ASSESSMENT OF ABSTRACTING PRACTICE AND EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed abstracting practice and effective service delivery in academic libraries in Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions. A survey research design was adopted. The total population for the study was 33,928 professional librarians and registered students in public tertiary institution in Taraba State. The sample size for this study was 414 respondents drawn using multistage sampling. A self-structure questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean and the standard deviations. Findings of the study revealed that, lack of plan, policies and procedures of abstracting, knowledgeable staff and funds to underwrite production cost, concern by 
management of higher institutions to prioritize abstracting activity in the library and network are challenges faced by professional librarians. Based on these findings, the study recommended that, management of higher institutions should prioritize abstracting activity, have plans, policies and procedures of abstracting  practice, check and reform staffstrength to undertake the activity of abstracting practices, training programs should be organize to enhance skills and knowledge in professional librarians, technological infrastructural facilities should be provided to facilitate effective abstracting practices in academic libraries in Taraba State, Nigeria.