USER EDUCATION AND UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES BY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATES IN POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated User Education and Utilization of Resources by Library and Information Science Undergraduates in Polytechnic Libraries, Nigeria. The study uses three research questions. And covered undergraduates drawn from 7 state owned polytechnics in Ondo. Osun and Ogun states, Nigeria. The study employed a correlational research design. The population of the study was 2,030 undergraduates, from which a sample of 325 was selected employing the multi-stage sampling technique. The questionnaire was the only instrument used for the collection of data. A total of 325 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents, while 268 (82%) copies were retrieved and used to carry out the study. The findings of the study revealed that the user education programmes organised for undergraduates are library orientation sessions (268, 100%) and subject specific instruction (215, 80%). The extent to which user education programmes influence undergraduates’ use of information resources is low (Agg. x̄ = 2.25, Crit. x̄ = 2.50). The extent to which undergraduates use information resources is low (Agg. x̄ = 2.09, Crit. x̄ = 2.50). Learning preferences positively influence [(r = .907, P = 0.000); p<0.05)] undergraduates’ utilisation of information resources. User education programmes positively influence [(r = .979, P = 0.000); p<0.05)] undergraduates’ utilisation of information resources. It was recommended among other things that universities and faculties should adapt teaching methods to suit diverse learning preferences.