Information Literacy Competencies of Library and Information Science Postgraduate Students in South East Nigeria Universities: A Focus on the Knowledge and Skill Level

The study investigated the information literacy competencies possessed by Library and Information Science (LIS) postgraduate students in Federal Universities in South East Zone Nigeria with a focus on the Knowledge and skill level. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Seventy two students which included all 2011/2012 PhD and Masters degree students from the Departments of LIS in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Data was collected using Achievement Test and Questionnaire. Percentages, frequencies and mean rating were used to answer research questions. T-test was used to test hypotheses. The major findings of the study include:  LIS postgraduate students in Federal Universities in South East Zone Nigeria possessed information literacy knowledge since the  measure based on understanding the need for information, how to locate, evaluate and use information have average percentage scores of 95%, 87%, 82% and 88% respectively. However, the information literacy knowledge possessed by LIS Postgraduate students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU) differed significantly from those possessed by LIS Postgraduate students in University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); LIS postgraduate students possessed moderate level of information literacy skills as their level of information literacy skills as measured based on ability to locate and access, evaluate and use information has general mean rating of 3.34. However, the skills differed significantly between LIS Postgraduate students in NAU and UNN. Based on the findings, it was recommended that more practical aspect of information literacy should be employed through students industrial training and internship, and  LIS curriculum should be enhanced especially with reference to skill acquisition. Keywords: Literacy, Competency, Skills, Knowledge , Nigeria , Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Student

NCE Students’ Perceptions on the Use of Library Course as an Aid to the Use of Library Resources in South-West, Nigeria

The study was carried out to survey NCE students’ perceptions on use of library course as an aid to their use of library resources in Colleges of Education in South-West Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was employed and four research questions guided the study. From a population of 60,481 students, a sample of 1,210 was drawn using the proportionate stratified sampling technique. Meanwhile, out of the 1,210 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 1,097 were fully completed (filled out) as retrieved and analyzed. It represents (90.66%) or approximately (91%) response rate and considered adequate because the standard and acceptable response rate for most studies is 60%. A questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection after validation by experts in the field, and pre-tested through Cronbach Alpha method that yielded 0.743 aggregate values. Complete data subsequently gathered from 1,097 copies of the questionnaire retrieved were analyzed by employing the statistical mean to answer the research questions and criterion mean placed at 2.50. Among the major findings of the study were: Students perceived use of library course as an aid to their use of all library resource categories examined in the study (that is, reference, reserve, circulation and serials resources). The study therefore recommends that students should be given increased opportunity to access “use of library course programme” as a veritable tool of enhancing their capacity for adequate use of reference resources among others in colleges of education in the region to ensure their effective integration into our 21st century society even after college life

Provision of Alternative Formats of Information Resources for Inclusive Library Services of Visually Impaired Primary School Pupils in Southeast Nigeria

This paper sought to determine the provision of alternative formats of information resources for inclusive library services of visually impaired primary school pupils in Southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 129 respondents, comprising of 125 visually impaired pupils and four librarians from the four special education centres in Southeast Nigeria. One research question guided the study. Two instruments were used for data collection which includes an observation checklist, and interview guide. Data collected with the checklist were analyzed using frequency counts, while those from interviews were analyzed qualitatively and integrated into the discussion of findings. The findings showed that alternative formats of information resources such as Braille textbooks and audio collections were not provided in many subjects in the libraries under study. Braille textbooks in almost all the subjects taught in the schools, including core subjects like English language and mathematics were not available. Even the ones available were old editions of textbooks. Also, it was revealed that other information resources except storybooks were scantly provided in alternative formats. Hence, the study concluded that the provision of alternative formats of information resources in special education centre libraries in Southeast Nigeria is inadequate. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the government should have a written policy statement on the provision of alternative formats of information resources for the visually impaired so that it will serve as a guide for the provision of information resources to special education centres, in order to ensure inclusive library services for the visually impaired

Extent of Information and Communication Technology Skills Possessed by Librarians in University Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria

