Access to Library and Information Science Research Reports for Effective Service Provision by Academic Librarians in Ahmadu Bello University Library Complex, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Access to library and information science research reports by academic librarians have become necessary as information providers and for better and effective service delivery. This paper examined access to library and information science research reports for practical library and information service provision by Academic Librarians in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Library Complex. The paper answered three research questions and tested one hypothesis.A descriptive surveyresearch design was adopted in the study. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique was used to select academic librarians. A total of one hundred and seventeen (117) copies of the questionnaires were administered to the academic librarians of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Library Complex and out of these, Ninety-six (96) copies were duly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 82.1%.Descriptive statistics using mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics using One-Way ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis. The study's findings revealed the types of LIS research reports available to academic librarians in A.B.U. Zaria, library complex for utilisation in library practice were books, journal articles, conference/seminar papers, technical reports, theses, projects and dissertations; The significant challenges faced by academic librarians in accessing LIS research reports for practical library and information service provision were lack of time to read and utilise LIS research reports for library and information service provision, inadequate facilities and lack of technological literacy among others. The study recommended that the library management should support and encourage the academic librarians by providing on-the-job time for reading and discussing research reports, strong organisational support and the required modern equipment and necessary training to access LIS research reports. More funds can equally be committed to acquiring ICT facilities, facilitating access to LIS research reports. Keywords: Ahmadu Bello University, Library and information science, Access, Information Service Provision