Extent of postgraduate students and lecturers use of Africana resources in Nigerian university libraries

Abstract

The study evaluates the extent of use ofAfricana resources by Postgraduate students and lecturers in Nigerian Universities libraries. Descriptive survey research method was used. The population comprised of 1,974 users drawn from six selected federal universities with dedicated Africana collections. The universities are University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Uyo, Uyo; University of Ibadan, lbadan; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Jos, Jos and University of Maiduguri. The questionnaire was the major data gathering instrument, supplemented by observation method. Mean scores and standard deviation were used to analyze data. Findings revealed that Africana materials are sparingly consulted in Nigerian universities libraries, out of which Arts related resources are more in use than Science related Africana materials. The paper concludes that there is a relationship between availability and usage of Africana resources in Universities surveyed. It is recommended amongst others that Africana resourcesshouldbeplacedin open access foreasy reach andretrieval to enhance their usage.

Keywords: Africana, University Libraries, Post Graduate, Students, Lecturers