The library catalogue as a retrieval tool in academic libraries: a case study of federal university of technology Owerri library.

Abstract

The study examined the extent of use of Library Catalogue as a retrieval tool by students in Federal University of Technology, Owerri Library. The study which was guided by four objectives and six research questions used the ex-post facto survey design with a population of 500 registered students sampled from 2014 /2015 academic yea r. Library catalogue as a retri val tool questionnaire (LICARTQ) was the instrument used to elicit responses from the students while the data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the low awareness of catalogue use as a retrieval tool led to other i dentified causes of low utilization of library catalogue in retrieving information. Amongst the recommendations for enhanced use of the library catalogue were: practical application on the use of library catalogue to be emphasized and made compulsory for a ll library users and strengthening the use of library course so that it could be taught through out the undergraduate programme as well as in the first year of the postgraduate study.

Key Words: Library, Catalogue, Retrieval, Tool, Academic, Libraries.