User need assessment and information materials processing in the University of Calabar law library: an appraisal

Abstract

This study examined the opinion of clients of the University of Calabar Law library with regards to whether or not their needs have been met through its law materials processing delivery system. Questionnaire was employed as data collection instrument with a total of 300 copies administered. Of this number 240 (80%) copies were recovered and used for the study. Analyses of the data showed that although the Law Library has in its stock relevant legal materials, a very large number of users 228 or 95% spend much time to locate and use them. The study also showed that other problems which detracted from user's needs in this library despite its overwhelming patronage were constant electricity outages with 235 (95.8%), poor staff attitude to attend to users, 231 (96.2%), non-conducive reading seats and tables 232 (96.3%) and inadequate reading area 198 (82.5%). It was recommended that the Law Library management should as a matter of necessity ensure constant electricity supply in the library and address other lacks and lapses listed in the recommendations.

Keywords: Law, library, user, need, information, Legal, collection.