Availability and Use of Library Reserve and Service

ABSTRACT This study investigated availability and use of library resources and services in National Open University of Nigeria libraries. Seven research questions were formulated to guide the study. The specific objectives are :Identify the types of Library resources and services available to National Open University of Nigeria Libraries to users, Determine the adequacy of the available library resources and services to the users, Ascertain the purpose of use for the library resources and services that are available in the libraries, to determine the extent of usage of the library resources available, Ascertain the purpose of use for the library resources and services that are available in the libraries, determine the level of satisfaction derived by the NOUN users ,to identify problems encountered in the provision and use of library resources and services and to identify strategies that can be adopted to enhance availability and use of the library resources and services to the NOUN users. Data relevant to the study were collected using questionnaire, observation checklist and interview checklist. The population of 69,544 registered students in NOUN was sampled using proportionate stratified random sampling technique which brought the sample respondents to 255.Three instruments were used: one observation checklist title, “What are the types of library resources are available for use by NOUN users” observation checklist revealed that out of 33 types of resources 22 are available and in use, five available but not in use, while six are not available, secondly interview method checklist titled “ What are the types of library services are Available for use by NOUN users, showed that out of 20 types of library services that available 11 are in use, seven are available but not in use while two are not available. thirdly the questionnaire title “How adequate are the available library resources and services by NOUN library user, What is the extent of use of library resources and services by NOUN, For what purpose do NOUN libraries users satisfied with the use of library resources and services, to what extents are the NOUN users satisfied with the use of library resources and services, what are the problem associated with the available and use of NOUN libraries, what are the strategies that can be adopted to enhance the available and use of NOUN libraries. Instrument was administered by the researcher and trained assistant .Descriptive statistical analysis was used where responses were tabulated and analysis using tables, percentages and frequencies to answer research questions. Major findings revealed that apart from the fact that most of the library resources and services available were not adequate, they were not highly available and used. Most of the users were not in informed as adequate library orientations are not offered to the users. The findings also revealed that the library resources were used for examination, research and recreation and they users were satisfied with the library resources and services. The problems hindering the effectiveness of availability and use were lack of proper orientation, current library resources and absence of conducive reading environment. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that that government should provide funds in order to procure current library resources. Libraries should give enough orientation to library users. In order to ensure availability and use of library resources and services, users” education should be imbibed in the curriculum or be taught from time to time.