INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - List of Issues

Papers for Volume 1, No.2, 2024

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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EDITORIAL COMMENTS

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IMPEDIMENTS TO THE UTILIZATION OF RADIO FREQUENCY
IDENTIFICATION IN AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the impediments toward utilisation of Radio Frequency Identification in Akwa Ibom State University Library. Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive survey design was used and the population was made up of all the library staff in AKSU Library, Ikot Akpaden Campus totalling up to 33, and this constituted the sample of the study. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection and data obtained were organized and analysed using simple descriptive statistics which includes percentages, means scores, and frequency tables. Findings: The results of the study showed that the only service which RFID automates in AKSU library is alarming whenever library resources are taken out from the library without discharging. The problems associated with RFID utilisation include delay by RFID vendors to fix reported problems, lack of appropriate backup facilities, wrong installation of drop box not to enhance book return even when the library is closed, lack of ICTs training for library staff, issues relating to server and failure in other RFID components, and lack of feasibility study on the RFID project before adoption. Recommendations: the researcher recommends that there should be a feasibility study on the proposed RFID project before adoption, there should also be series of training for library staff before any project is handed over for effective management, the library should make provision for backup facilities, check better replacement for RFID components including server and finally engage the services of a vendor who resides close by.
Keywords: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Akwa Ibom State University Library,

Eneobong Enerson Umoren (CLN) and Dr. Nse Emmanuel Akwang (CLN)

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AWARENESS OF PREDATORY JOURNALS AMONG ACADEMICS OF LIBRARY
AND INFORMATION SCIENCE SCHOOLS FOR QUALITY RESEARCH IN
FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness of predatory journals among academics of library and information science (LIS) schools in federal universities in North West, Nigeria. It has three specific objectives and three research questions that guided the study. The research is both quantitative and qualitative. The population of the study is 124 academic staff of LIS schools from four universities. These are; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) and Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) all in North West, Nigeria. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaire and interview schedule. A total of 120 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to academic staff, however, the number returned was 102. The interview schedule was set and administered on four senior lecturers, one from each university. As for the method of data analysis the data obtained from the questionnaire was analyzed using frequency, mean and standard deviation with the aid of SPSS version 25. The findings of the study revealed that the extent of awareness of some of the features/ characteristics of predatory journals is low; lack of awareness, desperation at the thought of missing of promotion and pressure to publish in international journals were among the factors influencing the academics publishing in predatory journals among others. It was recommended that researchers should carefully evaluate the credibility and reputation of the journals they considered for publication by investigating the journal’s website for clear information, proper peer-review process, checkmating the genuinely editorial members etc.
Keywords: Predatory Journals, Awareness, Academics, Library and Information Science, Nigerian Federal Universities

MUHAMMAD ABUBAKAR BANDE (CLN) and ALIYU JAFARU SHINKAFI (CLN)

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LIBRARIES AS BEACONS OF INCLUSIVE SERVICES FOR LOW LITERATE COMMUNITIES

Abstract
This article explores the pivotal role of libraries as beacons of inclusive services for low literate communities. In a world increasingly dependent on information and literacy, millions of individuals still struggle with low literacy skills, often due to socio-economic disparities and educational challenges. Libraries, as democratic institutions, have evolved beyond their traditional roles, actively addressing the needs of low literate communities. The article commences by exploring the concept of inclusive services and low literacy. It then proceeds to analyze the importance of inclusive services for low literate communities. It also underscores the consequences of low literacy on individuals and communities and explores the roles of libraries in promoting literacy. Furthermore, it delves into the challenges facing inclusive library services vis a vis the strategies for effective inclusive library services for low literate communities. Conclusion and recommendations were equally made.
Key Words: Libraries, Inclusive Services, Low Literacy

AMAOGE DORATHY AGBO (PhD, CLN) And USMAN ABUBAKAR (PhD, CLN)AMAOGE DORATHY AGBO (PhD, CLN) And USMAN ABUBAKAR (PhD, CLN)