Persistent innovations and advances in Information and Communication Technology have substantially modified the way information is acquired, processed, stored, retrieved, and communicated. This has consequently changed the ways the library, which is visibly and significantly placed in the profession of information management operates, hence creating the need for library and information professionals to be sufficiently skilled in ICT operations which are now necessary for effective information services delivery. However, users are seemingly starved with services which the library professionals are expected to deliver through the use of ICTs. This implies that librarians are possibly not conversant with ICTs that they might be unable to respond to users’ needs promptly and render excellent library service to users as well. This is an ugly situation and may likely bring discredit to librarians and library profession in this 21st Century. This study therefore surveyed extent of Information and Communication Technology skills possessed by librarians in the universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research design adopted for this study is descriptive survey. The population consists of thirty-three (33) librarians in the five universities in Anambra State. Population was small hence, the whole subjects were studied. Two instruments - achievement test and questionnaire were used for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed using simple percentages, frequencies, and mean rating. Findings of the study include: Librarians in the universities in Anambra State are weakly skilled in ICTs hence their overall average percentage score in ICT skills was 58.3%. Their average percentage scores in dimensions of ICT are as follows: Basic Computing 83%, File Management 71%, Word Processing, 76%, E-mail operations 54%, Automated Cataloguing and Classification/use of OPAC 42%, use of Library Automation Software 56%,  use of the Internet/WWW 61%, Information Search and Retrieval 62%, Presentation using Microsoft Power Point, 40%, Database Creation/Management 38%. Average percentage scores showed that librarians are highly-skilled in Basic Computing, Word Processing, and File Management and are moderately-skilled in Information Search and Retrieval, Internet and World Wide Web. They are weakly-skilled in Library Automation, E-mail operations, and are not skilled in Automated Cataloguing and Classification/use of OPAC, presentation using Microsoft Power Point, Database Creation/Management. Challenges militating against librarians’ ICT skills acquisition were identified and solutions were proffered. Keywords: Information and Communications Technologies, skill, Information and Communications Technologies Skills, University Library

NCE Students’ Perceptions on the Use of Library Course as an Aid to the Use of Library Resources in South-West, Nigeria

The study was carried out to survey NCE students’ perceptions on use of library course as an aid to their use of library resources in Colleges of Education in South-West Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was employed and four research questions guided the study. From a population of 60,481 students, a sample of 1,210 was drawn using the proportionate stratified sampling technique. Meanwhile, out of the 1,210 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 1,097 were fully completed (filled out) as retrieved and analyzed. It represents (90.66%) or approximately (91%) response rate and considered adequate because the standard and acceptable response rate for most studies is 60%. A questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection after validation by experts in the field, and pre-tested through Cronbach Alpha method that yielded 0.743 aggregate values. Complete data subsequently gathered from 1,097 copies of the questionnaire retrieved were analyzed by employing the statistical mean to answer the research questions and criterion mean placed at 2.50. Among the major findings of the study were: Students perceived use of library course as an aid to their use of all library resource categories examined in the study (that is, reference, reserve, circulation and serials resources). The study therefore recommends that students should be given increased opportunity to access “use of library course programme” as a veritable tool of enhancing their capacity for adequate use of reference resources among others in colleges of education in the region to ensure their effective integration into our 21st century society even after college life

Korzystanie z bibliotecznych usług mobilnych a zaspokojenie potrzeb informacyjnych studentów pierwszego stopnia uniwersytetów w południowo-zachodniej Nigerii

