1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
This research is therefore focused towards investigating the sources of information materials in Nigeria academic libraries for the satisfaction of the needs of the users.
Academic libraries help their parent institutions in teaching, research and community development. Aguolu (1989) maintains that libraries are social agencies designed to conserve knowledge, preserve cultural heritage, provide information, support education and research, and serve as fountains of recreation.
Academic libraries acquire conventional materials that have research and education value. Academic libraries are libraries found in institution of higher learning like the polytechnic, Universities, college of education, etc. academic libraries world wide may differ in size and sophiscation but they have one common objective i.e to provide information resources to facilitate teaching, learning research and community service embarked on by the parents institution.
Information is knowledge derived from study, experience or instruction knowledge of specific events or situation that has been gathered or received by communication is also collection of data of facts.
Wedfiters information dictionary of English language define information as a commodity valuation as a commodity valuation on resources which is applicable as cotton machinery materials resources, human resources and which can be wisely used to produce more goods for the consumption of the society Barrister Oduagwu, states that the term information is often understood to mean different things, claiming that the definition of the nature of information is a scientific problem in its own right and has constantly engaged the effects of information scientist. He then stated that information could thus be defined as that grade of organization of a receiving system that is generated under certain conditions as a result of transferring a grade organization from another that is the source system.
He further said that that information is an essential resources in modern society, that helps medium professionals to embrace contemporary changes and developments in their various field of endeavour.
Sources of information material can be described to be those materials where information can be gotten from in the library.
1.2 Brief Historical Background of Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri.
The Federal university of technology (FUTO) was founded in October 1980 while the Library started functioning in 1981. Before then the library was initially cited at Lake Nwanchere Campus while the permanent Campus was under construction in Ihiagwa. The pioneer Librarian was J.C Anafulu.
A class room block was selected and converted in the mark shift Library. It was fitted with shelve for ten thousand (10) volumes of Library materials. Other member of the Library professional staff joined in October to prepare for the opening of the Library on the October 19.
At the time of opening of the Library, approximately, 2,500 volumes of Library materials were on the shelves. The importance of journals to science and technology oriented University Community was organized at early stage and a least of about 600 titles were ordered. in the month of May 1982, the reserved collection was introduced making the total volume of books held by the Library reached six thousand. After two years of operating in class room blocks, the University Library in the first week of September 1983 moved to a permanent building
The building which was originally designed as a Library for federal Government Girls secondary school. The Library of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) is now a well and standardized Library.
1.3 Scope of the Study
The study of this research is based on the sources of information material in the library of federal University of technology (FUTO) Owerri.
The study is required in order to find out the libraries resources if information materials. This study will vigorously attempt to enumerate the sources of information material and its importance in the development of the federal university of technology Owerri in Imo state, it will also deal with the activities and roles of such sources of information material such as the articles journals, magazine and news paper directories, biographic, memo and internet which is been used mostly.
1.4 Research Questions
These research questions will assist in providing answers to the study.
- What are the source of information materials?
- What is the importance of information materials in the academic libraries in Nigeria?
- What are the sources of information materials?
- Does an academic library need information sources materials?
- How could the use of this library material be enhanced?
- What are the benefits of this sources of information materials to the academic library users?
1.5 Objectives of the Study
To know the sources of information materials in academic libraries. To know the importance of information on materials in academic libraries. To know the sources by which academic libraries acquire information materials. To know the extend academic library (FUTO) needs information materials. To find out how information materials enhance the usefulness of the library. To identify the benefits of information materials to academic library used 1.6 Statement of the Problem
The research is mainly centered on the sources of information materials in Nigeria academic libraries.
The problems of unsatisfied information materials have become a concern. Poor sources of information materials has contributed majority to ineffective use by the academic library users. This research is targeted to discover the impediment that hinder the sources of information materials in academic libraries and recommendation to them.
1.7 Significance of the Study
This research would be beneficial to users and librarian because when there was an adequate information material, it will help the users to get any information they need easier and faster. It also helps the librarian to attend to the need of their library clientele. It will also by easy accessible of information to library clientele.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
There are kinds of unfavorable treatment seen by some library staff. Who little or no interest to question asked to them regards to the project work questionnaire.
Moreso, there was also short-time frame, financial difficulties and protocol before getting the right person to direct or give required information needed for the project work.
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