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More than seventy online studies were reviewed to identify awareness, usage, satisfaction, and challenges of using information resources and services in academic libraries by users. The main objective of this study is to review the literature on information resources and services regarding awareness, usage, impact, challenges, satisfaction levels of users of various academic libraries. The study includes research papers published in national and international journals and other sources available on the internet. A review of various studies revealed that users use library resources and services for various purposes. Studies reveal that most users are satisfied with print resources, but they face problems while accessing online resources due to lack of skills to use these resources. Most students today rely on online resources, but a lack of training prevents them from getting the information they need. Most of the studies have suggested that the library should play an important role in providing information literacy program and user studies at regular intervals in their institutions to provide better library and information services to the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of librarians' attitude toward cataloguing and classification in academic libraries. Academic library is the heartbeat of a higher institution of learning. Without an academic library, students, researchers, staff might find it very difficult to study and conduct effective and efficient research. All information resources in academic libraries are expected to be catalogued and classified by librarians/cataloguers with standard classification schemes which would bring all the related books together. The attitude of librarians toward cataloguing and classification can be positive or negative. Positive in the essence that they tend to enjoy or like cataloguing and classification, understand its value, and have confidence in it. However, librarians with a negative attitude toward cataloguing and classification tend to dislike it, and feel afraid to engage in it. The attitude of librarians toward cataloguing and classification would be determined whether the library information resources in the academic libraries would be catalogued or not. If librarians develop a positive attitude toward cataloguing and classification, all the library information resources in an academic library would be catalogued, classified, organized, arranged and shelved in order for the library users to make use of them. But if librarians develop a negative attitude toward cataloguing and classification, some of library information resources might not be catalogued or wrongly catalogued where they would not be useful for the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this inquiry is to investigate the usage pattern of academic hybrid library digital resources by history and international studies postgraduates. Qualitative case study was adopted as the research design of the inquiry. Focus group discussion, observation and interview were employed as data tools. Among the inquiry's outcome, it was disclosed that there were varieties of digital resources in the hybrid library under study. It was also disclosed that the history and international studies postgraduates were aware of the available digital resources. However, it was disclosed that only few participants were utilising the library's e-books and databases due to specific barriers. It was further disclosed that mainstream participants were utilising the resources in their IR. Based on the outcomes obtained, it was recommended among others that the library should organise series of sensitisation for the postgraduates on the need to increase the usage of the digital resources. It was also recommended that the postgraduates should be trained on how to access the digital resources. Finally, it was recommended that complex login procedures to some of the digital resources should be simplified to optimise their usage by the postgraduates and other library users. From previous literature, no inquiry was found that examined the usage pattern of digital resources in an academic hybrid library by history and international studies postgraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined information resources and security challenges at Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey design was used by the researcher. The population of the study comprised 53 library staff, and the purposive sampling techniques were used to determine the sample size which is 30. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection and was validated by the supervisor. Cronbach Alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instrument which yielded 0.85. Data were analysed with frequency count, and simple percentages, and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23 was used to generate the mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that textbooks, serials, and reference materials were the most vulnerable information resources to security challenges and that book theft, non-return of library materials, tearing of book pages, book pages stained, torn, and stolen among others were some of the common security violations. The findings also established that lack of photocopying machines, financial constraints of libraries, and lack of adequate punishment to serve as deterrent among others were the causes of security challenges and that CCTV, library written security policy to guide staff and users, monitoring of users by library staff while using library resources, introduction of photocopying services in the library, staff security within and outside the library and security guards deployment to patrol the library reading room were some of strategies put in place to curb security challenges in the NDU library. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that the library management should continue to ensure that the library information resources are properly secured and that the library should enlighten library users on the need to observe the library rules and regulations and on the preservation and conservation of library resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries play a key role in the promotion of user centered services through the provision of information resources and services for the information needs of the library clienteles. With the emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the traditional library services have no place in satisfying the curiosity of the library users. Library users are gradually keeping away from the use of the library and less value are attached to the library. This paper looked at the traditional and hybrid services that are easy to access and more convenient for the library users as a way of promoting clientele centered services in academic libraries. The study recommended that academic libraries should introduce and employ strategic services in order to attract the library users to the library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 21st century is the millennium of information. It is also seen as the era of explosion of information output and information sources. It is known as the beginning of knowledge age. New patterns of work and new business practices have developed as a result; new kinds of work with new and different skills are required. In this century, the meaning of knowledge has changed. Information delivery to meet user needs is the goal of every college library. For effective information delivery, availability of information resources is very fundamental. The study, therefore, investigated the influence of information resources availability on information delivery in college libraries in Lagos and Oyo states, Nigeria in the 21st century. The study adopted the survey research design with the questionnaire as instrument for data collection. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 469 registered users out of 4,689 and 73 library staff. The collected data was analysed using frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation for the research questions while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings indicated that textbooks, electronic information resources and journals were available in the college libraries. The resources were mostly used on daily basis by students and staff in the college libraries. Study revealed that adequate provision of books, periodic user education and orientation, registration of library users, lending services, reference services, etc. were some of the information service delivery in the college libraries. Results further showed significant influence of information resources availability on information delivery (F (1;470) =40.706, P0.05). The availability of information resources in colleges enabled the college libraries to deliver effective information services to the user community in Emmanuel Alayande College of Education and Yaba College of Technology. It recommends among others that there is need for college libraries to make adequate provisions for recent and up-to-date information resources in both print and non-print formats to meet the needs of their users. Adequate publicity through awareness programmes should be carried out for the resources and services to sensitise the users and promote usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impacts of user education on users' awareness, accessibility and use of information resources and services in Federal Polytechnic Ede Library. The study employed a survey research design. The population of this study consisted of all registered student users of the library totaling 6,000; 10% of the entire population amounting 600 was used for the study. The random sampling technique was adopted. Structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Out of the 600 copies of questionnaire distributed, 517 (86.2%) were retrieved and found valid for analysis. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study show that, user education programmes of the library do not have any significant impact on the users' awareness, accessibility and utilization of the collections and services in the library due to several challenges among which are; over dependence on one day orientation and lack of examinable library instruction. It was therefore recommended among others, that the Polytechnic Library Management should liaise with the Management of the Institution to ensure immediate commencement of "use of library" as a compulsory, credit-bearing and examinable course for all new students of the institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of user education programme is to assist library users make the most effective use of library with little or no assistance from the library staff. Due to the greater relevance of libraries in information, education and the increasing complexity of libraries as a result of information explosion and a deluge of educational and information resources, it is imperative that libraries engage in user education programmes. In addition, availability of information resources and services to students is crucial but more importantly it is to ensure that students for whom these resources and services are provided utilise them adequately to satisfy their needs. The study therefore examines user education programmes, resources availability and use: the experience of college of education students in Kwara state, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted and the study population consisted 443 students in the department of chemistry, school of sciences, college of education, Kwara state, Nigeria. The simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 199. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics for the five research questions. Findings revealed that textbooks 57.5% and Internet resources 52.2% were readily available to the respondents. 39.8% respondents strongly agreed that, user education developed their capabilities as self-sufficient users. Also, 34.4% respondents revealed that their library skills were developed and made them become more independent in locating and retrieving information materials. 