Assessing sustainable sources of funding for effective service delivery in federal university libraries in North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined sustainable funding sources contributing to effective service delivery in federal university libraries across Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the investigation focused on 88 library staff members representing seven federal university libraries in the North Central region, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Due to the manageable and accessible population size, total enumeration was used. Data collection utilized
three sets of instruments: questionnaires, observation checklists, and structured interview schedules developed by the researcher. Quantitative data gathered through questionnaires were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to address research questions, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test null hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. Qualitative analysis was conducted on data from the interview schedule, with findings discussed based on a four-point rating scale derived from real limits of numbers. The study revealed that government grants, particularly from TETFund as special needs assessment grants, along with library registration dues, library rates and fees from customized services, and fines generated from the loss of books/readers tickets, constituted the major funding sources for federal university libraries in the North Central region of Nigeria. Notably, TETFund funding emerged as a critical lifeline for sustaining library operations, without which university libraries would face significant challenges. In light of these findings, it is recommended that university libraries urgently seek alternative funding sources to complement traditional avenues. The current funding sources are insufficient to provide the modern facilities necessary for libraries to become ICT compliant. Therefore, diversifying funding streams is essential to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of library services in federal universities across Nigeria.