UTILIZATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES: A CASE STUDY OF FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES AT EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY, ABAKALIKI

Abstract

This study investigated utilization of library resources by undergraduate students for academic purposes: A case study of faculty of social sciences and humanities at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The population of the study is 431, while the sample size is 84 which were used for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on the utilization of library resources by undergraduates of 5 selected departments in Social Sciences and Humanities at EBSU. With the significant mean of 2.8, respondents affirmed that library resources are utilized for research purposes, assignment writing, browsing the internet, among others while recreation, consult newspapers and institutional databases were not significant with the mean values of 2.0 and 2.4 respectively. More so, with the significant mean of 2.9, respondents confirmed the extent of use of library resources: it helps them pass exam, give them access to more resources, achieve academic success, obtain research skills, and develop reading culture. While to develop research skills, familiarize with the classification scheme, read and identify needed materials on the shelves were insignificant with a mean values of 2.4 and 2.5 respectively. It was concluded that the collections in the library are not adequate which have been identified as a factor undermining academic performance of students in these faculties. The researchers, among others, recommend that the management of EBSU library should ensure that information resources are adequate and also be acquired based on the curricula of programs run in the institution, while librarians and lecturers should actively promote and facilitate student utilization of available library resources to foster academic excellence.

Keywords: Library resources, University library, Undergraduates, Utilization, Research Output

 (2021). . , 5(1), 33-40.  (2013). . , 5(9) 289-294.