Ziel: Die Zufriedenheit der Nutzer ist seit der Gründung der ersten Universitätsbibliothek im Jahr 1984 Gegenstand von Forschungsarbeiten, was den Beginn der Bereitstellung von Informationsdiensten für Nutzer in akademischen Bibliotheken in Nigeria signalisierte. Dennoch sind empirische Untersuchungen zur Nutzung von mobiltechnologiebasierten Bibliotheksdiensten im Zusammenhang mit der Erfüllung der Informationsbedürfnisse von Studierenden selten. Es besteht also eine Wissenslücke, und daher zielt diese Studie darauf ab, diese Lücke zu schließen, indem sie die Nutzung von mobiltechnologiebasierten Bibliotheksdiensten und die Erfüllung der Informationsbedürfnisse von Studierenden an Universitäten im Südwesten Nigerias untersucht. Forschungsmethode: Die Studie basiert auf einer Umfrage, die eine mehrstufige Stichprobenauswahltechnik verwendete. Für die Stichprobe wurden 1086 Studenten von drei Fakultäten an sechs Universitäten im Südwesten Nigerias ausgewählt und zwei Fragebögen verwendet (einer zur Erfassung der Nutzung von mobiltechnologiebasierten Bibliotheksdiensten und einer zur Erfassung des Informationsbedarfs der Studenten). Insgesamt wurden 1045 Antworten mittels deskriptiver Statistik analysiert. Forschungsergebnisse: Die Studie ergab, dass Bachelorstudenten oft einige mobiltechnologiebasierten Bibliotheksdienste nutzten, während sie andere weniger in Anspruch nahmen. Die meisten Studenten zeigten sich zufrieden mit den Dienstleistungen ihrer Universitätsbibliotheken. Die Ergebnisse zeigten auch, dass es eine hochpositive Korrelation (Pearson r = 0,53) zwischen der Nutzung von mobiltechnologiebasierten Bibliotheksdiensten und der Erfüllung der Informationsbedürfnisse der Bachelorstudenten im Südwesten Nigerias gibt. Schlussfolgerung: Nach der Studie würde eine effektive Bereitstellung von mobiltechnologiebasierten Bibliotheksdiensten bei entsprechender Infrastruktur dazu beitragen, die Nutzung dieser Dienste durch Studenten zu verbessern und somit den Informationsbedarf effizienter zu decken. In der Studie wurde unter anderem empfohlen, dass die Leitung der Universitätsbibliotheken regelmäßig mobiltechnologiebasierte Bibliotheksdienste abonniert, um einige der Herausforderungen im Zusammenhang mit der Covid-19-Pandemie zu bewältigen.Aim: Users’ satisfaction has been a subject of research since the establishment of the first university library in 1984, which signalled the commencement of the provision of information services to academic library users in Nigeria. However, empirical studies on the use of mobile technology-based library services in relation to students’ information needs satisfaction are rare. Thus, there is a knowledge gap, and this study, therefore, sets out to fill this gap by investigating the use of mobile technology-based library services and information needs satisfaction among undergraduates in universities in South-West Nigeria. Methods: The research design for the study was a survey, involving a multistage sampling technique. Two questionnaires (on the level of use of mobile technology-based library services and information needs satisfaction of undergraduates) were used to sample 1,086 undergraduates across three faculties at six universities in South-West Nigeria. 1,045 responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study found that some mobile technology-based library services were frequently used by undergraduates, while others were not. Most of the students expressed satisfaction with the services provided by their university libraries. The results of this study also showed that there is a highly positive relationship (Pearson r = 0.53) between the use of mobile technology-based library services and the information needs satisfaction of undergraduates in South-West Nigeria. Conclusion: This study concluded that with a good deployment of infrastructure, the provision of mobile technology-based library services will encourage their effective use by undergraduates and, consequently, a higher level of information needs satisfaction. The study recommended, among other things, that university library management should subscribe regularly to mobile technology-based library services to overcome some of the challenges posed by COVID-19.Cel: Zaspokojenie potrzeb użytkowników jest przedmiotem badań od czasu utworzenia pierwszej biblioteki uniwersyteckiej w 1984 r., co zasygnalizowało rozpoczęcie świadczenia usług informacyjnych dla użytkowników bibliotek akademickich w Nigerii. Jednakże badania empiryczne dotyczące korzystania z usług bibliotecznych opartych na technologii mobilnej w odniesieniu do zaspokojenia potrzeb informacyjnych studentów są rzadkie. W związku z tym istnieje luka w wiedzy, a niniejsze badanie ma na celu wypełnienie tej luki poprzez zbadanie wykorzystania usług bibliotecznych opartych na technologii mobilnej i zaspokojenia potrzeb informacyjnych wśród studentów uniwersytetów w południowo-zachodniej Nigerii. Metodyka: Projekt badania był ankietą, obejmującą wieloetapową technikę próbkowania. Dwa kwestionariusze (dotyczące poziomu wykorzystania usług bibliotecznych opartych na technologii mobilnej i zaspokojenia potrzeb informacyjnych studentów) wykorzystano do badania na próbce 1086 studentów z trzech wydziałów na sześciu uniwersytetach w południowo-zachodniej Nigerii. Przeanalizowano 1045 odpowiedzi przy użyciu statystyk opisowych. Wyniki: Badanie wykazało, że niektóre usługi biblioteczne oparte na technologii mobilnej były często używane przez studentów, podczas gdy inne nie. Większość studentów wyraziła zadowolenie z usług świadczonych przez biblioteki uniwersyteckie. Wyniki tego badania wykazały również, że istnieje bardzo pozytywny związek (Pearson r = 0,53) między korzystaniem z mobilnych usług bibliotecznych opartych na technologii a zaspokojeniem potrzeb informacyjnych studentów w południowo-zachodniej Nigerii. Wnioski: W badaniu tym stwierdzono, że przy dobrym wdrożeniu infrastruktury, świadczenie usług bibliotecznych opartych na technologii mobilnej zachęci studentów do efektywnego korzystania z tych usług, a w konsekwencji poziom zaspokojenia potrzeb informacyjnych wzrośnie. W badaniu zalecono między innymi, aby kierownictwo bibliotek uniwersyteckich regularnie subskrybowało usługi biblioteczne oparte na technologii mobilnej, aby przezwyciężyć niektóre wyzwania związane z COVID-19

Effect of Social Media Addiction on Reading Culture: A Study of Nigerian Students

