Undergraduates’ Use of Libraries in Federal Universities in South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigated library use among undergraduates in Federal Universities in SouthWest , Nigeria with the objectives of determining frequency of library visits, extent of use of library resources and challenges faced when using the library. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population was made up of 2086 students in the third year of study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for selecting a sample size of 633. Data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire and analysed using frequency distribution and percentage counts. Findings from the study revealed that majority of the respondents use the university library. Books and help desk service were found to be heavily utilised. Lack of relevant books and breakdown of internet facilities were, however, found to be the greatest challenges faced when using the library. The study concludes by noting that the university library is responsible for meeting the information needs of its community and as such recommends that university libraries endeavour to provide relevant and up-to-date books to attract and retain users. Although the internet may not be the primary purpose for using the library, there is, however, need for libraries to maintain internet facilities considering its worth in information provision.