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HEALTH INFORMATION SOURCES AND SATISFACTION IN PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG TRUCK DRIVERS IN MARABAR, JOS AND TAFA STATIONS,
KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract
The study examined the health information satisfaction for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among truck drivers in Marabar, Jos and Tafa Stations in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Two (2) research questions were formulated on sources of health information the truck drivers use for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and level of satisfaction the truck drivers derive from using Health Information for prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The research adopted quantitative research methodology using a survey research design for the study The total population of the study comprised 75000 long-journey truck drivers plying Nigerian roads from which a sample of 382 truck drivers were drawn. Simple random sampling technique was used. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The study found out that truck drivers use information sources such as radio, television, and friends frequently for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It was also revealed that truck drivers are satisfied with only information on use of condom and abstinence. It was recommended that more health information sources should be made available for truck drivers to use. More health information sources on STDs should be provided and made accessible for truckers to use. Truckers should also be taught on how internet and handsets should be accessed effectively.
Keywords: Health, Health Information, Satisfaction, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Truck Drivers

SIRAJO ABUBAKAR DANZANGI, DR. HAKEEMATSALAHUDEEN BELLO, CLN and DR. KABIR IBRAHIM CLN

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THE AWARENESS AND UTILIZATION OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE
HEALTH INFORMATION BY WOMEN IN NORTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract
This study looked at how women in the North-West, Nigeria used and understood sex and reproductive information. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The data were collected by a questionnaire, and a quantitative analysis was produced using descriptive statistics techniques. The results of the study show that although there is a low overall consumption of sex and reproductive information, there is a moderate level of awareness of its availability. The majority of the women were aware of the various types of information regarding sex and reproduction, and that information on breastfeeding, immunizations, vaccinations, and some side effects of pharmaceutical agents (such as headaches and changes in vision) was among them. They also knew that information on quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress all improved the frequency and timing of sexual relations. The study recommends that information professionals should make sure that local women are exposed to sexual and reproductive information and receive training on how to reposition themselves to adopt new methods of accessing knowledge through electronic media; health practitioners should conduct orientation programs for brides in all communities on how to access and use sexual and reproductive information; and that local specialists should be readily available to women in a community to provide them with such information.
Keywords: Awareness, Use, Sex and Reproductive Information, Women, Northwestern Nigeria

AUWALU DANSALE YAHAYA, MUSA ABDU AUYO (PhD), UMAR GARBA GAMA (PhD), AHMED MOHAMMED (PhD) and ALKASIM HAMISU ABDU

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AREAS OF SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS UTILIZATION IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
UNIVERSITY-BASED LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE DEPARTMENTS IN
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

Abstract
The study examined the various areas in which social media tools are utilized for effective teaching and learning in library and information science departments in universities in Makurdi, Benue state. The study was guided 4 research questions. The study adopted descriptive survey research design with a population of 70 lecturers from library and information science department in universities in Makurdi, Benue state. The entire population was used for the study as it was sizeable and manageable by the researchers. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire designed by the researchers titled “Questionnaire on Various Areas in which Social Media are Utilized for Effective Teaching and Learning” (QVASMUETL). Out of the 70 copies of questionnaire distributed, only 66 copies were filled correctly and returned for analysis. Data collected was analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation and presented on the table. Finding revealed that social media tools are not properly utilized in the various areas for effective teaching and learning in the department of library and information science in universities in Makurdi, Benue state. It was further revealed that there are lots of challenges encountered in the utilization of social media tools for effective teaching and learning. Based on the finding, it was recommended among others that university management should ensure that there is free internet subscription for lecturers and students.
Keywords: Social Media Tools, Teaching, Learning, Universities, Library and Information Science Department

VICTOR OZOWA and PROF. A. J. C. MOLE

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USE OF LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES BY STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (SPECIAL), OYO, OYO STATE,
NIGERIA

Abstract
This study assessed the use of library information resources by students with special needs in Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. It adopted a quantitative research method. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The study population comprises of 331 students in the Schools of Cerebral Disability (CBD), Hearing Impairments (SHI), Learning Disabilities (SLD), Physical Impairments (SPH), Visual Impairment (SVI) and Rehabilitation Education (SRE). Total enumeration was used due to the manageable size of the population and the analysis was based on the 267 responses received. The findings show that available types of library information resources were Assistive technologies, textbooks, newspapers/Magazines, and e- resources like e-books, e-encyclopedias, e-journals, etc. These were frequently used for the purpose of writing project, current awareness/information, leisure and recreation, to pass examination, research findings, assignment, lesson notes, employment searching purposes, to improve medical/health awareness, etc. Factors hindering the use include physical accessibility, inadequate skills by users, inadequate staff training, financial constraints, communication barriers, lack of assistive technologies, etc. The study therefore recommended the provision of funds available to the College and the library to ensure the inclusivity of service provision, acquisition of up-to-date information resources, implementation of policies that encourage staff trainings/workshops and conferences, better communication and approach and skills acquisition for betterservice delivery.
Key words: College Library, Library Information Resources, Use, Students with Special Needs.

