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 (3)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, (5) 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. Based on the findings, it was recommended that library orientation should be conducted after all fresh students must have registered and university libraries should improve on the structure of the library user education programmes by including practical session and information technology.