Organization and Accessibility of Information Resources in Federal High Court Libraries in North-East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

Authors

Muhammad Murtala Ibrahim, Modibbo Adama University, Yola.Follow
Amina Barkindo, Modibbo Adama University YolaFollow

Date of this Version

Summer 9-25-2021

Abstract

Information organization and accessibility are part of the core functions of any special library. The need for organization is necessary to accomplished a planned library's goals. Effective organization provides effective retrieval and use of the resources and also saves time for both the user and the information professional. This study highlights and describe the method of information organization and access in the Federal High Courts libraries in North-eastern geo-political zone of Nigeria. It also discusses the various ways the federal high court libraries Organize information resources, the means for information access and the challenges associated with the organization and accessibility of the information resources in the libraries. Qualitative research method, using narrative-based research design was adopted for the study while interview guide was the instrument used for data collection. Five heads of the libraries were purposely selected to serve as the study participants from five (5) Federal High Courts in the zone. The data collected was analyzed thematically using coding system. The data collected was analyzed thematically using coding system. The findings revealed that the resources in the libraries were organized serially in accordance with the broad subject of each item in open shelves without the provision of any class mark on the books, it also identified some of the challenges to be lack of comprehensive and uniform information organization policy and shortage of manpower. The conclusion emphasizes on the need for a comprehensive and uniform information organization policy, continuous evaluation of the methods of information access for effective and efficient library services. The ultimate goal of this study is to enable special librarians, and others interested in information services to understand the concepts, principles, and processes behind information organization and retrieval in special libraries.