Students perception and apathy towards utilization of library resources and services in the cross river state college of education, Akamkpa, Nigeria

Abstract

Survey research design was used in this study which population consisted of 1,918 registered library users between 2015, 2016 and 2017. Relying on accidental sampling technique, 320 respondents were selected to constitute the sample of the study. Questionnaire and direct observation methods were the instruments used for data collection. The questionnaire was accidentally administered and collected on the spot within a period of 3 weeks. The data generated was analyzed using descriptive statistics (simple percentage %). The result reveals that students have mixed perception of the library. No user visited the library every day within the period under review; 193 respondents, representing 60.3% never used the library. The result also showed a downward progression in library registration, books borrowed and books consulted. In 2015 there were 711 (37.1%) registered library users, books borrowed were 182 (41.6%) while books consulted were 266 (38.8%). In 2016 there were 631 (32.9%) registered library users, books borrowed were 131 (31.2%) while books consulted were 241 (35.2%) while in 2017, there were 576 (30.0%) registered library users, books borrowed were 106 (25.2%) while books consulted were 173 (26.0%). The need to create awareness oflibrary resources and services, provide library use education, ensure that the library collection is current, adequate and reflective of the various programs in the College was recommended.

Keywords: Students, Perception, Apathy, Utilization, Library, Resources, Services