AN ASSESSMENT ON LIBRARY STAFF SUPPORT FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICES DELIVERY IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: A CASE OF MARIAN UNIVERSITY

This study assessed library staff support for effective service delivery in academic libraries. The study was conducted to examine the types of library services used by library users, assess users' level of satisfaction with support services provided by library staff, identify challenges faced by users when accessing information resources, and determine possible solutions for improving library staff support and effective service delivery in academic libraries. The study employed a descriptive research design and adopted a mixed research approach. Data were collected from 30 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 using thematic analysis and supported by respondents' quotations. The findings revealed that internet services were the most frequently used library service, followed by borrowing library materials and using online databases. The study further found that most respondents were either satisfied or moderately satisfied with the support services provided by library staff, indicating that library staff play an important role in facilitating access to information resources and assisting users in meeting their academic information needs. The study also identified several challenges affecting effective information access, including inadequate information resources, information overload, outdated information, limited searching skills, and short loan periods for library materials. Respondents suggested that increasing information resources, improving access to current information, strengthening information literacy training, and encouraging users to seek assistance from library staff would enhance effective service delivery. The study concludes that library staff support is essential for effective service delivery in academic libraries. Library staff contribute significantly by guiding users, providing reference services, and facilitating access to information resources. The study recommends that academic libraries should strengthen user support services, provide continuous professional development for library staff, improve information resource collections, and conduct regular user orientation and inormation literacy programmes to enhance effective service delivery and user satisfaction.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved