1

Digitally Signed by: Content manager’s Name

DN : CN = Weabmaster’s name

O= University of Nigeria, Nsukka

OU = Innovation Centre

Nwamarah Uche

Faculty of Engineering

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION

SCIENCE

RESOURCE ORGANISATION PRACTICIES AMONG

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES IN THE NORTH

CENTRAL NIGERIA

JEREMIAH EGBILA SALIFU

PG/MLS/11/59106

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RESOURCE ORGANISATION PRACTICIES AMONG FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC

LIBRARIES IN THE NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

BY

JEREMIAH EGBILA SALIFU

PG/MLS/11/59106

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND

INFORMATION SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA IN PARTIAL

FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE (MLS)

SUPERVISOR: DR. VICTOR N. NWACHUKWU

OCTOBER, 2014

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APPROVAL PAGE

This work by Jeremiah E. Salifu (PG/MLS/11/59106) has been approved for the department of

Library and Information Science by:

------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------

Dr. Victor N. Nwachukwu Dr. Victor N. Nwachukwu

Supervisor Head of Department.

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Internal Examiner External Examiner

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Prof. C. Uju Umo

Dean of Faculty.

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CERTIFICATION

Jeremiah E. Salifu, a post graduate student in the department of Library and Information Science

with Registration Number PG/MLS/11/59106, has satisfactorily completed research requirement

for the award of the Masters Degree in Library and Information Science. The work embodied in

this project report is original and has not been submitted in part or in full for another degree of

this or any other University.

---------------------------------- ------------------------------------

Jeremiah Egbila Salifu Dr. Victor N. Nwachukwu

(Student) (Supervisor)

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DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to Almighty God for his care and protection over me.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This work has been made possible through the encouragement and guidance of many people. My

sincere appreciation goes to my able, wonderful and powerful supervisor Dr. Victor N.

Nwachukwu who despite all his professional tight schedule was able to read through my

manuscript and make corrections. My special thanks goes to Prof. V. W. Dike, Dr. F. C. Ekere,

Dr. A. J. C. mole and Dr Ozioko for their willingness to assist me whenever I approached them

for guidance. I am grateful.

I also wish to express my gratitude to the Federal Polytechnic Idah and the Polytechnic Librarian

for releasing me to undergo this course. I say I am grateful.

I am most grateful to Mallam Ibrahim Idris N. and all my other Professional colleagues who

must have contributed one way or the other in carrying out this work.

My thanks go to all my computer operators Bro. Noah, Aunty Ayishat, Aunty Adizat and Aunty

Memunat for their painstaking in attending to my corrections. I am grateful.

To all other library staff of the Federal Polytechnic Idah, I say thank you.

I must be grateful to all course mates especially Mr. Charle B. Ocheje, Imbus, Mrs Ataga,

Kingsley and the host of others for all their encouragement.

Finally, my sincere thanks to my beloved wife and children for standing by me through out the

programme. I say God bless you.

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TABLES OF CONTENTS

Title page……………………………………………………………………………………… i

Approval page………………………………………………………………………………… ii

Certification…………………………………………………………………………………… iii

Dedication……………………………………………………………………………………. iv

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………………… v

Table of contents……………………………………………………………………………… vi

List of tables………………………………………………………………………………….. vii

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………….. viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background of the study……………………………………………………………………… 1

Statement of the problem……………………………………………………………………… 8

Purpose of the study…………………………………………………………………………… 9

Research questions…………………………………………………………………………….. 10

Significance of the study ……………………………………………………………………… 10

Scope of the study……………………………………………………………………………… 11

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Conceptual framework …………………………………………………………………. 12

Concept of Polytechnic Library…………………………………………………………… 12

Concept of resource organization practices in Polytechnic Libraries……………………… 13

Methods for resource organization practices in Libraries…………………………………. 17

Tools for resource organization practices in libraries……………………………………… 19

Competencies for resource organization in libraries………………………………………… 20

Challenges to resource organization in libraries…………………………………………… 22

Review of related Empirical studies……………………………………………………… 24

Summary of literature review……………………………………………………………. 29

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CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD

