Students Use of Information Resources of the Federal University Library, Dutse Library, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Jacob Olanrewaju Ojo, Medina Mohammed, Aminu Ahmed Buba and Hussaini Mohammed Mairiga
Keywords: Academic, Information, Institution, Nigeria, Resources, Students, Tertiary
Library and Information Perspectives and Research 2019 1(2), 71-79. Published: January 31, 2020

Abstract

The study investigated students’ use of information resources of the Federal University Library, Dutse, Jigawa State. A response rate of 98% (294) out of the 300 randomly distributed questionnaires from students of Federal University, Dutse. The study is intended to unravel the academic resources used by students in academic libraries and how well they are meeting the academic information resource needs of their students. The findings of the study revealed that academic information resources used by the students include but not limited to textbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines, computers (for general use), e-books, e-journals, internet services, reference materials, audio-visual materials and CD-ROM. It also revealed that, majority of the students frequently use academic information resources to make reference to learning materials being taught by their lecturers. In addition, it revealed that, library environment is not very conducive for reading, materials needed not always available and in some cases materials available are outdated. It also revealed that there is lack of seating space especially during library peak period, and that, only 7% of students use the library catalogue (manual or OPAC) as a result, majority of them locate information resources directly on the shelves by themselves or by requesting from a library staff. The study recommended the introduction of information literacy courses including library user skill to students, academic libraries also are to evaluate their information resources frequently in order to keep them up-to-date, students are encouraged to use the various forms of catalogue (manual and OPAC) available in their libraries, learning environment are to be made conducive as much as possible to encourage reading and learning, academic libraries are to acquire multiple copies of relevant materials, and that library staff should be willing to assist students at every point of need and that they should be treated with respect in order to make them feel important.