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
Digitization in a Nigerian University of Technology: Issues, Challenges And Way Forward (Published)
Digitization entails the conversion of traditional library materials such as printed books and papers into digital formats where they can be stored and manipulated by a computer. This paper discussed digitization of library resources, process, and challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. The article outlined the advantages of digitization and further revealed some hurdles that prevent effective digitization in Nigerian academic libraries with particular reference to FUTO library. These challenges include among others: inadequate funding, erratic power supply, lack of modern infrastructure, lack of skilled staff and nonchalant attitude of departments. Also, the paper explored efforts made so far by the management of FUTO library in addressing the challenges of digitization.
Keywords: Digitization, Library, Technology, University, resources