Design of the study…………………………………………………………………………. 32

Area of the study……………………………………………………………………………. 32

Population of the study…………………………………………………………………….. 32

Sample and sampling technique…………………………………………………………….. 33

Instrument for data collection………………………………………………………………. 33

Validation of the instrument………………………………………………………………... 35

Method of data collected………………………………………………………………….. 35

Method of data analysis…………………………………………………………………….. 35

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDING, IMPLICATION, RECOMMENDATION

AND CONCLUSION

Discussion of findings…………………………………………………………………….. 49

Implication of the study…………………………………………………………………… 56

Recommendation…………………………………………………………………….......... 57

Limitation of the study…………………………………………………………………….. 58

Suggestion for further research…………………………………………………….............. 58

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………. 59

REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………… 61

Appendix A……………………………………………………………………………….. 65

Appendix B……………………………………………………………………………….. 66

Appendix C ………………………………………………………………………………. 68

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LIST OF TABLES

TABLBES

1. Mean response of professional and para-professionals librarians……………………37

2. Observation checklist of the facilities for resource organization…………………….39

3. Mean response on extent of application of facilities in resource organization………41

4. Mean response on competencies required for resource organization………………..42

5. Mean response on competencies possessed for resource organization………………43

6. Percentage response on method of competencies acquired………………………….44

7. Mean response on challenges for effective resource organization…………………...45

8. Mean response on strategies adopted to enhance resource organization…………….47

9. Population of the study by polytechnics……………………………………………...66

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ABSTRACT

This study was designed to determine the resource organization practices among Federal

Polytechnic Libraries in the North Central Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the method

adopted in resource organization practices; facilities employed in resource organization

practices; to ascertain the extent of application of these facilities in resource organization

practices; to determine the competencies possessed by library staff in resource organization

practices; identify the challenges affecting the resource organization practices and suggest

strategies or measures that could be used to enhance resource organization practices. The study

adopted a descriptive survey research design with a population of Ninety seven of both

professional and para-professional librarians in the four federal polytechnic libraries in the

North Central Nigeria. Data were collected from this population using questionnaire and

observation checklist. The instrument for data collection was validated by experts. The

respondents completed the questionnaire and returned, but one was not used and remaining

ninety six representing 99% response rate. Mean standard deviation frequencies and

percentages were used to analyze the research questions. The result of the study revealed that

librarians in these libraries use shelf organization, table and conventional catalogue as method

of organizing resources. Most of these libraries lack current facilities. Some librarians do not

possess the needed competencies and they majorly depend on knowledge acquired from library

school. The major challenges includes; lack of budgetary provision for on the job training, lack

of current tools, lack of power supply and lack of adequate fund for the procurement of internet

facilities, software and computers. Recommendations on how to overcome the challenges

includes; procurement of current tools, training and re-training of librarians, sponsorship to

seminars and conferences and provision of adequate fund for the procurement of generator set,

computers and installation of IT and internet facilities.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Polytechnic education was given a legal enablement in Nigeria by the promulgation of

decree 33 of 1979. This was done in response to the recognition by the Federal Government that

Nigeria was in dire need of technical and technological resources and the empowerment of the

citizens to meet the demand of the age. The main purpose of Polytechnic education is for the

development and training of manpower, research for the development and adopting of

appropriate technique to problem solving and service to the immediate as well as large society.

Polytechnic education is therefore part of the technical education programme, which aims at

providing practical and applied skills as well as basic scientific knowledge to their products.

Attama (2007) assert that the specific aims and objectives for the establishment of Polytechnic

educations in Nigeria include: The production of high level and middle manpower as appropriate

in areas necessary for agriculture, industrial, commercial and economic development of the

country. He also identified the solution of the technological problems and the needs of industry

to produce technicians and technologists for direct employment in industries.

Polytechnic education was therefore introduced based on the realization that the desire for a

better condition of living of the people and the overall development is very much dependent on

the level of acquisition of skills and basic scientific knowledge.

