Communicate: Journal of Library and Information Science

Influence of Employee Engagement on Job Satisfaction of Library Staff in Public Tertiary Institutions in Ogun and Oyo States

Oluwaseun O. Ajibare — 2025-01-06

For decades, job satisfaction significantly impacts organizational success. It plays important roles in determining an organization's productivity. This study investigated the influence of employee engagement on job satisfaction of library staff in public tertiary institutions in Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria. Seven institutions (Tai Solarin University of Education Ijegun, Ijebu Ode; Institute of Technology, Igbesa; Federal College of Education, Osiele; Federal Polytechnic Ilaro; Gate Way Polytechnic Saapade and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun state, and The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo were studied. Descriptive research was used to analyze the data collected from the population of library staff selected from the study area. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted making 138 library staff as the sample size. The descriptive and inferential statistics employed in the data analysis revealed that the dependability coefficients for each variable ranged between 0.710 and 0.904. The results showed that employee’s engagement had a substantial influence on job satisfaction (Adj. R2 = 0.342, p=0.000). Result indicated that employee’s engagement had an independent effect on job satisfaction among library staff across the public tertiary institutions in Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria. We recommend that management provide flexible working conditions for staff to enhance their job satisfaction.

Emerging technologies in academic libraries: prospects and challenges in Nigeria

Abimbola Labake Agboke — 2025-01-06

This paper explores the prospects and challenges associated with emerging technologies in Nigerian academic libraries. A systematic review of literature was employed for the study. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize insights from diverse studies. The findings reveal that the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automated systems, and electronic security has significantly transformed library services. Emerging technologies enable enhanced efficiency, streamlined operations, and broader access to digital resources, promoting inclusivity and improved user engagement. However, the review also highlights several challenges impeding their adoption. These include inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, limited technical expertise among librarians, and societal resistance due to fears of job displacement and privacy concerns. Despite these barriers, the prospects for leveraging emerging technologies remain promising. Libraries are increasingly adopting AI for personalized user interactions and robotic systems for automating tasks like shelving and cataloging.

Demographic factors as correlate of perceived job performance of university libraries’ personnel in southwest, Nigeria

Fisayo Adesola Adekunle — 2025-01-06

This study investigated demographic factors as correlate of perceived job performance of university libraries’ personnel in Southwest, Nigeria. The survey design of the correlational type was adopted for this study. The population of the study consists 219 university libraries’ personnel in Southwest, Nigeria. While, the purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample for the study. A total of 219 questionnaires were distributed across the universities with a retrieval success of 187 copies, representing 85.4% return rate. Data were analysed using percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the level of perceived job performance of university libraries’ personnel in Southwest, Nigeria is high (mean=98.26). Findings also showed a correlation between perceived job performance of university libraries’ personnel and age (r = .141*, P <.05), and gender (r = .175*, P <.05), and academic qualification (r = .322**, P <.05), and designation (r = .113**, P <.05), and years of work experience (r = .244**, P <.05) respectively. Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected. That is, there is a significant relationship between the demographic factors (age, gender, academic qualification, designation and years of experience) of university libraries’ personnel and their perceived job performance. It was recommended that libraries’ personnel should always ensure they work on their demographic factors and develop themselves technically and professionally by acquiring more skills that will enable them to be more productive such that will improve high perceived job performance.

Incivility among library staff in private universities in southwest Nigeria: a five-year evaluation

Bosede Olutoyin Akintola — 2025-01-06

This study assessed incivility among library staff in private universities in Southwest Nigeria in the previous five years. The study was conducted via the survey method. Total enumeration method was employed to elicit data from all the library staff in six private universities across four states in southwest Nigeria. An online structured questionnaire adapted from Cortina (2001) was used for data collection, it was circulated via the Google Form Platform and some hard copies- 69 copies were found usable. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, tables of frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that all the 17 listed uncivil behaviors had been experienced by respondents at different times and frequencies. Such as, being shouted at, ignored, disrespected, addressed in unprofessional terms, taking credit for another’s work. The total cumulative responses /frequency of occurrence across all the 17 listed uncivil behaviors, showed that a cumulative total of 401 (34.17%) respondents experienced uncivil behaviors once or twice a year, 203 (17.29%) every day, 108 (9.19%) once or twice a month, 58 (4.92%) about once a week and 50 (4.16%) several times a week while 354 (30.17%) did not experience uncivil behaviors. The most common strategy to combat incivility are, “supervisors are to effectively convey vision to subordinates for clarity of duties” 67(97.1%). Others rated equally with 65(94.2%) are: “staff should respect one another; do self-reflection/self-examination for positive change in behavior; maintain good interpersonal communication and bosses should be role models”. Due punishment for uncivil behaviors ranked third, 64 (92.8%) while the least ranked was “it is better to retaliate and be uncivil to the uncivil staff, 19 (27.5%)”. The study recommended policy formation, implementation, trainings and punishment for incivility, and libraries should focus more on this phenomenon.

