered sequence of symbols that record or transmit a message. It can be recorded

as signs or conveyed as signals by waves. This means that any sound that conveys

a message from a sender to a receiver is information and a sign that sends message

from sender to receiver or reader of the sign becomes information.

Mohammed (2012) added that it can also be conceived as the by-product of our

conscious and unconscious actions and inactions that adds to our existing

knowledge, ideas, skills and experiences that enable us to given stimulus

instantaneously or a later period of time as a form of reaction of decision taking or

to be take. Bello (2006) defined information as ‘’any idea or organized data,

principles, polices, laws, conventions, etc. generated through human interactions,

for harmonious coexistence and correlation, survival and continuity of human race

The current information overload (availability of information in different verities,

formats and sources) requires people to validate and assess it to know its

reliability. Recognizing its importance, information is increasingly sought in an

increasing number of situations by an increasing number of people (Ugah, 2007).

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This has increased the volume of the available information. The advancement of

knowledge is made possible through research by scholars in all fields coupled with

the fusion and fragmentation of disciplines and knowledge. Academic activities,

governance, public services, industries and commerce would not take place

without a regular flow of up to date, relevant and timely information. This is why

individuals, institutions, and organizations with the required technological

capability are developing systems for collecting, managing and sharing

information through networking and use. In the new information environment,

information is not only used in effective and ethical ways but also understanding

economic, legal, social issues surrounding its sharing.

As observed by Agoulu (2008), adequate information can increase our awareness

and our reasons; it can also help to educate our people, accelerate progress and

provide the source of data that is required for the solutions of our increasingly

complex, economic, scientific and social problems. Similarly, Ayinda (2014), state

that the information need of various professional groups is essential, as it helps in

planning, implementing and operation of the information system and services in

particular work setting, which also apply to researchers in carrying out the institute

mission and vision. This is because the working environment and duties performed

by researchers shape their information needs and the way they acquire, share and

use information.

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Furthermore, according to Nkachi (2011), the concept of information is very

complex and difficult than ordinarily meets the eyes. It is evident in the various

definitions and attributes of the concept notwithstanding the fact that information is

as old as man and that it affects and is affected by all aspects of human activities.

Utor and Utor (2007) opened that information is vital to the rural dwellers in that it

will not only make for better understanding and appreciation of government

programmers, it will also encourage a closer link between initiators and

beneficiaries of the development of efforts. It is in realization of this amongst

others. Idoka (2003) asserted that nothing then is important for mankind than to

bring within reach all what can widen his horizon, making discoveries and literacy

transformation that can make the individual a more valuable member of the

society.

It is clear that information is vital in daily life, as an essential part of a nation’s

resources access to which is a basic fundamental right. Information is not only vital

for technological, scientific and economic progress as erroneously seen by people;

it is also a medium of social transformation and communication. Therefore, in

order to participate fully in any program and community development, they most

have good access to information. This is because the working environment and

type of duties or task performed by individuals/researchers shape their information

needs and the way they acquire, select and use this information.
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Information sharing and use is a process of establishing a network for

communicating ideas and knowledge between individuals, groups and

communities for effective achievement of common goals. Sharrat (2006), in their

research title: Understanding knowledge sharing in Online Communities of

Practice state that sharing is the process whereby a resource is given by one party

and received by another. Information sharing is a central process through which

team members collectively utilize their available information resources, (Jessica,

2009). Stasser et-al, (2007), in the research conducted in information sampling in

structured and unstructured discussions on six groups, they concluded that

information sharing is “the way through information is distributed among group

members before discussion” Bunderson (2007), observe that, conscious and

deliberate attempts on the part of team members to exchange work-related

information, keep one another appraised of activities, and inform one another of

key developments. Jehn (2006) view information sharing as making statement to

other group members about their task. Mirinda (2008) information sharing refers to

oral and writing discussion of information among group members. Moberg et-al.

(2019) observe that sharing information is a key ingredient for organizations

seeking to remain competitive. The understanding and practice of information

sharing is becoming increasingly essential for organizations to stay competitive

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and boost profitability. It focuses on collaborative and integration among groups,

departments, and organizations.

According to Tsui (2006) information sharing is defined as the process of

exchanging knowledge (skills, experience, and understanding) among researchers,

policymakers, and service providers.

According to Wang and Noe (2010) information sharing refers to sharing with

others that occurs in experimental studies in which participants are given lists of

information, manuals, or programs.

According to Zannah and Sumadhinata (2013) information sharing are share

knowledge between one organization against another organization, each other

exchange information, experience, and knowledge of them to produce the power of

performance can be useful for the performance of organization.

Kumar (2017).Sharing is an important concept of library collection development. It

has played an important role in the formation of consortia in library management.

It has replaced the earlier traditional concept of space, limited budget, and highest

cost and as an economic means. An independent library cannot satisfy the need of

users. So this problem has been overcome by the use of resource sharing. Resource

sharing of the library involves co-operative acquisition which includes access to

the catalogue, in a process and on order information of the participating libraries,

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an interlibrary loan which comprises determining the location of the required

resources by verifying its availability and physical transfer and common storage

for the material used. The services and procedure of resource sharing include

bibliographic access to holding catalogues for cataloguing and classification.

2.2.1 The Development of Information Resource sharing

The concept of sharing is a need-based activity framed around the age-old concept

of given taken. In general it is as old as the civilization. In the field of libraries we

might trace the history of resource sharing since their inception in various forms

viz. shared cataloguing, library cooperation, interlibrary loan and union catalogue

etc. the term library resources include any and of the materials, functions and

services, which constitute a modern library system. It is amalgamation of people,

processes, ideas, material and money which forms the substances of a library and

can be described as its resources. Malyawat (2012) Resources sharing are a sort of

implied agreement among participating libraries where in each participant is

willing to share its resources with other members and in turn privileged to share

the resources of its partners as and when the arises,

Geronimo and Claudia (2005) posit that the first initiative develops library network

come about in the United States, in the middle of 19 thcentury, with the foundation

of the American library association and the start of a cooperative cataloguing

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program. The delivery of catalogue cards by the library of congress was the next

step forwards the development of library networks and consortia.

In the last six to seven years, library and information activities in libraries and

information centers have entered a new era. Individual libraries are coming out of

the proverbial “Berlin wall” around them. They are trying to form a larger

community in an effort to tackle the ever increasing demand for better services,

qualitatively and quantitatively, in an environment already over strained by

financial pressures.

This has resulted in discernible change in the information scenario. Resources

sharing today invite libraries to cooperate as members or partners and not impose a

centrally set out organizational structure. It invites cooperation based on the

library’s strength and needs. Computer technology now makes the prospects of

resources sharing brighter because it brings together resources of libraries

separated by great distances (Walden1999).

In Nigeria, John Haris, the librarian of the university collage, Ibadan (now the

University of Ibadan) was the brain, behind the introduction of resources sharing in

Nigeria. Consequent to the conference held by the international federation of

library Association (IFLA) in Grenoble, France, in 1973, the National library of

Nigeria (NLA) was charged with the responsibility of being the clearing house for

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all exiting libraries in the country. And by October 19973, an inter-library lending

unit was set up in the national library of Nigeria. Ali and Owoeye (2010).

In 20014 the committee of university of the Nigerian universities (CULNU)

formed the Nigerian university libraries consortium (NULIC). The objectives were

to:

Promote resources sharing among members libraries.

Make the academic resources of member library available to others.

Ensure that member institutions contribute meaningfully towards sustaining the

consortium.

2.2.2 Types and levels of information sharing and utilization

Information sharers can be characterized as super-sharers, shares, occasional, or

non-sharers, according to the extent in which they engage in information sharing

and/or collective seeking. However, individual scholars can simultaneously engage

in different kinds and level of information sharing activities. Lecturers usually

belong to many different kinds of networks with different levels of information

sharing. They can simultaneously work with different research themes and topics,

each topic enabling different pattern and levels of networking and sharing. We

view, for instance, super-sharing and non-sharing as social and cultural

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phenomena; that is, phenomena that are affected primarily by factor other than

individuals, attitudes, attributes, and information seeking styles.

To develop a more in-depth understanding of the contextual factors affecting

information sharing, it is useful to distinguish between the different goals, purpose,

and task accomplished by information sharing practices in different contexts.

Erdelez (2007) the empirical findings gave basis to the following classification of

the types of information sharing:

1. Strategic sharing: information sharing as conscious strategy of maximizing

efficiency in a research group.

2. Paradigmatic sharing: information sharing as means of establishing a novel

and distinguishable research approach or area within a discipline or across

disciplines.

3. Directive sharing: information sharing between teachers and students.

4. Social sharing: information sharing as a relationship and community

building activity.