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The aims and objectives of polytechnic education are achieved through teaching, research

and the dissemination of well processed information resources, the accomplishment of which can

only be achieved through a functional library with relevant information resources like books and

e-books, academic journals, magazines, newspapers, statistics, conference papers, proceedings

and data bases which are all organized to meet the needs of users in achieving the objectives of

the polytechnic. Abiolu cited in Bello (2010) asserts that libraries from time immemorial have

been essential constituents of scholastic enterprise and have been established alongside academic

institutions. The library is the centre point around which academic activities revolve. Polytechnic

libraries, therefore, play vital roles in the attainment of these objectives. Aguolu (1989) stated

that we cannot expect an excellent academic programme in any educational institution without

the support of well equipped libraries. Libraries in schools, colleges of education, polytechnics

and universities are not adjunct to their institutions, but an integral part of them. They are the hub

from which all intellectual activities should radiate to all academic and research program.

Polytechnic libraries are therefore, an important organ in polytechnic education. The academic

health, Intellectual vitality and the effectiveness in the provision of these technological skills and

basic scientific knowledge depends largely upon the state of the library.

The basic need for the establishment of libraries in Polytechnics like any other academic

libraries is to partner with the institution in attaining the objectives for which they are set up.

Ijatuyi (1991) asserts that academic libraries have been equated to what the heart is to the

physical body. This implies that any polytechnic without a functional library is not a polytechnic.

The library objectives therefore must be in congruence with the polytechnic objectives. These

objectives are fulfilled by the library through the provision of adequate and quality information

resources to the users. The primary objective of any academic library is to have a good stock of

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resources and related reading materials to support the teaching and research program of its parent

institutions. For the libraries to meet up with these set goals and objectives and also to perform

their functions of information dissemination, the resources must not only be current and up- to –

date, but well organized and sound to meet the basic needs of its patron communities. As it is

imperative for the library to have good resources of specialized and general knowledge, it is also

very important that these resources must be well processed and organized to allow easy access to

their information content. It is absolutely essential for a library to process and organize the

resources that will enable it to meet its goals. A beautiful building, well stocked with information

resources can only be appreciated if these resources are well organized to allow easy access to

the information content. (Ifidon 2006).

Resource organization practices are the services that are performed in the library to bring

together library resources of like terms in one place and separating the unlike terms. This is done

to enhance easy access and quick retrieval of library resources. These services could be achieved

through cataloguing and classification, indexing, abstracting, selective dissemination of

information, current awareness and proper shelving. Moses (2009) pointed out that cataloguing is

one of the most intellectual activities or functions carried out by librarians. It is the foundation on

which all other services or activities of a library are built. Cataloguing and classification form the

basis of organizing knowledge and information resources in the library. Oketunji (2009)

described cataloguing as all services that involve processing, arranging, describing and housing

records in order to make them accessible. According to him it is referred to as a high-cost

activity which serves as a key to all library collections. He also affirmed that without them no

one knows in any detail what a collection contains, its full value for public access and

exploitation. Bello (2010) opined that cataloguing and classification are steps or actions taken in

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information centers to facilitate access to information and information resources, such actions is

referred to classification or categorization of information or the media carrying the information

and indexing the information resources for easy retrieval. Caudhary (2011) stated that all library

work is a matter of the storage and retrieval of information resources, and cataloguing is the

aspect of library services devoted to storage. He further stated that the best cataloguing is that

which facilitate the most accurate and complete retrieval. The major task of any librarian is to

see that maximum use are been made of the library resources. It is important that information

resources that have certain common characteristics are arranged together. Therefore cataloguing

is the intellectual process whereby a given work (the actual copy of a book) is described with all

the bibliographical details and categorized by subjects and assigned a physical location in the

library, while classification in the other hand is the grouping of library information resources

according to their classes and subject they treat.

In libraries and indeed polytechnic libraries in particular and other academic libraries,

the retrieval of information resources can also be eased through indexing and abstracting.