81.7% respondents strongly agreed that crowdedness/largeness of the class capacity was a major barrier hindering user education in their libraries, 72.6% also indicated that lack of periodic user education programme was a barrier while 69.8% of respondents revealed that lack of relevant and up-to-date resources were user education challenges which negatively affect the use of library resources by the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the student's patronage and utilization of library and information resources in Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Four research questions were considered to gather data. The sampled for the study comprised about 367 library patrons (Students). Purpose sampling the population of the study is techniques was adopted. The findings revealed that Afe Babalola University Library have enough materials which can help their patrons to achieve their aim such materials includes: abstract, dictionaries, directories, handbook, journals, projects, textbooks, report etc. Moreover, result showed that respondents visited library regularly but they visited library mostly to read for examination, research, getting assignment done and for personal development. The findings further reveal that library users visited library based on their interest for textbooks, past question and internet. Finally, the findings reveals that no challenges such as power shortage, personal assistant, up to date materials, in-conducive environment, internet, sitting arrangement and organization of library materials. The study recommended the university teachers should engaged the student with assignment that will make them use library more and familiar with other information resources, the librarian should introduce the students to the library through the orientation, library should organized library week once in a while and take a tour to another library, invite interested student to write in school library journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to know the ICT skills of library staff in Nigerian institutions: A case study of all institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The sample for the study consisted of 150 librarians across institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria who were randomly selected through simple random sampling. The extent to which library staff can prove their knowledge towards information and communication technology (ICT) skills, the ability of library staff towards information and communication technology (ICT), how library staffs are able to identify or recognize relevant information sources and the effectiveness of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy skills programmes for the institution libraries in Ekiti State. Findings show that institutions' libraries have enough ICT facilities and their staffs are well familiar with them in order to deliver their services which can help the library staff in delivering their services very well. It further reveals that ICT skills were well known and made use of, by libraries staffs. Moreover, results indicated that different sources of information are recognized by the libraries staffs while the ICT programmes are available to develop themselves. These recommendation was made after the study that more ICT facilities are needed, latest ICT facilities should replace the former outdated facilities, libraries staffs should attend more ICT facilities training and seminars, Inhouse training should be regular e.g six (6) months interval, latest familiarized ICT package should be introduce to enhance the service rendered to patrons and library staff need to work with the ICT department in the institution for achieving parental goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined use of Online Information Resources (OIRs) to see how they might help Nigerian university libraries offer top-notch online library services. OIRs are crucial because students require current and complete knowledge resources. OIRs are readily available in digital form at university libraries in Nigeria. Academic e-databases contain these online resources. This study adopted the conceptual research approach; hence, in-depth exploration of literature was carried out to emphasize the issues in using Online Information Resources in libraries. The report outlined the development of OIRs and the additional information resources it offers to university library users. The databases, which include e-books and e-journals, among other things, are useful sources of informational content. The study's findings have been adapted to meet the information needs of users with shifting information needs. In order to encourage the production of new research and enhance efficient and effective delivery of information services, libraries can make use of cutting-edge scientific and technological innovations when users access online information resources. Librarians and other information workers need to be sensitive to, schooled in, and retrained on how researchers in the university community use OIRs to satisfy students' information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the mutilation of information resources in University libraries in Abuja. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprises 244 library staff made up of professionals and non-professionals in Universities in Abuja. Because the population was small and manageable, all the 244 library staff were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "Mutilation of Information Resources Questionnaire" (MIQ). The questionnaire was validated by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method and a reliability coefficient of 0.81 was obtained. Data were collected and analyzed using Frequency, Percentages, Means and Standard Deviations. Findings of the study revealed that, journals, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, projects/theses/dissertations, government publications, term papers, compact discs, CD-ROMs and audio-visual materials were the information resources affected by mutilation. It was also revealed that the forms of mutilation of library resources include, tearing of pages of books/journals, underlining of texts/journal, highlighting pages of textbooks/journals, bending spines of textbooks and journals, using of wet hands to turn pages of books/journals, cracking of CDs, marking of books/journals with biros, shading of books/journals with pencils, ear-dogging pages of books/journals and making comments on pages of books/journals. Further, it was revealed that the causes of mutilation of library resources in universities in Abuja include, poverty/financial constraints among users, high cost of photocopying library resources, insufficient library opening hours, ignorance of impact on the users, inadequate loan period, low quality of library services, frustration with library services on the part of users, lack of power supply, high cost of books, lack of security men at the reading section and inadequate close circuit cameras in the library. The study concludes that, plethora of information resources in university libraries in Abuja are prone to mutilation. Recommendation were made that, the cost of photocopying information materials in the libraries should be subsidized by Universities