Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2024
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The university library is the educational nerve of the university that ensures that information resources are made available and that quality information services are delivered. Providing information services that are of quality in university libraries can however be influenced by a number of factors including consortium building. Thus, the study investigates consortium building as determinants of perceived quality service delivery by personnel in university libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study, population comprised all 262 library personnel in four university libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. Total enumeration method was used. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistic, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result showed that the most prevailing quality services delivered include: informing users about the service time (=3.43; std dev. = .690); library opens to readers at the appropriate time (=3.39; std dev. = .772); users’ records are appropriately kept and maintained (=3.36; std dev. = .850) among others. On consortium building practices, the libraries shared digital and offsite repositories (=3.40; STD dev. = .612); shared integrated library systems (=3.37; std dev. = .640); engaged in cooperative collection development (=3.34; std dev. =.768). Consortium building (r = .215 p < 0.05) has significant positive relationship with the perceived quality service delivery in university libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. Consortium building determined quality service delivered in university libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. Management of libraries and universities should allocate funds for the development of robust technological infrastructure to facilitate seamless resource sharing and access. Library management should invest in continuous training and professional development for library staff to enhance their skills and expertise in managing consortium initiatives effectively.