Indexing is the process of analyzing the information resource content of recorded knowledge and

expressing the information resource content in the language that can be understood. It is a

detailed alphabetical listing of topics, names of persons, ideas and places as treated in

information resources given enough information about each items to allow for it to be identified

and traced. Abubakar (2001) stated that indexing is a technique adopted by the indexer or

librarian to enable readers have access to as many publications as are available in their field of

interest without much constraint. An ideal resource organization practices enhance abstracting

services thereby making information resources available to the library patrons. Abstracting is the

process of condensing information content of the important parts of the original recorded

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knowledge, publication or articles and presenting this information content with its descriptive

elements using the language of abstracting or indexing. Tiwari (2011) described abstracting as

summary of an article with adequate bibliographic information that helps in tracing the original

publications. Abstracts assist library users in a way that after going through the summary may on

the spot determine whether or not to go for the original document. The organization of these

resources will no doubt save the time of the library patrons as access to the information resources

will be easy and fast.

Library patrons today require continuous provision of information resources to keep

them abreast of information resources available in their area of discipline. The above can only be

achieved if the librarians embrace Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) and Current

Awareness Services (CAS) which require that librarian match the available resources with the

area of interest of the library patrons. SDI according to Madu (2004) is the process where

librarian matches the users’ topics or interest with the information resources available in the

library. Onoja (2013) argued that selective dissemination of information (SDI) is one of the

strategies employed by libraries to attract users for effective utilization of information resources.

It entails selection of information resources based on the users’ profile as available in the library

and bringing them to the users notice. Ugwu (2003) stressed that SDI matches the individual

users’ interest against the incoming information, resulting in a personalized service for each user.

He stated further that the major advantages of an information function is that it can find the

answers for the inquirer more rapidly than he could himself and it can also provide answers

which the inquirer needs but has not thought to request. One can say that selective dissemination

of information (SDI) is all about tailored services to patrons in the areas of their interest, at the

most appropriate time. CAS on the other hand is the process whereby users are informed of

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newly acquired information resources in the library. Tiwari (2011) describe CAS as the service

meant for the speedy announcement of newly acquired information resources. He said the main

objective of CAS is to keep the users abreast of current development in their respective fields of

interest as quickly and efficiently as possible. Fijabi (2001) stated that, libraries need to improve

on some of their methods of information dissemination and argued that there should be more

emphasis on selective dissemination of information (SDI) and current awareness services (CAS)

to keep users informed of the available information resources in the library.

Proper resource organization practices aid proper shelving of resources in the libraries,

thereby making easy retrieval of information resources. Shelving practice is a very important

activity in any academic library as it ensures easy retrieval of information resources by library

users. Well processed library information resources are expected to be at the proper location on

the shelf in the library. This requires that circulation staff should have experience of circulation

duties. The circulation section of the library ensures the relationship between shelving and

retrieval through appropriate catalogue filing and shelving arrangement. This is to ensure easy

retrieval of information resources by users. Ordi (2006) is of the view that the shelving method

in every library determines the type of class notation scheme used therein. However, the

fundamental arrangement of information resources in the library shelves is based on the

classification number or class mark. It is also fundamental that shelving arrangement is based on

the extent of information resources the library intends to accommodate. Systematic and accurate

shelving are essential because proper shelving of information resources by call number leads to

easy retrieval of information resources desired by the library patrons. It only requires clearly

labeled shelves with subject class based on the classification scheme in use which could be

numerical or alpha numerical. Therefore, an essential duty of any library is to have good

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resources that are well organized for their users. Hence, the reputation of both the librarians and

library is judged by the quality and organization of resources that constitute the library.

Unorganized resources jeopardize the services of the library. All librarians must therefore

embrace this task as they are responsible for the efficient organization of the library resources. It

is important that these libraries provide materials in all formats for the actualization of the

objectives of the parent body. Ogunsola, (2004) in Ilo (2008) described academic libraries as the

heart of the institution, which are expected to maintain standard books, journals and audio Visual

resources that are well organized for the purpose of providing efficient services to the users

community.

