MiddleBelt Journal of Library and Information Science

Correlates of Emotional Intelligence and Library Personnel Turnover Intention in Private Universities in South-West, Nigeria

Abiola Hamzat Saheed, Omobola Abigail Babarinde — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The widespread exist of personnel from privately-owned higher institution of learning has been observed. A number of factors ranging from poor working condition, stringent conditions and lack of clear-cut leadership styles among others have alluded as the cause of the personnel turnover without recourse to emotional intelligence. This study investigated the correlate of emotional intelligence on turnover intention of library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population was made up of 219 Library personnel in 31 private universities in South-west, Nigeria. The instrument used was an adapted questionnaire tagged: Library Personnel Turnover Intention Questionnaire (LPTIQ). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages for the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, linear and multiple regression analyses for the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there was a high level of turnover intention among library personnel (x? = 2.89). There was influence of emotional intelligence (personal and social competence) on library personnel turnover intention (x? = 2.77). Emotional intelligence is identified as a significant factor promoting library personnel turnover intention of library personnel. Therefore, the need f to provide good human resources management targeted at retaining library staff was suggested. Provision of job motivation as a means of reducing library personnel turnover intention was also recommended.

Social Media Literacy of Librarians of Government-Owned Universities in Kano State, Nigeria

Ibrahim Ahmed Bichi — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Social media technologies have, in recent years, become very popular and pervade all sectors of human endeavor including educational agencies. They provide ample opportunities for libraries to promote and deliver services in very efficient way. Today, it is very common to find one type of social media (SM) or the other in Nigerian university libraries. However, to effectively utilize of these tools, librarians have to be SM literate. Previous studies have reported lack of SM skills among librarians, but they fail to specify which of the skills are lacking. In an attempt to fill the gap, this studyexamined the extent of SM literacy of librarians in government owned universities in Kano State, Nigeria. The study was based on Vanwynsberghe, Boudry and Verdegem SM literacy model. Using total enumeration sampling, the entire four governments owned university libraries in Kano State were used for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection from all the academic librarians of these university libraries. The instrument was validated by experts, and was found to be reliable at Crombach Alpha value of between 0.75 and 0.90 after running a reliability test. SPSS 21 version software was used for data analysis. The findings of the study show that academic librarians have low knowledge of most SM features, library service provision using SM. They have positive attitude SMuse SM multiple times in a day. The study concludes that despite the librarians’ low SM skills, it will continue to strive in university libraries due to the librarians’ positive attitude and very frequent use of the tool. The research finally recommends that librarians should strive to acquire knowledge and skills of using various SM features.

Trends in Information Technology and Libraries in the 21st Century

Chidi Onuoha Kalu, Ochepa Habibat O. — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The 21^st century is the millennium of information, which is also seen as the era of explosion of information output and information sources, and libraries play important roles as sources of valuable records, which help to meet the information needs of the society. In this era, libraries are gradually equipped with state of the art Information Technology (IT) resources in order to facilitate information acquisition, access and dissemination to resources domiciled in remote repositories which were hitherto not possible. Therefore, the trends in information technology and libraries in the 21^st century in meeting the scholarly needs of their patrons cannot be overemphasized. This paper discusses the historical development of information technology, definitions of information technology and libraries, the 21^st century library and the emerging trends in library services. It aims at the trends in which information technology and libraries are taken in meeting the information needs of its clientele, and also examine the factors to be considered in setting up fully functional IT compliant libraries, which including availability of space, technical know-how, trained IT manpower, funding, and maintenance culture. It also looks at the challenges faced which include: inadequate resources and unavailability of adequate training for the users and poor funding of libraries. It outlines a number of factors that could affect the full implementation of IT services in libraries and therefore recommends adequate training of library staff on the use of these emerging information technology trends and adequate funding of library operations, among others.

An Assessment of Information Literacy Skills of Post Graduate Students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo

Omobolanle Seri Fasola, Olutoyin Olukemi Oso — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the information literacy skills of postgraduate students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. The research is pertinent considering the fact that the university operates a fully residential campus for her undergraduates and thus they have full and unlimited access to all the facilities available in the library. For the postgraduate students however, there is the choice of campus and off campus accommodation. The fact that a large percentage of the postgraduate students are workers also means that they have less time to spend on campus and in the library. There is therefore a need to know the proficiency of their information literacy skills so that the library can fill in any vacant space to enable them make effective use of the available information resources. The survey design was adopted with respondents comprising all the postgraduate students of the University, since they are a manageable number. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data collected. Findings showed that the respondents have a very high perception of information literacy skills; indicating that they had attended some information literacy programmes in the past. However, the study revealed that they still had certain challenges in making effective use of the library’s information resources. The study therefore recommends that the T.Y. Danjuma Library, should organise and carry out information literacy programmes for postgraduate students, same way it is done for undergraduates. However, this programme should be tailored to suit their level of study and enhance their ability to carry out research.

