Communicate: Journal of Library and Information Science

Editorial

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

We welcome our numerous readers and author to volume 25, number two 23 of our journal communicate journal of library and information science the current volume has a total of 21 papers accepted and reviewed for publication. The first paper is titled Attitudes Towards the Usage of Open Educational Resources by Postgraduate Students at The National Open University Of Nigeria (Noun); South-South, Nigeria. The paper revealed that the subjects have a positive attitude towards the use of open educational resources (OER). The author identified the OERS used by the students and concluded that awareness and attitudes of the subject should be positively triggered. Records Management Strategies In Secondary School in Eastern West Local Government Area of Edo State is the second paper. The paper revealed the different record kept in the school but observed that the management strategies were poor implemented while the impact of records management on the school administration is poor. Students Attitude towards Learning Management System in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma. The study concluded that the excitement of young adults towards technology makes them want to explore technological devices and systems such as the learning management system.

Attitudes towards the usage of open educational resources by postgraduate students at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), south-south Nigeria

Smart Eromosele Ambrose, Blessings A. Akporhonor, Miracle Eka Njeze — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the attitudes towards the usage of OER by postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), south-south, Nigeria. Thus was achieved using three hypotheses generated to guide the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey design type on a population of 2,119 postgraduate students. Using stratified random sampling techniques, 15% of the population (318) was used for the sample for the study. Questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents, and upon administration, a 95% response rate was achieved. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics (for the demographics) and inferential statistics (for the hypotheses).The findings revealed that the postgraduate students have a positive attitude towards the use of OER. The OER mostly used by postgraduate students includes learning modules and video streaming, lecture materials online, open courseware, e-book, syllabi, Open Access Electronic Thesis (OAET), open textbooks, open access journals and course videos/ YouTube. There was a gender difference among postgraduate students towards the use of OER but there was no significant difference in the utilization of OER by postgraduate students' by faculties. The study also found that attitude has a significant influence on the usage of OER by postgraduate students. Based on the findings, the study concluded that to stimulate the use of OER among postgraduate students, their awareness and attitude would have to be positively triggered.

Records Management Strategies in Secondary Schools in Esan-West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

Christopher Agbeniaru Omigie, Theresa Osasu Makinde, Antony Solomon Oboite — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the Records Management Strategies in Secondary Schools in Esan-West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive research survey design. The sample of the study was 136 respondents made up of 12 school principals, 114 teachers and 10 administrative staff in the 12 public senior secondary schools in the local government area. The data collected by the means of questionnaire were analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Results revealed the types of records that were available in the schools; the storage facilities of obsolete cupboards, open shelves and drawers; the poor records management strategies with very low impact of records management in the schools’ administration; various challenges, among others were also uncovered. The paper suggested the integration of open sources and cloud-based Computer School Records Management System (CSRMS) using software like Edmatix, Fefena, Alma, Gradelink SIS, Class 365, iGradeplus, Fekara, Gibbon, etc, which are comprehensive with fine interface designs for school records system.

Students’ Attitude towards Learning Management System in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

Priscilla Eghonghon Edobor, Magnus Osahon Igbinovia, Faith Oshuware Audu — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The introduction of Learning Management System (LMS) into Nigerian universities has altered the way learning takes place. As such, it is crucial to assess the attitude of students towards this system for subsequent use. Consequently, two research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive research design for a population comprising of 10,081 undergraduate students from three selected faculties (Education, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences) in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Yamane (1967) Table for determining sample size was used to select a sample size of 200 distributed proportionately across the three faculties. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents and 100% response rate was achieved. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage and mean. The findings of the study revealed that the respondents had positive attitude towards LMS ( = 3.3) which is predominantly due to the comfort they experience when using LMS for academic purposes. The study also found that some of the factors affecting attitude towards utilization of LMS were quality of content/material ( = 3.6), quality of visuals and audibility for multimedia content ( = 3.5) and personal values/attributes/ characteristics of the students content ( = 3.5). The study concluded that the excitement of young adult towards technology makes them want to explore technological devices stimulating comfort, optimism, independence and ease with using LMS. The authors thereafter made recommendations based on factors militating against use of LMS.

