Research Information Needs and Constraints that Hinder Use of Library Resources and Services among Postgraduate Students in Southwest Federal Universities, Nigeria

Authors

Mausi Ajoviyon Bokoh Mr, LasuFollow
Kareem Omozaphue Akhalumhe Mr., LasuFollow
Morenikeji Modinat Bello Miss, FUNAABFollow

Date of this Version

Summer 8-3-2021

Document Type

Article

Comments

The need of library resources and services is indispensable to students in order to achieve their set goals.

Abstract

Research exposes students and lecturers to the availability of information resources for research. Students require quality information resources in order to conduct research. Libraries are meant to serve the students, lecturers and other members of the university community. However, libraries have been the source of keeping and disseminating information through books, journals, maps and other resources that are used by students and lecturers in the universities. The need of library resources and services is indispensable to students in order to achieve their set goals. Hence, this study evaluated the information needs and constrains that hinder use of library resources and services among postgraduate students in southwest Federal Universities, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 378 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the use of a structured questionnaire and focus group discussion on research information needs and constrains that hinder use of library resources and services of the respondents. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, were used to analyse the data. Results reveal that textbooks (=3.81), Journals articles (=3.76) and E-Books (Electronic Resources) (=3.59) were the main research information needs of postgraduate students. Also Journals 3.62), WIFI services 3.17) were the most infrequency resources and services used among postgraduate students. The findings also show that Insufficient Internet Access points (=2.93), Power outrage (=2.87) and Obsolete books (=2.85), were the major constrains that hinder the use of library resources and services among postgraduate students. The study concluded that library should provide necessary research information needs for postgraduate students and library should look into possible ways of addressing all the challenges. The study recommended that library should, put mechanism for feedback from the postgraduate students in place for the improvement on research information needs and constrains that hinder use of library resources and services.