5. Super-sharing takes place in longitudinal closely-knit research projects in

which information sharing has been adopted as a conscious productive

strategy. All types of information sharing take place in such projects.

6. Sharers work together in temporary writing projects or research groups

combined with an interest in making sense of or establishing a novel

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 research problem, approach, or area. All types of information sharing take

place in such groups.

7. Occasional sharing take place between colleagues who do not share the same

research interest or subject, or between teachers and students. The forms of

sharing are mainly limited to sharing information about relevant documents

and about ways of finding relevant documents or documents and information

about the contents of relevant documents are less often shared.

8. Non-sharing is combined with research projects that are unique in the sense

that no one else either in the immediate work community or in virtual

research communities shares the same research interest or subject.

Information sharing therefore, can be seen as the comprised of transactions by

which a library makes its materials available to the clientele of another library

upon request.

2.2.3 Significance of Information Resource to Researchers

Researchers need information about current research and the development

activities of their socio-economic importance and the growth in pursuit of

knowledge and careers in personal life socialization. They need information from

colleagues, organizations for collaboration with other relevant bodies,

stakeholders. According to Ajiboye (2007), information is data value in planning,

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decision making and evaluation of any program. He goes further to say that it is

data that have been subjected to some processing functions capable of answering

user query or simply collected that would help the decision making.

KOC University Library Glossary (2014) see information as data presented in

readily comprehensible form, to which meaning has been attributed within a

context for its use in a more dynamic sense, the message is conveyed by the use of

a medium of communication or expression. Bruce (2005) states that, information

plays a significant role in our daily professional and personal lives and we are

constantly challenged to take charge of the information that we need for work, fun

and everyday decisions and tasks.

Moberg (2019) observed that information sharing is a key ingredient for the

organization seeking to remain competitive. The understanding and practice of

information sharing is becoming increasingly essential for the organization to stay

competitive and boost profitability. In this digital era, research on it has taken more

important worldwide. As such this research is directed towards information

Resources Sharing Strategies and Utilization for Academic purpose in University

Libraries in Katsina State.

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2.3 Types of Information Resource sharing strategies and utilization for

University Libraries

There is an increasing desire or of information from individuals, groups

organizations and nationalities for policy making, planning, studies and other

strategic reasons. Therefore, for professionals and practitioners in all the walks of

life to keep tract of development, innovation in their various disciplines, as well as

contributing quota, they have to be provided with well package current and up-to-

date information that is shared and distributed on a regular basis via the paper

channels. With the recent development in information and communication

technology, information can easily be sought, processed, transferred network and

use. For increased performance to occur, new information needs to be disseminated

continually to key individuals within the organization and as a result is treated as

economic resources (Berry, Towill, and Wadsley; 1994; Fairchild, 2006; phan,

2002; Wanger, (2006). The information is an electronic resource (Fairchild, 2006),

it has a number of characteristics that make it unique. The use of technology has

become an indispensable part of contemporary knowledge based society in areas of

communication, information generation, storage, retrieval, transfer and research.

Etukudo (2009), however, observed in his study of usage and effects of the mobile

phone “that there has been tremendous shift from conventional two ways verbal

communication of telephone to the recent mobile communication which has shown

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the impact of technology has to human existence”. He emphasize further that, in

the last 10 years in Nigeria people had become more inclined towards technology

on ease of human existence. He highlighted a few of the activities that mobile

phone can be used for among which include: you can talk with friends

acquaintances, record events, install games, academic application, videos, visit

world wide web sharing all sorts of information. He concluded that the use of

information technology has been discovered to be of a more positive influence on

human activities than negative side not minding a few problem interests as a result

of service quality associated with various services provided.

Fatoki (2005) recognized that institutions, especially academic libraries involved in

the dissemination of information, are deeply interested in various infrastructure

networks that serve as a major channel for the transmission of information, such as

telephones, cellular networks cables, television and the internet. He emphasized

that educational institution libraries take tears to satisfy their consumer needs since

their target market (researchers, lecturers, undergraduate and postgraduate

students) is highly demanding and dynamic in nature. In his view, there is an

observation in the ease and possibility for researchers to locate what they need

having not physically been in the library through the internet and WWW. On the

capability of the mobile phone to provide internet access, Khara, ThapaSahoo

(2006) viewed it “as channel through which of tens of thousands of scholars,

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scientist, business, librarians and journalists, artists and software developers are

woven into global information society.

They further stated that “the internet has emerged as a major source of information

in today’s IT age. Researchers from all corners of the earth are finding that their

work thrives in a network environment, immediate access to the work of

colleagues and virtual library of millions of thousands of papers and the ability to

incorporate a huge amount of knowledge. It only provide a number of services like

email, file transfer, video conference, social media, etc. but also facilitates 24hrs

access to information from the comfort of one’s home or work place. Rahim

(2013) stated that “nowadays mobile devices are intensively used for querying,

retrieving information and gaining knowledge”. Recently, a common use of mobile

devices and their features (e.g. accessing the internet or sharing knowledge) is for

educational and research purposes. Mobile technologies are enabling the

development and assessment of research environment. Oduwale (2004) stated that

researchers and students have access to this opportunity by accessing the digital

contents of digital materials, asserting that the most prominent of ICT today is the

internet, which provides the largest reservoir of vital information in all kinds of

disciplines all over the world. In addition, Aqil and Ahmad (2011) opened that “ an

aspect of our day to day life, which is affected by internet, whether it is shopping,

business banking, communication, paying bills, learning, education, etc. the

29
internet is everywhere, making our life easier and smooth, especially when it came

to education and research.

Sujatha, G. (1999) identify the types of information resource sharing strategies

available for university libraries to enhance access and availability for library

users. It involves sharing of physical items such as books, periodicals, audiovisuals

materials, and electronic resources like e-books and databases.

2.4 The Purposes/ Objectives and rationales for information Resource Sharing

in University Libraries

Information sharing has strong impacts on group outcomes, on one hand. Research

finds that in many instances when groups engage in information sharing, they

capable of integrating knowledge (Cruz, Boster and Rodriguez, 1997), displaying

collective intelligence (Woollsey, Chabris, Pentland, Hashmi and Malone, 2010)

and achieving excellent performance, cohesion and decision satisfaction (Mesmer-

Magnus and Dechurch, 2001). When groups do not shape information, their

members have large differences in preferences and opinions (Mayo and Langfred,

2004) and coordinate their tasks inefficiently (Andres and Smud 2001). On the

other hand , in a few situations, information sharing leads to inefficiency during

group tasks in which people can make decisions based on heuristics (De Dreu and

Beersman, 2010; De Dreu, Nijstad and Van Knippenberg 2008)

30
Workshops, Training and Seminars are the main information sharing activities

among researchers in academic environment. In traditional causes, people listen to

the presenter without interrupting. More and more this approach has given way to

much dynamic and stimulating group leaving processes. This may involve a

workshop, training session or seminars. The trend in learning activities is now for

people or researchers to interact with their peers and share what they know. People

discuss things and benefit from each other’s views and experience.

Several information sharing activities can be used in a seminars, training session or

workshops, social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Research-Gate, Linked

in the institutes Library and other library website and portals. These methods can

be tailored in their needs. For example:

They invite key people from outside the organization; they can make presentation

and you can discuss them.

Tanvir (2009) Explosion in published output increases in bibliographic access of

literature through internet and offline database, on CDs, of static, and in many

cases decreasing library budgets along with high cost of published output had

made it virtually impossible for libraries and documentation/information centers to

fulfill information needs of their primary clientele. Under such squeezing situation

31
the best option left with the libraries is to optimize their resources through

extensive sharing.

Rahman (2006) highlighted the aims objectives of resource sharing follows

1. To promote free flow of information resources

2. To maximize accessibility to information without losing the individual identify

of libraries.

3. To ensure maximization of information resources

4. To save resources and avoid duplication of effort

5. To ensure faster provision of information and literature support to the users.

6. To facilitate reciprocal exchange of local publications.

7. To avoid unnecessary duplication of information materials and efforts.

8. Information resources sharing are measured as one of the pillars of modern

librarianship. The main motive behind it to maximize the accessibility of

material/service and to reduce expenses.

9. Availability of various electronic tools for document detection such as access

to online opens, publishers catalogues contents pages and bibliographic

databases has improve the alertness of library users about literature created in

their areas of importance.

10.Swift expansion in world literature along with problems such as reduction in

library budgets, continuous raise in document prices, declining currencies have

32
 caused it ever more complicated for individual libraries in developing

countries to obtain and maintain everything for their users.

11.Because of the rapid increases in world literature, resources sharing are the

only logical/regional, practicable and cost-effective on of knowledge. The

libraries in developing countries acknowledge the advantage/benefit of

resources sharing but practically the size of this activity is far from satisfactory

level.

2.5 Requirements for Information Resource Sharing in University Libraries

Wang (2014) considers the online computer library center as a model of library

cooperation and network. According to him; it grew from a regional cooperative

network in the state of Ohio, USA to a national network in USA and then further

grew to what is now: An international network of over 23,000 libraries and

information centers in 63 countries and territories. He further highlighted and

discussed the pattern is follows:

Local cooperative network: proximately it is the key factor in the evolution of local

cooperative network. Libraries and other international institution like museum,

archives etc. house located within the same state capital can network their services

and resources for the benefit of all. The academic libraries should network with

each other to meet the needs of their users.

33
State Network: this is the network that involves the extension of the local network

to cover the entire state. With this the academic libraries can go beyond locality,

for instance Bayero University can network with Umaru Musa Yar’adua

University at Katsina.

International Network: it is worth knowing that national network is a pre-requisite

for participation in an international network. This is because national network

bring into the international network its information resources, sources, staff and

services. These international networks cover countries and contain continent.

The internet: This is the largest of the entire network. This network enables

information profession to access networks or institution in any part of the globe.

Omekwu (2004), cited Bannigo (2001), that effective participation in internet-

based information activities, academic Libraries need to establish computer-based

information systems.

The resource sharing will be successful when several key requirements will be

made successfully. Appropriate communication technology and delivery system

are the key requirements. There should also be a mutual understanding (in respect

of acquisition policy, sharing of resources, loan period, bibliographic control,

renewal etc.) among the participating libraries. It should be governed by a strong

management or other government mechanisms. Successful resource sharing

34
involved the use of modern technology and a less amount of behavior

modification.

Internet plays an important role in resource sharing which requires less effort and

required less resource for proprietary networking solution. All the libraries which

are digitized should have a high-speed internet connection so that good user

interface can be provided to the web browser which will enable integration and

will be able to access the shared resources.

The World Wide Web and the internet have given a strong policy for consortia

based sharing of resources, electronic journals, and bibliographic databases.

Chatterjee (2010) is the opinion that information resources sharing do not merely

mean mutual sharing of information sources among libraries but utilizing

information resource of one liberating for generating services of another library.

For instance, librarians in any library in Nigeria can easily find out any information

concerning any book in the library of congress in United State of America within a

couple minutes without leaving the confines of their library building. The fact is

that I C T has become indispensable to libraries in the provision of timely

information to users and in fact, to the progress of librarianship as a profession.

A “network” is essentially, an interconnected group or system. A library and

information network is, therefore, a group of libraries or information centers that

35
are interconnected or linked for the purpose of resources sharing. Kaul (2002)

gives the view that a library network can bridge the digital divide and content,

managing content for dissemination. Improving access to resources, contributing

the growth of trained man power and so on.

In the some context, consortia-based subscription of e-journals is one the major

and most popular activities undertaken by library networks. The exponent ion

growth of information and escalating cost have prompted the libraries to look for a

collective arrangement which will provide them with a better bargaining power to

have access to maximum information with possible minimum cost (Siddan Gouda,

2013).

According to Webster (2006), open sources software is another requirement at

work in libraries. The open sources movement in general; resources. Each

individual open sources project. However, modern information technology has

made the task of resources sharing very simple and convenient. The new

technology brings service which has changed the nature of fundamental library

objectives and operation.

The process of resources sharing largely involves on two major factors. One is the

availability of resources in library and the other is the sufficient numbers of library

36
willing to join with resources sharing civilities. The following are the sum of basic

requirements for effective resources sharing as provided by Chatterjee.

There should be a communication link or system between the cooperative libraries.

Most of all libraries are willing to join with these resources sharing activities.

Necessary technology and equipment should need to be available in the library.

Standardized for library software, hardware and database for sharing of library

resources.

Operating polities on the type of information and archives, which users can access.

There should need an agreement, upon which the whole resources sharing

activities may run.

2.6 Utilization of Information Resource Sharing Strategies in Universities

Libraries

Cox and Janti (2013) identified use as an activity which measures the worth of an

item to a library or information system. Use is therefore, the single criterion which

could be used to determine the reason for relating a document within the collection

of a library, and use is essential in guiding that collection development effort of the

library. Use also justifies the need for institutions to adequately finance their

libraries or not. Consequently, the need to use information resources of academic

37
library is to enhance the attainment of the research objectives of their parent

institutions.

Utilization of information resources, when it comes to the use of information

resources of the library by users, availability and accessibility must be granted

before considering other variables. This is based that since the library occupies

space, its resources must exist within the said space it occupies. According to Ross

and Sennyey (2008), an important attribute of the library as a place is self-evident.

In fact, the possibility of users locating a physical place called the library that

provides information resources justify the library as a place. A library is a place

where users visit with the primary intent to consume information. For students, the

library is pivotal to academic performance and success through utilization of

information resources relevant to teaching-learning-support. The library is

therefore, every student to utilize information resources available and accessible to

develop analytical in conjunction with classroom instructions in a self-passed

capacity.

The library should be treated as a laboratory of information necessary and capable

of taking classroom instruction to higher level if adequately utilized by students,

researchers, and faculty. Just as it's impossible for scientist to function without a

laboratory, the academic library is indispensable to teaching, learning process and

students, researchers, teachers, and the entire University community. Students need
38
information resources in the library that can be applied practically to their needs

and enrich their knowledge.

Utilization of information resources is the extent to which the resources and

services of the library are actually used for teaching, learning and research. The

extent to which information resources are utilized in academic libraries is usually

captured by the library statistics which is compiled on daily basis by the library

staff. It therefore, becomes pertinent that in order to gauge the extent to library

resources are utilized; the library staff must be proactive in providing statistics of

usage on daily basis. This will serve as encouragement or otherwise to the sponsors

of the library (Ozioko, Nwabueze & Eze, 2014).

Utilization of information resources has been a concern from the time library

changed from being cultural monuments to knowledge acquisition and information

communication centers. In view of the development libraries conceived the idea of

educating the library user in finding and locating information they need on their

day-today activities.

Utilization of information resources is making use of the available resources by the

students through adequate access where the library ensures that the resources are

acquired and processed as well as making them readily available and utilized at the

39
right time through the right medium through which students would be able to make

use of such resources (Ugwuanyi, 2012).

In the recent times library and information profession has faced serious

transformation particularly with the proliferation of Information Communications

Technology (ICT). Libraries just like business organization have evolved into an

online base outfit, mainly due to the growth and development recorded in

Information Communications Technologies such as the Internet. Krubu and

Osawaru (2011), state that globally, with the invention of Information and

Communication Technology, libraries now use various types of technologies to aid

the services they render. Everyday new technological advances affect the way

information is handled in libraries and information centers and resource sharing is

no exception.

According to Ali (2017), advances in web technologies and storage technologies

have enabled libraries to automate their resources and services in a number of

ways. Today's librarians are looking for new and Innovative ways to leverage the

web to share these resources and deliver to full range of library services. The web

provides an ideal environment in which to maximize the benefits of these wide-

ranging technology advances. The Internet has paved the way for more

sophisticated solutions. Remote databases can be accessed simultaneously using a

distributed search engine. Z39.50 is an information retrieval standard, and bath

40
profile is an offspring of Z39.50 where the technology of the Internet, which makes

feasible the access of distributed databases.

2.6.1 Networking

The desire for libraries to form networks to enable them effectively engage in

resource sharing has been a rallying at various fore. A study conducted in the USA

by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS)

revealed that the key factors affecting the establishment of a network included

administrative support and a budget to address hindrances such as networking costs

and other requirements in joining a network (NCLIS, 1975).It defined a network as

two or more libraries engaged in a common pattern of information exchange,

through communications for some functional purpose. According to Singh (1959)

networking and resource sharing are supplementary to each other. No one library

can afford alone the demand of users/readers. Libraries have to depend upon one

another. For fulfilling these demands, networking is required for the library.

The rapid pace of development in the field of information technology coupled with

the advent of networked information services has called for a total review of

African universities’ resources sharing approach, in this age of digital divide.

Kannappanavar (2010) asserted that, the impact of mass digitization on library and

document collection and the number of library collections now digitized had

41
reached unimaginable levels. It further indicated that digitization made remote

access to information possible. It was further established that, resource sharing

through network proved to be the most efficient approach as it was cost effective,

exhaustive and easily accessible its impact.

Zulu (2015) argues that over the last two decades libraries have witnessed the

impact of information technology that has also witnessed the proliferation of a

number of digital resources which were likely to influence resource sharing

activities.

Internet and web technologies have been effectively used in resources sharing

efforts with several additional benefits. Key advantage is that the Internet can be

used as the carrier network by all member libraries of a resources sharing network.