to enable easy access to information materials by library users as this can help in curbing the issue of mutilation; mutilators should be subjected to heavy and well defined penalties such as withdrawal of library card to serve as deterrent to other users and libraries should adopt the use of new technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to solve some of the problems caused by mutilation of library resources among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information needs arise when an individual finds himself in a problem situation, when he or she no longer can manage with the knowledge that he or she possess. Library patrons repeatedly find themselves in situations where information is needed, sought and gathered, organized, retrieved, processed, evaluated, and used. The objectives of this study are to examine the information requirements of students and researchers in Federal University Otuoke, to asses both human and material resources in the library; to determine the level at which the library satisfies the information needs of the users; and to find out best way(s) to meet these information needs of patrons in this ICT age. A Total of (250) library users from different departments and faculties were used as sample. Data were collected through a 20 item questionnaire which was developed based on objectives adopted. 220 dully completed questionnaires were returned in good condition. Data collected were analyzed using frequencies and percentages of responses. The findings revealed that the library patrons are more interested in the information related to, teaching, learning and research activities. The outcome of the research also revealed that the attitudes of the respondents were favorable in the use of library resources but there is the need for improvement in such areas as library services and provision of adequate space for readers. It was found out that majority of the respondents sought information from journals, textbooks, reference books than other library materials. Major obstacles faced by patrons while seeking information included lack of resource sharing facilities and equipments, lack/inadequate ICT skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to investigate access services that are presented to visually impaired users in academic libraries. There is a clear lack of digital resources and assistive technology in serving disabled/blind users in both libraries. Based on Mann-Whitney Utest results and p-value, there were similarities in website and databases accessibility and significant differences in providing some types of digital materials to visually impaired users. It is recommended that libraries have to continually adapt to the constantly turning cycles of technology in terms of major technology trends such as open-source software, mobile technology, and voice-activated technology. The world needs to see libraries deploying the latest phase of change because users increasingly engaged with services through voice-activated technologies like Alexa, Google Home, Cortana, etc. in addition to the current larger-scale technology that is essentially relevant to the libraries, like integrated library systems (ILS), library services platforms (LSP), customers discovery services (CDS), and e-book lending technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College libraries are integral part of higher education institutions and they play an important role in raising the standard of education. The study was conducted at Sri JCBM College, Sringeri to assess users’ awareness and utilization of library resources and services. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and personal visits to the said college library. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. Seventy structured questionnaires were distributed and 52 duly filled questionnaires were returned back, the response rate is 76.04%. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (16.0) and Excel. The study revealed that the majority (86%) of the users are visiting library daily. The study revealed that majority of the users have awareness on almost all the services provided by the library. The majority of the users always use internet browsing service (50%), Reference service (44.23%) and Book bank facility (40.38%) while they visit the library. The users were satisfied with various resources and services provided by the library. The study suggested to provide a separate digital library with the adequate number of computers with high speed internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, access to more number of e-resources including CDs/DVDs and online journals to the users in the library. The library needs to explore innovative methods by making use of technology in reaching out to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to examine online library resources during the COVID-19 pandemic situation at higher educational institutions in Pakistan. During the current pandemic situations, all the educational activities have been postponed and transformed into online latterly. A cross-sectional study consisting of a sample of 2378 from library patrons of public sector universities in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire has been administered based on different parts using an attitudinal scale of (dis)agreement has been used and pre-tested randomly with the reliability value ranging from .03 to .842. It is pertinent here to mention that during the COVID-19 pandemic, all the educational activities were shifted to online mode and it was not possible to collect information physically. Hence, an online method was opted and the questionnaire was shared through emails and WhatsApp numbers of public sector university library users. The study findings reveal that COVID-19 outbreak, fear of infection, and social distancing have favorable effects on online library information resources. Similarly, the results also support the argument that accessibility of manuscripts, accessibility of periodicals, and accessibility of books have favorable effects on online library resources. The study suggested that similar nature of the study may be conducted using mixed-method research and a different set of variables in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper examines the assessing the impact of ICT on the library users and their reading habits. A total of 2463 samples were selected from 11 state universities in Karnataka State, India. A well designed