Bridging theory and practice: evaluating LIS students' attitudes and commitment to SIWES at Federal University Oye-Ekiti

Olubanke M. Bankole — 2025-01-06

This study investigates the attitudes and commitment of Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates towards the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. SIWES was established to complement theoretical knowledge with practice acquired in the industry and is also most relevant for fields such as LIS, where practice is an indispensable part of the profession. A descriptive survey approach was used to collect data from 400-level LIS students' post-internship to assess the skills and competencies acquired, students' attitudes and commitment to SIWES, the impact of SIWES on students' proficiency, and challenges encountered during the SIWES Programme. The findings showed that all respondents, 135 (100.0%), acquired skills in shelf arrangement, time management, and subject classification. On attitude, most students (87.4%) resumed early at duty post, and 82.9% saw SIWES as part of their training. However, 64.5% reported absenteeism due to previous college freedom. Students' level of commitment to SIWES was high, with a grand mean of 3.36. Relating the impact of SIWES on LIS students' proficiency and performance, most of the respondents 132 (97.8%) agreed that SIWES exposure stimulated more interest in the workroom and practical activities, followed by 127 (94.1%) respondents who agreed that their performance on practicals improved after SIWES exposure. Students faced significant challenges such as placement difficulty, delayed resources, a poor orientation programme, and a need for SIWES incentives. The study recommends continued supervisory support by University and industry-based supervisors to improve the attitude and commitment of FUOYE LIS students and preparatory programmes to enhance SIWES efficacy and students' preparedness for professional roles.

An analysis of library access and utilization by students with special needs at the University of Calabar, Cross River State

Oluwaseun Omowumi Akin-Fakorede — 2025-01-06

This study assesses library utilization among students with special needs at the University of Calabar, using a survey research design. The population consisted of 80 students with disabilities (42 male and 38 female). Due to the small and homogenous population size, the entire group was surveyed. Data were collected via questionnaires, focusing on library usage patterns, challenges faced, and the adequacy of existing services. Responses were analyzed using percentages to determine the frequency and distribution of responses, offering a quantitative evaluation of accessibility and utilization. The study found that 85% of students had access to assistive technologies such as screen readers and Braille displays, while 90% reported the availability of support services and trained staff. However, 42.5% of students lacked training in the use of assistive technologies, highlighting a significant gap in resource utilization. Recommendations include improving assistive technology training, website usability, and expanding information literacy programs to enhance support for students with special needs.

Awareness of institutional repository contents for academic productivity by faculty members in Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State – Nigeria

Sherifat Abdul — 2025-01-06

This study examined the awareness of Institutional Repository Contents for Academic Productivity by Faculty Members in Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, Nigeria, in order to achieve this, two (2) objectives of the study were formulated. Quantitative research methodology was adopted and cross-sectional survey research design was used for the study. The population of this study comprised of all the one thousand four hundred and sixteen (1,416) academic staff of Federal University Dutsin-ma (FUDMA). Three hundred and nine (309) academic staff were used as a sample size using Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination Table. Self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to present and analyse the data. The study found that, theses, dissertations, journal article, conference papers/proceedings, books, book chapters, seminar papers, creative works and educational resources (course materials and educational videos) were the Institutional Repository Contents with the high level of awareness among academic staff in FUDMA; it was also found that; increased visibility and accessibility of research outputs, long term preservation and archiving platform, global outreach and collaboration/knowledge sharing, efficient management of Institutional knowledge, and encourage qualitative outputs were the main benefits derived from utilizing Institutional Repository by faculty members of FUDMA. The study concluded that enhancing awareness of institutional repository contents is crucial for boosting academic productivity among faculty members at Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria and recommended that; the Federal University Dutsin-ma (FUDMA) Library should engage in aggressive awareness campaign to promote the use of IR in the university.

