THE CHALLENGES IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES BY PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The challenges in the provision of services by public libraries in the fight against COVD-19 pandemic in Benue State Nigeria. Four specific objectives guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research. The population of the study comprises 117 public library staff in Benue State. Since the population was not large, the study made use of all the 117 public library staff in Benue State. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by three experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method and a reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. Data collected were analyzed using Frequency Counts, Percentages, Means and Standard Deviation to answer research questions. Findings of the study revealed that, the level of preparedness of public library services against global pandemics in Benue State is minimal. The study therefore recommended among others that public libraries should prioritize and invest in enhancing their level of preparedness against global pandemics, including updating emergency response plans and acquiring necessary resources, and public libraries should implement strategies to combat fake news and conspiracy theories by promoting information literacy programs, fact-checking initiatives, and ensuring that the information provided is accurate, reliable, and aligned with public health guidelines.