Embedded Librarian Services: An Information Marketing Strategy Applied at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

This study is necessitated by an increasing number of resources available in the virtual environment which is affecting patron’s use of library physically to  access information. The purpose of the study was to assess the information marketing strategy that an embedded librarian employed at the Federal  University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Specifically, the study aimed to identify the role of an embedded librarian at the institution; determine the channels through which embedded librarians reach out to the faculties and establish the challenges hindering embedded librarian services. Structured  questionnaire was used to collect data from twenty (20) embedded librarians across ten (10) schools in FUTO. Eighteen (18) copies of the questionnaire designed for this study were duly filled and returned. The study applied inferential statistics using t-test to analyse the data obtained from the survey  carried out on embedded library / librarians. Findings show social media, consultation, visits and orientation as some of the channels through which  information was disseminated. The findings also showed that inadequate time of operation, lack of cooperation, lack of stated time for consultation,  insufficient power supply as some of the challenges. The paper concludes that information marketing and advocacy of library services by librarians is a veritable tool required to deliver information to the domain of those who need it and also bring back library users.