THE ROLE AND BENEFITS OF LIBRARY ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES IN CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study explores the role and benefits of Library Orientation (LO) programmes at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Anambra State. As a key initiative in academic libraries, Library Orientation is designed to educate, enlighten, guide and assist users in effectively identifying, understanding and utilizing library resources and services. Library orientation has been used for peace building, unity and community engagement because it is a form of awareness and familiarization. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role and benefits of library orientation programmes through three objectives and corresponding research questions. The study employed a survey research design, focusing on a population of 3,000 registered students from the university's library, and involved a sample of 300 students selected for participation. However, only 60 students were available on the day the survey was conducted. Data collection was carried out using a self-made questionnaire with three sections, distributed among the students to ensure broad representation. Analysis of the data was performed using frequency and percentages. The results revealed that library orientation is primarily offered only to first-year students with class room instruction predominantly used. The result reveals certain challenges facing the programme such as lack of funds and adequate instructional materials. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the COOU library should be adequately funded to utilize interactive tools and online platforms to make orientation sessions more engaging and comprehensive thereby helping students become more familiar with the library resources and services.