ADEWALE TITUS ELEWODE, MARIAM OYINDA ABORISADE PhD, WAHEEDAKOLAWOLE SALAMI, and YINKA ZACHEOUS OJENIYI

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STAFFING NEEDS AND ADEQUACY OF LIBRARY STAFF AMONG FEDERAL
UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Abstract
The study examined the staffing needs and adequacy of library staff for the efficient job performance among libraries in federal universities in South-South, Nigeria. The study adopted explanatory sequential mixed method design, with two research questions that guided the study, alongside two corresponding null hypotheses which were tested. The entire population of 397 library staff were adopted as sample because of the manageable size of the population. The instruments used in collecting data were the questionnaire and the interview schedule. The data collected were analyzed with the use of mean and standard deviation for answering the research questions. The two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significant using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis. All null hypotheses tested were rejected. Findings of the study revealed that, recruiting the three categories of staff in university libraries is necessary, but the professional staff is highly needed. Other findings also showed that the three categories of staff are adequate in federal university libraries in South-South Nigeria. There was no significance difference in mean response of respondents of staffing need and adequacy of library staff among libraries in federal universities in South- South, Nigeria. Based on these findings recommendations were made.
Keywords: Staffing needs, staff adequacy, library staffs, University libraries

TRACY EFE RHIMA (Ph.D) and PROF. VICTOR N. NWACHUKWU

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LIBRARIANS' PERCEPTION AND EFFECTS OF MOTIVATION ON STAFF
PERFORMANCE IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN EDO AND DELTA STATES,
NIGERIA

Abstract
The study explored librarians‟ perception of, and effects of motivation in selected university libraries in South Southern Nigeria. These are university libraries located in Edo and Delta States. It employed a descriptive survey design to execute the study. A total population of 78 librarians (who also constituted the sample) from the university libraries were used for this study. The instrument used for the data collection was the questionnaire while frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents agreed that motivation have effect on staff performance; that the effect of good communication include building good relationship and trust; that most of the librarians understand what motivation is all about. From the finding, it was recommended that the management should bridge gap in communication, and that the management should draw up a yearly training programme for the librarians.

GRACE A. DADA

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EXPLORING THE MULTIFACETED ROLES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Abstract
Public libraries have long been revered as invaluable community resources, serving as hubs of knowledge and cultural enrichment. However their significance in the realm of childhood education has become increasingly evident. This article delves into the multifaceted roles that public libraries play in fostering early childhood education and development. Through an extensive review of literature, this research elucidates the pivotal functions of public libraries as spaces for early literary promotion, social engagement and community support for families. The article equally explores how libraries offer diver collections of age appropriate books, digital resources and educational programs that not only instill a love for reading but also enhance language skills, cognitive abilities and pre-literacy skills. The article also discusses the challenges public libraries face in fulfilling their roles in early childhood education.
Keywords: Public Library, Early childhood, Education. Exploration.

MARY OBINDU and AMAOGE DORATHY AGBO (PhD, CLN)

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MENTORSHIP PRACTICES FOR EFFICIENT CAREER GROWTH OF LIBRARIANS
IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Abstract
The study examined mentorship practices for efficient career growth of librarians in academic libraries in North-Central, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Three research questions guided the study, and were on the extent to which mentorship practices are required and employed for efficient career growth of librarians and areas of career growth where mentoring practices are required. The population of the study is 428 librarians in public academic libraries. Self-structured questionnaire and interview method were used. The study employed the use of a four-point rating-scale. The copies of the questionnaire were administered with the help of research assistants. A total of 346 copies of questionnaire were returned representing 80.8% of the population. An interview was also conducted on some selected institutions' management staff using an interview schedule. The data collected for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The research used mean score and standard deviation employing the use of SPSS for the data analysis. The Major findings of the study showed that mentorship plays a significant role in the career growth of librarians in academic libraries. Findings revealed that mentorship practices are highly required in coaching among others. It recommended that the administrators should make sure that maximum attention is paid to the areas of librarians' professional growth that call for mentoring practices.

