MiddleBelt Journal of Library and Information Science

Evaluation of the impact of Instagram on library and information science students’ engagement and learning in Nigerian universities

Ifeyinwa N. Okonkwo — 2024-12-31

This study investigated the impact of Instagram on library and information science (LIS) undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka and Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka, Nigeria. Five research questions aligned with purpose guided the study. The descriptive research design was used in this study. The study population was 200 LIS undergraduate students. The random sampling method was employed to ensure equal inclusion opportunities for all population members in the study. The questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The data was analysed using descriptive methods, such as frequency counts. Out of the 200 copies of the questionnaire administered, 162 copies were retrieved and used for the study. Findings indicated that LIS undergraduate students extensively engage with various types of contents on Instagram, especially videos and stories. Secondly, the students post different contents on Instagram, to a very large extent, most especially videos and carousel posts. Thirdly, they gained a lot from the use of Instagram including connecting with lecturers, other students, developing communication skills and seeking guidance. Finally, the findings revealed that LIS undergraduate students encountered problems such as misinformation, addiction, overuse and mental health concern while using Instagram. However, the study concluded thatInstagram presents a valuable platform offering opportunities for professional development, school building and knowledge sharing among LIS undergraduates. The study recommended among others, that the LIS students should share valuable resources like online databases, research tools and library tutorials with engaging visuals to improve their academic prowess.

Availability and accessibility as correlates of information retrieval systems among undergraduate library users in universities in Kwara State, Nigeria

Bolakale Musa Kuranga — 2024-12-31

This study investigatesavailability and accessibility as correlates of information retrieval systems among undergraduate library users in universities in Kwara State. The study identified three (3) research objectives and research questions. It adopted descriptive research design and the study population was 370 while the questionnaire was used to collect data. Stratified random sampling technique was used for the study, it was a sampling technique considered appropriate. The selected universities are University of Ilorin, Al-Hikmah University and Kwara State University, Malete. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages. The findings revealed that majority of the users are of the opinion that library users have been a major mechanism to effective utilisation of information retrieval systems (IRS) in the three selected universities. It was also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the acquisition of IRS skills and usage among the library usersand a high extent of accessibility of a good number of materials; even as few of these materials were reported to be utilised to a high extent leading to a relationship between the extent of availability and accessibility. The study therefore concluded that journals, indexes and abstracts, CD-ROM and Internet are major information retrieval tools provided in the selected universities while the provision of video tapes/cassettes are not common. Therefore, the study recommended, among other things, that undergraduates library users in these universities should undergo a compulsory ICT skills acquisition skills to aid their theoretical activities.

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

Oluseun Mobolanle Sodipe — 2024-12-31

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.

Harnessing data librarianship for big data in academic libraries

Florence Olabisi Ajani — 2024-12-31

Big Data has revolutionised the library, shifting the library processes, operations and services to data-driven oriented. Thus, Data Librarianship evolved as a response to this significant change in libraries, thereby helping libraries in harnessing the values of large data volumes in all data-related activities. Noting that academic libraries engaged in varying data-oriented activities underscores why this study explores harnessing Data Librarianship for Big Data in academic libraries. Typology design of conceptual research was adopted. The design allows this study to logically discuss the concepts of Big Data, Data Librarianship and Data Librarians, dissecting the qualities of Data Librarians in harnessing the potentials of Big Data, library operations and services that constitute Big Data and explaining the challenges associated with leveraging Big Data for library services. Libraries have been responding to the need of exploiting the values of Big Data by assigning Data Librarians who

are data literate and skillful in recognising various data sources and types, accurately organising, analysing, and interpreting data to create taxonomies and metadata systems, systematize retrieval procedures, smart libraries, research data management/services and circulation and cataloguing systems through OCLC and other comparable data-sharing organisations. Nonetheless, Data Librarians encountered many problems in harnessing data values including absence of data policies, the scarcity of opportunities for data librarians to receive training, the absence of extra financial benefits, the lack of infrastructure and systems and lack of organisational support for the launch of data-driven services. This study has tactfully argued that Big Data has given birth to a new field called Data Librarianship. Libraries and other similar information institutions may now take advantage of the value of their massive volumes of data by redesigning their decision-making and problem-solving processes using data-driven insights.

