Funding of University Libraries in Imo State: A comparative study of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Imo State University, Owerri, (IMSU), Libraries

Abstract

The study was carried out to comparatively ascertain the sources and level of funding of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU) Libraries. The study adopted a surve y research method. The population consists of all the professional Librarians in the two institutions, 30 Librarians from FUTO and 13 Librarians from IMSU. A population of 43 was used as sample. Questionnaire was the major instrument used for data collecti on. Five (5) research questions were treated and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,( frequency counts and percentages). It was discovered that both the
federal and the state university libraries have the same institutional objectives and they are funded by the government. Findings also revealed that though the Federal University of Technology, Owerri is more funded; and has better accommodation and more staff, the two university Librarians affirmed that they are not adequately funded although the presence of Tertiary Education Trust Fund is felt in both institutions in the provision of fund for text books and computers. The study recommends among others, that the amount of funds allocated to university libraries be increased to enable them provide adequate resources and service.

Key Words: Funding, comparativeness, academic, librarie s.