Inclusion of library staff in the budgeting and collection development processes in Private Universities in Osun and Oyo States, Nigeria

Sirajudeen Femi Bakrin — 2025-01-06

This paper investigates inclusiveness in budget preparation and collection development in the fifteen NUC-registered private university libraries in the Oyo and Osun States of Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design targeting the academic librarians and library officers of all fifteen private universities in the two states. Due to the small study population, the total enumeration sampling technique was adopted to select all 111 respondents (academic librarians and library officers). A structured questionnaire was subsequently administered to the respondents to gather data. Eventually, only ninety-seven (97) respondents attended to the questions and the collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that though the Collection Development Unit exists in the libraries, the university librarians have appropriated their functions while assigning their lackeys as heads of the unit most times. Also, the study showed high inclusivity in the budgeting process, with all units making necessary contributions. The study concludes by recommending a sustained inclusive and collective budget preparation process, respect for autonomy and job specification of the collection development unit. At the same time, the university libraries should grasp the opportunity of accreditation visits to give their collection a deserved facelift.

Disaster control practices among library staff in Federal University Libraries in North East, Nigeria

Suleiman Abdullahi — 2025-01-06

This study examined Disaster control practices among library staff in federal universities in North East, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The design of the study was descriptive survey research. The population of the study comprised of 345 Professional and Para-professional library staff in federal university libraries in North East, Nigeria. The sample population of the study was the entire population as it was considered manageable in size. Questionnaire and observation checklist were the instruments employed for data collection. A total of 217(62.9%) of the questionnaire were retrieved. Data collected was analysed using frequency, mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. The t-test statistics was used in testing the hypotheses at (p<0.05) level of significance. Data collected from the interview were analysed qualitatively. The study recommended the need for federal university libraries to create periodic awareness forum for both the library staff and users on matters relating to disaster and preventive steps and regular training programs should be organized to enhance disaster control practices in libraries of the federal universities in North East, Nigeria.

Fundraising in University Libraries in Delta State

Monday O. Ogbomo — 2025-01-06

This study instigated fundraising in university libraries in Delta state. Three research questions were raised to ascertain the level of librarian’s understanding of fundraising in university libraries; investigate fundraising activities carried out in university libraries; and identify challenges university libraries face in fundraising initiatives. The result revealed that: librarians in university libraries in Delta state have a high level of understanding of fundraising (56%); they are not fully engaged in fundraising activities as the aggregate mean is lower than the criterion mean of 2.50, which signifies that the extent of fundraising activities in university libraries is low; librarians in university libraries are faced with challenges such as limited budget and difficulty engaging donor. Consequently, the study recommends that adequate budget should be made for libraries to fully engage in fundraising, there is need for university parent body to carefully craft a realistic budget that takes into account a variety of expenses, including staffing, fundraising event-planning costs and to support fundraising activities in university libraries. Libraries should seek corporate sponsors; host fundraising events; and renting out meeting space to other organizations.

The study employed the descriptive survey design. The population comprised of 113 librarians in the university libraries in Delta State. The stratified sampling technique was adopted. The instrument for data collection is structured questionnaire titled “Fundraising in University Libraries in Delta State (FULQ). The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count and mean.

Assessing the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on library services and users’ experience in the university library

Samuel Olabode Fabunmi — 2025-01-06

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most recent digital innovations in this information age, and its advent has transformed how libraries perform their operations worldwide. However, despite the growing adoption of Artificial intelligence to transform library operations, assessing its effect on library services and user experience in the university library is infrequent. This study, therefore, assesses the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on library services and users’ experiences in the university library. The study aims to know the extent of the influence of AI on library services in the university library and to investigate how AI affects users’ experience in the university library. The study used a descriptive survey research design. Two self-structure questionnaires were used to obtain data from library staff and library users in the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo States, Nigeria. The findings reveal that the extent of the influence of AI on library services is very high. The findings also reveal that the effects of AI on users’ experience are high. Based on the findings, the study concludes that AI influences library services and users’ experience in the university library. Therefore, the study recommends that all university libraries should be encouraged to integrate AI in their respective library to enhance effective library services and improve users’ experiences.