Effects of e-resources in promoting reading habits: A study of library users of the Nigerian Defense Academy Kaduna, Nigeria

Saidu Saba-Jibril — 2024-12-31

The study explores the impact of e-resources on the reading habits of Nigerian Defence Academy Library users. By analysing the attitudes and experiences of cadets, faculty and researchers, this research sheds light on the significance of e-resources in modern –day learning environments. The objectives of the study were to find out the impact of electronic resources on cadets, the types of e-resources users use and the problems they faced when accessing electronic information resources. A case study research method was adopted. The major instruments were questionnaire while interview and observation were used to complement it. The sampling techniques adopted was simple random. The statistical analyses used in analysing the data are percentages and frequency counts. Out of 100 cadets, only 75% cadets are familiar with e-resources. Only 90% of students use e-resources. They use e-resources for learning, reading, teaching, jobs, recreation, news etc. They use different types of e-resources such as e-books, e-journals, e-magazine, e-maps, e-news etc. They prefer mobile phones most to access e-resources. But due to a lack of adequate collection, high speed Internet connection, proper knowledge, and infrastructure, they face many difficulties in using e-resources in the Academy library.

Influence of library information resources utilisation on lifelong learning of secondary school students in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State

Jehoshaphat Emmanuel Hassan — 2024-12-31

This study investigates the availability and utilisation of school library resources and their impact on lifelong learning among secondary school students in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The study addresses observed issues of poor academic performance, underdeveloped research habits, and insufficient reading skills among students, despite the presence of school libraries intended to foster intellectual growth and lifelong learning. Justification for this study stems from the critical role that school libraries play in supporting educational outcomes and lifelong learning skills, which are essential for students' academic and personal development. Understanding how effectively students engage with available library resources and identifying barriers to their usage are necessary steps toward improving educational support systems within the region. A sample size of 315 students from ten secondary schools was determined using Krejcie & Morgan’s (1970) table, with an 85% response rate. The sample size was distributed proportionally across the schools according to their respective student populations, based on a total population of 1,736 students. Senior secondary students (SS1-SS3) were then selected through random sampling, offering a comprehensive view of resource utilisation in this demographic. The findings reveal that resources like textbooks, storybooks, and dictionaries are moderately used, primarily for test preparation, recreation, and studying, with a weighted mean of 3.07. However, significant challenges, such as the absence of a library policy, inadequate funding, poor ICT infrastructure, and limited student awareness, hinder effective library resource use, as indicated by a weighted mean of 2.94. Despite these barriers, students who regularly engage with library resources show a 15% improvement in academic performance.

Roles of library leaders in positioning libraries for sustainable development in Nigeria

Kennedy Arebamen Eiriemiokhale — 2024-12-31

Libraries have crucial roles to play in every social developmental issue. However, it has been observed by researchers that libraries may find it difficult to achieve their mandates in supporting social causes when they lack quality leaders. This paper investigated the roles of library leaders in positioning libraries for sustainable development. This paper adopted narrative design. Its population is an informal group of library leaders, who attended the 62^ndNational Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association in 2024. Expert sampling was used and data was gathered through focus group discussion. Findings revealed that Nigerian library leaders adopted transformational, distributed, purposive, servant and strategic leadership styles. Nigerian library leaders position libraries for gender equity and inclusion, quality education, industry and innovation through community engagement, advocacy and equal access to information. Findings showed that library leaders struggle to position libraries for sustainable development because of poor funding, nonchalant attitudes of the library personnel and poor political will to support libraries. The study concluded that library leaders are promoting SDGs by demonstrating leadership capacities to drive community engagement, provide equal access to information to fight hunger, strengthen quality education, digital inclusion, gender equality and industry, innovation and infrastructure. The study recommended that Nigerian government should develop the political will to invest in and support their libraries. This will result in formulating supportive policies and funding libraries for social impacts.

