Use of Retrieval Tools for Records Access in the Registry Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract

This study focuses on Use of Retrieval Tools for Records Access in the Rigistry Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. In order to achieve this, two research objectives were used. To find out the procedures through which the records retrieval tools are used and the challenges associated with the use of records retrieval tools in the registries of the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The research methodology adopted was quantitative and survey design. The population of this study comprised of the entire records managers in the three study areas under Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, totaling twenty six (26) in number. Because the population was small, the researcher used the entire members of the population. The researcher used self- developed questionnaire for collecting data. It was found out among others that majority of the respondents indicated the procedures through which records retrieval tools were utilised are manual records guide, manual records inventories, registers, manual records index and electronic records catalogue. Majority of the respondents also indicated that the challenges faced in the utilisation of records retrieval tools were none indication on the records retrieval tool, for example, records catalogue (manual and electronic) that a particular record is totally lost from the storage devices of the records centre. It was concluded that the records retrieval tools used in the registries of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, were not many and they were mostly manual and not efficient. It was recommended, among others, that the management of the Registries of the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, should update some of the records retrieval tools to align with the present records management system in order to be used like the other ones used in the Division.