Adopting a good resource organization practice is necessary in libraries as the process

adopted can aid the library in providing better services to users. This is practicable most

especially when the resource organization practice is strictly based on an established and widely

used standard. Twari(2009) assert that librarians will do well if they consider an established and

widely used standard for resource organization rather than design and develop their own. He said

further that it would be advisable to use only standard resource organization tools which the

users will find useful later in any library he or she finds himself or herself. Resource organization

based on standard tools will not only bring about consistency but also help in resource sharing

among libraries. In resource organization practice, using standard tools is very paramount in

libraries as it is a determinant of how books are to be placed on the shelves for the users. An

inadequate information resource organization will lead to scattering of books of the same subject

on the shelves, thereby creating frustration for the users.

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Statement of the Problem

The organization of library resources is central to the mission of libraries. Today libraries

emphasize organization and access in order to be more service-oriented. The objective of

libraries has shifted from hitherto preservation function to provision of information and user

satisfaction. The need for organization is driven by the fact that the acquired information

resources must be accessed easily by the user of the library to accomplish the planned library’s

goals. Effective organization provides for effective use of the resources. Well organized library

resources enables researchers find bibliographic information in their fields and makes the library

a clearing house for bibliographic information. Effective organization promotes efficiency and

user confidence in the library services.

Ineffective organization makes the library ineffective as it will not be able to serve the user

community needs due to difficulties in information resource access and retrieval. The result of

this will be ineffective teaching, learning and research activities with attendant effects on the

products of the institutions. Unfortunately, poor organization appears to be the challenges in

some of the polytechnic libraries today. Information resources are found scattered on the shelves;

some other resources like the serials and government documents are not accessible because of

lack of proper organization. It has also been observed by the researcher that resource

organization practices seems to be far from being standard, perhaps owing to outdated resource

organization tools and the use of the services of paraprofessionals in place of experienced

librarians. The apparently poor resource organization in libraries of Federal polytechnics in

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North Central Nigeria have not been a subject of known empirical investigation. This is the

research motivation for this study. This work therefore, examines resource organization practices

in the federal polytechnic libraries, with the aim of identifying problems and proffering

solutions.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to inquire into the resource organization practices

among polytechnics libraries in the North Central Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study

are to:

1. Identify the method of resource organization in libraries;

2. Identify facilities employed in the resource organization in the polytechnic libraries in

North Central Nigeria;

3. Ascertain extent application of these tools to resources organization practices in the

polytechnic libraries;

4. Ascertain extent of resource organization competencies possessed by library staff in the

libraries;

5. Identify the challenges affecting the effective and efficient resources organization in the

libraries; and

6. Determine strategies for the enhancement of resource organization practices in libraries in

North Central Nigeria.

Research Questions

The following questions were formulated to guide the study:

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1. What are the methods adopted in resources organization practices in the Federal

Polytechnic Libraries in the North central Nigeria?

2. What are the facilities employed in the resource organization practices in the Polytechnic

libraries?

3. To what extent are these facilities applied in resource organization practices in the

Polytechnic libraries?

4. What are the resource organization competencies possessed by library staff in the

libraries?

5. What are the challenges affecting effective resources organization practices in libraries in

the North central Nigeria?

6. What strategies or measure can be used in solving these challenges?

Significance of the Study

This study, which examines resource organization practices among Federal Polytechnic

Libraries, will hopefully be of great benefits to the library managers, librarians working in the

Polytechnic libraries, department of Library and Information Science, other researchers in related

field of study, library patrons in the following ways:

To the library managers, the findings of this study will help them to articulate policies,

design of programs that will enrich the curriculum in the field of library and information science.

This study will help librarians working in the polytechnic libraries with similar objectives to

rectify the anomalies identified in this study using the recommended solutions.

To the department of library and information science, the finding of this study will also be

beneficial as it will provide literature which in turn adds to the existing literature of the subject.

To other researchers in related areas, the result of the study will serve as a reference tool for

their future research work. This is because the study will reveal the design, method of data

collection, method of data analysis etc which will guide future researchers in their work.

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To the library patrons, the findings of this study will help them to develop more confidence

in academic libraries in the provision and easy access to information resources and become more

attracted to make better use of the library resources.