Information Behaviour of Juvenile Delinquents at Adigbe Borstal Training Institution in Abeokuta Metropolis

Sarah Irherhimena Adegbaye — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This paper investigates information behaviour of Juvenile delinquents at Adigbe Borstal Training Institution in Abeokuta Metropolis. The study employs survey research design, with a questionnaire serving as the main research instrument, supplemented with interview, observation and secondary document reviews. Seventy (70) juvenile delinquents participated in the study out of the one hundred and forty-six (146) juveniles in conflict with the law. Out of the seventy (70) copies of questionnaire administered, 65 were returned and found usable. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that juvenile delinquents needed information on how to leave the facility, family and social service, legal rights information, health information, societal information, and personal development information. These juvenile delinquents mostly sourced their needed information from clerics visiting the facility, counsellors/social workers, guest speakers, workshops, books, and the library. Finding revealed that most juvenile offenders were not satisfied with the information they received. Surprisingly, the inmates claimed the information they accessed in the home are useful to their rehabilitation process. The challenges to access to information identified in this study include fear, experiences of stigmatisation and judgment, absence of guidance or support, lack of confidence, and limited access to computer and internet. The outcome of this study contributes to the scarce literature on information behaviour of juvenile offenders in Borstal institutions in Nigeria.

Information Literacy Skills and Academic Discipline as Predictors of Electronic Resources Use by Science Undergraduates in Public Universities on Osun State Nigeria

Kehinde Fausat Adenariwo, Ibidapo Oketunji — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated information literacy skills and academic discipline as predictors of electronic resources use by science undergraduates in public Universities on Osun State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design and the population of the study consisted of 1,827 pure science students in two public universities in Osun State, Nigeria. A Two-stage, (purposive and proportional) was used to select a sample size of 182. A structured questionnaire was used and the Data were analysed using descriptive and findings revealed that Information literacy skills (β=0.495, p < 0.05) had positive and significant prediction on e-resources use by pure science undergraduates of public universities in Osun State, Nigeria. Additionally, academic discipline (β=0.063, p > 0.05) had no significant influence on e-resources use by pure science undergraduates of public universities. Information literacy skills and academic discipline jointly predicted e-resources use by pure science undergraduates of public universities in Osun State, Nigeria (F (2,126) = 29.467, p < 0.05). Since information literacy skills and academic discipline significantly predicted e-resources use by pure science undergraduates of public universities in Osun State, Nigeria, the study recommend that there is a need to educate the undergraduates of public universities on information literacy as this will help improve their level of information literacy skills making them explore the use of e-resources optimally towards enhancing their academic pursuit.

Information Seeking Behaviour: A Catalyst for Library Resources Utilization by Undergraduate’s in University Of Calabar

Boma Torukwein David-West, Mary Mfon Bassey — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined information seeking behaviour: A catalyst for library resources utilization by undergraduates of University of Calabar. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprises 136 undergraduate students of the department of Library and Information Science University of Calabar. Census sampling technique was used for the study. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was tested for reliability. Yielding Cronbach,s Alpha coefficient at 0.75 making it valid and reliable. A total of 136 copies of the instrument was administered to respondents. At the end, 102 copies of the instrument were retrieved representing 75% return rate. The research question was answered using descriptive statistics of ( x) while the hypotheses was tested using z test statiscal analysis at 0.5 alpha level. The study revealed that there is a significant influence of information seeking behaviour on utilization of library resources. It was concluded that academic libraries should provide the right information at the right time in the right format to its patrons, selecting sources, refining sources and evaluating sources are key to utilizing library resources. It recommended among others Library management should provide current library resources and online databases for easy access and retrieval.

Perceived Effect of Climate Change on Library Resources in Universities in Edo State, Nigeria

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change is a menace to the universe, resulting from both human activity and uncontrollable natural factors. The effects of climate change are harmful and have a severe impact on library resources. The primary objective of this study is to examine the perceived effects of climate change on library resources in universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Data was collected using a descriptive survey design. The population was 115 library staff from three (3) University libraries in Edo State. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages (%), mean ( ) and Standard Deviation (SD). Result reveals that perceived effects of climate change on library resources include temperature, relative humidity, pests, pollutants, and light, which damage library structures and furnishings, decrease library usage during rainy season, and raise users frustration in university libraries in Edo State, Nigeria. Climate change-related variables are threats that have a direct or indirect impact on library resources. It is expected that librarians should receive ongoing training on the physical and chemical nature of resources, and significant efforts by library administration, employees, and parent institutions are required to address the threat of climate change on library resources in universities in Edo State, Nigeria.

