AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE USE OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN ACADEMIC INSTITUTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE SCHOOL OF LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND DOCUMENTATION STUDIES (SLADS) LIBRARY, BAGAMOYO

This study investigated the factors affecting the use of library services in academic institutions, using the school of library, archives and documentation studies (SLADS) library, Bagamoyo as a case study. The general objective of the study was to investigate the factors affecting the use of library services among students, staff at SLADS. Specifically, the study sought to establish the level of awareness of library services, examine the information literacy skills of students, identify the challenges facing library users, and suggest strategies for improving the use of library services. The study adopted a descriptive research design and a mixed research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected from 40 respondents, comprising 30 students and 10 library staff, using questionnaires, interviews and observation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables, charts and percentages, while qualitative data from interviews were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware and made use of library services, mainly for borrowing books and reading for enjoyment, and that availability and accessibility of resources were the major factors influencing the use of library services at SLADS. The study further revealed that poor infrastructure, inadequate resources and limited ICT facilities were the main challenges affecting the use of library services. The study recommends that SLADS management should improve library infrastructure, acquire adequate and up to date resources, invest in ICT facilities, and create awareness of library services in order to improve them utilization.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved