Availability of information resources and services to undergraduates in the University of Ibadan library school

Abstract

Information resources and services in academic libraries are very essential since the library helps in supporting teaching, learning and research activities of staff and students. Since the turn of the 21st century, electronic resources have been germane to the provision of Information resources and services. However, electronic resources had been observed to be less available compared to print resources in the library. To this end, the study examined the availability of information resources and services in the University of Ibadan Library School. The study population consisted of 144 undergraduates in the University of Ibadan Library School. Total enumeration method was used to gather data from the respondents. The questionnaire and interview guide were used for data collection and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that textbooks 95.1%, journals 90.2% and reference materials 93.4% were the print information resources readily available while reference services 90.2%. User education/orientation 88.5% and lending services was 79.5% were information services readily available in the library. The study established that electronic resources were not readily available in the Library. Library information services and resources are very important for academic activities of the undergraduates. To facilitate the availability of electronic resources in the library, the University of Ibadan Library School management through the University of Ibadan financial facilities should provide alternative power supply such as an inverter for the library, the library should be provided with strong adapters using fiber optical cables to improve the quality of internet services. The University of Ibadan Library School Financial Committee should provide a separate budget for the library in order to make adequate funding available to the library for the purchase of print and electronic resources.