Acceso usuarios
Patience Uzezi Otolo
Purpose The study particularly intends to find out the following: i. The functionality of the public libraries in the provision of needed information resources ii. The impact of the use of modern electronic gadget as the level of patronage iii. The influence of old technology on the use of the library iv. The globalization effect on the user behavior towards public libraries Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the descriptive survey design since the opinion; perceptions and observation of public library users were examined. Purposive sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eight five (185) respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. The instrument was validated by research experts in the area of test and measurement and in Library and Information Science research. A reliability test was carried out using twenty (25) academic library users in Delta State University, Abraka to establish a coefficient of 0.87 using Cranach Alpha. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics for research questions while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Analysis and Linear Regression Analysis were used to test hypotheses. Findings The public libraries in Nigeria are functional and accessible There is inadequacy in modern ICT devices that aid information provision and dissemination The globalization and modernization has negatively impacted the patronage of public libraries The influence of deterritorialization has influenced user attitude towards regular use Globalization has made time and space much more closer, thereby reducing contact and interaction between library staff and users in the public library system Globalization and/or modernization has brought not only challenges to public libraries, but also opportunities to exploit. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study were drawn from one sampled area to represent the entirety of the country. The respondents were public library users who were found using public libraries, therefore less time was allocated to answering research instrument, thereby potentially and probably not responded to with utmost concern. Practical implications Public library functionality will be deterred if necessary actions are taken to improve the quality of service provision. There will likely be a reduced patronage of the public libraries if users not get most recent information as supposed. There is already a negative effect of globalization and modernization on the public library functionality There is an urgent need to update and modernize the public libraries across the nation for effective and efficient service delivery. Originality/value This research was carried out by author (Dr (Mrs) P.U. Otolo) and is fully individual. All authors cited were duly acknowledged.
