Perceptions by Undergraduate Students of the Environmental Conditions and ResourcesAvailability in Selected University Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

The availability of adequate library resources and favourable environmental conditions in the libraries are critical factors that promote the effective use of resources in the libraries. It is from this perspective that this paper evaluated and assessed the extent to which environmental factors such as noise, ventilation and physical facilities, as well as resources availability influence the use of university libraries by undergraduate students in Nigeria. The survey research method was used to sample 1,453 undergraduate students from six selected Nigerian universities for the study. A questionnaire was the main data collection instrument, and descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage tabulation were used in analysing the data. Results showed that environmental factors and resources availability have significant effects on the undergraduate students’ use of the university libraries. The majority of the respondents expressed the need for improved environmental factors such as good ventilation, improved physical facilities and noise control in the reading areas. They also expressed the need for adequate and current library materials and information and communication technology equipment and systems in Nigerian university libraries. The findings of the study highlight the imperative for managers of Nigerian university libraries to conduct regular surveys and evaluation of their library resources and the environmental conditions under which the resources are made available for use.