Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The study examined Selection and acquisition of library retrieval tools in Benue State University library: The challenges and prospects on academic performance of undergraduate Students. Six research questions guided the study. A survey design was adopted in carrying out the study. The total population for this study was (1,050) one thousand and fifty students and librarians put together. The major instrument for data collection was questionnaire. 10% of the population, one hundred and five (105) was sampled using the questionnaires and all the copies were returned. Data was analyzed using frequency tables, mean scores and standard deviation. From the analysis, the findings revealed that library retrieval tools such as textbooks, government publications, magazines publications, journals publications, reference books among others are selected and acquired in Benue State University library. Those involved in the selection and acquisition of the library retrieval tools in Benue State library in Benue State were Professional librarians, Para professional librarians, and Faculty/teaching staff. The methods of selecting library retrieval tools in Benue State University library included book lists, publishers catalogue, professional reviews of online and off line sources, vendor connection, best list of recommended titles and subject bibliography and online programmes (title waves and electronic databases) methods. The library retrieval tools are acquired through licensing, database subscription, gifts, exchange, purchase and free subscription. Result also shows that selection and acquisition of library retrieval tools has significant influence on the academic performance of Benue State University Undergraduate students because the usage of library retrieval tools selected and acquired by University library has helped to improve students’ grade since the access and retrieval of information is made easy. The problems affecting selection and acquisition of library retrieval tools have significant influence on the academic performance of University students in Benue State because there is lack of faculty staff involvement in selection and acquisition process among others. The strategies used for selection and acquisition of library retrieval tools has significant influencing in enhancing academic performance of Benue State University undergraduate students because the faculty staff must be involved in selection and acquisition process among others. The study concluded by noting that selection and acquisition of library retrieval tools has significant influence on the academic performance of Benue State University undergraduate students for the utilization of library retrieval tools selected and acquired by the University library has improved students’ academic performance among others.