Library Services and Generated Data: Using Available Statistics to Improve the Library Services
Keywords:
University libraries, Library, data, StatisticsAbstract
This study is conducted to assess the availability and usefulness of statistics
generated in Nigerian University libraries. Three University libraries from each
of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria were selected for the study. Questionnaires
were used in data collection. Data collected were analyzed using frequency
counts and percentages. On the frequency of recording library statistics, all the
libraries surveyed collected data daily and kept records of registered users.
None of the libraries surveyed kept records of the number of people whose visit
were not related to information gathering. As regards the rate of book use, all
the libraries kept records of the number of books consulted, returned, renewed
and re-shelved daily. There was variation in opening hours. Few of the libraries
open for services on Saturdays and Sundays, for only a limited period. All the
libraries surveyed reduced opening hours during holidays. Despite automation
efforts observed in most of the libraries, manual record of circulation statistics
has not been completely abandoned. While majority of the institutions renew
their statistical indicators (such as print materials expenditure, database etc.)
annually, few of them do so quarterly. The findings of this study showed that
statistics generated in library operations were useful in improving library services.
These were most important in portraying the activities of the library to the
University communities especially in sourcing for fund and making other
necessary demands for improvement.
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