AN ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS AWARENESS ON LIBRARY SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES. A CASE STUDY AT MARIAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE (MARUCO).

ABSTRACT This study assessed students’ awareness of library services provided by academic libraries. The study was conducted to identify the types of library services provided by academic libraries, examine the skills of library users in accessing and utilizing library services, and identify the challenges facing students in accessing library services. The study was conducted at MARUCO. The study employed a case study research design and adopted a mixed research approach. Data were collected from 25 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages with the aid of Microsoft Excel and presented in tables, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis and supported by respondents’ quotations. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of basic library services, particularly internet services, reading services, and borrowing and returning books. The study also found that most respondents possessed basic skills in using library services, especially information searching skills, although some lacked adequate skills in using library catalogues and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Furthermore, the findings identified poor internet connectivity, limited searching skills, and difficulties in accessing electronic resources as the major challenges affecting students’ effective use of library services. The study concludes that although students are generally aware of the library services provided by academic libraries, challenges related to digital access, information literacy skills, and technological infrastructure continue to limit effective utilization of available services. The study recommends that academic libraries strengthen user education and orientation programmes, improve internet connectivity and access to electronic resources, enhance information literacy training, and promote library services through various communication channels to increase students’ awareness and effective utilization of library services

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved