Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate marketing library services in academic libraries in Niger state, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of seventy one academic librarians which were used for the study. Seven research questions guided the study. Sixty nine items questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed by use of frequency tables, percentages and mean score. The results of the data analyzed revealed that the need for marketing library services is to achieve the objectives of the library and enlighten the users on the relevance of library use. The library services available and marketed are lending services, seating and study facilities and reference services. The most widely used technique is exhibitions and display of new materials and staff friendliness to users. The competencies required for librarians in marketing library services are ability to answer users query and ability to question and evaluate library services. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed that lack of funds, lack of facilities to market library services and librarians not willing to market library services are factors militating against marketing library services. Based on the findings it was recommended that more funds should be allocated to libraries for their development. Trainings, workshops, seminars should be organized for librarians to enlighten them on how to market library services. Library school’s curriculum should be redesigned to accommodate marketing courses. It is also very necessary for librarians to be committed to their work and improve their services.
