CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of Public Libraries
The concept of public libraries is the same all over the world as the library which carters for the whole public. Ikokoh (2003) asserts the public as a library provided wholly or partly from public funds and the use of which is not restricted to any class or persons in the community, but it is freely available to all. From the observation made by Ikokoh, it is clear to see that the public library is fully created with the public in mind, as it is not restricted to particular persons. Its doors are opened to children, adults, disabled and even the illiterate ones with the sole aim of providing the community with their information needs which will thereby enhance the level of their education.
Types of Public Library Services
The public library, as seen earlier, deals solely with the public. Therefore, there is bound to be different needs by different individuals. It opens its doors to everybody in the community and also renders a variety of services some of which are as follows.
Naustion (1984) asserts that illiteracy has been regarded as an enemy and evil which keeps people in darkness, bound to their tradition and superstitions it makes people resistant to change and new ideas and therefore isolated from progress. From this observation, it is clear to see that reading habit is not in the culture and nature of Nigerians, therefore, the public libraries offers various services that will r each to the public no matter where they are and also give them much interest in reading and research.
Ikokoh (2003) noted some key services that are offered by public libraries, they are as follows:
Adult literacy service Public library extension services Provision of Informational needs Recreational Activities
Adult Literacy
According to Ikokoh (2003) the adult literacy service are services offered to adults who did not further their education. This service is rendered by means of providing reading materials for the adults or even organizing adult literacy classes to improve their educational standard.
Public Library Extension Services
This is the process of reaching out to the people in the rural communities and proving them with information materials either on a weekly or monthly basis. This type of service is rendered mostly for users who claim to be too busy to come to the library.
Provision of Informational Needs
The public library provides the public with information on the various needs of the public which could either be in politics, agriculture, cultural or even current affairs. It is responsible for providing any kind of information to people of different profession such as framers, hairstylist, teachers, doctors, businessmen and women etc to improve their various professions.