ABSTRACT
The research focuses on user education in academic libraries, using the Kogi State Polytechnic as its case study. User education is an academic program that is designed by Universities and other higher institution to educate library users on how to effectively utilize library resources and services. This study was carried out using a descriptive survey method and questionnaire were also used, including interview for data collection. The population sample embraced 50 (30%) of respondents who were the staff of library, lecturers and students who are all users of the library. The research result is aimed at finding out the relevance and impact of user education for effective use of the library. It is basically on the knowledge in which users of library gets in educating them. How often they are being orientated, if they can be able to search information on their own after orientation or assistance. The study also pointed out the various problems associated with user education and also the ones faced by librarians who are meant to educate the users. The study also offered solutions. The project work is made up of five chapters, chapter one of this research deals with the aims and objectives of the study. The second chapter deals with the literature review. Chapter three is the research methodology, chapter four data presentation analysis and findings, while chapter five is summary, conclusion and recommendation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Objective of the study
14. Scope of study
1.5 Significance of the study
1.6 Research Question
1.7 Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Review of related literature
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of the study
3.3 Population of the study
3.4 Sampling and Sampling techniques
3.5.1 Instrumentation (Instrument for
Data Collection)
3.5.2 Validity of Instrument
3.5.3 Reliability of Instrument
3.6 Distribution and Retrieval of the instrument
3.7 Data Analysis Techniques
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Presentation and Data Findings
4.2 Data Analysis interpretation
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Suggestion for further studies
References
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix II
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study:
One of the fundamental laws of the library is that the resources (books and non-book) must be well consulted. The librarian has to acquire and provide access to information stocked in the library. The user is very important in the practice of librarianship, this is the library process revolves around the users.
The library provides user education in order to equip a user with enough knowledge on the use of library so as to enable them use the library resources effectively. The reason for the provision of user education in the library is that library processes could be so complex that an average user may not easily comprehend how to utilize the available resources. As a result of the era of information explosion in which we are, information is expending at a very fast rate and new resources are being introduced into the library (Aina, 2004). With the advent of information and communication technology (ICT), which has permeated all the activities of libraries, it is important to explain the working of a library to a new user in detail. The ultimate objective of any library is to enable users exploit its resources to the fullest.
Fjallbrant (1990), defines user education as: “the teaching of those skills that will enable students to locate and use materials effectively and feel confident in using the library.” Also, its aim is to acquaint users with the use of materials in the libraries. Similarly, Fleming (1990) defined user education as “various programmes of instruction, education and exploration provided by academic libraries to users to enable them to make effective, efficient and independent use of information sources and services to which these libraries provide access.”
Bello (2003) defined library user education as: “A device by the librarians to educate users on how to use the resources available in the library in a result oriented ways.” Thus its concerned with information retrieval, since the objectives of the user education in academic library according to Osagie (2003) are as follows:
· To enable users to know how to use the library catalogue independently in any library with particular reference to the author, title and subject catalogues.
· To enable users to understand the classification schemes in any library so as to be able to locate materials with little or no problem.
· To be able to see library catalogues as indexes to the entire collection and use them as such.
· To enable the users to see the library as a repository of knowledge that determines the success of the students academic programme because its not possible for an individual to have the collection of a library.
Students in Nigeria tertiary institutions are introduced to the use of library in one form or the other, in order that they might know what to consult in their quest for information. Today, most students in higher institute of learning find it difficult to explore the world of information sources in the library thus leading to poor appreciation of the library and its resources, which contributes to their inability to undergo meaningful researches or at best become poor library users. It is believed that a concerted effort to know and understand library more will eventually enable the individual to develop his/herself to the fullest potentials. This becomes very important as it will enable man to contribute effectively and positively to the development of the society at large.
BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC
Kogi State Polytechnic was established in December 1992 by the 1st and 2nd Executive Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abub akar Audu through an amended edict No. 6 of 1994. The Polytechnic took off in January 1993 at the Government Science Secondary School, Lokoja and Osara Campus with Dr. Isa I.A. as the first Rector.
The library opening hours of the institution are as follows:
ØMonday –Friday 8am – 6pm
ØSaturday 9am – 4pm
ØSunday 2pm – 6pm
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:
The aim of this enquiry is to provide information for solving an identified problem confronting the society.
Difficulties of users in locating materials easily on the shelf, poor use of library tools by the users, problems encountered in retrieving required materials and inability of users and staff interaction.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To find out how user education is conducted in Kogi State Polytechnic library.
2. To identify the causes of poor use of the library tools by users.
3. To ascertain the effectiveness of user education in the library.
4. To create a positive attitude to information searching which will stimulate the user to make use of the resource available in different libraries which is determine with the help of staff.
5. To verify the level of user and staff interaction in the library.
6. To find out the students satisfaction about the programme.
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY:
The researcher’s range of the study was concentrated on Lokoja. Only the Kogi state polytechnic library was studied by the researcher using some of library users and the staff.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The library materials are not adequately utilize and most materials are lying dormant on the shelf which is as a result of library user not being able to use the library as required. The out come of this research work will leads to efficient, effective and continuous use of the library.
As regards to this project work, much time, money and energy will be duly employed for the successful outcome of this work.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. How often is user education conducted in Kogi state polytechnic?
2. What are the causes of poor use of library tools by users?
3. How can the effectiveness of user education in the library be achieved?
4. To what extent can user education create a positive attitude to information searching in users?
5. How can the level of user and staff interaction in the library be determined?
6. To what extent can users satisfaction or user education programme be achieved?
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
EDUCATION: This is a process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or colleges, to improve knowledge and develop skills.
INSTITUTION:This is a person who is in charge of or works in a library with a degree in librarianship.
LIBRARY: This is a building in which collections of books, CDs, newspapers, etc, are kept for people to read, study or borrow.
TERTIARY: Is a third in order, rank or important. It is a college that provides education for people aged 16 and older.
USER: This is a person who come to make use of library materials in other to satisfy their needs.