Abstract:
This research work was designed to examine the utilization of library resources by lecturers in University of Agriculture, Makurdi. The specific objectives of the study is to find out the level of availability of library materials in the university, and determine the extent of use of the materials by lecturers. It is also to find out the factors that impede lecturers use of the library and make recommendations for improvement of library use. Six research questions guided this study. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of this study comprises all lecturers in University of Agriculture Library, Makurdi whose number is put at 480. Out of this population 192 representing 40% of the population was sampled. Out of the 192 questionnaire administered 153 were filled and returned representing 80% response rate. Statistical tools used for the analysis were frequency counts and mean scores. The major finding of the study is that there are many library resources such as books, journals, bulletin, transactions and proceedings, research monographs, research reports patents, technical bulletin, price lists, data sheets, dissertations, indexes/abstracts, biographies, gazetteers, dictionaries, and encyclopedias amongst others, in the University of Agriculture, Makurdi and that lecturers use the library mainly for consultation of books and reference materials. They also use it for research purpose and borrowing of books. A major findings was also that lecturers utilized books more than any other source of information. A number of recommendations were put forward for improvement of library use but the most prominent suggestion was that more up to date and relevant information sources should be acquired for the library, and that the library should be properly funded.