They just need to have good Internet connectivity. The common interface provided

by the web browsers enable integration of access to shared resources. To mitigate

the Influence of ICTs there is need to build on the capacity of library staff to

conduct resource sharing effectively.

Information and Communication Technologies have seriously strengthened

communication and collaboration between and among the research, business,

government, and educational communities. Lawal and Ani (2017) indicated that

the benefits of library computerization, range from increased productivity,

improved quality of tasks/services and resource sharing among others.

42
Resource sharing in the present digital age is in the view of Amigos library

services as Blake’s (2016) comprised of transactions which a library makes its

material or copies of its material available to the clientele of another library upon

request. Faboyinde (2006) observed that library users can use ICTs to find more

information at minimal costs and in less time. For instance, librarians in any library

in Nigeria can easily find out any information concerning any book in the Library

of Congress in United States of America within a couple of minutes without

leaving the confines of their library buildings.

Furthermore, (Laxman,2006) observed that the emergence of Internet, particularly

the World Wide Web (WWW) as a new media of information delivery have

triggered proliferation of web based full text on-line resources. Internet search

engines, particularly Google have become very important centralized information

services. Google initiatives to expand the public Internet content have received a

great deal of attention. These include the Google Scholarly materials search engine

and Goggles partnership with prominent libraries to digitize library collections.

Google is partnering with a large number of e-content vendors and indexing

projects to make growing volume of journals available via public web-search. The

On-line Computer Library Centre (OCLC) open world cat project is an important

centralized service that is now making library holdings information accessible

worldwide via Internet search engine like Google, Yahoo (Laxman, 2006).

43
Asamoah and Hassan (2002) articulated that Information and Communication

Technologies now enable individual libraries to search bibliographic and full text

databases, and to develop search profiles and storage of back issues of foreign

digital journals. Tonta (2001) articulated that librarians are faced with the

challenge of providing better services with shrinking budgets. Fortunately, the

developments in information technology (IT) created new opportunities for

librarians such as providing access to networked information sources that their

libraries do not even own. Rajasheker (2000) observes that with the availability of

the Internet, librarians have quickly realized that they need not spend their efforts

and resources to develop proprietary networking solutions.

According to Lynch (2017) some certain tools are to be developed first for

effective resource sharing through network preferably using Internet. These

include databases, Union lists, Union catalogues, Online Public Access Catalogues

(OPAC) sharing and metadata harvesting and Electronic publications and

multimedia.

2.6.2 Web Technologies and Bibliographic Control

Langley, Gray & Vaughan (2003) report that effective resource sharing involves

two major elements. One is resource and the other is player. First is there has to be

resources to share and then there should be needy players/collaborators for

exchange. They further state that library consortia, professional associations and
44
universities play a major role in creating and sharing resources electronically. In

this regard they identified some basic requirements for effective resource sharing

electronically namely;

That there was need for electronic catalogues and indexes for print resources to be

available in the library.

And the technology and equipment should be available to link libraries. They

further advocated for standardized software, hardware and database as well as

operating policies on the type of information and archives, which users could

access, journals, reports, catalogues indexes publications etc. Operating manuals or

documentation for consistency in operations were the other basic requirements and

a gateway (Internet) that organized and integrated access to library information

services available from the central system and training of staff and users.

Chidambaram (2017) explains that, the standard specifies formats and procedures

governing the exchange of messages between a client and server, enabling the user

to search remote databases, identify records which meet specified criteria, and to

retrieve some or all of the identified records and is concerned, in particular, with

the search and retrieval of information in databases.

Chen (2013) traces the transformation of the transmission of document supply

services. He argues that the development of computer technology, network

45
technology and database technology brought good opportunities to document

supply services. A number of integrated professional databases with user-friendly

interfaces, simple retrieval and full functions emerged. Internet broke the barriers

in the literature data communication and transmission networks. A large number of

union catalog databases, full-text databases and eBooks, e-journal databases have

provided a wider range of resource supporting for document supply services.

Zulu (2015) attested to the fact that the spread of the web and its associated

hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) have all but eliminated the technical difficulties

associated with moving computer files from one place to another. He further

observes that library document delivery networks typically rely on the use of

specialized software created especially for the purpose of streamlining the

digitization and Internet transmission of print documents.

2.6.3 Open Source Software

If each and every library hosts its database in a web, information consumer from

any part of the world will be able to enter the database of any library. Creation of

web-based central database would generate international library cooperation and

collaboration for access to worldwide information. Having a central database

would serve the purpose of union catalogue. In order for this work effectively, all

participating libraries of consortium would be required to sign a legal contract

specifying the procedure of works and functions (Zulu, 2015).

46
1.6.4 Shared Cataloguing

According to Lynch (1997) effective shared cataloguing in resource sharing

presupposes an infrastructure which permits users to locate materials of interest in

both print and electronic formats. Two approaches for providing this are union

catalogs and Z39.50-based distributed search systems. The distributed or virtual

union catalogue is constructed by linking local catalogues through their respective

servers and the Z39.50 protocol to form a virtual union catalogue. He proposes that

development and use of common standard is one of the most important tasks for

library cooperation. Dewey Decimal Classifications, Library of Congress

Classification, Sears List of Subject Headings are major development of standards

in the field of library science and information management. The inherent

capabilities of networked technology have presented libraries with opportunities to

take their services to new levels. Integrated Library Systems (ILS) continues to be

a key part of library consortium activity.

2.7 Areas of Resource Sharing in University Libraries

Some of the areas of resource sharing in university libraries are:

1. Cooperative Acquisition; Cooperative acquisition refers to agreement among

libraries so that each specializes in certain subjects whereby jointly they are

able to achieve good coverage of publications in all subjects. The scheme

47
 would cover purchase of materials, procurement of item and permanent

storage of all documents in allocated subject.

2. Cooperative Cataloguing: this is referred to as sharing of the work of

producing a catalogue by two or more independent libraries for the mutual

benefits. Creation of union catalogue on the basis of data supplied by

individual libraries is a good example of cooperative cataloguing.

3. Inter-Library Loan: this is an agreement between two or more libraries to

share materials corporately so as to provide one another with the resources

that might otherwise not available to an individual institution. This area of

resource sharing involves in the process of leading and borrowing of books,

journals and audio visual, is very common among libraries. Sometime vital

document can be allowed to photocopy by libraries.

4. Cooperative Storage: It refers to the creation of common facility for storing

little used documents. It should be considered as means to an end. The

underlying idea is that it will be built on cheap land using compact storage

and cost of storage would be lower than otherwise.

5. Development of the Network: it is built around a bibliographic data based in

machine readable form maintained on cooperative basic. The network is

linked by means of telecommunication system, it is essential that librarians

should pool together resources and know how to establish cooperative

48
 ventures has been done in the developed countries, OCLC is an excellent

example of its kind.

6. Cooperative Delivery: this is the process where two or more librarians

agreed to take a delivery of their resources. Libraries come together to

undertake or fund delivery of items like donation and importation materials.

7. Sharing of Manpower Resources: This is a process whereby two or more

libraries engage in exchange of staff especially in technical and ICTs unit in

the libraries.

2.8 How information Resources Sharing Strategies Support the Academic

activities in the University Libraries

The scope of resource sharing activities in academic libraries is quite broad and

includes digitization, provision of reference and instruction services, development

and sharing of union catalogue, enabling circulation of information and ensuring

access to shared information (Posner, 2017). Initially, resource sharing was limited

to interlibrary loans, document delivery and lending from commercial document

suppliers. Recent advancements in technology has enabled the transition of

resource sharing from a request and supply service for physical documents, to a

service that handles information requests and services for documents in a variety of

formats with workflows linked with other core library services (Chisita & Fombad,

2019). Digital technology has greatly influenced progressive change in the

49
prevailing methods of resource sharing across time and the adoption of more

efficient technology based resource sharing options. The rapid development of

networks enabled the creation of networked information systems while the

introduction of cloud computing further revolutionized resource sharing (Yuravaj,

2015). This study examined the various methods of resource sharing in adoption in

academic libraries: monolithic interlibrary lending, document delivery services,

and library consortia.