questionnaire was used for the data collection and data has been analyzed using SPSS. The present study consisted of an equal number of males (51.3%) and female (48.7%) respondents and most of the them are from rural (63.0%) areas. It can be seen from the table that the majority of female (71.8%) and male (66.3%) respondents read information sources at their home. It is very interesting to note that majority of the respondents are inspired by themselves to read (68.5%) followed by good books (57.4%) and teachers (42.0%). The study found that 50.3% of male and 49.7% of female respondents opined that the ICT has made an impact on their reading habits. In this regards the result found that, the ICT has made an impact on enhancing the reading habits of the respondents. Further, it is found that, majority of the respondents strongly agreed that they can read more books available online, they can save time in searching information, they can get all information in their fingertips. The result shows that, the students and faculties have faced various problems in using ICT tools. The study recommends that, Higher education council and university authority may provide the latest and updated version of the computers along with continuous electricity supply with UPS connections and high Internet bandwidth facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries are service-oriented organizations established for the provision of relevant information resources and services needed to meet their users' information needs. Libraries are institutions that select, acquire, process, organize and disseminate information materials such as books, magazines, journals, microfilm, maps, government documents and other resources in support of teaching, learning, recreation and research. However, the extents to which university libraries provide these services in Kwara State, Nigeria remain unknown until now. The study employed a survey research design, where undergraduate students' population stood at 68,298. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to select 382 participants. A self-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The instrument was faced and constructed validate by 3 research experts while the test-retest reliability finding of the pilot study yields a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.77. Data were analyzed using a descriptive statistic of frequency counts, percentage, mean score and standard deviation. The report of findings revealed that information services provided almost every time to the user in the library was lending and borrowing (X=4.2), reference services (X=4.2), user's education (X=4.1) and shelf management with a mean score of (X=4.1). The study concluded that undergraduate students in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria perceived the information services provided to be satisfactory. It was recommended that the current level of service provision should be improved upon to enhance more users' patronage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study attempts to offer an insight about the user's perception regarding library collection and service in Kashmir Government Polytechnic College (KGPC). The findings of the study reveal that preponderance (91.33%) prefer to use "Textbooks" as a source of information resource in the library while as usage of e-resources have been found low among them. It emerges that majority of users visit library on "Daily" basis to "Issue books" and read "Newspapers". On the other hand, the finding reveals that majority of user's visits library to avail "Internet Services" followed by "Lending Services". Furthermore, it is observed from the analysis that the preponderance of users find library collection and services inadequate which might be due lack of awareness among them. Accordingly, the library must take dynamic initiatives to sensitize its users on the available information resources and services through current awareness and other related services in order to make sure the proper usage of library among its users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In marketing any product or service, everything like human expertise, service attitude, and Information resource is closer to the patron. A library's service strategy and principles must be clearly interconnected to its users. Marketing plays an important role between products and related users through the application of different promotional techniques, such as products and service-oriented programs, book talks, book exhibition, study circle, and use of social media, etc. Marketing the information means acquiring, displaying, and storing the right information to the right reader at the right time in the manner and format desired by the users by saving their precious time. Information available in libraries should be user based, and in a suitable medium capable of being retrieved to the level of users' satisfaction. Thus, marketing tools and techniques play a vital and pivotal role in the identification, the anticipation of user needs and dissemination the same to the end-users'. The present paper is an attempt to study the essentials of marketing management, philosophy, and methods in the field of LIS products and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative services and practices are the buzzwords in today's libraries. Changes brought about by the electronic environment has impacted on libraries and caused a transformation in services and practices. Consequently, the library of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) has keyed into this paradigm by changing its conventional approach. This article explored various innovative services and practices in FUTO library. It also identified the benefits and extent of innovative services and practices in the library. A descriptive survey was adopted for the study while questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Findings revealed a remarkable increase in library patronage, library visibility, use of library resources (databases), access to OPAC and supportive staff among others. It was also discovered that the extent of innovative services and practices in the library was high in various areas such as: library visibility (Mean=3.54), library patronage (Mean= 3.45), dependence on the library for research (Mean=3.27), longer hours by patrons (Mean=3.05), more followers on social media (Mean=3.00) etc. The study also identified some challenges hindering effective innovative services