Barriers to information resource utilization and information-seeking behaviours among law students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

Ngozi Blessing Ossai-Ugbah — 2025-01-06

The study investigated the problems militating against the utilization of information resources / services by undergraduate law students of University of Benin, Benin City. The sample population consisted of 230 undergraduate law students randomly selected from the first to fifth year of study from a population of 1145. Their information seeking activities were tested to discover how undergraduate law students seek information. This is a descriptive survey research; therefore, the researcher employed a descriptive design. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire and percentage. The Simple Percentage Analysis and the Z-Test analysis were used in data analysis. The study found that male students consult the librarian, there is no difference in the information seeking pattern of male and female law students, and law students have inadequate ICT skills. The recommendation include: that school authority stock the library with relevant and up-to-date materials, and ICT should be made a core part of law student's curriculum.

The role of the libraries in bridging the digital divide: a case of Rivers State University Central Library, Port Harcourt

Victor Wagwu — 2025-01-06

The study examined the role of the libraries in bridging digital divide: a case of Rivers State University Central Library Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. It further examined the bridging of the digital divide gap between socio-economic and digital information resources. Three objectives and three research questions guided the study. Descriptive research design was used for the study with a population of 11 professional librarians working with Rivers State University Central Library. The study sample size was the entire population using census sampling technique method. The research instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire. The instrument was a modified 2-point rating scale of Yes and No. The data analysis was done using frequency and percentage count for the research questions. The findings of the study revealed among other things that librarians in Rivers State University Central Library is making significant efforts to provide access to digital resources on socioeconomic divide. The study concluded that libraries play an ever-more-important role in promoting equality and closing socioeconomic divides as long as they remain vital hubs for digital information and resources. To make sure that these organizations continue to be successful in closing the digital divide and empowering their communities, more study and ongoing assessment of library services are crucial. It therefore recommended among others that the library should push for a larger budgetary allocation that is dedicated to digital resources.

Self-sustaining library services through strategic fee-based initiatives: a roadmap for academic library administrators in Nigeria

Yetunde Faith Olaseigbe — 2025-01-06

This study investigates the potentials of fee-based library services as a self-sustaining model for academic libraries in Nigeria, addressing funding challenges and enhancing service delivery. A review of existing literature and empirical findings reveals that strategic fee-based initiatives can generate revenue, promote innovation, and improve user satisfaction. The study identifies ten fee-based services, including digitization, research assistance, citation management, digital literacy training, virtual reference services, interlibrary loan services, study space reservations, technology lending, digital media conversion, and data management and curation. However, challenges such as poor planning, user resistance, and inadequate marketing hinder the effectiveness of fee-based services. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends market research, user education, targeted marketing, service quality improvement, accountability, and user feedback mechanisms. By implementing these strategies, academic libraries in Nigeria can develop self-sustaining fee-based services, diversify revenue streams, and enhance their contributions to academic success and national development. This study provides a roadmap for library administrators to navigate the transition to fee-based services, ensuring the long-term sustainability of academic libraries in Nigeria.

Potentials of artificial intelligence (AI) in collection development in university libraries

Saturday U. Omeluzor — 2025-01-06

The purpose of this study was to identify the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on collection development in the university library in Nigeria. The study used the research survey method and descriptive research analysis. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The population of the study comprised a total of 574 librarians in Nigeria who attended the 2024 NLA conference/Annual General Meeting (AGM) that held at the University of Port Harcourt from 7^th to 12^th July, 2024. The result showed that AI technology has the potentials of effective prediction, automation, analysis, elimination of repetitive tasks, forecasting, budgeting and reviewing of collection development at the university library. The result further revealed that AI can reduce time and resource wastage in collection development thereby boosting library collection with ease. The adoption of AI would enhance the collection development unit while improving the overall services of the university library. The research recommended the adoption of AI for collection development unit to enhance the services in the unit.

Adoption of artificial intelligence by librarians for effective service delivery in academic libraries in Edo State

Akhimien Omono Vera Akpukpu — 2025-01-06

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence into library services is transforming the way librarians manage and deliver information. Artificial intelligence applications in libraries include automation of cataloging and inventory management which increases efficiency and accuracy by utilizing machine learning algorithms to classify and organize materials. Artificial intelligence offers instant support for user inquiries, facilitating better service and freeing up librarians to focus on more complex tasks. Additionally, Artificial intelligence enhances user engagement through personalized book recommendations based on analysis of borrowing patterns and preferences. The use of artificial intelligence in research assistance further supports academic endeavors by efficiently searching databases and summarizing relevant literature. Moreso, predictive analytics enabled by Artificial intelligence aids in collection development by forecasting future needs and trends. Despite its benefit, the implementation of Artificial intelligence requires careful consideration of data privacy and ethical concerns. This overview underscored the potential of Artificial intelligence to revolutionize library services while highlighting the importance of responsible application to maximize its advantages.