1. Monolithic Interlibrary Lending

Monolithic interlibrary loan services are an age-old model of interlibrary loans in

which the library makes use of a centralized service to share resources with other

libraries (Saarti & Tuominen, 2020). Interlibrary lending refers to costumer

centered efforts made by a library to provide information that meets the specific

information needs of a user, often made in the form of a formal request (Posner,

2017). Interlibrary lending serves a very important role in libraries because no

library has access to information that exhausts its users’ needs. In addition, it is a

cost-effective mechanism of providing information to users since some academic

libraries charge fees for information provided through interlibrary lending

platforms (Posner, 2017). Interlibrary lending helps libraries improve overall

collection development through the determination of existing gaps in collection,

and areas of priority upon analysis of interlibrary lending data (Posner, 2017).
50
Technology has driven change in interlibrary lending including the use of

automated request management systems, the introduction of user notification and

the networking of several centralized services (Posner, 2017). Despite the

opportunities interlibrary lending offer to libraries, it is often not a core service in

several academic libraries because it requires heavy commitments in financial

costs, time and training (Posner, 2017: 5). Most often interlibrary lending services

are poorly funded, underutilized or lack capacity to process so many requests

(Posner, 2017). The most widely used monolithic resource sharing platform today

is the OCLC’s World Cat Resource Sharing which offers centralized interlibrary

loan services and bibliographic services to libraries.

2. Document Delivery Services

Document delivery is slightly different from interlibrary lending in that it involves

the delivery of information directly to the users using technology applications such

as facsimile and specialized applications such as Ariel and Odyssey to delivery

information (Kristof, 2018). Document delivery can also make use of regular

emails and secured websites to deliver requested information. Digitization has

greatly affected document by reducing the need to scan documents prior to

document delivery and by enabling the development of user-cantered services and

more efficient tools for document delivery (Braggioli, 2018). However, the use of

technology to track electronic materials for example has impeded the use of
51
information and has limited document delivery to the use of particular routes or

access to only a few sections of a document at a time, in line with license

agreements (Classen, 2019). OCLC’s Article exchange is the best known example

of a global document delivery service (Kristof, 2018).

3 Library Consortia

Pereira & Franco (2020) defined a library consortium as a group of libraries or

library systems that work together on the basis of a formal agreement to facilitate

resource sharing among other objectives. The emphasis on resource sharing in

academic libraries has been largely attributed to the development of new

technology and the funding crisis in academic libraries (Kalbande, 2018).

Consortia resource sharing is a more efficient and cost effective than other

methods because it establishes a shared pool of resources for member libraries and

their users. Technology has a critical role to play in resource sharing and the

adoption of technology in library consortia has enabled the management and

streamlining of workflows and the reduction of staff intervention through the

adoption of information technology. Babaryka-Amelchanka et-al. (2019)

categorizes library consortia into discipline specific or general. Discipline specific

consortia usually collect information resources for academic libraries in the same

academic discipline such as the Global Network of Agricultural Libraries

(Agilenet) (Babaryka-Amelchanka et-al., 2019). Library consortia support resource

52
sharing through cooperative bibliographic services facilitating collection

development, inter library loans, training and the sharing of technology (Saini,

2017). OCLC is the largest library network in the world, and its World Share ILL

is used by several thousand libraries across the world to obtain access to a globally

shared pool of information resources (Classen, 2019).

2.9 Policy Framework For information Resource Sharing Strategies and

Utilization in the libraries

The local library, whether public, school, academic, or special has the

responsibility of locally meeting as many of its patrons’ needs as feasible.

However, for a variety of reasons, this may not always be possible. Properly used,

resource sharing is an excellent method to help supplement the local library’s

collection. Reciprocal access, interlibrary loan, and reciprocal borrowing are all

components of resource sharing. Reciprocal borrowing, interlibrary loan, and

reciprocal access are not to be used as a substitution for the financial support and

collection management of an individual library; they augment the provision of

library services by the local library.

One point that must not be lost is that the library service of resource sharing is not

free. Ultimately, all residents of library must share the cost. Residents who are not

taxed for library service will share the cost through nonresident fees.

53
Participation in several kinds of resource sharing as a condition of full membership

in a library system. All full member libraries must follow the ILLINET Interlibrary

Loan Code. In addition, full member libraries must provide reciprocal borrowing to

resident patrons of other libraries that are full members of the library system and

shall also honor library cards issued to non-residents of the system area if the

library does not opt out of the non-resident card program. Any changes to this

system Resource Sharing policy are subject to prior approval of the Librarian. All

policies governing all aspects of the system’s Resource Sharing Plan, including

any and all fees that may apply, shall be posted on the system’s web site.

A. Reciprocal Borrowing

1. Responsibilities of All Member Libraries

a. Provide accurate information to patrons on the reciprocal borrowing rules

and procedures in the system.

b. Issue library cards that meet the minimum guidelines for reciprocal

borrowing, including an expiration date, the patron’s name, unique

borrower’s number, and the name of the issuing library.

c. Annually review its nonresident fee policy and report to the system the

method adopted by the library to determine the local use nonresident fee, the

amount of the fee, and the effective date of the fee.

54
2. Responsibilities of the Card Issuing/Home Library

a. Assist with the retrieval of delinquent material borrowed by one of its registered

patrons.

b. Reimburse lending library for reciprocally borrowed items not returned by

patrons. The reimbursement will be made within eight weeks of receipt of the

bill from the lending library.

i. Upon receipt of a bill, the Card Issuing/Home Library will replace or

reimburse the lending library for lost or damaged material not paid for

by the reciprocal borrower, in a manner consistent with the lending

library’s policy.

ii. If reimbursement is not made within three months of receipt of a bill,

the lending library may appeal to the system grievance procedure for

further action. Such action may include loss of full member status or

suspension from the system.

c. A library shall not sell a separate use card to residents who live in another

legally established library service area that taxes for library service.

d. A library may choose to sell a nonresident card. If a library chooses to sell

nonresident cards, the cards shall be issued; and nonresident fees shall be

calculated according to appropriate library Statute and the library

Administrative Code. The purchase of this card enables the purchaser to have

55
 reciprocal borrowing privileges at other libraries. Nonresident cards must be

clearly marked “Nonresident.”

e. Provide a means for non- libraries to notify member libraries of patrons

reported as delinquent.

3. Responsibilities of the Lending Library

a. Lend to reciprocal borrowers all materials in any format, as generously as

possible.

1. A library is expected to provide 60% or more of local circulation to their

cardholders. A library which experiences an imbalance as a net lender in

reciprocal borrowing may restrict (but not terminate or set to zero)

reciprocal borrowing by the patrons of those libraries who have created a

significant imbalance for the lending library. Such restrictions shall not

include the charging of any fee that is not also charged to the patrons of the

lending library that has experienced an imbalance.

2. No library is expected to lend more than 15% of their total circulation to

cardholders of another single library. To solve this imbalance, the lending

library is expected to initiate communication with the card-issuing library

to solve the issue according to best practices. If a solution is not

determined by the libraries involved, one of the parties may request that

the system’s grievance procedure be used to resolve the problem.

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 3. The limiting library’s Board of Trustees shall review any limits imposed

on reciprocal borrowers at least annually to determine whether the

conditions justifying such restrictions still pertain and the limits imposed

remain fair and reasonable. Any restrictions imposed by a limiting library

must be reported to the system for posting on the system website.

b. Agrees to honor the delinquency thresholds of other system libraries and not

circulate materials to delinquent patrons, whether a local patron or a patron of

another library, until the delinquency is cleared. When in doubt, the library

should contact the Card Issuing/Home Library for verification of the patron’s

status.

c. Have a policy by which delinquent borrowers will be refused service until the

borrower resolves the delinquency to the satisfaction of the lending library. A

reciprocal borrower is subject to the same overdue, lost, or damaged material

circulation policies as the lending library’s patrons.

d. Notify reciprocal borrowers of overdue materials in order to recover materials

or collect payment directly from the patron and assist with the retrieval of

delinquent material borrowed by one of its registered patrons if requested by the

lending library.

57
e. Card Issuing/Home Library will reimburse lending library for reciprocally

borrowed items not returned by patrons. The reimbursement will be made

within eight weeks of receipt of the bill from the lending library.

f. Agree to extend intersystem reciprocal borrowing privileges to patrons with

valid borrower’s cards from libraries outside the system, provided the library

reciprocal borrowing privileges to card holders outside its library system.

g. Maintain and report adequate statistics concerning reciprocal borrowing

transactions as required by the appropriate governing body, the system and/or

the Library. Libraries members maintain reciprocal borrowing statistics through

their online catalog. Member’s libraries will maintain reciprocal borrowing

statistics locally.

4. Responsibilities of the System

a. Designate a staff member to coordinate, monitor, and guide the reciprocal

borrowing program.

b. The system will provide problem resolution for libraries experiencing inequities

in reciprocal borrowing.

c. Monitor reciprocal borrowing use patterns.

d. Distribute current state and system agency policies to member libraries.

58
e. Mediate, through a grievance procedure, reciprocal borrowing disputes,

including, but not limited to the reimbursement settlement between the lending

and the home libraries.

