Availability, Adequacy and Effectiveness of Library Resources and Services in Some Selected Public Libraries in Nasarawa State

Abstract

This paper examined the availability, adequacy and effectiveness of library sources in some selected public libraries in Nasarawa State. Descriptive survey design was used in carrying out the study. The population of the Study was two thousand six hundred and sixty-seven (2667) users of Nasarawa State Public Libraries out of which two hundred and sixty-Seven (267) users were selected as sample. Questionnaires was used as instrument for data collection, the data collected was analyzed using frequency counts and percentage. The study discovered among other that: text books, reference materials, periodicals/journals and government publication are the information resources available in Nasarawa State public libraries; Lack of funding by the government; trained Librarians; Internet service; trained security personnel among others are the challenges faced by the public libraries in Nasarawa State in providing effective services to users. The study recommends among other that: Nasarawa State Government should provide necessary support to public libraries in order to improve on electronic information resources e.g. e-reports, e-journals, CD-ROM and audio/visual materials so as to meet the varied information needs of the users; The Nasarawa State Government should make a concerted effort to improve on the public libraries funding, trained security personnel, provide internet services, trained Librarians. This will show more commitment of state government to public libraries in Nasarawa state.