Undergraduates’ awareness and use of electronic information resources in selected private universities in Oyo State, Nigeria

Solomon Adeolu Olaniyi — 2024-12-31

An incredible positive effect could be perceived on the undergraduate students’ academic endeavours as a result of their utilisation of electronic information resources (EIRs). Nevertheless, observations and empirical proofs have revealed that the utilisation of some of the EIRs by some undergraduate students is low. Conceivably, this observation might not be unrelated with the awareness associated with the knowledge of EIRs which could upset their utilisation by the undergraduates. Hence, the study investigates the influence of awareness on the use of EIRs by the undergraduate students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design of the correlational type was used and the study population included all the 9,563 undergraduates of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria. The multistage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 221 and the questionnaire was the data collection instrument. Results established that majority 197(98.5%), 190(71.2%) of the respondents indicated a high level of awareness of E-books and E-news respectively. Most 195(97.5%) of the undergraduate students also agreed that they used EIRs for learning. Finding showed that there is a significant relationship between awareness and use of EIRs by the respondents (r(199) = .445**, p<.05). It was suggested that in a bid to sustain a satisfactory level of awareness towards the utilisation of EIRs by the undergraduate students, libraries should constantly engage students with regular literacy programmes so as to ensure effective use and justify investment on EIRs.

Awareness and accessibility as determinants of utilisation of OPAC by students in polytechnic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Shuaib Olarongbe Agboola — 2024-12-31

The evolution in technology that has been embraced by librarians has transformed ways by which libraries make their information resources available and accessed through Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) to the library patrons. There have been several studies regarding the awareness and use of OPAC by undergraduate students in Nigerian Universities leaving Polytechnic undergraduate. This study examined the role of awareness and accessibility as factors influencing the utilisation of the OPAC among students in polytechnic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design with the population of13,348 in three (3) Polytechnic Libraries (Federal Polytechnic, Offa; Kwara State Polytechnic Library and Lens Polytechnic Library) with a sample size of 370 based on Research Advisor Table, using proportion allocation of sample and Simple Random Sampling for its selection. Questionnaire was the research instrument adopted for the study and data collected are presented and analysed in simple percentage, frequency table, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Correlation using IBM SPSS. Findings revealed that social media was the most effective channel for promoting OPAC awareness, with computers and personal phones as primary tools for access and OPAC was widely used for accessing diverse resources such as reference materials and research databases. One of the recommendations of this study is that libraries should leverage social media as a primary channel to promote OPAC by showcasing its features, benefits, and updates on platforms popular among students and ensure OPAC systems are optimized for both desktop and mobile devices to offer a seamless user experience, as these are the main tools students use to access OPAC

Use of serial publications for academic activities by library and information science educators in federal universities in North-central, Nigeria

Dorcas Shaba — 2024-12-31

This paper investigated the accessibility and use of serial publications for academic activities by Library and Information Science Educators (LISE) in federal universities in North-central, Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives and two research questions. The objectives of the study were to: the extent of use of serial publications by LISE for their academic activities in federal universities in North-central, Nigeria. Survey research design method was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 136 LISE. Total enumeration or census was carried out because the population size was manageable. Questionnaire was the only research instrument used for data collection. Out of the 136 copies of questionnaire administered, 121 copies were filled, returned and used for the analysis. Descriptive statistical tool involving frequency counts and percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed among others that the extent of use of serial publications by the educators for their academic activities with weighted mean score of 2.93. The study revealed further that the factors hindering accessibility and use of serial publications among the educators were agreed with the weighted mean score of 2.69. The study recommended among others that the management of federal universities in North-central, Nigeria where the university libraries are established should provide adequate serial publications especially on directories, transactions and memoires of society and government documents that will be available and appropriate for the academic activities of LISE

Empirical analysis of the integrated information behavior framework for maize farmers in Kaduna State

Shafiu Garba Makeri — 2024-12-31

This study analyses the integrated information behavior framework for maize farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of 384 maize farmers in Kaduna State. The study proceeds in four steps. First, it identified the information needs of the maize farmers and found that majority of them seeks information on seeds varieties, weed control, market information and harvesting techniques. Secondly, it identified the sources of information use by maize farmers and found that majority of them get information through radio and television. Thirdly, it examined the information seeking pattern of maize farmers and found that majority of them get information through mass media and digital platforms. Finally, it identified the challenges encountered while seeking information on maize farming and found that unavailability of established functional library as a greater challenge associated with the information behavior of the maize farmers. The study, therefore, recommended that government should provide e-libraries or information centers so that the farmers can keep themselves updated on general agricultural knowledge instead of just focusing on maize farming to attain food sufficiency.