Information Service Provision by Academic Librarians in the Era of Globalization

Ajie Ifeoma Ajie — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examined the information service provision of academic librarians in the era of globalization. Information service provision is a role played by librarians which is beyond their traditional duties. The paper discussed the core library services that have been made better by technology which includes institutional repositories, RFID, and library management. The paper further discussed strategies for improving service provision as well as extended library services in the era of globalization. in order to remain relevant in the profession, skills that display academic librarians’ creativity and innovation were discussed. Some challenges such as cybercrime and digital rights management were highlighted. The paper concluded that globalization in the academic library seems to have a very promising future with all the new technologies coming up. Recommendations proffered were that maintenance culture should be adopted, adequate funds made available, training and retooling of librarians and constant power supply.

Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Library and Information Science, and their Academic Performance in Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State

Posigha Bassil E. — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the factors influencing students’ choice of Library and Information Science and their academic performance in Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, and Bayelsa State. The main objectives are to ascertain the factors influencing the choice of LIS, academic performance of the students and the relationship between the factors influencing the choice of LIS and academic performance of the students. The study adopted correlational research design. The population of the study comprised all the 45 year one students admitted 2019/2020 academic session. There was no sampling because of the relatively small size of the population. Questionnaire was used to elicited data from the target population. The instrument was administered directly to the students in the classroom during lecture hour. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that, the students’ choice of LIS was as a result of not been offered admission to study their choice of course, the academic performance of the students is positive. The findings also show that no relationship exists between the factors influencing the choice of LIS and academic performance of the students. Based on the findings some recommendations were made to address issues confronting the admission of students outside their preferred departments.

A Study of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Heritage as Cohesive Forces among Selected Tribes in Niger State, Nigeria

G. A. Babalola, Miriam A. Salubuyi, Juliana Obiageri Akidi — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage as cohesive forces: a study of selected tribes in Niger State, Nigeria. Nigeria is a pluralistic nation with diverse ethnic and socio-cultural diversities. These diversities should be a source of strength and advantage to the nation, instead, there have been cases of crises and civil unrest due to these differences and lack of understanding between the people. The research design used was survey method and quantitative method was used to gather data from the respondents. The Scott Smith’s formula for selecting a sample from an unknown population was used to select a total of 385 respondents from the Gbayi, Nupe and Kadara tribes. The findings of the study were: Indigenous knowledge is peculiar to a particular set of experiences and rooted in a particular culture based in a certain geographical location. In addition, indigenous knowledge is most commonly distributed among certain demographic variables such as: gender, age and occupation. Furthermore, indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in enhancing the welfare and overall quality of life of the Gbayi, Nupe and Kadara communities in Niger State, Nigeria. The study concluded that indigenous knowledge, coupled with cultural heritage if positively deployed, will strengthen the cords of unity, cohesion and oneness in Nigeria. The study recommended that Citizens should be encouraged to teach the younger generation their mother tongue because languages play a vital role in bringing together a diversified society and that there should be constant traditional and cultural shows exhibiting the cultural artifacts and heritage of the people.

Work Environment and Self-Efficacy as Correlates of Work Performance of Library Personnel in Private Universities in South-West, Nigeria

Aishatu Nya Zubairu, John Oyewole Oyekale — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined work environment and self-efficacy as correlates of work performance of library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria. Improving employees’ performance is one of the main elements for institutions to achieve goals. Most libraries' observation and workplace practices have shown a decline in quality service delivery due to low performance. In resolving these issues, several factors have been found to account for job performance without much reference to work environment and self-efficacy; where study exists is still unclear if these factors could determine job performance in a library context. In recognition of this gap, the study investigates work environment and self-efficacy as correlates of the work performance of library personnel. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The total number of library personnel in the thirty-one private universities in South-west, Nigeria was two hindered and twenty-six, out of which one hundred and forty-two constitute the sample size used for the study. A total enumeration was adopted in the study. A questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, simple percentages, and inferential statistics of Pearson's product-moment correlation and linear regression using the Software Package for Service Solution (SPSS) tested at 0.05 level of significance. The finding showed that the work performance of library personnel was high (X? = 3.45). The nature of the work environment in private universities in South-west, Nigeria was conducive to (X? = 3.04). The level of self-efficacy was high (X? = 3.22). There was significant relative contribution of work environment (Beta = .233, t= 3.898, P<0.05) and self-efficacy (Beta = .605, t= 7.460, P<0.05) on work performance. There was a significant positive correlation between: information work environment and work performance (r = 0.382**; P<0.05); self-efficacy and work performance (r = 0.570**; p <0.05).The study concluded that work environment and self-efficacy are key factors influencing work performance by library personnel in private universities libraries in South-west, Nigeria. Therefore, this study recommended that the university library management deploy means to further enhance work performance by providing decent conditions of service such as good salary, regular promotion, and increment, sponsoring, training, and career opportunities.

