Areas of coverage of undergraduate research projects in library and information science at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi

Abstract

This study investigated the areas of coverage of Undergraduate research from 2017 to 2021 in Library and Information Science in  Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. The study objectives was to determine the total number of research projects carried out by LIS Undergraduate students, determine the Subject areas covered by the Undergraduate research projects and also to find out the  Geographical areas covered by the Undergraduate research projects in Library and Information Science in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. The study is a documentary research which adopts an embedded design. The instruments used for data collection  were the physical copies of research projects in the Department of Library and Information Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi from the year 2017 and 2021. The data was analyzed using tabulation, frequency counts and percentages based on the research  questions. The study found out that the total number of 211 research projects was carried out by LIS Undergraduate students in  Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi from 2017 and 2021; majority of the subject areas covered are ICT in libraries, information  centers, social media, information need, search and seeking behavior, leadership, motivation, job performance/satisfaction, virtual and  electronic library resources and services. Others are offline, online, internet resources and services, problems, challenges and Prospects  in Libraries and the majority of the geographical areas covered by the Undergraduate research projects in Library and Information  Science in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi are Bauchi State, Plateau State, Gombe State and Kaduna State. Finally, the study  recommended that all Departments and the University management should continue to ensure that research projects are carried out,  the Department of LIS should encourage Undergraduate Students to explore new subject area of coverage for their research projects and  the University management should also provide support to Undergraduate students in the process of expanding their geographical  areas coverage during their research projects. In conclusion, the LIS Undergraduate Students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University,  Bauchi can be more positive in the development of their research projects and continue to face the challenges encountered.