FEE-BASED LIBRARY SERVICES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated fee-based library services and implementation in private university libraries in Akwa Ibom State-Nigeria. The objective of the study was to examine current stage of fee-based services, benefits of fee-based services and challenges to implementation of feebased library services in private universities in Akwa Ibom State. The population of the study comprised twenty-four (24) library staff in three (3) private universities in Akwa Ibom State. Since the population was manageable, total enumeration was used to capture all the aforementioned number of staff. Twenty (24) copies of questionnaire tagged “Fee-Based Library Services and its Implementation in Private University Libraries Questionnaire” was used to collect data out of which twenty (20) library staff representing 83.33% filled and returned. Data were analyzed using simple percentages in charts for data presentation. Findings from the study indicates that fee-based services were not extensively utilized in the private universities in Akwa Ibom State. The few services in existence were photocopying, membership registration, library card replacement, overdue fines, lamination, and binding. Findings also indicated that the staff acknowledged the advantages of fee-based services such as increasing revenue, enhancing service standards, and fostering innovation. Findings further revealed various challenges such as the absence of a policy framework, insufficient machines and equipment, resistance to change among some librarians, and user reluctance to pay for services. It was concluded that overcoming these challenges is imperative for the successful integration of fee-based library services in private universities. Based on the findings, it was recommended that private universities in Akwa Ibom State should establish a supportive policy framework on fee-based library services, allocation of resources for acquisition of necessary equipment, as well as awareness and demonstration of value for the services to the user community to engender greater participation and willingness to embrace fee-based library services.