Bridging the gaps: uncovering the information needs of female students in two nigerian specialised universities

Ogochukwu T. Emiri — 2025-01-06

The study examined the information needs of female students at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), and the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko (NMU) both in Delta State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The total population of female students from both institutions is 3120. Nwanna's (1981) sampling approach was used to select 10% of the total population which amounts to 312 female students used for the study. The instrument used for eliciting data from the respondents was a structured questionnaire. Data collected using the questionnaire was analyzed using the descriptive statistics method. The findings revealed that academics (100%), accommodation (100%), and finance (100%), among others were classified as the pressing information needs of the female students in FUPRE and NMU examined. The findings also revealed that electronic resources (100%), internet sources (100%), and textbooks (99%), among others, were the top-ranking preferred information sources indicated by the female students examined. The findings showed that the female students use information for meeting their academic (100%) and accommodation aspirations (100%), getting finance sources (98%), and better hygiene (97%) among others. The findings revealed that epileptic power supply (100%), high cost of data (100%), inadequate bandwidth/ poor internet (98%), inadequate finance (95%), and inadequate time (82%), among others, were the pressing challenges affecting the access and use of information by the female students in FUPRE and NMU. It was recommended that alternative power sources and swift internet access should be made available to enhance the information seeking of female students in universities.

Effect of bibliotherapy on the cognitive reasoning of children with mild intellectual disorder in public special-need schools in Ogun State

Monisola. A. Osoba — 2025-01-06

Cognitive reasoning (CR) is a critical aspect of human intelligence, encompassing the mental processes utilised for thinking, learning, and comprehending, which are essential for academic achievement. This article explores the effects of bibliotherapy on cognitive reasoning among CWMID in public special-need schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopts a pretest, posttest quasi-experimental design Purposive sampling technique was adopted, and all 22 educable children with mild intellectual disorder, aged 6-16 years, from two special-need schools in Ogun State participated in the study. Analysis of covariance was used to analyse the data collected. The study was able to establish that bibliotherapy improved cognitive reasoning among children with mild intellectual disorder in the schools for children with special needs, Ogun State, Nigeria. The treatment strategy is therefore recommended to be adopted for improving cognitive reasoning among children with mild intellectual disorder

Administrative strategies for quality assurance in public universities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Judith O. Patrick — 2025-01-06

The study examined administrative strategies for quality assurance in public universities in Rivers State. Three (3) research questions and three (3) hypotheses were answered and tested in the study respectively. The study adopted descriptive survey design, with a population of three thousand and fifty lecturers, and two thousand four hundred and fifty nonacademic staff drawn from three public universities in Rivers State. The sample of the study comprised of 600 lecturers and 500 administrative staff drawn using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The respondents of study responded to a validated 26-item instrument titled “Effective Administrative Strategies for Quality Assurance in Public Universities Questionnaire (EASQAPUQ)”. Mean and standard deviation statistics was used to answer five research questions, while z-test statistics was used to test five null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that that there is positive and significant relationship between the mean scores of academic and non-academic university staffs on the influence of planning strategy for quality assurance in public universities in Rivers State (Z_cal=1.45; Z_crit=1.96), amongst others. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that Based on the findings that effective administrative strategies enhanced quality assurance in public universities in Rivers State. The study recommended that university management should organize a routine administrative training that will impact planning strategies and skills to the academic and non-academic staffs in all the public universities in Rivers State.

Work design, ICT use and service delivery of librarians in private universities in Oyo State, Nigeria

Aderonke Ayobami Ogungbade — 2025-01-06

The study investigated the influence of work design and ICT Use on the service delivery of librarians in private universities in Oyo State. A survey research design was adopted and data was collected from 374 undergraduates selected from a total population of 15,095 using simple random sampling. The method of data analysis used in the study is descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically simple linear regression and multiple linear regression at a 5% level of significance. Findings revealed that work design (Adj R²= 0.177, F (1, 356) = 77.866, p < 0.05) and ICT Use (Adj. R²= 0.055, F (1,356) = 21.839, p < 0.05) significantly influence service delivery of librarians in private university in Oyo state respectively and jointly (Adj R² = 0.176, F (2, 356) = 39.121, p < 0.05). The study concludes that work design and ICT Use contribute to the quality service delivery of librarians in private universities in Oyo State. Recommendation includes the provision of ICT tools and the implementation of user feedback for quality service delivery.