5. Suspension of Reciprocal Borrowing Privileges

a. Violations of this policy may lead to the suspension of the reciprocal borrowing

privileges of a library’s cardholders, the loss of full member status for libraries,

or suspension from the system for all types of libraries.

b. If an interpretation of this policy is at issue, the system will use the procedures

of the membership grievance policy to clarify the intent of the policy.

c. The system will notify all libraries of any member library whose reciprocal

borrowing privileges have been suspended.

d. In case of disputes arising from the application of the suspension provisions of

the Resource Sharing Policy, the procedures described in the system Grievance

Policy will be used.

6. Accessing School, Academic, and Special Libraries through Reciprocal

Borrowing

When regulations governing the non-library allow, libraries are encouraged to

permit reciprocal borrowing of items from their collection by either.

a. Accepting valid library cards.

59
b. Issuing community patron cards as provided for by their local policies.

c. Encourage the lending of all types of material to reciprocal borrowing patrons

on the same basis as to local patrons.

B. Reciprocal Access

1. Responsibilities of all Lending Libraries

a. Provide information describing their local access requirements to the system.

b. Encourage and inform patrons of the availability.

c. Participate in the reciprocal access program by making its library resources

available to patrons of other member libraries in the least restrictive way

possible. Non-libraries may place reasonable restrictions on physical access

to their facilities and materials by patrons of other libraries.

d. When regulations governing the non-library allow, libraries are encouraged

to permit on-site use of their collection by either:

i. Open access anytime the library is open for use.

ii. Appointment made by the patron’s Card Issuing/Home Library.

e. Make available all nonproprietary, non-confidential resources of the library

for on-site use by reciprocal access patrons from other system libraries. If,

for a valid reason, a library cannot provide on-site physical access to its

nonproprietary, no confidential library resources, the library must submit a

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 plan to provide functionally equivalent access to patrons of other system

member libraries.

f. Follow the standard procedures for referring patrons to other member

libraries, taking into consideration the access requirements of the library to

which the patron is being referred.

2. Responsibilities of the System

a. Designate a staff member to coordinate, monitor and guide the reciprocal

access program.

b. Collect and make available information describing local requirements of

system libraries for on-site access.

c. Provide a standardized means for referral of patrons.

1.10 Challenges faced in using the Information Sharing Strategies and

Utilization by University Libraries

1. Economic Factors:

It is well known fact that developing countries, with few exceptions, are poor. The

real GNP in the third world is under 200 dollars per capita, and even worse, the

income per capita in many of the African countries is below 100 dollars which

Katsina State Libraries included. Consequently, the most chronic problem which

libraries face in the developing world is constant shortage of funds.

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 A finding of Akinyotu indicated that university library had the resources to

maintain an adequate collection, whereas the African university library did not.

Furthermore, the African library, being underfunded, was unable to offer

satisfactory services for its users.

Hence given the troublesome problems of funding communications, systems, and

obtaining professional library personnel’s, it is understandable that library co-

operation is still in an infant stage in Nigeria.

2. Political Factors:

Parker and Adeyemi (2022) have also voiced concern about the indifference shown

by governments concerning library co-operation. The lack of governmental support

opens up a gap between reality and hope. In other words, hope for the realization

of library co-operation can turn to disappointment in the face of governmental

inaction. For example, at UNESCO regional seminar on library development held

in Beirut in 1959, it was recommend that the libraries in participating libraries

should, with the involvement of their governments, establish co-operative

acquisitions of foreign publications, and adopt as standard code and classification

scheme adapted to the needs of the region. None of these recommendations had

been implemented fifteen years.

62
Governments often fail to library development thus bringing the implementation of

library co-operation to stand still.

It was observed that the implementation of systems of library cooperation could be

contingent upon whether national library associations taken on a leadership role.

That most developing countries do not have effective, well-supported library

associations may be due to the lack of government support.

3. Human and Professional Factors:

An obstacle to the implementation of systems of library co-operation could lie with

the altitudes of those who should be the most receptive to the provision of

exemplary library services for their clients the professional libraries themselves.

Parker, (2022) a librarian, fearful of change, could exhibit a “sense of in security

arising from real or imagined threats to employment or status associated with the

idea of cooperation.” Not only did librarians feel a personal threat to themselves

and their jobs, but they also showed signs of a “siege mentality” if the financial

stability of the institution in which they worked.

Other scholars have been fascinated by the ideas of librarian’s altitudes as the

source of success or failure of systems of co-operation. Human foibles such as

rivalries, jealousies and other ego factors can all have a detrimental effect on the

operation of successful cooperation.

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4. Social and Cultural Factors

Other challenges are serious obstacles to the establishment of library co-operation

in university libraries which caused by cultural and social factors such as the many

different languages spoken within and outside a country and the illiteracy rate of

the people. The public indifference towards the library as an institution founded for

the purpose of progress can also thwart efforts to co-operative.

Tee (2022) The multiplicity of languages within a country or among group of

countries might make it difficult to solve common problems with respect to co-

operation and must be considered when building a scheme of library resources

sharing pointing out that the profusion of languages could negatively affect co-

operation.

Illiteracy is a perennial problem in many developing nations, and its prevalence

can contribute to a resistance to implementing systems of library co-operation.

Parker (2022) observed that the size of potential user population in these countries

might be severely restricted by a high level of illiteracy among the population as a

whole, and its capacity to limited by a law level of general education or a lack of

knowledge of foreign languages.

Bousso and De Lemons (2022) explained that the reliance of the people on an

ancient oral tradition is an obstacle to library utilization, and therefore the heavy

64
use of oral communication is a barrier to the establishment of library resources

sharing. Intellectual depend upon this type of communication as well, and are also

affected by it.

The growth of library co-operation in developing countries is also hindered by lack

of social recognition of librarianship and libraries. Sharif and Agada (2022)

explained that. Both the authorities and the general public in these countries are

often not aware of the importance of libraries and library services to support and

assist in the social, educational and economic progress of the country. The public

and especially the authorities do not understand the concept of information

services. In societies which are at best indifferent to libraries, it is difficult to see

how resources sharing can be established.

2.11 Theoretical framework

The study aimed at examining the information resources sharing strategies and

utilization for academic purposes in university libraries in Katsina State. Various

research questions will be address in relation to the research topic as highlighted in

chapter one. The study will concerned with information resources sharing activities

and the research collaboration ties establish from such interactions. So the study

will be adopting various knowledge management theories, which such as the

Social Capital Theory (SCT) and Technology Acceptance Theory (TAM). The

concept of information sharing cut across all fields and is a multidimensional

65
practice aimed at communicating expertise, scholarly ideas and research contents

to facilitate effective access and use of information and knowledge. The

application of modern technologies referred to as ICTs facilitate easy, remote and

timely communication, and guarantees wider participation among individuals with

common interest through various platforms and networks via the internet. Hence

the SCT will be used to understand the patterns, preferences and characteristics of

the academics while the term will use to address the academics acceptance and use

of technology for sharing information and knowledge as well.

For this study two theories will be choose to inform this investigation into

information resource sharing strategies and utilization for academic purpose in

university libraries in Katsina state, namely the Social Capital Theory and

Technology Acceptance Model.

2.11.1 The Social Capital Theory (SCT)

Fukuyama ((2002:27) believes that social capital theory is mutual standard or set

of ideals through which social co-existence is achieved and developed into

constructive beneficial outcome, while Garip (2008) defines social capital as a

means of producing goods and services through constant and casual networks

involving mutual benefiting parties or individuals .

For this study, social capital theory refers to the social network, norms and

sanctions that facilitated co-operative action among libraries for information

66
resource sharing strategies and utilization in university libraries. It is also a

network of relationship among libraries to work and enable a function effectively.

It involves the effective functioning of information resources sharing through

interpersonal relationship, a shared sense of identity, a shared understanding,

shared norms, shared values, trust cooperation and reciprocity.

Social capital can be used to explain the process and improve performance of

libraries who are participating in information resource sharing for effective use.

The scope and components of SCT are presented figure 1 below:

Networks bonding/binding

Sense of belonging Feelings trusted and safety

Reciprocity
Diversity Social capital

Values, norms out looking life

Citizens power/proactive
Participation

Fig. 1: Social Capital Framework (Adopted from Halpern, 2005)

67
The decision to Helpern’s (2005) social capital Theory to explain information

resources sharing strategies and utilization practices will inform by the fact that the

theory highlights important issues with respect to the nature and characteristics of

libraries, what they tend to contribute, and the benefits that they derive, significant

components of the SCT are discuss bellow:

2.11.2.1 Sense of belonging

When university libraries abide by the norms of the information resource sharing

strategies and utilization around us, we become part of a group, and fellow group

members reward us with social safety. When we perceive a sense of belonging, we

feel accepted and at ease with being ourselves, which causes us to feel accepting of

others within the group system.

