Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 12-5-2019
Abstract
Abstract:
This study was carried out to assess the deviant behaviours of library users and potential strategies for the control of these behaviours. The study covers Delta State University, Abraka and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study with a population of 1216 library users which comprises both staff and students. 365 respondents were selected via the random sampling technique which is 30% of the total population. Four research questions were posed to guide the study. The instrument adopted for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Out of the 365 questionnaires distributed to the respondents, 314 questionnaires were retrieved and found usable for the study. In analyzing the data obtained, percentage, frequency, pyramid and bar charts were used. The results obtained from the findings revealed that the major deviant behaviour engaged by users of the library are answering calls in the reading hall, smuggling food and drinks into the library, mutilation/ defacing library books. Majority of the respondents indicated they engage in such acts because they are ignorant of the library rules and behaviour, ignorant of the gravity of the offense. The study also revealed that the extent to which users engage in such behaviours is very low. The strategies that could be employed to control the persistence of these behaviours as indicated in the study are proper orientation of new library users especially on library rules and regulations, during instruction classes more emphasis should be put on library rules and regulations, and the implication of engaging in such behaviours should be properly spelt to users during the registration stage to mention but a few. The study recommends the following: Proper orientation of library users during registration and instruction classes; Sanction of deviant users should be implemented to checkmate deviant users; Disciplinary procedure such as fine, penalty etc should also be implemented and Security measures should be employed.