Examining the Issues Propelling Low Patronage of University Library: The Case of Donald Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt

Abstract

The study assessed the issues propelling low patronage of university library. The study adopted descriptive survey. The population was  registered users of 31,675 for both newly admitted and returning undergraduate students in the 2021/2022 academic session of  University of Port Harcourt. 3,000 respondents were randomly sampled and 2,759 responses were garnered, indicating a 92% return rate.  A structured questionnaire was designed and used for data collection. The data collected was analyzed using in frequency count,  percentage, mean score (x) and standard deviation (±). The findings showed that poor-quality service, inadequate resources, currency of  materials, nonavailability of ICT equipment, lack awareness of library holdings, unconducive learning spaces, improper shelving of library  materials, and staff incompetence accounts for low patronage of the library. Also, unattainment of library mission, poor academic  performance, waste of resources, poor reading culture, and poor research output were found as effect of low patronage, and provision of  current, relevant, and accurate materials as well as orientation on library use skill and survey of information needs were found as ways  of improving patronage It was concluded that low patronage of university library hampers the attainment of academic objectives. It  was therefore concluded that university library management should make conscious effort to improve and maintain patronage of their  library information resources and services.