Marketing of library products and services in university libraries in Nigeria: case studies of two university libraries in Osun State

Abstract

The study investigatedmarketing of library products and services in university libraries with particular reference to Hezekiah Oluwasanmi library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and The Library, Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population comprised of 11,003 registered undergraduate students of Oduduwa University library and Hezekiah Oluwasanmi library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State. Random sampling technique was used to select 1100, representing 10% of registered undergraduate library users of both libraries. The main instrument for data collection for this study was the questionnaire. A total of 1100 copies of the questionnaires were distributed to students out, of which 1015 (92.2%) were returned in usable form. The completed and returned questionnaires were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, percentage and frequency distribution. The study revealed that the users are not aware of many of the library products and services. Especially, Interlibrary loans services 1002(99%), Binding Services 520(51%), Current awareness services 571(56%), Selection and dissemination services 751(74%) Documentation services, 1001 (99%) Abstract and Indexing services 901(89%), Customary court records and proceedings of western Nigeria. 911(90%). The study also revealed that lack of awareness of library products and services have influence on student’s access and use of library products and services. The study recommended various promotion strategies to promote library product and services.

Keywords: Marketing ; library products and services ; Promotion; University libraries, Nigeria