University Library Services and Academic Success of Students: A Case Study of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria (Published)
This research is a venture into a study of the impact of some selected library services on the academic success of students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria with a view to establish if there exists any relationship between specific library services and academic performance of students. A test-retest reliability method of two weeks interval was conducted. Responses obtained were subjected to Pearson Products Moment Correlation (PPMC) method and a reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Multistage sampling technique was employed. 1656 respondents were selected for the study, with 89% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the study. The study found that the significant mean score of Internet services (3.33), Selective dissemination of Information SDI(2.93), and circulation services(2.97) were above average (2.5) with reference services(2.46) alone being below average. However, only Internet Services(R=0.880 p-value=0.049<0.05) was found to correlate significantly with the student academic performance. The most utilized services at FUTO library are the internet services, seconded by Book Loan services. It was recommended that more effort should be put to ensure the sustenance of internet and circulation services as they help students achieve higher test scores.
Keywords: Academic, Internet, Library, Success, services
Methods and Channels of Acquiring Information Literacy among Students in Creating Awareness on Library Services: A Case of Margaret Thatcher Library, Moi University, Kenya (Published)
Academic libraries have a mandate of enhancing teaching and research missions of their parent institutions through provision of library services. The emergence of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionized functions and services of libraries all over the world. Technological developments have affected not only the format and sources of the information libraries use to provide reference services, but also where we provide references services. Libraries and their resources have partially moved to the virtual world of the internet. As a result, library patrons can access resources from outside of the physical library. This paper shares findings of a study which identified the different information literacy methods and channels through which information literacy was used to create awareness of library services at Moi University, Kenya. The study was conducted through case study design. The target population comprised 32 library staff and 10,470 students. A sample of 457 respondents was selected breaking down to 425 students and 32 library staff. Probability and non-probability sampling adopted for the sample selection. Data collection methods consisted of questionnaires and interviews. This study used a mixed approach method where Quantitative data were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics and presented in tables while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that library users are aware of the library services available and its access has been made possible through knowledge of internet skills gained from lectures given, handbooks and Bibliographic aid. Social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and online videos) are some of the effective channels that were identified. It is recommended that academic librarians provide more instruction to students and faculty who seek information. That students should be guided always through the borrowing procedures and issuance of copies of the library guide be improved.
Keywords: Information Technology, Information literacy, Internet, Library Services