Scope of the Study

The study will be limited to the Federal Polytechnic Libraries in the North central states

of Nigeria comprising of Federal Polytechnic Libraries in Bida, Niger State, Idah in Kogi State,

Nassarawa in Nassarawa State and Offa in Kwara State.

Specifically, the study will examine resource organization practices of books among Federal

Polytechnic Libraries in the area and will cover cataloguing and classification which is the core

aspect of resource organization practices in libraries.

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CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The literature review is presented under the following headings.

Conceptual framework

• Concept of Resource Organization Practices.

• Methods of Resource Organization in Libraries.

• Tools for resource organization in libraries

• Competencies for Resource Organization in Libraries

• Challenges of Resource Organization in Libraries

• Strategies for enhancing Effective Resource Organization in Libraries

Review of Related Empirical Studies

Summary of the Literature Review

Concept of Resource Organization Practices in Polytechnic Libraries

The Polytechnic Library is an integral part of the institution of post secondary education

administered to meet the information and research need of its student and staff within the

community in which it is been situated. The Polytechnic Libraries aim at providing the necessary

information and making them available to all the beneficiaries in the appropriate time as well as

organizing books and other information resources to go hand in hand with the curriculum of the

institution and presenting them to the users. The Polytechnic Library is designed to provide,

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organized and make available for use a modern and rich sets of specialized important resources

and to provide the information resources to the community it serves. Ekere (1992) assert that

polytechnic library is to transfinite knowledge, skills needed for the proper exploitation and

utilization of knowledge as well as learning resources. He stated that polytechnic library is very

important in the development of the academic institutions irrespective of level, size or

specialization.

The effectiveness of the polytechnic library is determined by the success with which it is able to

provide users with the information they seek. To this end librarians in the polytechnic libraries

should collect and organized printed and other form of recorded knowledge in order to satisfy the

information need of both present and future users.

According to Imo (2007) resource organization is simply the description of resources to

make it easy for a searcher to identify the document in a collection when seen. It is the

description of a document with a view to representing it at a specific location among the

collections of system. This is to say that there has to be a standard way of describing library

document to give them an acceptable format internationally, irrespective of where the document

is produced or the subject it is treating. Resource organization in libraries generally plays two

roles: firstly, they facilitate subject access by allowing the user to find out what works or

document the library has on a certain subject. Secondly, they provide a known location for the

information source to be retrieved e.g. (where it is shelved). It is the foundation on which all

other services or activities of a library are built. Cataloguing and classification therefore forms

the style of organizing information resources in the library. Cham (1994) in support of this

assertion stated that it is important to note that this is unlike subject heading or thesauri where

multiple terms can be assigned to the same work.

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The organization of library resources is central to the mission of libraries worldwide. In

earlier times, libraries were designed as store houses, in order to preserve collections rather than

organize and give access to them. Today’s libraries emphasis organization and access to the

information resources. The need for organization is driven by the fact that the acquired

information resources must be accessed easily by the users of the libraries. There are specific

organizational activities necessary to accomplish the planned library goals. Effective

organization provides for effective use of the resources (Edoka 2000).

Anyaoku (1994) asserts that, effective organization of resources promotes efficiency and

user confidence in the library services. A well organized library therefore enables users find

information in their field of endeavor without stress. According to Muhammed (2011), the need

for organization of resources stem from the need to ease the retrieval of needed information from

a mass of them for access and use. According to him this is necessary as information are

contained in different type of resources either in printed and non – printed formats without

limitation to location and time. Resource organization practice include the choice of cataloging

rules and system, type of catalogue, style of bibliographic citation, classification scheme, the

shelve arrangement, and retrieval device to be employed for easy access to the library

collections. Ogbona (2006) sees resources organizations as the system whereby the acquired

materials are processed to enable patrons have access to locate and retrieve them easily and

without wasting time. This is done by describing and recording the items (cataloging) and

assigning respective class mark (classification) to the materials, based on the subjects they treat.

Cham (1994), Describe resource organization as one of the activities used to facilitate

subject access. In organizing information resources in libraries each work can only be placed in

one class using a scheme, this is to enhanced shelving purposes; a resource can only have one

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physical place which is what makes resource organization very essential in library services. This

is to say that resource organization deals with description of library resources of all the

bibliographical details. Muhammed (2011) stated that the basic of any type of information

organization should be centered on ease of retrieval search and access. Therefore, an information

resources and services should be arranged and organized by author, Editor, compiler or

composer, Title of the information or document, subject of the information or document, year of

publication or generation, Place of publication, Publisher, printer or writer, size of the

information or document, year of purchase or acquisition, generation or category, and type of

user, format of information resources, nature of information resources, type of information

resources, Sources of information resources, convenience of retrieval by the user. Thus,

whichever style, method or procedure of information organization adopted, it is important to take

cognizance of the convenience of retrieval, interoperability of the system and the potentials of

globalization of access to needed information resources. Deducing from the view of these

literatures, it is pretty clear that any library without a clear defined resource organization

practices can only be said to be book store. Resource organization allow for proper use of the

library by patrons as it makes for easy access and retrieval of information resources.

Bello (2010) noted that resource organizations practices are steps taken in information

centers to facilitate access to information and information resources. Such action includes

classification or categorization of information or the media carrying the information, and

indexing the information resources for easy retrieval. Okoye (2009) said the basic function of

any library is the organization of library resources in order to engender maximum use of both the

collection and the information by the user within the shortest possible time. This conforms to

Rang Nathan’s forth law of library science which says “save the time of the readers”

26

Zaid (2008) posits that, organization of library resources embodies the very fabric of knowledge

structures that shape the traditional and contemporary practice to find, identify, select and

obtained information. He sees organization of library resources as a pain – staking and time

consuming exercise.

Well organized library resources pave way for quick and easy access by most users

including the physically challenged users. It indicate the title, author, subject and even the class

mark of a document in order to make the resources more easily accessible and retrievable, so that

library resources that are organized could be used. Oyelude (2004) described organization of

information resources as all services which entails providing the bibliographic details of Author,

Title, Pagination, Publication date, Publication size of book and other such details that will assist

users to identify the resources. . He identified organization of resources as the process of putting

the resources in a group that identifies it with other similar resources in the library with the use

of a scheme. This is to simplify the use of library resources by the patrons’ communities. The use

for which library resources are made is dependent on many conditions- Are the resources

properly organized? Are the resources available on the shelves as at when needed? According to

Omekwu (2007), the journey of the book and other information resources do not just jump to the

shelves, it follows a delineated process that is both technical and intellectual. Adeyemi (2001)

sees organization of information resources as intellectual pillar on which the practice of the

library profession rest as well as consisting the scientific basis for librarians claims for

professionalism.

Without resource organization, the goal of making information resources available would

have been difficult to accomplish. Obayemu (2006) is of the view that resource organization

practice is as old as librarianship, as commerce is the life blood of any given nation. Resource

27

organization is the foundation on which entire library system rests and depends upon.

Organization of information resources in libraries has been the primary objectives of any library.

Ugwu (2007) said if information resources are not given the right treatment in terms of

organization and use of library resources, the implication is that much of the valuable resource

information embodied in them could be lost. Resource organization in libraries generally plays

two roles. Firstly, the user to find out what works or documents the library has on a certain

subject. Secondly, they provide a known location for the information source to be located and

retrieve from where it is shelved.

Methods for Resource Organization Practice in Library

In library, classification system is one of the method adopt for resource organization

practices, each book can only be placed in one class to bring resources of the same subject

together. A book can only have one physical place. However, in classified catalogue one may

have main entries as well as added entries. Most classifications system like LC, DDC also adds a

cutter number to work which add a code for the author of the work. There is also the use of

computers linked to Internet with advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT.

Usman (2008) described ICT as the whole range of technologies involved in information

organization, storage and communication to make resources available to users. Yusuf (2005)

described them as the application of computers and other technologies to the acquisition,

organization, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information resources. Adiagwai (2011)

noted that ICT consist of hardware, software, networks and several other devices for organizing

information resources. He further stated that, ICT is made up of two basic components,

Information Technology (IT) and communication Technology. IT refers to the creation, storage

and processing of resources through the use of computer. ICT refers to the combination of

28

computers and other technological devices that can be used in organizing library resources.