2.11.2.2 Network

Network implies putting together sub-set of university libraries under study in

order to act in a co-operative manner with the predetermined obligation to achieve

the goals of the system among the participant members’ libraries.

2.11.2.3 Feelings of trust and safety

The libraries under study user feel your platform is a safe place to be, they are

more likely to feel positive about your information resources. A trust and safety

team will build and preserve user trust in your library by ensuring that you online

platform is a trust worthy and safe place for them to visit and interact with.

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2.11.2.4 Diversity

Diversity is another important aspect of integrate with others. When university

libraries of the same ideas came together, their system of satisfying their users in

providing information resources add value to the members of the institutions.

Common ideas and perspectives will be shared among others for effective and

efficient of information resource sharing strategies and utilization activities.

2.11.2.5 Reciprocity

Reciprocity is another important aspect of information resource sharing among

libraries. The libraries under study should agree to do something similar for each

other, to allow each other to have the same rights in the system.

2.11.11.6 Values, norms and outlook on life

Those libraries whose belong to the system derive some values and norms from

those other libraries that are not part of the system define as professionals

2.11.2.7 Power

The ability to participate and contribution of the libraries under study will give

them collective power and authority as a group and to exercise as members of the

system.

2.11.2.8 Pro-activity and participation

Libraries that are belong to the system of information resource sharing strategies

and utilization become more enthusiastic when working together towards

69
achieving a common goal and when they charged with some responsibilities and

task to accomplish, thereby contributing to the overall success of the system.

The SCT will be used in this study to examine and explain the approach and

contribution of libraries as members and their participation in information

resources sharing strategies and utilization for academic purpose.

2.11.4 Weakness of the theory

The social Capital Theory has been criticized by scholars from a functional-versus

interpersonal perspectives, and in argument whether social capital initiatives

guarantees mutual or personal benefits (Portes, 1998; Sceffler et-al., 2008).

Furthermore, social capital has been criticized in terms of individual inputs for

collaborative participation or for the usefulness of social capital into real practice

in community and corporate organizations (Bourdieu. 1986; Coleman 1990;

Putnam 1993, 1995; Brown et-al., 2006). Bourdieu (1986) believes that social

capital is large beneficial to the dominant members of a group, society or

organization for maintaining solidarity and supremacy. He views restrictions in a

group or network as an advantage towards maintaining trust, culture, authority and

norms hinders wider participation and evaluation Electra. Other forms of criticism

include that social capital is too simplistic and narrow as it undermines the status

of individuals in an organization by regarding them as mere employees

(Desjardins, 2003).

70
Despite the criticism of the theory by some scholars, the theory is relevant to the

current study and will be used for the applicability of information resource sharing

strategies and utilization for academic purpose in university libraries in Katsina

State.

2.11.5 The Strength of the Theory

The current study adopted the social capital theory to understand the importance of

information resource sharing strategies and utilization and joint efforts in the

achievement of common goals among university libraries in Katsina state. In the

academia, common goals may include research, achieving world standards,

communicating beyond boundaries and gaining competitive advantage. This and

more can be achieved through information resource sharing strategies and

utilization in university libraries. This is supported by Sounders (2006:9) who

posits that social networks influence and facilitate the acquisition and utilization of

information resources. Social capital can facilitate the development of knowledge

and resources through knowledge exchange thereby promoting trust and reciprocal

ties.

2.12 Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework in a research work is an analytical tool that contains

several variations and contexts use to organize ideas in a research and make

conceptual distinctions (Tingsanchali, 2012). It is used to describe objectives of the

71
research and acts as a basis in which the research is formulated. Conceptual

framework differentiates variables and how they are related to each other. The

conceptual framework of this study show how the independent, dependent,

variables, and the outcome variables are related to each other.

Information

Information Resources Information

Resources
Information Resources Sharing Sharing
Strategies and
Information Sharing Utilization for
Academic
Purpose
Information Resources Sharing Strategies

Information Resources Sharing Strategies and Utilization

Utilization for Academic Purpose in University Libraries

Fig 2: Conceptual Framework

Information: is concerned with the ideas which is shared and transmitted in the

process of communication by libraries. It is a process of conveying a message from

the source through the medium to the receiver. Information is said to be a resource

that must be acquired and used by a university libraries for the purpose of teaching,

learning and research activities. Information therefore, is fundamental to life and

72
human beings and it continues to be relevant in all aspects of human endeavor. The

major function of information is to increase the knowledge of the users, to reduce

its level of uncertainty or to reduce the variety of choices available. This deals

within in the context of the setting objectives and targets for the desired types of

information.

Information Resources: These are the total means available and organized in a

library for the support of learning, teaching, and research for public, an

organization or for an individual. Information resources include all forms of

information carriers that can be used to promote and encourage effective research

activities and developmental projects. Information resources are those information

materials in both print and non-print, such as text books, journals, newspapers and

magazines, CD Rom databases, internet/E-mail, video tapes/cassettes, diskettes,

computers etc. These information resources are materials that libraries acquire,

catalogue, stock, and made available to the patrons for effective use as well as the

provision of others services, there is need for classification and control of

information resources for effective functioning.

Information Resources sharing: Is the sharing of library resources by certain

participating libraries among themselves on the basis of the principle of co-

operation. This is applicable in sharing of documents by the libraries. It deals with

the interconnection of libraries so that the participating libraries can share the
73
information and resources effectively. This will increase availability of resources,

extend the accessibility of resources, diminish cost and promote utilization of

resource.

Information Sharing: Is the voluntary act of making information possessed by one

entity available to another entity. It can be describes as the exchange of data

between various libraries. Information sharing can be understood as a set of

activities by which information is provided to others, either proactively or upon

request among the university libraries. The libraries create culture of collaboration

and team work that fosters continues improvement and promotes the well-being of

their users.

Information Resources Sharing Strategies: These are the process of exchanging

relevant information resources between libraries, team members, departments

government agencies, or even organizations through a plan of action designed to a

long term or overall aim of information resources sharing among the university

libraries. It can involve conveying data, insights, or knowledge that can help

university libraries make better decisions and increase their performance and

provide direction for the libraries and serve as a roadmap for success.

Information Resources Sharing Strategies and Utilization: Is the process of sharing

information resources through exchange with detailed arrangement or blueprint for

74
achieving success by the libraries and use of information resources effectively to

aid the learning process in university libraries, there is need for constant utilization

of information resources among the participants libraries for effective use.

Utilization for academic purpose in university libraries: This is refers to the use of

information resources for teaching, learning and research activities in university

libraries. There is need of proper utilization of information resources for teaching

and learning and they collectively have salutary influence on academic activities.

2.13 Summary of the Review and Uniqueness of the Study

Academic activities, governance, public service, industry and commerce would not

take place without regular flow of up up-to-date, relevant and timely information.

This is why academic libraries, with required technological capability are

developing systems for collecting, managing and sharing information. Academic

environment is characterized by learning, teaching and research. Thus, research is

a continuous process usually built upon earlier discoveries and findings aimed at

achieving positive results and reliable outcomes. Hence researchers do not always

work in isolation. In order to avoid duplication of research effort, lecturers

communicate and share information which allows professional scrutiny of every

bit of data generated among them. Nahapiet (2008), point out that, new resources,

include scientific advances, and are created mainly through two generic processes:

75
sharing and combination. When resources are held by different parties, sharing of

information and materials is a prerequisite for resource combination.

The sharing of information and materials allow libraries to build on each other’s

work and achieve results faster. With theses, research on information sharing

among libraries has become essential to improve research and academic

responsibilities.

At the beginning, the literature discusses the concepts/ significance and

development of information resource sharing citations from Kumar (2017), Ilily

(2006) Ayinda (2014), Ali and Oweye (2010), Malyawat (2012), Judge (2011),

Yusuf ( (2012), Agoulu (2008) etc. moreover, the literature review tried to

identify the purpose/ objectives and rationales citations fromCruz, Boster and

Rodriguez, (1997), Woollsey, Chabris, Pentland, Hashimi and Malone, (2010),

Mesmer, Magnus and Dechurch, (2002), Mayo and Langred,(2004), Andres and

Smud, (2001).

The literature discuss the types of information resource sharing strategies in

university libraries by some of the scholars such as wagner (2006), Etokudo

(2009), Fatoki (2005), Khara, Thapa Saho (2006) etc.

76
The literature also identified the purpose and objective of information resource

sharing in university libraries by the scholars such as Rahman (2006), Tanvir

(2009), Andres and Smud (2001), Mayo and Langfred (2004) etc.