Management of Information Resources in Federal High Court Libraries in North-East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

Amina Barkindo, Bappah Magaji Abubakar — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Library is the knowledge base of any organization that provides information resources and services for the planning, research, training, production and development of the parent organization. Special libraries achieve this through proper management in line with the vision and mission of the parent organization. The objectives of the study were to find out how the federal high court libraries in North-eastern Nigeria provide information resources, the procedures for the management and the challenges associated with the provision and management of the information resources in these libraries. Qualitative research method, using narrative-based research design was adopted for the study while interview guide was the instrument used for data collection. Five heads of the libraries were purposely selected to serve as the study participants from five (5) Federal High Courts in the zone. The data collected was analyzed thematically using coding system. The findings revealed that the librarians in charge of the libraries had minimal control over the provision of information resources in terms of selection and acquisition. It further showed that the resources were organized serially in accordance with the broad subject of each item on the open shelves without the provision of any class mark on the books. It therefore concludes that the situation of libraries was below the standard expected and thus, leaves much to be desired. The study therefore recommends that budgetary allocation to judicial libraries should be enhanced so as to provide relevant and adequate resources and information and communication technologies for effective and efficient library services.

Awareness and Utilisation of Reference Materials and Services Among Undergraduates in Public Universities in South-West, Nigeria

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

A functional reference section with relevant information resources provision remains an asset to the library and its parent institution. Inspite of numerous benefits associated with reference materials and services, many academic libraries in South-west Nigeria still lack functional reference sections. Even in universities with good reference section and services, majority of the undergraduates are not aware of the existence of such units and services while very many cannot fully exploit the reference sources to fulfil their information needs. This study thus examined the level of awareness and utilisation of reference materials and services among undergraduates in four public universities in South-west, Nigeria. The descriptive research design of ex-post-factor type was used. A sample of 400 out of 20,698 registered undergraduate library users in the selected universities constituted the respondents for the study. A validated questionnaire with Cronbach-Alpha 0.89 was used for data collection. Out of 400 copies of questionnaire administered, only 284 copies were found usable, which gave 71.0% rate of return. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that dictionaries, bibliographies, handbook, and encyclopaedia were the most available reference materials. Studies also revealed high level of awareness and utilisation of reference materials and services among the undergraduates. More so, it was discovered that lack of access to internet facility within the library, obsolete reference materials among others were factors hindering the utilization of reference materials and services. Findings further indicated that awareness of reference materials and services relatively and significantly influence utilization of reference materials and services among undergraduates. It is therefore recommended amongst others that universities library should concentrate more on purchase of reference materials such as index, abstract, handbook, encyclopaedia, dictionaries and lay more emphasis on services like Library instructions and literature search. University libraries should also make provision for 24- hour Internet facilities free for undergraduates amongst others.

The Role of Social Media in Information Dissemination in the Pandemic Era

Monsuru Omotayo Quadri, Oyesola Oyetunji Oluwasina, Adebanjo O Adebiyi — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the role of social media in information dissemination in the pandemic era. Social Media is an invaluable means of disseminating information to the citizenry; hence it is a powerful tool of propaganda. The paper therefore interrogates the roles which social media play in either curtailing or aiding the spread of the news on the pandemic across the country. The paper concludes that the relevance of social media outlets cannot be overemphasized with recourse to information dissemination. Therefore, the study recommends that social media users should stop spreading fake news and inflammatory messages that may result in violence, fear and confusion of individual health status. Furthermore, government should collaborate with security agencies to monitor social media accounts so as to counter propaganda, hate speech and other hazardous contents.

