ATTITUDE OF LIBRARY PATRONS TO THE USE OF COMPUTER IN ACCESSING INFORMATION IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

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ATTITUDE OF LIBRARY PATRONS TO THE USE OF COMPUTER IN ACCESSING INFORMATION IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

(An assessment of University Jos Library)

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at investigating the attitude of library patrons to the use of computer in accessing information in Federal University Libraries. The use of computer in library system by library patrons have recorded impacts and problems associated with its introduction in Federal University Libraries. Many scholars in the field of librarianship in their various works have emphasized on the benefits and needs of computerization in library practice, even the patrons know the benefits and needs of computerization in libraries. Despite the numerous advantages attached to the use of computers in information service, many users are yet to maximize the introduction of computer due to certain problems. Illiteracy on how to use the computer is one of the major causes of their poor attitude towards the use of computer in libraries. Lack of skills on how to operate, computer is also a factor of library patrons considering the introduction of computer as not important. Data was collected from patrons of sampled libraries through questionnaire survey and 200 (52.6%) valid questionnaire were used for the analysis. Findings revealed that Federal University Libraries acquire and install computers but there use is not fully made in information technology. The Federal Government have a role to play in seeing to the change of this attitude of patrons a positive one by allocating more funds to Federal University Libraries to enable them provide adequate ICT facilities and the Federal University Libraries on the other hand should encourage training and retraining of patrons on the use of computer in information services.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0   INTRODUCTION

The library and the services it renders to the society play an important role in the intellectual, social and cultural life of the people. Therefore any change in mode of acquiring, storing and disseminating information for the enhancement of mankind will certainly affect the way libraries and librarians operates. A library computerization programme must be undertaken with caution and careful planning. In addition to significant budgeting implications, automation may require organizational changes, revision in library policies and procedures, changes in the behaviour of both staff and patrons and computer contractual obligations. Library computerization process will become too complex and costly to be undertaken without first engaging in extensive investigation, decision and decision-making.

The nation of not having enough of the computer technologies assumes to create fear and anxiety on the minds of library patrons over the introduction of computer in the library system while to some, it would boost their access to information.

1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Computers are part of the new technologies that have really improved access to recorded information. Computerized library system is obviously the answer to new information demand in the study.

Anaeme, T.O (2004) noted, it provides system implementation process as well as guide to hardware and software selection problems which tend to make library automation averse are highlighted. Nevertheless, the need for computerized library services cannot be overemphasized.

According to him, computers have become well-established basic tools in library operation and information work. Computer science and its application have gained unequal acceptance in many fields of Human endeavour such as engineering, medicine, management studies, accountancy, statistics, economics, naval, military and indeed in library operations. 

Amanze (1991) defined computer as a device capable of accepting information applying prescribed processes to the information and supply the result of the process.

Galanter (1984) described computer as just a device that accepts information of one kind or another, stirs it around according to a carefully prepared set of rules or processes and then dumps it out in new forms.

Onyewuenyi (1994) defined computers as electronic machines that operates with remarkable speed and reliability.

The main objective of computerizing the academic libraries as mentioned by Ohaiji (2004) is to boost research and learning on all our campuses, hence information could be supplied efficiently and at a very fast rate. Libraries have always aim at introducing computer technologies in their information services to enhance the idea of automation.

Advantage of computer in library services; as Onyewuenyi (1994) noted, computer in library services are unique that they can receive, store and use information and instructions that the user gives them.

Computer allows for minimize labour cost, speed in operation, increased productivity as well as update accurate information.

However, most academic libraries (Federal University Libraries) have not come to appreciate the introduction and use of computer in their libraries system due to the attitude of the library patrons towards it. Part of it emanate from the fact that the level of literacy in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. This seems to account for the reasons why academic libraries are still considering the introduction and use of computer in library system to improve their avenue of information services.

It is on this background that this study focuses on the attitude of library patrons on the use of computer in information services in academic libraries.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The use of computers in library system by library patrons have recorded impacts and problems associated with its introduction in Federal University Libraries.

Many scholars in the field of librarianship in their various works have emphasized on the benefits and needs of having computer in library practice, even the patrons know the benefits and needs of having computer in libraries. But there are still problems associated with introduction of computer in libraries. Despite the numerous profits attached to the use of computer, many users are yet to maximize the introduction of computer due to certain problems.

However, illiteracy on how to use the computer may actually be the major cause of their poor attitude towards computer use in libraries. Lack of skills on how to operate computer is also a factor of library patrons considering the introduction of computer as not worthwhile.  

But the attitude of library patrons to the use of the computer information services is largely influenced by the existence of costly educational administrative information gap which present a multitude of significant problems. The heart of those problems is the lack of adequate, reliable and sufficient administrative information to undertake management function to attract patrons to use of computer in information services efficiently in academic libraries. This research became imperative in order to educate most of the academic library patrons on the proper and effective use of computer information services.

1.3   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.  What have been the attitudes of library patrons to the use of computers in information services in academic library?

2.  What are the causes of these attitudes of library patrons to the use of computer in information services in library under study?

3.  What are the effects of those attitudes of library patrons to the use of computer in library under study?

4.  What are the possible ways of correcting attitudes of library patrons to the use of computer in library under study?

1.4   RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1.  To find out attitude of the library patrons towards the use of computer in information services in academic libraries.

2.  To find out the causes of such attitude(s) of library patrons to the use of computer services in academic libraries.

3.  To determine the effects of the attitude of the library patrons to the use of computer in academic libraries.

4.  To proffer suggestions or ways of correcting patrons attitudes to the use of computer in the library under study.

1.5   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Computer based library systems have become a new trend in African libraries which Nigeria is lacking behind. At the end of this research study, it is hoped the outcome will re-wake the consciousness of library patrons to reconsider their stand and attitude towards the use of computer in libraries and to accept the fact that computers have become a catalyst of change and a modern gadget for the progress of library and its services.

1.6   SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope is on attitude of library patrons to the use of computer in accessing information in Federal University Libraries in north central zone and the study is limited to only university of Jos library. This is because of inadequate time to meet up with the required time of the programme and also lack of funds to finance a wider research work.

1.7   OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

–    Attitude: Is a mental or emotional approach to something or someone (Griff and King, 1986).

–    Computer: Computer can be defined as an electronic device that process, store, retrieve large amount of data very quickly.

–    Information: This is the act of informing or imparting knowledge.

–    Library: A library is defined as a room or place where books and non-books material are kept.

–    Library Patrons: This can be defined as library users or users of library.

–    University library: This can be said to be library in the university i.e. higher institutions of learning. It is referred to as an ‘Academic library.

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