The literature also highlights some of the requirements for information resource in

university libraries by the scholars such as Wang (2014), Omekwu (2004),

Bannigo (2001), Chatterjee (2010), Siddan Agouda (2013), Webster (2006) and

others.

Meanwhile, it discuss on utilization of information resource sharing strategies with

contribution of scholars such as Cox and Janti (2013), Rose and Senngey (2008),

(Ozioko, Nwabueze & Eze (2014), Ugwuanyi (2012), Nwachuwu, Abdusalami and

Salami (2014), Agoulu and Agoulu (2002), Krubu and Osawaru, (2011), Hider

(2004).

The literature related to challenges faced in using the information sharing strategies

by university libraries where scholars writers, and researchers like Parker and

Adeyimi (2020), Tee (2022), Bousso and De Lemons (2022), Sharif and Agada

(2022).

The literature also discuss on information sharing activities by university libraries

by acknowledging the contribution of some researchers in the area of information

sharing includes Devine et-al. (2009), Mohayidin et-al. (2007) among others. The

77
researcher observed that, there is little literature on information sharing activities

among university libraries in Katsina State; therefore, this research will be a

paramount contribution to this area of resource sharing.

The literature also discuss how information resources sharing strategies support the

academic activities and policy framework in the university libraries by some of the

scholars such as Posiner (2017), Chisita & Fombad, (2019), Yuravaj (2015),

Saati&Tuominen (2020), Kristof (2018), Braggioli (2018), Classen (2019), Pereira

& Franco (2020), Kalbande (2018), Babaryka-Amelchanka et-al. (2019), Saini

(2017).

The study also adopt SCT model as a theory in order to guide and support the

research work.

However, this study is set to examine the information resources sharing strategies

and utilization for academic purpose in university libraries in Katsina State.

Similarly, it also seen from the review that , despite the relevance of the review

with the existing research work, there is no study that talk directly on the entire

variables of the present research at the same time, but rather some studies where

centered on one or two variables.

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 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter explains the methodology adopted in conducting the research under

the following sub headings; research design, population of the study, sample,

sampling techniques, research instruments, design of research instruments,

administration of research instruments, Validity and reliability of the instrument as

well as data analysis.

3.2 Research Method and Design

Research methodology is a system of explicit rules and procedures upon which

research is based and against which claims for knowledge are evaluated. Research

methodology can refer to the strategies surrounding the use of multiple methods of

data collection as required by different types of attempts to achieve higher degrees

of reliability and validity (Leedy, 1997).Research methodologies revolve around

two approaches, namely, quantitative and qualitative. In order to increase the

quality of the results the study adopted quantitative approaches.

Aliaga, and Gunderson (2002), describes quantitative research methods as the

explaining of an issue or phenomenon through gathering data in numerical form

and analyzing with the aid of mathematical methods; in particular statistics.

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The study employs descriptive research design, it considered appropriate. The

design is survey research, using questionnaire for data collection because it falls

within empirical research design that aimed at discovering fact. And it will be the

most appropriate for the study. In this manner the descriptive survey research

methodology has been interpreted “as a systematic collection of data concerning

libraries, their activities and operation, without staff development at a given point

in time and it often make heavy use of statistics, it is not a routines collection of

figures and circulation of figures of one or more library that constitute a survey

bringing complex situations under control to provide information to satisfy

curiosity.

3.3 Population of the Study

The population of the study consisted of the whole registered students and staffs of

the libraries under study (adult male and female) in four (4) universities libraries

which are Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Federal University Dutsin-ma,

Aqalam University Katsina and National Open University Katsina Branch.

However, the larger population of the study is the students and libraries staffs both

academic and non-academic of the libraries under study.

The breakdown of the population of the study is academic, Non-academic staffs

and estimate students of the university libraries under study are shown in Table

3.3.

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S/N University Libraries Status Academic Non- Students
Staffs Academic
Staffs
1. Federal University Dutsinma Federal 10 198 20,000
Libray
2. Umaru Musa Yaradua State 9 37 15,000
University Katsina Library
3. Alqalam University Katsina Private 10 2 7,444
Library
4 National Open University Federal 2 2 4,875
Katsina Library
Total 31 239 47,319
Source: University Authorities as at 2022.

3.4 Sampling and Sample Size

For the purpose of this study random stratified sampling is used. Stratified random

sampling simply means the procedure where the population to be inferred from is

divide in to strata (sub-group) and the sampling is rand in only drown according to

the percentage of the subject in each stratum. Ogwu (1993) remarks which stated

that there is no satisfactory generalization on what the appropriate sample size

should be obtain at least 10% of the total population under study, as a sample.

The sample of the study will be drawn the entire of using stratified random

sampling.

Data for the study will be collected from the staffs of the libraries, student’s

researchers and other clients of the federal University Dutsin-ma Library and

Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Library. The justification for chosen these two

universities libraries is accuracy which a researcher collects sufficient data to have

81
an estimate with a desired level of accuracy and resource constraints of others

libraries under study.

The data will be analyzed descriptively using statistical tables. It could be seen that

students will constitute the highest numbers of respondents and for that one

hundred and twenty (120) respondents for the students, thirty (30) respondents for

the researchers while thirty (30) respondents again for the non-academic staffs, ten

(10) for academic staffs and ten (10) again for the other clients of the libraries, the

sample size is 200 of the entire population.

According to Osula, B.C (2001) who said for a population that is large 10% should

be chose as sample size. For this reason, a sample size of 200 is taken for the

study.

The breakdown of the samples size for the university libraries selected are shown

in Table 3.4

S/ University Academic Non- Students Researchers Other

N Libraries Staffs Academic Clients
Staffs
1. Federal University 5 15 60 15 5
Dutsinma Library
2. Umaru Musa 5 15 60 15 5
Yar’adua University
Katsina Library
TOTAL 10 30 120 30 10

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3.6 Research Instrument

The main instrument for data collection as for this study is concern is the

questionnaire, however, in order to obtain a reliable data for the study, structured

questionnaires will be used as instrument for data collection. A structured

questionnaire otherwise known as close ended questionnaire is one in which

alternative are provided by researcher to respondents to select from. The researcher

will personally administer the copies of questionnaire to the respondents. This

method helps the researcher to have personal contact with the respondents and to

observe practical aspect of the phenomenon under study. The questionnaire will be

title information resources sharing strategies and utilization in university libraries

of Katsina. The questionnaires will be used for the study because of its

effectiveness in data collection.

3.6.1 Administration of Research Instrument

The questionnaire will be administered personally by the researcher as certain the

validity of the questionnaire to ensure proper collection of the respondent

questionnaire and avoid lost.

Self-administered is the potential anonymity of the respondent, which can lead to

more truthful or valid response.

This can be delivered in paper-and-pen format in which all the questions are

standardized so that all respondents receive the questions identical wording. The

83
researcher will gives the questionnaire to the respondents with the instructions on

how they can fill it about, and waits for their responses.

3.6.3 Validity of the Instrument

Magenda and Magenda 2003) asserted that, the accuracy of data to be collected

largely depend on the data collection instruments in terms of validity and

reliability, validity should be concerned with the establishing whether the

questionnaire content is measuring what it is supposed to measure (Orodho, 2010).

Henceforth, in this study, the content validity of the instrument will be tested by

consulting four experts in different discipline three of which are lecturers in the

department of library and information science, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University

Katsina and an expert from Umaru Musa Yar’adu University Library respectively.

These experts will be given all the copy of data collection instrument together with

research question, research objective and the statement of the problem. These

experts are requested to critically examine the items in relation to content

relevance, appropriateness of statements, and the clarity of words and length of

statements in relation to the purpose of the study and research questions. These

experts will be requested to make their necessary comments towards ensuring that

the instrument is relevant and adequate to the study with final validation by my

supervisor. Their corrections and suggestions will be used to arrive at final copy of

the research instrument.

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3.6.4 Reliability of the Instrument

To determine the reliability of the instrument, Information Resources Sharing

Strategies and Utilization Questionnaire. (IRSSUQ) will be administered to both

staffs and students of academic libraries of Alqalam University Katsina who are

part of the population but outside the sample of the study. The reliability of the

instruments will be determined using (test re test method). The instrument will be

administered to a group of 30 staff and students of Alqalam University Katsina

Library and after an interval two weeks the same instrument will be administered

to the same group. The two score will be marked and compared. The result will be

analyzed using spearman rank order correlation, to determine the reliability index

of the instrument.

Test re-test is a measure of reliability obtained by administering the same test twice

over a period of time to a group of individuals. This could be used for the purpose

of measuring how consistent test results are.

3.7 Data Analysis Technique

The data collected will be analyzed using frequency tables and simpler percentage.

The data collected will be tabulated accordingly for easy, presentation and

interpretation of the entire information gathered.

85
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