Utilization of Public Libraries in the South East Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the utilization of public libraries in the South East Zone of Nigeria. The survey research design method was used to conduct the study. Questionnaire and direct observation were used as instruments for data collection. The population of the study consists of one hundred and twenty-six thousand, five hundred and seventy-seven (126,577) users of public libraries, with a sample size of four hundred (400) users. Data collected for the study were analyzed using charts, graphical illustrations, frequency tables, and simple percentages.  Data were organized based on the research questions. Findings revealed that female utilizes public libraries in the South East, Nigeria more than male while age bracket group of 26 – 35 utilizes public libraries in the South East, Nigeria more than other age group brackets. Findings further revealed that users with HND, B.Sc., and BLs utilize public libraries more than those with other educational qualifications in the South East, Nigeria. The study recommends that since males and females, different age brackets, as well as different educational qualifications, utilize public library resources in solving their information problems, public libraries should acquire heterogeneous information resources that will cater to their diverse users, as well as encourage and sensitize the general public to continue to patronize public libraries for their different individual academic growth and national development.

Keywords: public, library, utilization, gender, age, educational qualification, personal variables, information resources, organization, geopolitical, facilities, services.