INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTICES ON INFORMATION SERVICE DELIVERY IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of public relation practices on information service delivery in academic libraries in Plateau State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on Melvin Sharpes behavioral model of public relations (2002). The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 4,260 registered users of academic libraries under study. The sample size of 426 was determined using proportionate random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire of four points rating scale titled “Influence of Public Relations Practices on Information Service Delivery in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (IPRPISDALQ)” was the instrument used for data collection. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation was used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that public relations practices positively influence patrons' perception of librarians and influence information service delivery among others. The result of the study revealed that public relation practices has significant influence on information service delivery in academic libraries in Plateau state, Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended among other things that public relations practices should be sharpened, worked on and made innovative, that public relations practices should be given much attention and that it should not be trivialized or taken highly. Lastly the study rounded up with summary, conclusion, suggestions for further studies, limitations and contributions to knowledge.