Abstract
This study investigates undergraduates' awareness of circulation rules and their level of
compliance in university libraries in Delta State. It aimed to determine students' awareness of
circulation rules, the extent of such awareness, and the degree of compliance with the rules in
their libraries. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a study population of 5,495
registered undergraduates across federal and state universities in Delta State during the
2023/2024 academic session. Using simple random sampling, a sample size of 549 respondents
was selected. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using simple
percentages, frequency counts, and weighted mean. Findings revealed that undergraduates are
generally aware of most rules guiding circulation services, with overall awareness rated high.
However, despite this high awareness, compliance with circulation rules was found to be low.
Factors contributing to compliance level include short loan periods, late book returns,
restrictions on the number of items borrowed at a time, weak enforcement of overdue fines,
minimal penalty fees, and favouritism or leniency by librarians in applying circulation policies.
The findings highlight the need for stricter enforcement and user-friendly adjustments in
university libraries. This study is significant as it has adequately highlighted that addressing
short loan periods, borrowing limits, weak fines, and favouritism will improve compliance,
ensure fair access to resources, reduce circulation issues, and strengthen libraries' role in
supporting students' academic success.
Keywords: Library management, User behaviour, Loan policies, Information access, Rule
enforcement, Academic success.
Publication Date: 2025-11-08