and practices. It was discovered that constant electricity coupled with inadequate funds were major roadblocks. Despite these challenges, it was observed that the library is not relenting in efforts to unleash her full potential in providing services that align with the needs of the present environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at examining the information needs of the wheelchair users in Oyo State Public Library, Ibadan, Nigeria. A Survey research design was adopted. Four objectives were set for the study and the interview was used to elicit information from respondents. Findings showed that (81%) were male while (19%) were female. Findings also reveal that the information needs of wheelchair users covered education (95%), recreational (86%), social/personal (72%), security/government policies programmes (70%), health (67%), politics (63%) and (21%) others information. The study revealed that Internet (79%) and (72%) library topped the highest ways of meeting the information needs. Also, (63%) wheelchair users visit the library every day while (16%) visit the library once in two days whereas (12%) visit the library about three times in a week and (9%) visit the library occasionally. The study showed that (60%) found the information resources inadequate in meeting their needs. Problems confronting wheelchair user's information needs include, inadequate entrance (100%) and lack architectural design (95%), (74%) inadequate orientation/lack of chairs with sturdy armrests, (72%) inability to retrieve books/social discrimination, (67%) poor concentration/inadequate facilities, (51%) staff attitude is discouraging, (40%) inadequate relevant materials and (7%) others. The paper concludes that the government of Nigeria need to articulate policies to remove the barriers faced by the less privileged among us. Recommendations were put forward to enhance adequate and relevant information by the wheelchair users in the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived richness of information resources at academic library and the attitude to use them by students' of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz; and conducted by an analytical survey method. Using stratified random sampling 380 students were selected and data were collected using researcher made questionnaire. Results showed that the students have no tendency (mean=3.2281) to use the information resources of library. Meanwhile, the library information resources in terms of update (mean=3.2281), accessibility (mean=3.1702), quality (mean=3.1342), transparency (mean=3.1325) and quick feedback ability (mean=3.1325) are above average and in a relatively favorable level; but, in terms of interactivity (mean=2.9746) they are at a relatively unfavorable. Results also demonstrated that there exist a significant positive relationship (Sig=0.000) between the perceived richness of information resources and the attitude to use them (r=0.689) .Due to the richness of various information resources, electronic resources (mean=2.35) has been specified richer than others. The update feature for periodicals (mean=3.69) and electronic resources (mean=3.76), and the feature of quality (mean=3.76) were the most important ones compared to the other dimensions of information richness. The study findings indicated that paying attention to the features of information resource richness could be effective in increasingthe students'attitude to use the information resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polytechnic libraries play pivotal roles in the sustenance and advancement of the academic activities of their parent institutions. They bridge the gap between the vast information resources available in different disciplines and polytechnics through their services. This article evaluates the use of polytechnic libraries in Nigeria focusing on the Federal Polytechnic Offa library, Kwara State, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents from 1000 registered library users; while 230 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved representing a response rate of 92%. The analysis of data was based on frequency counts, percentages, mean score and confidence interval. Findings revealed that textbooks, journals, reference materials and newspaper/magazines are the mostly utilised information resources in the library and are consulted frequently. Most respondents used the library to prepare for examinations while Internet services and photocopy services are the mostly utilised library services. Factors like insufficient information resources, inadequate awareness of the available information resources and inability of users to utilize the electronic information resources on their own hinder the effective usage of the library information resources. Recommendations were made to improve the use of polytechnic libraries in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I studied the status and usage of library resources and services and library use opinion about library working hours, library physical facilities, library information sources and service of K L (Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation) University, Vijayawada. The collection development, library membership, staff position, working hours, library automation, services offered and availability of online resources are also discussed. A well structured questionnaire was managed to 300 faculty members, Research scholars and post graduation students to collect the primary data from respondents. A total number of 270 filled in questionnaires were received showing overall response rate of counterproductive to evaluate library users. The library users fully satisfied with library facilities, library working hours, information sources and library information services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the benefits brought by Ex Libris' SFX, an OpenURL link resolver, to libraries with diverse electronic resources. Link resolvers like SFX offer links from one information resource to another like when users jump from a citation in abstracting source to the target resource that includes full-text articles, online catalogs and interlibrary loans among others. In terms of assessing or satisfying user information needs, Nicholas and Herman said it could be instrumental in addressing the six types of functions that reflects the information needs of library users. The author says that SFX is the solution libraries need in the advent of digital content.