Assessment of User’s Satisfaction with use of National Library of Nigeria-Calabar Branch

Martina Ekpenyong Ekeng, Nkereuwem John Etok, Dymphina Anyingang Abua — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined users’ satisfaction with use of national library of Nigeria-Calabar Branch. To accomplish the research purpose, four research questions were formulated to guide the study. The survey research design was adopted and the population of the study was five thousand five hundred and forty (5540), while a sample of five hundred and fifty four (544) users of the institution were selected through random sampling technique and used for the study. The findings revealed that: Users satisfaction with library services and library resources in national library was significantly high. Based on the findings the following were recommended: National libraries should be stocked with current and up-to-date materials in order to encourage researchers to use their facilities and National library services should be adequate for the needs of national library users, it is most likely that the library will be heavily used.

Prospects and Challenges of Cataloguing in the Digital Age

Florence Olabisi Ajani, Abdulakeem Sodeeq Sulyman — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The digital age offers technological support to cataloguers to simplify the processes of cataloguing of information resources. This paper investigates the prospects and challenges of cataloguing in the digital age. It uses the topology design to structure its major headings into stages, based on their importance and relevance to the phenomenon being discussed. Thus, after justifying the rationale for understudying the prospects and challenges of cataloguing in the digital age, this paper explores the nexus between digital age and cataloguing before explaining the major prospects of cataloguing in the digital age and finally discussed the challenges of cataloguing in the digital age. It concludes that digital age has unbundled the restrictions of availability of bibliographic records of information resources beyond the four-walls of libraries, which has driven cooperations and collaborations among libraries. Its main recommendation is that adequate IT infrastructure required for digital cataloguing should be made available in libraries.

Application of Cloud Computing Technology in Resource Sharing in Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa University, Bauchi

Aminu Abubakar Basaka, Abubakar Adamu Ishaku — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated the adoption of cloud computing technology for resource sharing among Faculty libraries and the main university library. Our research questions were raised, among which are: the existing computer network available in the main library and the rationales for the adoption of cloud computing to share library resources with the faculties. Qualitative research method was adopted; Focus group method, University Librarian and other librarians from the faculties were used as sample size of the study. Guided interview constituted the instrument for data collection, while descriptive method was used to analyze the data collected. The finding revealed that LAN, WAN, CAN, Internet and Network were the existing computer networks in the library; another finding of the study shows that library use cloud computing to provide library and information services to its students only within the main library building, and the library is distance to faculties in which students finds it difficult where access to information must not be location specific. The major implication faced by the adoption of cloud computing in terms of cost, staff and maintenance were: budgetary issues which lead to inadequate training of staff and recruiting the right staff to do the job among others. Based on the forgoing, the major way to overcome budgetary issues in the adoption of cloud computing is for university library to solicit for grants from financial institutions like banks, NGOs, and other foundations, more so, since cloud services are usage based or pay as you go pricing, university Library should adjust the usage and cost of its IT services in an efficient way. University library can experience cost reduction and flexibility of cost.

Keywords:,,

Availability and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Postgraduate Students in John Harris Library University of Benin Benin City

Anthonia C. Eneh, Maria-Gorretti Ekhorutomwen — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated the availability and use of electronic information resources by postgraduate students in the John Harris Library University of Benin. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of the study is 249 registered postgraduate students. An accidental sampling technique was used. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Out of 80 copies of the questionnaires distributed, 47 were found valid for analysis. Frequency count and the simple percentage were used for data analysis. The resushowed that the electronic information resources available include e-books, e-journals and e-thesis. Electronic information resources were used for project writing, assignments, and academic achievement, and their reasons for using the resources include easy access, multi-access, saving time, and space among others. The challenges faced by postgraduate students in using electronic information resources in the library include; poor infrastructure, erratic power supply, and inadequate skills by both staff and students. It was therefore recommended that there should be training and retraining of both staff and postgraduate students to promote effective use of electronic information resources.

Digital Inclusion in Universities and Librarians’ Performance of Library Tasks During Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Stanley Omondiale Unuabor, Monday Obaidjevwe Ogbomo — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the study is to examine digital inclusion in universities and librarian’s performance of library tasks in the Covid-19 pandemic era in Nigeria. The scope of the study is the government owned University libraries, that is, State and Federal institutions within the six states in South-South, Nigeria. Literatures were reviewed in line with the variables under study. Correlational type of survey research design was adopted for this study, while the data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (that is, mean and standard deviation) to answer research questions. The criterion mean was placed at 2.50. For Hypothesis one Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient was used. A total of 223 librarians across University libraries in South-South Nigeria made up the population of the study. The entire population (total enumeration) was used as the sample size which was considered adequate for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. A total of 223 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 183 were found usable, representing 82% response rate. Consequently, the following finding were made. The level of digital inclusion in Universities for librarian’s performance of library tasks in the Covid-19 pandemic era in South-South, Nigeria is high. The level of access to digital technologies in Universities for librarian’s performance of library tasks in the Covid-19 era in South-South, Nigeria is high etc. Due to the findings of the study, recommendations which include that: The level of digital inclusion in Universities for librarian’s performance of library tasks in South-South, Nigeria should be sustained. The contribution to knowledge include that, the study has established the level of digital inclusion in Universities libraries for librarian’s performance of library tasks in the Covid-19 pandemic era in South-South, Nigeria to be low.