Availability, Relevance and Use of Humanities Information Resource by Lecturers in Humanities Departments, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State

Ojokuku Beatrice Yemisi , Ishola Bolanle Clifford , Bolanle Adewumi Ajala — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Information landscape has continued to expand beyond traditional text-based resources to encompass a plethora of formats including digital, video, and social media as human civilization evolves. This evolution has paved the way for varieties of information resources to be made available for use in all fields of knowledge. Through information acquired, humanism provides general knowledge of the best accomplishments of human beings throughout history. However, there are hardly studies that explored availability, relevance and use of information resources by humanities’ lecturers, academics and scholars in different branches of knowledge in Nigeria. Hence, this paper examined availability, relevance and use of information resources in humanities by lecturers in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. This study adopted descriptive survey research design of the case study type. The population of the study comprised of Eight Humanities Departments which are Dramatic Arts, (10), English (35), African Languages (13), Foreign Languages (15), History (16), Philosophy (16), Music (9) and Religious Studies (12) giving a study population of 126. Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for the study. Questionnaire was administered to the respondents, with 66(52%) response rate. Descriptive statistics, frequency counts and simple percentages, pie and bar charts was used for the data analysis. Result showed that reference materials, theses and dissertation, grey literature, e-resources and relevant websites are some information sources used by the academics of Humanities in OAU. It was also revealed that these resources are harvested through the library and the Internet. However, unstable power supply and inadequate funding of the library among others were factors militating against their use. Alternative power supply, increased funds to the library and review of collection development policies of academic libraries were recommended.

Awareness of the Use and Impact of Facebook and Whatsapp among Undergraduate Students in Tertiary Institutions: A Review of the Literature

Ngozi Odili — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Facebook and WhatsApp as social network sites are being used by several individuals, including undergraduate students in tertiary institutions. There is no doubt that social media have brought tremendous improvement in the communication system in educational system and the entire global sphere. Therefore, this paper is a conceptual paper which focuses on the awareness of the use and impact of Facebook and WhatsApp among undergraduate students in tertiary institutions. The paper reveals some relevant literatures related to the topic, which includes the concept of Facebook and WhatsApp and briefly explaining the history of both social networking sites. The paper also discusses the conceptual view of undergraduate students as students in the tertiary institutions pursing their first degree programme to various disciplines. Awareness of the use of Facebook and WhatsApp by undergraduate students was also looked into, which is the knowledge or perception about the use of Facebook and WhatsApp. From the relevant literatures reviewed, it is obviously that some researchers have shown mixed feeling on the awareness of the use of Facebook and whatsApp among undergraduate students. Most of the researchers discovered that Facebook and WhatsApp have been useful to undergraduate students in their studies. From the reviewed of related and relevant literatures, it is observed that that the awareness of the use of Facebook and WhatsApp by undergraduate students in higher institutions have become the popular means of communication among undergraduate students, undergraduate students use both Facebook and WhatsApp for social activities and academic purposes as the case may be in terms of creating Facebook and WhatsApp pages to study together and discuss class issues. The paper recommends amongst others undergraduates students should be tutored and advised on how to comport themselves to ensure that these platforms do not become disadvantages as regards to academic activities, undergraduates to make use of these social media more for academic purposes rather than for fun.

Trends in Academic Library Services: Roadmap to Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Lolade F. Osinulu — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Education has been seen as a tool for attaining national growth and development. Hence, the role of libraries as a support service provider to educational institutions and the realization of the importance of education for sustainable development cannot be over-emphasized. Specifically, this paper underscores the contributions of academic libraries and librarians towards achieving quality education for sustainable development in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It traces old systems of information management with primary focus on the current trends in library and information services; innovative and creative services arising from the evolution of information and communication technology, digitization and development of digital libraries. The opportunities inherent in digital information in support of learning, teaching and research are also discussed. It also identifies the challenges hindering effective digitization services in the new library environment in Nigeria. It concludes that the future of academic libraries lies with the evolution of digital library and innovative services for sustainable development in higher education. It therefore recommends sustained and renewed stakeholders supports for effective development of digital libraries and services in Nigeria.

Staff Development Practices among Librarians in Public University Libraries in Ogun State

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated staff development practices (SD) among librarians. The purpose of the study was to find out involvement of librarians in of staff development practices among librarians. Total enumeration was used to arrive at the sample size used for the study. Survey method was used while questionnaire was use to collect data from 42 librarians from three public university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. Data was analysed using frequency, mean and standard deviation. Findings indicated SD practices are available in the libraries studied. The study found additional higher degree, seminar and conferences and in house seminars as the most frequently patronised staff development practices among librarians. In addition, majority of librarians do not enjoy institutional support for staff development practices. Further findings showed that SD practices led to enhancement of capacity, increase skills, abilities, and competencies while broadening their knowledge base. Challenges affecting SD practices among librarians were lack of institutional support, reduction in financial power for self-sustenance as well as resistance to change among others. The study therefore recommends that both the university and the library manager should ensure that staff are given institutional support in terms sponsorship so that they can benefit from SD practices existing in their library. Necessary policies should be put in place to ensure to ensure equity in opportunities available to staff. Library management and the concerned authorities should allow librarians to TETFund fund to attend seminar and conferences so as to be conversant with development in their field.