DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICACY AND APPLICABILITY OF LIBRARY CATALOGUE FOR INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE IN UNIVERSITY OF UYO LIBRARY, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIADESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICACY AND APPLICABILITY OF LIBRARY CATALOGUE FOR INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE IN UNIVERSITY OF UYO LIBRARY, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the effectiveness of library catalogues for information retrieval among undergraduate students in Library and Information Science at the University of Uyo. Using a descriptive research design, the study surveyed 273 students with a questionnaire, achieving a 92% response rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that students had a high awareness of library catalogues, and a positive perception of their application. However, the frequency of catalogue usage was low. The study also found that library catalogues significantly enhanced the ease, accuracy, and timeliness of information retrieval. Challenges such as insufficient time to search catalogues, inability to locate items on shelves, lack of OPAC, and inadequate user education were identified as barriers. The study recommended improving user education, creating awareness about the importance of catalogues, and ensuring better organization of catalogue cards to enhance their effectiveness.