Preservation of Digital Information Resources in Selected University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria

Tracy Efe Rhima — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the preservation of digital information resources in the four libraries of Delta State University The study utilized a qualitative research technique and applied purposive sampling to select participants. The process of gathering data involved the implementation of structured interviews. The responses from the respondents, who are personnel of the digitization unit, were analyzed. The results suggest that the most often used and remembered sources of knowledge are theses, dissertations, preprints, and post-print periodicals. The libraries surveyed frequently employ external hard drives, CD-ROM/DVDs, and computer hard disks as storage media for the purpose of preservation. Furthermore, it has been discovered that relocation and adoption of standards are the predominant strategies utilized for preservation. The study revealed various significant barriers to the preservation of digital information resources, such as poor infrastructure, technological obsolescence, a deficiency in maintenance practices, insufficient power supply, and inadequate finance. The study reveals that the preservation efforts on digital information resources in the analyzed libraries are lacking effectiveness and efficiency.

Constraints to the Provision of Library and Information Services for the Actualization of Sustainable Development Goals in Open and Distance Learning Centres: Strategies for Intervention

Loveth Ogoegbunam Ekwueme, Grace Ndukwe Elem, Augustina Chinyere Chime — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The failure to achieve the Millennium eight sustainable goals among the members of United Nation gave rise to the United Nations 2030 Agenda with seventeen goals Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study investigated the constraints to the provision of library and information services for the actualization of sustainable development goals in open and distance learning: Strategies for Interventions. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprises all the 62 librarians in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). An online questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed the implication of SDGs in open and distance learning included the promotion of education for all, incorporating distance learning mode in conventional education system, training of more teachers and librarians. Also, the findings revealed that the constraints encountered by librarians in the provision of library and information services for the actualisation of SDGs to distance learners in NOUN include high cost of subscription fees for databases, high exchange rate; poor welfare for library personnel, epileptic power supply and poor internet access. The result also identified the strategies to be employed for actualisation of SDGs through library and information services provision as acquisition of information resources that reflects the content of SDGs and promotion of content of SDGs to library users using web format, posters, and giveaways to create awareness on the available resources and services aiming that achieving the SDGs.

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Impact of Human Resource Development Programs (HRDP) on Library Staff Productivity in University Libraries in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Idris Ibrahim Saleh, Suleiman Adamu Yusuf — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the impact of human resource development programmes on library staff productivity in academic libraries in Sokoto State. The survey research design was adopted for this research work and structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Out of the total copies of questionnaire administered, 111 were completed and returned and the total numbers of valid questionnaire were 105. Frequencies and percentages were used for analysis. The result of the study showed that human resource development programmes have significantly impacted on the productivity of staff in academic libraries in Sokoto State. The findings also established that the factors that facilitate human resource development makes staff performance, development and productivity process more effective. This study therefore recommends that library management should put in place ways to enforce human resource development policy to strengthen human resource development programmes practice among library staff for optimal performance. Furthermore, the research recommends that library staff should constantly be encouraged to participate and engage in developmental programmes organized within and outside their institutions to ensure increased productivity.

Impact of Users’ Education on Library Use Skills of Undergraduates in Selected Federal Universities in South-West Nigeria

Edwin I. Achugbue, Ojo Adeyemi, Oluwabunmi Oluwaseun Adeyemi — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the impact of users’ education on library use skills of undergraduates in selected federal universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study employed the survey type of the descriptive research design. The population of the study is 4126 undergraduates drawn from the registered 200 level undergraduate library users of the three (3) selected Federal Universities in South-West Nigeria. The sample size of the study is 351undergraduates, which constitute 8.5% of the entire population. The study adopted the simple random sampling technique. 351 copies of the questionnaire were administered, out of which 332 (95%) were returned and analysed using simple percentage, frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that the types of library use skills instruction provided to the undergraduates among others are: bibliographic instruction, library orientation, library guide, guided library tour, a course on compulsory use of the library, library newsletter, library blog. Also, the study showed that to a high extent library use skills enhance the use of library resources by undergraduates.It was recommended that University management should support the librarian in the teaching of library use skill by equipping them with adequate facilities in theclassrooms and attaching unit to the course with compulsory nature of a pass in the grading system.

Availability and Use of Reference Services and Resources by Undergraduates in Nigeria Maritime University Library

Onajite Carol Ashima, Ejiro Princess Okoledo, Hannah O. Ogoyibo — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the availability and use of reference resources and services by undergraduates in Nigeria Maritime University Library. The study adopted the descriptive survey design and 334 undergraduates were randomly sampled from a population of 2000. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that there are various reference resources available to users with dictionary being the most available and used by undergraduate, majority of undergraduates use reference resources for personal research, most undergraduates use map & atlas and glossary twice monthly and power supply as a major challenges encountered by undergraduates in assessing reference resources and services in Nigeria maritime university library. The library management should therefore organize library orientation for incoming students to acquaint themselves with the available references resource and services and how to use them effectively.

Relevance of Nigerian Libraries in the Dissemination of Information in Post COVID–19 Era

Patricia Ngozi Ofodu , Augustina Chinyere Chime , Loveth Ogoegbunam Ekwueme — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims at investigating the relevance of library services in dissemination of information during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria. There were changes in mode of teaching and learning, libraries also changed too to meet up with online provision and dissemination of information resources for students. The work captured the overview of the infection, COVID-19 as a global illness that started from Wuhan, China, the symptoms of the infection, how the virus can likely to be spread on a close contact with the victim or on any infected object. It also explained on how to prevent the spread of the infection like: washing hands regularly, maintain social distancing and strategies on how to curb the high risk of spread of the infection. This study shows how the virus got to Nigeria, which led to the closure of all social gathering and the alarming closure of schools, quarantine all students at home. The author discussed on the e-learning and libraries amidst pandemic, how possible they were able to exist. It also discussed some impacts of e-learning in academic libraries. The online provision of resources and services relevance to academic pursuit was also discussed. Relevance of library and its services, such as mobile learning, blogs, wikis were captured.

Indigenous Knowledge and Public Library System for National Development in Nigeria

N.A. Ogunkeyede, N.C. Ndukwe, A.O. Akinola, Y.F. Olaseigbe — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study focused on indigenous knowledge and the public library system for national development in Nigeria. It began with introducing the concept of indigenous knowledge system and articulates the definitions for indigenous knowledge. It went further to paper explore the relevance of indigenous knowledge, especially in agriculture and medicine. Recognizing the unique value embedded in local traditions and practices, the study investigated how public libraries can serve as dynamic platforms for preserving, disseminating, and utilising indigenous knowledge. The paper concluded that to enhance the propagation of IK, and aid it in taking its place in nation-building, the public library must hold itself responsible for identifying, collating, and sorting Indigenous Knowledge.

Gender Disparity in Leadership among Information Professionals in Some Selected Polytechnic in Nigeria

Ochigbihi Prince Owoicho, Omotayo Fredrick Awomuse — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated gender disparity in leadership among information professional in some selected polytechnic libraries in Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study comprise librarians in polytechnic libraries of the four polytechnics in Edo State, Nigeria. Three (3) objectives guided this study. Purposive sampling techniques was sed for the study. The instrument of data collection was questionnaire. Abraham Maslow theory of need was adapted for this study. The study finding revealed that the level of gender disparity among information professional for management positions is high. Some of the reasons for gender disparity in leadership among information professional are: ability to get over challenges, ability to take dynamic position in the face of problem and emotion towards decision-making, etc. The study recommended that National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) should make policy that will bridge the gap for gender inequality among polytechnic leadership position, Female information Professional should demonstrate that they can take dynamic position in the face of challenges in leadership.

Cloud Computing Knowledge-Based Framework for Information Access and Use in an Open University Library

Mercy Enefu Okwoli — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The A cloud computing technology-based framework for information access and use in an open university library was investigated in this study. Issues concerning the information services provided by the National Open University of Nigeria library, such as building a digital library, searching library data, building community power, and the implications of cloud computing in terms of cost, staff, and maintenance, were investigated. The study's objectives include, among other things, determining how the National Open University of Nigeria library provides information services and access to its students spread across the country. Two research objectives were proposed: the information services provided by cloud computing in the National Open University of Nigeria library and the cost implications of cloud computing.