The article focuses on effective library user education programs in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Library. Fleming said that user education should be programs of instruction provided by libraries to users so that they can effectively and independently use information sources and services available in the library. The author's study found that user education programs were helpful in terms of using the Online Public Access Catalogue to find relevant information. M. Oyesola cited that user education programs in libraries are useful in enabling students to independently find their needed information.

The article examines the satisfaction of library users to public library information resources, services and facilities at the Edo State Central Library in Benin City, Nigeria. The study confirms the satisfaction of library users with some of the library's facilities, but not with its information resources and services. The finding is attributable to its insufficient services and poor information resources. It also notes the serious implications of the users' unsatisfactory level to themselves and the library.

Presented is a comparative study of the methods employed in the retrieval of information practiced by two classes of Iranian students. At issue is the behavior in that regard of bachelor and master of science students engaged in study at agricultural extension and education institutions. A number of topics are addressed including the students and their awareness of information seeking methods and techniques, the student ability to employ libraries, and the ready availability of information resources

The article discusses a study which explores the awareness of researchers about the services offered by the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow, India, and determines the purpose and type of information sought by CDRI researchers. Results reveal that most researchers visit the library weekly, generally to collect reading material. Literature searchers are done using the library's international network. Most researchers use the library's e-journals, and attend conferences often.

The article discusses the entrepreneurship and partnership approach and reason for developing micro-level info-products by Library and Information Service (LIS) professionals. LIS professionals reportedly have wide scope to develop variety of info-products in print as well as digital format. The entrepreneurial and partnership approach allegedly aids develop info-products in systematic and economic way. LIS professionals are said to be best judge of information needs of users.

The article presents a study that determines the importance of understanding the use of information resources in Universal Basic Education (UBE) learners. It notes the challenges faced by UBE learners, requiring them to undergo individualized learning to solve problems and create new knowledge. It also recommends librarians to assume a counseling role and use strategies that will help learners bring out confidence and self-sufficiency in using information resources.

The article presents a case study of the effectiveness of resources and services of college libraries and the university library of Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, India. It suggests that library use patterns are an effective method of understanding information requirements. It shows that most users gave priority to book trade catalogues, indexes and abstracts, and book reviews for being aware of the latest literature.

The article discusses the study on the researching behavior of library users at Panjab University in Chandigarh, India. It details how the study was conducted, which involved an examination of the type of academic information needed by users, the sources of information that they prefer, their satisfaction of the library collection, and information-seeking patterns. The results reportedly revealed that users want training in using online information.

The article discusses the constraints faced by the library of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in providing efficient services and user education in Kumasi, Ghana. It examines the library's education program and the importance of information technology (IT) to minimize the burden of librarians in carrying such platforms. It recommends the importance for the library to devise alternative user education method to effectively serve its users and provide services.