TETFund intervention in library development: the case of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Solomon Olusegun Oyetola — 2025-01-06

The study assessed the extent of TETFund intervention in library development at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo State of Nigeria. The objectives were to evaluate the extent of TETFund's involvement in providing information resources, staff training, and library facilities at Olusegun Oke Library, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Two research hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey method was employed, targeting library staff. The study’s population comprised 50 library staff of Olusegun Oke Library, and a census sampling technique was employed. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlations were used to answer the research questions and hypotheses, respectively. Findings indicated that while TETFund significantly contributed to audiovisual materials, magazines, technical reports, and seminar papers, fundamental resources like textbooks and journals were less prioritized. The study concluded that TETFund's intervention has been beneficial but not comprehensive, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach in resource allocation. The study, among others, recommends that TETFund administrators and university authorities should prioritize the allocation of resources towards acquiring fundamental information resources such as textbooks and journals.

Impact of librarians’ perception towards disaster management in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Rachael Ekeikhomen Osawele — 2025-01-06

This study investigated the impact of librarians’ perception towards disaster management in university libraries in south-south, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine the extent of disaster management, and find out the librarians’ perception regarding disaster management in university libraries in south-south, Nigeria. Two research questions and one research hypothesis were raised, answered and tested. Descriptive survey research design of the correlational approach was adopted for the study. Population of the study was 402 respondents. The study adopted total enumeration sampling technique. The structured questionnaire titled, “Questionnaire on the Impact of Librarians’ Perception towards Disaster Management in University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria, (Q ILPDMULSSN)” was used for data collection. A total of 402 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents within two weeks and the completed copies of the questionnaire were collected after one week to ensure high retrieval rate of the distributed instrument. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics in form of percentage and frequency count, statistical mean (x) and standard deviation SD. The finding revealed that disaster management in university libraries in south- south, Nigeria which includes disaster recovery assists in restoring damaged equipment, physical buildings as well as lives to normalcy (x̄ =3.34), SD = 0.08, is positive. Finding also revealed that librarians' perception regarding disaster management which include disaster management is too broad for university libraries to undertake alone (x = 3.14), SD = 0.07, in university libraries in south-south Nigeria, is positive. The study recommended that the practice of disaster management should be taken seriously by the librarians in order to protect the library buildings and its resources from disasters.

Assessment of records management in National Examinations Council (NECO) branch office, Rivers State

Godwin A. Otu — 2025-01-06

The study examined records management practices at the National Examinations Council Office in Rivers State. Four (4) research objectives and research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The population of the study comprised 23 staff of NECO in the Rivers State branch. A questionnaire was employed as the method of data collection. Given the relatively manageable sample, a census sampling was used. Descriptive statistics was employed in the study’s analysis of research questions, using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the type of records managed at NECO include students' results, students' bio data, and examination records. For students' results, 12 respondents (63.16%) strongly agreed, and 6 respondents (31.58%) agreed. Regarding students' bio data, 10 respondents (52.63%) strongly agreed, while 7 respondents (36.84%) agreed. Lastly, for examination records, 9 respondents (47.37%) strongly agreed, and 8 respondents (42.11%) agreed. The methods employed for records preservation at NECO primarily include students' results, students' bio data, and examination records. However, the use of electronic databases, recruitment of records managers, and acidification were not common practices at NECO. Similarly, the procedures utilized for records disposition at NECO mainly involve waste management agencies, waste bins, destruction/shredding, recycling, and archiving, with digital deletion being rarely used. Despite the efforts made in records management at NECO, several challenges were encountered, including lack of records management policy, bad attitudes of staff towards record keeping, lack of skills to adopt electronic records management systems and cloud storage, corruption, lack of facilities, lack of database, and lack of record managers. The study recommended that records management be prioritized.

