Effect Of Library Instruction On The Utilization Of Library Resources Among Library Users In Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike:- Ukandu Gold J

ABSTRACT

The study was aimed at examining the effect oflibrary instruction on the utilization oflibrary resources among library users in Michael Okpara University ofAgriculture, Umudike. The study ■was guided by five specific objectives. The descriptive research survey was adopted with a population 3, 966 registered usersfrom which a sample size of198 students representing 5% of he studypopulation were selected. A self-structured questionnaire was used as instrumentfor data collection. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean and frequency counts. The finding revealed that the methods used in library instruction include: classroom teaching, library orientation, guided library tour, library guide, etc. It also revealed that library instruction facilitates to a great extent the improvement ofability to identify library resources, reading skills, various bibliographic databases, information literacy skills, among others. The finding ofthe study also revealed thatperception ofstudents about library instructions as varying from enhancing access to library resources, retrieval, location, independentsearch and utilization oflibrary resources. However, notwithstanding the usefulness oflibrary instructions, the finding revealed that some challenges inhibits effective library instructions which include: poor delivery system, inadequate library staff, lack ofplanning, inadequate time, among others. In the light of the challenges, the finding recommended some profound measures to include: provision of enabling environment and delivery system, employment of adequately trained staff, adequate planning, provision ofICTfacilities, and improvedmanagement commitment to enhancing library instruction.