Communication Media for Information Service Delivery in University Libraries in North Western States of Nigeria

Abstract

Communication media are essential apparatus for developing profitable customer relationship in every organization. This paper investigates the communication media used for information service delivery in university libraries in North Western States of Nigeria. The concept of communication, communications media and the need for communication with customers were highlighted. Survey method was used and library staff comprising professionals and paraprofessionals was the subject of the study. The study found that personal contacts, complaint boxes, notice boards and news bulletin were the popular type of media used for communication with customers in Kashim Ibrahim Library, A.B.U., Zaria, Bayero University Library, Kano and Abdullahi Fodiyo University Library, Sokoto. It was also revealed that there is significant difference in the types of media used for communication with the customers in the selected university libraries in North Western States of Nigeria. It was concluded that the low level of utilization of information resources and services in the university libraries could be attributed to their reluctance to communicate their messages via appropriate media to their teaming customers. The introduction of a course unit entitled Communications in Library and Information work is highly advocated.