Intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the delivery of innovative library services in selected academic libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence how innovative library services are delivered in academic libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. The problem addressed by this study is the failure of academic libraries in Ogun State to provide innovative library services due to a combination of factors, including lack of creativity, inadequate physical facilities, insufficient IT infrastructure, and negative work culture. A descriptive survey design was adopted, together with a stratified random sampling approach, to choose a sample of 540 registered library users from the population (53,942) and 130 librarians. The professional library personnel of the selected academic libraries were selected using total enumeration. Data was collected via a self-designed questionnaire. The collected data was evaluated with descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency counts, and percentages. The findings revealed that the selected institutions provided innovative library services such as publication and research assistance, indexing and abstracting, electronic/digital reference services via e-mail, and email alerts on current events. Both librarians and library users believed that inherent features deserve a large portion of the credit for offering imaginative library services. Library users felt that extrinsic variables have little impact on delivering new services, whereas librarians believed that extrinsic factors play a significant effect. Improved delivery of innovative library services was in the forms of provision of adequate infrastructure; creating a welcoming environment for patrons, adequate IT facilities in the library, and training for librarians on digital skills and competencies. In conclusion, intrinsic factors are perceived by both library users and librarians as highly responsible for delivering innovative library services, while extrinsic factors are perceived as highly responsible by librarians but low by library users. Therefore, the study recommends that the university administration offer additional funding for the acquisition of appropriate physical facilities necessary for the provision of cutting-edge library services, as well as establish internal training programmes for their employees.