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social media addiction on reading culture of Nigerian students in higher institutions of learning. An online survey was sent to 1500 students of higher institutions in Nigeria during the Lockdown necessitated by the outbreak of the dreaded Corona Virus (Covid-19) Pandemic. A total of 1300 questionnaires were completed and returned. This implies 86.7% return rate. Data was analyzed using graphical charts. The findings of the study showed that social media mostly used by student include Facebook, followed by WhatsApp, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Wordpress, Snapchat, Reddit, respectively; while, 75.3% of the students use the social media daily, 92.3% of them access the social media via their mobile phones. The study also found 97% using the social media for the purpose of chatting with friends and family. While 79% of the students indicate they read mainly to pass exams, only 43% read book daily. 67.3% indicated that they rarely visit the library. A massive 84.4% strongly agreed that social media has negative effect on reading habits. The researchers therefore concluded that as the world’s economy is becoming more knowledge-based, the future of the country is unpredictable except something drastic is done to tackle the decline headlong. It was therefore recommended that lecturers should use social media to teach, give assignments to students, and create reading groups. Libraries should make their services and resources accessible to students through their mobile devices. Seminars to motivate students to read and research should be organized. Parents should monitor their children reading at home and take their children out to libraries instead of shopping malls or cinemas

Perceived Challenges of Using Web-Based Library Services by Students in Prof. Festus Aghabgo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

Purpose: This study investigated the challenges confronting the use of web-based library services in Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, NnamdiA zikiwe University, Awka. Methodology: The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population comprised of 4,529 registered student users of the library and the sample size was 200 students accidentally selected while using the library. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and the data collected were analyzed using mean. Findings: The result revealed that challenges such as lack of awareness of available web-based services, lack of fund and high cost of Internet services among others were confronting the use of web based services in the library. Implications: lack of awareness of available web-based library services as major challenge to the use of the services shows that students were not aware of these services hence the need for academic libraries to market their web-based services. Value/Originality: The study’s educational value rest on the recommendations that the library should create awareness of available web-based services and the university authority should provide more funds to enable the library to fully upgrade its web-based services so that a true virtual experience could be derived from the use of these services

EVALUATION OF THE USE OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES BY THE STUDENTS OF PAUL UNIVERSITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

This study evaluated the use of library resources and services by students of Paul University, Awka in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research method and employed a structured questionnaire and observations as instruments for data collection. The entire population of 276 students of Paul University Awka was involved in the study. The study was guided by 6 research questions. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics which include percentages, frequencies and mean rating. Findings revealed that students fairly use the library for their studies. Observation shows that they use the library most during examination periods. It also revealed that resources currently available are fairly adequate and fairly accessible to the students. Furthermore, the study revealed that users are satisfied with the services and facilities provided by the library. Problems militating against effective use of the University Library by the students were identified and solutions were proffered. It was recommended among others that the habit of using the Library should be inculcated into students through avenues such as organizing library display, library exhibition, library orientation, and inclusion of use of library as a course in the University’s curriculum so as to attract students to the Library

Undergraduates’ Perception of Library Service Quality and Value in the 21st-Century in Southeast Nigeria: A Case Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the undergraduates’ perception of the quality and value of library services offered to them in the 21st-century in federal universities in Southeast Nigeria. Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library (PFANL) in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was used as a case study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. From a population of 14,196 registered regular undergraduates’ users of the library, a sample of 120 was selected through an accidental sampling technique. From 120 questionnaires distributed, 103 copies received were valid, 17 responses were either incomplete or not answered, and so, the efficient rate was 85.8 percent. The study employed the use of two instruments which include: observation checklist, used to ascertain the available library services, and a questionnaire used to elicit users’ perception of library service quality and value. The instruments were face validated by two experts in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. The internal consistency of the instrument on library services used by the undergraduates was established using Kudder-Richardson which yielded 0.86 while Cronbach\u27s alpha coefficient was used for the undergraduates’ perception of quality and value of library services offered to them which yielded 0.78 and 0.81 respectively. Frequency count, percentage, mean and standard deviation using SPSS, were used to analyze data from research questions, t-test was used to test hypotheses. The major findings revealed that the undergraduates have a positive perception of the quality of library services offered to them at Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library (PFANL). However, they had a negative perception of the quality of computer/Internet services and reprographic services offered to them. This shows that these two services should immensely be improved upon in this 21st-century. The study equally shows that undergraduates have high value for library services offered to them. Nevertheless, they have low value on computer/internet services and reprographic services which are most needed in this 21st-century. The finding also revealed the host of impediments that affects high perception of library services quality and value in this 21st century at PFANL to include; insufficient current information resources, an unfriendly attitude of staff, slow internet connectivity, limited access, insufficient availability of modern facilities, insufficient training on technology use and unsteady power supply. The finding further revealed that there is no significant difference in mean rating of male and female perception of quality and value of library service offered to them at PFANL. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the library management at PFANL should sustain undergraduates’ level of perceived library quality and value, and boost it by providing continuously, relevant and current information resources and services especially on the aspect of computer/Internet services and reprographic services suitable in this 21st-century