MICHAEL YIL'EP DEMI

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READINESS OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARY MANAGEMENT TO SUPPORT SELF-
ARCHIVING PRACTICES IN OPEN ACCESS REPOSITORIES IN THE
NORTHWESTERN STATES OF NIGERIA

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to investigate the federal university libraries' readiness for development of self-archiving practice with reference to Northwest, Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative approach using cross sectional survey design. The sample of the study was made up of (14) e-library managers in the seven (7) university libraries of federal universities in the North West, Nigeria. A semi-structured interview was used in conducting the research. Finding of the study revealed that the university libraries were found to have a positive perception of open access repositories and they were increasingly ready to support using them. With regards to their readiness towards the development of open access repository, the findings of this study revealed that the status of readiness of university libraries under study in terms of ICT infrastructure, capacity building, funding and policies were low, a lot needs to be done in order to show-case the development of Open Access repository in the university libraries under study. Findings on capacity building skills required for the development of open access to support self-archiving practices, revealed that librarians possessed skills on ability to design web programming, download and retrieve data from database, ability to install computer program and ability to operate library software. lack of awareness about the existence of OA repository; copyright and intellectual property issues; inadequate funding; lack of skills needed for the self-archiving; lack of mandatory self- archiving policy by the university were the major challenges.

MUSA ABDU AUYO (PhD), AUWALU DANSALE YAHAYA, UMAR GARBA GAMA (PhD), AHMED MOHAMMED(PhD) and ALKASIM HAMISU ABDU

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LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE (LIS) STUDENTS' INDUSTRIAL
TRAINING PROVISIONS FOR ENHANCED EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY
OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract
The study focused on library and information science students' industrial training and opportunities for enhanced employment employability. The benefits of LIS students on industrial training was discussed. The competency of industrial training students and employment opportunity, employability skills were also captured in the study. LIS student encountered so much challenges such as ability to pay them allowance; some companies are unable to hire students into their enterprises; and some students prefer to select their own places of attachment for a variety of reasons, such as not wanting to be too far from home and wanting to use the time for enjoyment and leisure in the course of their industrial training. The study recommends that LIS students should be well prepared for this kind of employment environment. It is important to encourage organized commercial sectors, government agencies, and other relevant institutions to accept LIS students for training in their facilities. To solve the accommodation problem, employers should be urged to provide temporary housing for trainees who are enrolled in training programs.
Keywords: LIS students, Industrial training, employment, employability

OKONOKO VERA NGOZI Ph.D and ERUVWE UFUOMA Ph.D

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TRENDS IN LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract
This paper discusses current drives in knowledge economy that supports families, communities, institutions, government etc., to improve livelihood and quality of life of its individual citizens. Libraries and other information service providers have partnered with communities and organizations to contribute to sustainable development through education, literacy, economic and cultural growth ensuring equality, social justice and good governance. The paper establishes that access to modern information technology and innovation facilities in libraries would guarantee services that are capable to contribute to the reduction of human challenges, humanitarian crises and all-round development of every individual. Therefore, libraries must justify their existence and service delivery should drive the knowledge economy in a way that will provide skills and knowledge to humans in a sustainable way for appropriate livelihood.
Keywords: Information services, Technological innovations, Multimedia information systems, Automated book delivery system, Digital repositories.

ALICE OGWO ODEH CLN and GOODNESS ADIYA ODEH

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SUSTAINING DIGITAL COLLECTIONS: QUALITATIVE PERSPECTIVES FROM
NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Abstract
This study explores the sustainability of digital collections in the Nigerian academic library context and recommends measures that consider best practices based on the qualitative perspectives of practising librarians. This study uses a multiple data-gathering method that included interviews and focus groups using a purposeful election procedure of 25 skilled librarians and ICT staff involved in the management of digital collections. Qualitative data was analysed via a thematic analysis method with the assistance of NVivo. The findings reveal the Nigerian librarians‟ practices of sustainability of digital collections based on six main sustainability constructs: access, user community, content, organisational, technological and cultural. This study extends the digital library sustainability model to encompass the SDC from an in-depth perspective of practising librarians and ICT personnel in a developing country facing numerous challenges in the acquisition, providing access and maintenance of digital collections.
Keywords: Sustainability, Digital collections, Digital library, Librarians, Nigeria

HAJARA YAKUBU, K. KIRAN and A. NOORHIDAWATI

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