International Journal of Academic Library and Information Science

Vol. 9(9), pp. 478-494. September, 2021. 

ISSN: 2360-7858

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijalis2021425

 

Full Length Research

 

Information needs and utilization of information resources by undergraduate students of library and information science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

 

1Okeuhie, S.N., 2Agbagha, Mercy Mma (CLN), 3Ndu Maria Ogonna and 4Emmanuela Chibure Anyakwo

 

1National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike. Corresponding author’s E-mail: okeuhiendubu154@yahoo.com  

2Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). E-mail:mercyagbagha@futo.edu.ng  

3&4Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)

 

Submission Date: 10 September 2021 Accepted 25 September 2021

Abstract

This study examined the information needs and utilization of library resources by LIS students of MOUAU. The study was guided by four specific objectives and four research questions. The study employed descriptive survey research design, while the population of the study is two hundred and fifty two (252), comprising of 100 level students (110), 300 level students (2), and 400 level students (140). The complete census method was used as the sampling technique. Only one instrument (questionnaire) was used. The questionnaire was validated by professionals from LIS Department, MOUAU. Mean was used in analyzing data for the study. The study Identified that books, journals, reference materials and Indexes/abstracts are the information needs of undergraduate students of LIS in MOUAU library, Identified that books, journals, dictionary, magazine and abstracts are the information resources utilized by undergraduate students of LIS in MOUAU library, Indicated that out datedness of library resources, short opening hours of the library, inconsistent power supply, poor attitude of librarians, breakdown of facilities and unavailability of some of the information resources are the challenges in utilizing information resources in MOUAU Library. Identified provision of current library resources, early opening of the library, constant power supply, librarians to be courteous, maintenance of facilities in the library, and increased availability of library resources as solutions to the challenges of utilizing information resources in MOUAU Library. The study therefore recommended that: The management of the university should ensure that library resources identified in the study such as books, reference materials and indexes/abstracts, are adequately provided. The university library should conduct training for undergraduate students on the use of OPAC, CD-ROM and Electronic Data Bases. The university authority should ensure that current library materials are provided, maintain early opening of the library, constant power supply, librarians should be courteous, facilities in the library should be maintained. The universities that established university libraries should make sure that adequate fund is made available to the university libraries to enable them acquire all the necessary library resources to satisfy the information needs of undergraduates and other library users.

 

Keywords: Information needs, utilization of library resources, students

 

Cite This Article As: Okeuhie, S.N., Agbagha, M.M., Ndu, M.O., Emmanuela C. A. (2021). Information needs and utilization of information resources by undergraduate students of library and information science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture. Inter. J. Acad. Lib. Info. Sci. 9(9): 478-494