Peculiarities in Oyo State Library System

Abstract

This study aimed primarily to understand the nature of library resources, efforts of library stakeholders and the library use patterns in the Oyo State Library Board System. The study was motivated by the desire of one of the researchers who is an employee of the Board, to contribute to improving the quality of library services provided by the Board. Data were collected from all the five library points of the system, which involved the use of pre-tested self administered questionnaire to elicit responses from library users and library staff. Out of the targeted and purposively selected sample of 472, data were collected from 312 respondents. Findings revealed that the users visit the library mostly for five times a week and spend five to six hours on each visit. The use pattern found included, use of library as reading space, to borrow materials, to socialize, and to consult resources. In respect of efforts of stakeholders in the areas of staffing, human capacity development, project sustenance and so on, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) appeared to be least forthcoming in assisting the library system. It was found out, through test of hypotheses, that the information needs of users and quality of library resources and services tend to influence library use patterns, as well as the frequency of visits by users to the library. The Oyo State Library Board management is advised to equip all its library points with relevant and high quality resources to meet the information needs of the users, and also, the library management should employ lobbying and advocacy to attain support from other stakeholders, such as the NGOs.