Librarians as Academics in Nigerian Universities: Revisiting the Quest for Justification and Matters Arising

The quest for librarians to be given their rightful place as academics in Nigerian Universities prompted this paper. From a comparative viewpoint, the need for librarians to enjoy the same rights and privileges as lecturers was highlighted. The paper provided ample justifications for granting librarians academic status in Nigerian Universities. It also discussed matters arising from the implementation of the National Universities Commission’s directive on the academic status of librarians. The paper proposed the systematic implementation of PhD Qualification for librarians, review of librarians’ cadres vis-à-vis those of lecturers and the need for the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) and Nigeria Library Association (NLA) to play more influential roles, as key strategies for addressing the issues of inequality between librarians and lecturers. The paper concluded that as academics, librarians should be ready to take responsibility to acquire necessary qualifications and play leading roles in research, scholarly publications and other academic endeavours

Utilization of Electronic Information Resources by Undergraduate Students of University of Ibadan: A Case Study of Social Sciences and Education

The study evaluated utilization of electronic information resources by undergraduates in the Faculties of Education and the Social Sciences in University of Ibadan. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a study population of 1872 undergraduates in the Faculties of Education and the Social Sciences in University of Ibadan, from which a sample of 200 respondents were selected from each faculty using a simple random technique. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software, frequency distribution and percentages.  The findings revealed that the internet services, e-mail services, online databases, electronic databases and cybercafés were the available electronic information resources often used by the undergraduate students in University of Ibadan. However, inadequate power supply, poor network/internet connectivity and limited access to computer terminals Keywords: Utilization, Electronic, Information resources

Application of Web 2.0 Technology in Library and Information Centres in Developing Countries: Challenges and Way Forward

This paper discussed application of web 2.0 technology in library and information centres in developing countries. It started with the introduction that enable libraries to serve patrons efficiently, it also enhances collaborations, engenders participation, promotes interaction and creates an environment for openness in libraries. It further discussed some of the web 2.0 technology in library and information centres such as blogs, Rich Site Summary (RSS), instant massager, social networking sites, among others. The paper also highlighted challenges faced by developing countries libraries in application of web 2.0 technology such as digital divide, Inadequate ICT infrastructure, lack of policies to support Web 2.0, inadequate staff capacity, lack of maintenance culture, among others. Based on this discussions, the paper concluded and recommended policies of web 2.0 should be formulated and implemented, the government should provide adequate ICT infrastructures for libraries in developing countries, government and other institutions should try as much as possible to bridge the digital gap. This will enable developing countries libraries to take the full benefits of web 2.0 in library and information centres

Towards Curbing Plagiarism in Higher Institutions of Learning: The Strategic Role of the Library

Lack of academic integrity has frustrated the attainment of educational objectives especially in tertiary institutions in recent times. Perhaps, one of the most prevalent fraudulent practice among students, academics and researchers today is plagiarism. This paper examines the concept, nature and intricacies of plagiarism. It notes the devastating effects of plagiarism on the individual, academic institutions and the society at large. The paper argues that libraries by their assigned and inherent functions have a strategic role to play in curbing plagiarism. The roles include awareness creation, teaching of referencing and citation skills, information literacy programmes among others. The paper concludes with further recommendations for dealing with the menace of plagiarism

Information Provision by Public Library to Agricultural Extension Agents in a Developing Country

One of the bedrock of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is eradication of poverty and hunger. In an attempt to actualize this goal, the role of public libraries in information provision to agricultural extension agents in Nigeria becomes paramount. This paper discusses provision of information to agricultural extension agents in a developing country. It starts with the concept of extension agents and the essence of information provision to them. It further discusses types, sources and challenges of public libraries in information provision to agricultural extension workers in a developing country. Some of the challenges are as follows: poor funding of public libraries, demotivated staff, and so on. Based on these discussions, the paper recommended adequate training and retraining of staff, adequate funding of public libraries by the federal, state and local government, the revitalization of the abandoned mobile library services among others. The paper therefore concludes that information provision to agricultural extension agents by public library is very crucial for national development. The current state of poverty, hunger and lack in Nigeria and some other African countries could be reduced to a great extent if current, relevant and up-to-date information are provided by libraries to the concerned agencies

Towards Curbing Plagiarism in Higher Institutions of Learning: The Strategic Role of the Library

Lack of academic integrity has frustrated the attainment of educational objectives especially in tertiary institutions in recent times. Perhaps, one of the most prevalent fraudulent practice among students, academics and researchers today is plagiarism. This paper examines the concept, nature and intricacies of plagiarism. It notes the devastating effects of plagiarism on the individual, academic institutions and the society at large. The paper argues that libraries by their assigned and inherent functions have a strategic role to play in curbing plagiarism. The roles include awareness creation, teaching of referencing and citation skills, information literacy programmes among others. The paper concludes with further recommendations for dealing with the menace of plagiarism

Towards Curbing Plagiarism in Higher Institutions of Learning: The Strategic Role of the Library

Lack of academic integrity has frustrated the attainment of educational objectives especially in tertiary institutions in recent times. Perhaps, one of the most prevalent fraudulent practice among students, academics and researchers today is plagiarism. This paper examines the concept, nature and intricacies of plagiarism. It notes the devastating effects of plagiarism on the individual, academic institutions and the society at large. The paper argues that libraries by their assigned and inherent functions have a strategic role to play in curbing plagiarism. The roles include awareness creation, teaching of referencing and citation skills, information literacy programmes among others. The paper concludes with further recommendations for dealing with the menace of plagiarism