USERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE FACILITIES, RESOURCES AND SERVICES OF THE MTN DIGITAL LIBRARY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

Purpose: This study examined users’ perception of the facilities, resources and services of the MTN digital library at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with regards to the effectiveness and efficiency of the library system. Design/Method/Approach: The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. It was appropriate for this study as a useful method for assessing attitudes or opinions towards programmes, individuals, organizations and events. Four objectives and four research questions were formulated to guide this study.A convenience sampling technique was used and a sample size of 196 registered users of the MTN Digital Library, UNN was evaluated for this study. Instruments for data collection include a well structured questionnaire designed to elicit information from the library’s users and an observation checklist designed to support the results of the questionnaire. 213 questionnaires were distributed to the users of the library with a return rate of 92%. The study employed the use of frequency table, percentages, mean scores and ranking as statistical measures for data analysis. Findings: From the findings of the study, it was concluded that the general perception of users towards the facilities, resources and services of the MTN digital library, UNN is highly satisfactory. Respondents were very highly aware of and satisfied with the availability of e-resources such as the World Wide Web, WIFI and search engines as opposed to online indexes and abstracts, video CDs, CD-ROMs, online databases and portals. Results also showed that services such as online internet search services, e-mail services and online reference services were provided at the MTN library at higher extents compared to other services. It was therefore recommended that the library offer different information access and delivery mechanismsto users to widen the limited scope of the resources and services currently employed to serve them. Other recommendations include the employment of dedicated and willing staff, use of newsgroups and online forums to discuss and consult users, continuous review of the digital library system, training and support of software developers and technicians to enhance digital library services, provision forums where users can lodge their complaints concerning the inefficiency or effectiveness of the library system, provision of a communication and feedback mechanism should between the library and the MTNF to see to the effective maintenance and sustainability of the digital library project etc. Implication: This study has serious implications for libraries in Nigerian higher education institutions as the line between the use of academic libraries and the use of the internet for research is still very obvious. In more developed countries these lines are virtually non-existent, because most academic libraries enjoy full Internet connectivity. Manpower training in the use of technology is another issue that is being raised here. Librarians must be trained in the use of current technologies to aid them in the discharge of their duties. The results of this study have implications for the university management and staff, students, the MTNF and NetLibrary, the university and library administrations, researchers and lecturers. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its examination of the facilities, resources and services of the MTN digital library at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from the users’ perspective. This study identifies critical issues related to the effective operation of the digital library system and the utilization of its facilities, resources and services by clients. Its values relates to its immense contributions to MTNF, NetLibrary and Nigerian universities and students especially in this information age where Nigerian educational institutions face the challenges of globalization and information explosion

Sex, Knowledge, and Attitude of Stroke Survivors Attending Bebe Herbal Center on Risk Factors before and after Stroke

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent stroke survivors who attended an herbal center knew of stroke risk factors and whether significant sex differences existed. Study Design. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to June 2018 at Bebe Herbal Center, and it involved two well-trained assistants who interviewed 149 first-time stroke survivors after consent and ethical approval were obtained. The survivors self-reported their knowledge, attitude, and beliefs on risk factors before and after stroke. Statistical Analyses. Means of continuous variables were compared using Student’s unpaired t-test, while categorical variables between males and the females were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. P<0.05 was taken as significant. Results. Mean age of men (64.81±1.24 yrs) was significantly higher than that of women (61.39±1.42 yrs) (F=0.096, t=1.79, df=147; P<0.05). More men than women were 60 years and above while more women than men were below 60 years. Pearson’s chi-square test showed significant association of sex with education (χ2=12.31; df=3, P<0.006), occupation (χ2=23.65; df=4, P<0.001), alcohol intake (χ2=24.23; df=1; P<0.001), and smoking (χ2=9.823; df=1; P<0.001). The commonest risk factor suffered was hypertension (73.1%), followed by alcohol intake (59.1%), smoking (31.5%), and diabetes mellitus (26.7%); these affected men more than women. Male survivors unaware of their hypertensive status were more likely to have stroke than females, and age had a significant effect on the likelihood of developing a stroke; the same was occupation. Conclusions. These survivors suffered mainly from hypertension, triggered by psychosocial problems and diabetes mellitus; their stroke seemed fueled by unrecognized hypertension, unrecognized diabetes mellitus, ignorance of hyperlipidemia, and wide-scale belief in witchcraft as risk factor. Awareness programs in the third world should take these observations into consideration