Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 12-5-2023
Abstract
The study investigated registration status, reading interest level, and library use habits of teaching staff in Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design, with a total population of 467 teaching staff from eight (8) academic faculties. Out of the total study population, a sample of 212 was selected using an online sample calculator known as Survey Monkey Sample Size Calculator at 95% confidence level and confidence interval of 5%. The instrument used for data collection was a researcher-developed questionnaire, which was subjected to face and content validity and reliability coefficient of 0.80 using Cronbach’s Alpha technique. The data collected were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative analysis made use of the descriptive statistics in form of frequency and percentage counts, mean scores and standard deviation, while the qualitative analysis relied on relevant subjective headings to validate the results of the quantitative analysis. The study revealed that majority of the teaching staff in AKSU are not registered in AKSU library as at the time of this research. It showed the major reasons for their non-registration in library to include: lack of interest in using the library, lack of awareness of the registration, distance to the library, adequate personal reading materials, lack of attractive library physical environment, etc. The study revealed that the overall reading interest level of the teaching staff was high, as majority of them are interested in both print and non-print resources. It also showed that the overall rate of library use habit of the teaching staff was low. It finally concluded that though the reading interest level of the teaching staff of the university is high, but the overall rate of registration and library use habit among the lecturers is very low, indicating a serious danger to the quality of teaching and to a larger extent, the academic performance of the students. Thus, it was recommended among other measures that management of the university should build a state-of-the-art university library with modern facilities such as air conditioning, constant internet services, and proper lighting systems to provide conducive reading space and atmosphere for the teaching staff.
Comments
Dr. Nse Emmanuel Akwang is a seasoned scholar and library administrator. She has made a vast contribution to knowledge in the field of Library and Information Science. This article is one of her contributions to knowledge and specifically focused on academic staff's inclination to the use of the library in their teaching and research activities.