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The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic hampered the availability of information sources and services in most academic institutions around the world. Making information available during major crisis reveals the long-standing position of the library in helping its patrons. This post COVID-19 study that took place between February 2020 and January 2021 investigated the availability of information sources and services during the COVID-19 pandemic in university libraries in Nigeria. Using a descriptive design, the study used 240 students who were purposely selected from 30 universities including federal, state and private universities in South-South geographical zone of Nigeria as sample. The study revealed that information sources such as: e-books, print journals, e-journals and electronic databases and services such as: Circulation, interlibrary loan, remote access, SDI, online reference services among others were available to the patrons in university libraries in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings showed that the inhibiting factors against the availability of information sources and service in university libraries were poor telecommunication network, closure of some library sections, lack of preparation, unavailability of library policy on pandemic/disaster management and poor coordination among others. The study recommended some areas for improvement to ensure the availability of information sources and services to the library patrons during major crisis. [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]

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]

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]

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]