Influence of User Education on Library Information Resources and Services Use among Engineering Undergraduates of Private Universities in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The use of information resources and services by engineering undergraduates could influence their performance. However, observations have shown that the use of information resources and services are low. Perhaps, this supposed observation might not be unrelated with user education. The study examined influence of methods of user education on library information resources and services use among engineering undergraduates of private universities in Oyo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used and the study population comprised 342 engineering undergraduates of Ajayi Crowther and Lead City Universities in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 140 copies of questionnaire was used to collect data. Result revealed that, lecture method was the most 132(97.8%) approach of delivering user education. Seventy-six of the respondents indicated that, user education acquainted them with information sources and services. Result also revealed that, textbooks were the most 71(52.6%) very readily available information materials while 50(37.0%) respondents indicated that, literature search assistance was the most available information service. Moreover, results showed that; textbooks, journals, dictionary and document reproduction service were used daily. Result also showed that, there was a positive significant relationship between user education and use of library information sources and services among engineering undergraduates. It was recommended that, in order to foster effective use of information resources and services, libraries should endeavour to mandate continual user education programme for all users.