Assessment of Library User Education Programmes in Universities In Benue State
Assessment of Library User Education Programmes in Universities In Benue State.
ABSTRACT
This study is on the assessment of library user education programmes in Universities in Benue State. The ineffectiveness of library user education could be as a result of lack of assessment of the programme.
The study is guided by six specific objectives which are to: (i) identify the content library user education programmes in university libraries in Benue State, (2) ascertain the methods of packaging library user education programme in university libraries in Benue State.
Determine the importance of library user education programmes in university libraries in Benue State, (4) determine the attitude of students towards presentation of library user education programmes.
Identify the factors affecting students attitude towards library user education programmes in university libraries in Benue state, and, (6) determine the strategies for promoting students’ positive attitude towards library user education in university libraries in Benue state. The design adopted for the study is descriptive survey.
The population of the study was 6253 and the sample size was 625 students selected using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire.
A total of 625 copies of questionnaire were administered by the researcher, out of which 595 copies were correctly filled and returned and used for the study.
Data was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency tables and mean. The study revealed that the content of library user education provided include library orientation, information and communication technology, bibliographic instruction and information literacy.
The methods of packaging the course include lectures, use of printed hand outs, distribution of annuals, tutorials and topical guides.
The factors affecting user education programmes include the nature of the programme, competence of the libraries involved in the programme and duration of the programme.
The strategies suggested include that the programme should be organized when all fresh students must have registered and settled down, the course should be taught by librarians and the structure of user education should be improved upon to include practical session and information technology.
INTRODUCTION
University libraries support the teaching, learning and research needs of the institutions they serve. The responsibility of the libraries is to ensure that the use of its information sources, resources and services are maximized to benefit its clientele, hence the need for library use education programmes.
In the academic setting, library user education refers to the process of making library patrons learn how to make effective and efficient use of the library system through the acquisition of skills in identification, location, search, retrieval and use of information.
User education encompasses all activity undertaken to help students become efficient users of information, identify the information need, find, evaluate and select the best information to meet that need.
Activities to achieve that goal include, library orientation, bibliographic instruction, and library instruction and information literacy. User education has many definitions. Generally defined, library user education programme teaches users how to make the most effective use of the library system.
It is designed to provide students with practical knowledge of research techniques and assist students in becoming independent library users.
Face to face teaching is offered at point of need for specific courses and research assignments upon faculty request. It is also to help the users make the best use of all the library resources.
According to Harrod’s librarians’ glossary (1996) user education is “a program of information provided by libraries to users to enable them make more efficient, independent use of the library’s stock and services which include tours, exercise and the provision of support materials.”
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