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An Appraisal Of Public Branch Libraries In Nigeria: The Case Of Delta State Public Branch Libraries
Abstract
The study investigated the Delta State Public Library Board and critically appraised the developmental growth i n physical and human resources in the past ten years; 1998 – 2008. 6 branch libraries located in the three senatorial districts of the Delta State Public Library Board were used as
population for the study. The questionnaire, personal observation and inter views were the instruments used in data collection. Findings revealed that the Delta Public Branch Libraries are about 30 years old. In these years, there has not been any significant developmental growth in physical, material and human resources to match the parallel growth in information need and use of the society in which they are located. The study revealed that audiovisual equipment and materials were totally lacking in these branch libraries. For book collections, the study revealed that library hold ings fall short of the required volumes to serve the population of the areas surveyed, though they hold a vibrant collection
of periodicals, especially newspapers. A significant revelation of the study is that the Delta State Public branch libraries have h ardly improved on staffing; of a total 83 staff members, only 7.22% are professionals while 3.61% are para -professionals. The remaining 89.17% are non -professionals. The recommendations highlight possible paradigm shift in policy thrust and funding.
population for the study. The questionnaire, personal observation and inter views were the instruments used in data collection. Findings revealed that the Delta Public Branch Libraries are about 30 years old. In these years, there has not been any significant developmental growth in physical, material and human resources to match the parallel growth in information need and use of the society in which they are located. The study revealed that audiovisual equipment and materials were totally lacking in these branch libraries. For book collections, the study revealed that library hold ings fall short of the required volumes to serve the population of the areas surveyed, though they hold a vibrant collection
of periodicals, especially newspapers. A significant revelation of the study is that the Delta State Public branch libraries have h ardly improved on staffing; of a total 83 staff members, only 7.22% are professionals while 3.61% are para -professionals. The remaining 89.17% are non -professionals. The recommendations highlight possible paradigm shift in policy thrust and funding.
