Serials use at Babcock University Library, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria (2008 – 2012)

This study highlights the intensity of print serials utilized at Babcock University library from 2008 to 2012. The study only takes account of print serials subscribed to and made available at the serials department of the library. The result of the study revealed that serials recorded the highest level of use in 2008, the lowest utilization occurred in 2012. Serials in social sciences, medical science and religion as well as magazines/newsletters, were the most utilized. There were also indications from the findings that print serials have continued to support learning, teaching and research. Therefore, the researchers concluded that subscription to print serials should be on-going. Librarians should also endeavor to create more awareness and encourage patrons’ use of print serials

Assessing service effectiveness and satisfaction with library services at Babcock University, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to investigate the use, effectiveness and satisfaction with library services. The descriptive research design was used for this study. The population was made up of 5,847 undergraduate students at Babcock University, Nigeria.  Purposive sampling was used in selecting 200 respondents to participate in the study. Data was collected through the use of questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and percentage counts. Findings from the study revealed that photocopying and reference services were the most utilized library services.  Photocopying, reference and circulation services were also considered as effective services. Majority of the respondents, however, indicated that they were satisfied with library services to a little extent. The study concluded by noting that the provision of service(s) is an essential part of libraries which should not be taken for granted. Based on the findings, recommendations were made

Use and satisfaction with online public access catalogue in selected university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria

This research work examined the use of online public access catalogue (OPAC) among final year students in Redeemer’s University and University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. The objectives were to ascertain the extent to which students utilize the OPAC, ascertain the level of satisfaction with OPAC utilization and identify challenges faced while using the OPAC.  The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The study population was made up of 2,650 students in the 4th year of study. Stratified random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and percentage counts. Findings from the study revealed poor OPAC utilization among the respondents. It did, however, show that respondents’ were moderately satisfied with the use of the OPAC but faced challenges such as lack of orientation on OPAC use, inadequate computer supplies and erratic power supply. Based on the findings, recommendations were made for university libraries to ensure that students are adequately trained to make maximum use of the OPAC.  In addition, the management of the studied universities should endeavour to provide more computers to assist students’ use of the OPAC while considering alternative sources of power supply to support the erratic nature of power supply in Nigeria. Key Words: Online public access catalogue (OPAC); Information retrieval; University libraries

Faculty Members’ Awareness and Use of Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) Services at Babcock University, Nigeria: A Study

The study investigated the awareness and use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) by Faculty Members of Babcock University, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design.  Questionnaire was distributed to 240 (60%) faculty members at various schools in August 2013 during the annual colloquium workshop. One hundred and nine-six (196) copies of the questionnaire was retrieved and used for the study. Data collected were analysed using percentage and frequency. It will be recall that prior to the introduction and use of OPAC at Babcock University Library, traditional methods of information retrieval hold sway. Also, despite its acclaimed usefulness, most faculty members tend to prefer traditional methods to OPAC. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents (71.4%) were not aware that OPAC can be used to retrieve materials before coming to the library. Also, 65.8% of the respondents were not aware that they can access/browse Babcock University library web-based OPAC with their mobile phones before coming to the library to borrow materials; while, 59.2% of the respondents were not aware that the materials available in Babcock University library can be accessed outside the library building. Only 26% of the respondents used OPAC independently to retrieve library information resources. Majority of the respondents retrieved library information resources by perusing through the shelves and seeking the assistance of library staff. It was obvious from the findings that majority of the respondents were not aware hence the need for the study. Lack of orientation from library staff/librarians also constitutes major factor that militate against awareness and use of Babcock University library OPAC. This study therefore recommends that Librarians should organize orientation and sensitization programmes in order to create awareness, and encourage the university community and especially faculty members at various schools to effectively use OPAC to ensure maximum utilization of library information resources

A Comparative Study of Faculty Members’ Expectations of Academic Library Services in Three Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the library services provided in federal, state and private universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Questionnaire was the tool used for data collection. The study population consisted of 110 respondents from University of Agriculture (UNAAB), Abeokuta, 287 respondents from Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode and 215 respondents from Redeemer’s University (RUN), Mowe, given a total of 612 respondents from the three selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select the universities and the respondents. A total of 612 questionnaires were administered on all the respondents and 403 questionnaires were retrieved and analyzed given a response rate of 70%. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the data displayed in tables and percentage while hypotheses formulated was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis and Chi-Square. A pre-test of 65 questionnaires were first administered and analyzed to estimate reliability co-efficient. The instrument yielded reliability co-efficient of 0.866%. We therefore concluded that the instrument was reliable. Finding from the study shows that electronic information resources services, internet services and circulation services were the services fully provided and utilized by the respondents, as displayed on Table 3; while CD ROM services, online public access catalogue (OPAC), user education, selective dissemination of information (SDI) and current awareness were the services moderately provided. It was also evident from this research that reprographic services, abstracting and indexing and literature search services were the least provided as shown on Table 3. The result of the formulated hypotheses shows there was significant difference in the library services provision and services expectation by Academic staff of federal, state and private universities. The findings affirmed that service provision in any library is an essential activity. University libraries should ensure to provide effective and adequate services to match with the expectations of library users especially the academic staff.Key words: Service provision; Library services; University library; Faculty expectations; Academic library service

Utilization of Journal Publications by Undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Nigeria

This paper appraised the utilization of journals by undergraduate students of Babcock University, Nigeria. The study population comprised 400 level students of 2012/2013 academic session totaling 1359. All 400 level students were selected because they had completed their final year research (project) work for the award of Bachelors’ degrees in different areas of study. Simple random sampling was used to select 815 respondents which was 60% from the total population. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire designed by the researchers. A total number of 815 questionnaires were administered on the respondents at one of the graduating class chapel seminars which usually held on Wednesday of every week and all were retrieved given a return rate of 100%. The study suggests that the undergraduate students used textbooks and past students’ final project, thesis and dissertation than journal publications. The paper highlights to a large extent some of the reasons why undergraduate students under utilize journal publications. Recommendations were made on how to improve journal usage among the undergraduate students to enhance their research work

Effect of Brain Drain (Human Capital Flight) of Librarians on Service Delivery in Some Selected Nigerian Universities

This study seeks to describe and analyze the challenges occasioned by brain drain or human capital flight of librarians on service delivery in Nigerian Universities. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select two geopolitical zones (South-South and South-West) from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Total enumeration was used because the population under study was considered appropriate for the research. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Sixty copies of the instrument were distributed to 60 librarians in the two selected geopolitical zones. Copies of all the questionnaires were completed, retrieved, and found usable, thus giving a response rate of 100%. Survey results indicated that 315 librarians emigrated to foreign lands for various reasons, including unstable academic calendar and prospects for further training among others. This loss of personnel in the university libraries has a negative impact on service delivery as qualified information professionals and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts are limited to mentor the younger professionals. Shift duties in academic libraries are also scaled down for lack of manpower. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that the Federal Government of Nigeria should, as a matter of urgency, robustly fund tertiary education to enhance productivity. As they do this, the National Universities Commission (NUC) is to empower academic libraries by ensuring that the staff development policy is strictly adhered to. This will translate into self-enhancement for staff, positive job attitude, and retention of professionals in the system