Computer self-efficacy as correlates of electronic information resources utilization among law undergraduates in South-West, Nigeria

Raliat Alabi — 2025-01-06

This study examines the correlation between computer self-efficacy and the utilization of electronic information resources among law undergraduates in South-West Nigeria. This research employed survey research design of correlational type and adopted multi- stage sampling techniques for the sample size, the population of the study comprised of 4,432 law undergraduates in universities in South-west Nigeria. The sample size is 870. The validity and reliability of the instrument was done using Cronbach alpha coefficient at 0.78. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while hypothesis was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents affirmed high level of confidence, competence and ability to use computer with a mean score of ( = 3.65), ( = 3.58) and ( = 3.71) respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between computer self-efficacy and the utilisation of electronic information resources (r=0.587, p<0.05). The study concluded that students with high computer self- efficacy were able to use electronic information resources better than law students with low computer self- efficacy and the study recommended that universities should introduce digital literacy training to improve computer skills of law undergraduates in South- west, Nigeria.

Impact of telecommunication network shutdown on academic performance of students, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

Hajara Yakubu — 2025-01-06

This study examines the impact of telecommunication network shutdowns on the academic performance of students at Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State, Nigeria. Network access is integral for students’ academic activities, enabling them to complete assignments, download resources, and communicate with faculty and peers. However, in response to security concerns, the government imposed a network shutdown in Dutsin-Ma, severely disrupting students' ability to perform these tasks. This research explores the consequences of the shutdown, the alternative methods students employed to access network services, and the challenges they faced. Data was gathered through a survey of final-year students, with findings indicating that network disruptions led to missed deadlines, difficulties in remote learning, and heightened communication challenges. The study highlights the adverse effects of network shutdowns on students' academic progress and calls for alternative security measures that do not compromise students' access to essential digital resources.

Attitude and ICT skills as determinants of utilisation of open educational resources by undergraduates in faculty of education, University Of Ilorin, Nigeria

Musediq Tunji Bashorun — 2024-12-31

This study investigates the attitude and ICT skills as determinants of utilisation of Open Educational Resources by undergraduates in the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted and a sample size of 385 was derived from a population of 10,609. A simple random sampling technique applied and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The statistical analysis used for the study is frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The findings showed types of OERs as Digital Tutorials, Digital Learning Objects, Open Journals, Open Textbooks, Online Modules, and Open Courseware were commonly available. Respondents developed a positive attitude (mean of above 2.16) towards OERs and possessed high levels of ICT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, Computer Literacy, and Online OERs Skills, while their skills in Multimedia Applications were rated lower. Also, the findings revealed that OERs have enormous benefits such as improvement of the quality of education, reduce the information access gap, and accelerate knowledge flow. Furthermore, the study revealed challenges such as low awareness of OERs, insufficient recognition of OER repositories and the need for OERs to support local languages and cultural values. The study concluded that undergraduates developed a positive attitude towards the utilisation of OERs despite challenges hindered their optimal usage. Among the recommendations are ICTs training to improve ICT skills particularly in areas where undergraduates are lacking should be organised by university management. In addition, OER content should be developed or adapted to support local languages and cultural contexts to enhance OER relevance and usability.

Postgraduate students’ access and use of digital information resources and services for research in university libraries in Kaduna State

Adamu Jibrin — 2025-01-06

This study was carried out to investigate the Postgraduate Students’ Access and Use of Digital Information Resources and Services for Research in University Libraries in Kaduna State. In order to achieve this, two research questions and one null hypothesis were formulated and tested to guide the study. These include: the types of digital information resources and services accessed and used for research by postgraduate students in the university libraries in Kaduna State, Nigeria and the extent of which Postgraduate Students access and use digital information resources and services for research in the University Libraries studied. Survey research method was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 18,130 postgraduate students from the 3 universities namely; Kashim Ibrahim Library (KIL) of Ahmadu University, Zaria, Kaduna State University (KASU) Library and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Library and 377 of them were drawn as the sample size of the study. It was discovered that that audio visual and communication services, emailing services, printing services, public access catalogue, customer care services, online information search services, and digital document delivery services were the digital information services highly accessible and used by the postgraduate students studied. Also, there is no significant relationship between access and use of digital information resources and services by postgraduate students in the university libraries in Kaduna State. It is recommended that University management in collaboration with university librarian should expand subscription to more online database in order to promote postgraduate students’ access and use of digital information resources and services for their research activities.