Legal records and justice dispensation in Federal and State High Courts in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Emmanuel Owushi — 2024-12-31

This study examines the role of legal records in the dispensation of justice within the Federal and State High Courts in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Despite the crucial role of legal records in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the dispensation of justice, the Federal and State High Courts in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, face significant challenges in managing, preserving, and accessing these records, which hinders timely and fair judicial outcomes. Through a survey of judges, legal practitioners, and academic lawyers, the study explores the usefulness of legal records in court proceedings, the effects of legal record unavailability, sources of legal records, and challenges affecting record management practices. Descriptive survey design was adopted. The population include 6 judges of Federal and 32 State High Court in Port Harcourt as well as 201 legal practitioners and academic lawyers. Census sampling technique was utilised to sample the 329 members of the population. The instrument for data collection was a self-designed questionnaire. The face and content validity of the instrument was obtained through superficial reading, and the reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha. The findings highlight the critical importance of legal records in supporting transparency, accountability, and fair adjudication of cases. However, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate technology, legal complexities, resistance to changes, and training deficiencies pose obstacles to effective record management. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the integrity and accessibility of legal records, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process.

A study of classification of Arabic materials in selected university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Elewu Ridwanullahi Imam — 2024-12-31

This study addresses the classification challenges faced by academic libraries in Selected university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria in organising Arabic materials. Traditional systems like Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC) are inadequate for accurately categorizing Arabic texts, leading to frequent wrong classification, limited access, and hindrance to research in fields such as Islamic studies. The study’s objectives were to (i) identify specific issues in classifying Arabic materials, (ii) assess the adequacy of current classification schemes, and (iii) propose improvements. A descriptive survey was conducted with librarians in cataloguing roles at three universities, yielding an 80% response rate from 50 copies of questionnaires. Findings highlight major issues, including insufficient librarian training (75%), inadequate classification schemes (62.5%), wrong classification of Islamic subjects (50%), and transliteration challenges (37.5%). DDC and LCC were primarily used, with limited hybrid approaches (12.5%). Recommendations include specialized training, development of localized systems, adoption of hybrid models, inter-library collaboration, and regular evaluation to enhance accessibility and support research.

Effects of use of mobile technologies on reference services delivery at the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Beatrice Yemisi Ojokuku — 2024-12-31

This study examined the effects of mobile technologies on provision of reference services at Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. It was guided by four objectives. Descriptive survey was employed in the conduct of this research. The population of the study comprised of 37 library staff (Librarians and Library Officers) of the University. Total enumeration technique was adopted for the study because the population was manageable. A set of questionnaire was used for data collection, which was analysed using the descriptive statistics. Its findings established that the types of mobile technologies available for the provision of reference services in the Library are smart phones, laptops and tablets, USB Drive, Global System for Mobile Technology (GSM) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). Findings revealed that there are many types of reference services offered through mobile technologies in the Library, which include inter-library loan, consultancy, user education, current awareness, selective dissemination of information, referral, reprographic, information, documentation and bibliographic services. However, the challenges associated with these technologies in the provision of reference services include power outage, inadequate knowledge of ICT by library staff, lack of e-resources, as well as the lack of Internet connectivity, training and maintenance culture. The study therefore recommended, amongothers, that alternative source of power should be provided for the library in order to eradicate power outage in use of mobile technology in position of reference services. Also, the library management should prioritise the training of staff member in ICT so as to use technological devices with ease in providing reference services through the mobile technology.