INFLUENCE OF USERS' PERCEPTION ON UTILISATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN SELECTED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated influence of users' perception on utilisation of information resources and services in selected academic libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 7,795 library users from two academic libraries: Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University and Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. Two purposes were developed for the study, with two research questions and two null hypotheses formulated and tested. Stratified sampling technique was employed, and a sample of 214 library users, representing 2.75% of the population, was selected. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Reliability of the instrument was established through a trial test involving 30 library users, yielding a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.99. Data were  analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while t-test was used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that users' perceptions of information resources significantly influenced the utilisation of these resources in academic libraries in Benue State. Additionally, there was a significant difference between users' perceptions and their utilisation of information services. Based on these findings, it was recommended that academic libraries in Benue State should regularly assess and improve the quality, relevance, and accessibility of their information resources to enhance positive user perceptions and encourage greater usage. Library management should also invest in user-oriented service delivery, including staff training and awareness campaigns, to bridge perception gaps and promote more effective utilisation of available information resources and services in academic libraries.