Adebaoo and Adesope (2007). Aina (2004) described ICT as the technology used in organizing,

processing, storing and dissemination of information. He further stated that ICT consist of

computers, online searching, CD-ROMs, internet etc, these facilities allow the library staff and

users to handle and manipulate information resources to meet the need of their users.

Modern technologies in libraries create a new forum for global information organization

and access. The objective of any library is to collect relevant information resources, organize,

preserve and disseminate to their intended patrons. These services can be enhanced by the use of

appropriate information technology (IT). It has made it possible to handle information in a

variety of forms. One of the important benefits of the application of IT to information

organization that directly affect library users is the online public access catalogues (OPAC). This

according to Ajibero (2001) is a detailed list of holdings of a particular library or group of

libraries or a database and to which users have direct access. Eyitayo (1996) further reiterated

that, a library with IT services has enormous potentials in the management of vast resources

available in the library, access to these resources is facilitated and the rising needs of library

patrons can then be met effectively and efficiently.

Retrieval of information resources is dependent upon its having been well organized and

Information resources are needed in all aspect of life. Information resources that are not

organized will be very difficult if not impossible to find. Therefore, the methods that aid the

process and retrieval of resources are very essential. This is why standard method is highly

necessary for any library to have a perfect resource organization practices to serve the need of

the intended community.

29

Corbett (1978) said, proper resource organization is a channel in which a library user will

identify whether or not the library has a copy or copies of a certain document which is compiled

in a very simple bibliographic style – author, title, Subject classified, edition and date which can

be arranged to ease the retrieval of the document. Kochare (2010), stated that some of the major

activities of organization practices in library remains the making available of library resources to

the user with less effort in retrieving them. This can only be achieve with the use of standard and

acceptable globalize methods.

The Tools for Resource Organization Practice in Libraries.

Resource organization is one of the major activities in libraries services, therefore, before

these services could be performed effectively and efficiently, some tools are required. These

tools includes: Library of Congress Classification Scheme (LCC) Dewey Decimal Classification

Scheme (DDC), Universal Classification Scheme (UDC) Colon Classification (CC) Library of

Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) Sears List of Subject Heading and cutter number Table

among others. Classification of information resources today has depended so much on foreign

classification scheme. Although, these classification schemes are good but the fact that they are

predominantly bias towards the west from where they originated, Put into question the

functionality and relevance of our organization of resources, particularly the local resources as

allocated by the library of congress classification scheme are very small. It is a known fact that

resource organization in libraries requires consistency and uniformity. Oketunji (2009) rightly

observed that it is impossible to do a good job in resource organization without ample and

available tools and qualified professionals.

Nkanu (2008) and Ekwelem (2010) advancing the need for installation of computers in

institution of higher learning which can be used for resource organization and information

30

dissemination. According to them computers has implication beyond teaching and learning, it

help in organizing, analyzing, evaluating and how to use it. Ezeji and Mole (2010) attested that

undergraduate in Nigeria find computer services very useful as it provide access unimaginable

resources and this goes a long way to help overcome the scarcity of new books in the libraries.

Competencies for Resource Organization in Libraries.

Polytechnic library are established to provide for the parent community the needed information

resources for achieving the goals and objective for which the institution was established. For

libraries to provide these services efficiently, it is required that the personnel must have some

basic skills to be able to organized the resource effectively. Lovato-Gassman (2003) identified

some of the ways of acquiring the needed skills by the librarian as through part-time employment

which translates into experience, internship and additional course work. This will supplement the

library school courses, according to him, Ogundipe (2005) asserted that library skills, especially

resource organization skills can be acquired by incorporating the course information organization

in the master of library science program that will run for a whole session with emphasis on

practical. According to him, for this to be actualized, the teacher must themselves be skilled

experience who has been a resource organizer over a long time.

Omoniwa (2009) said organization of information resources is one of the most intellectual

activities or functions carried out by professional librarians which is the foundation on which all

other services or activities of a library are built. This is to say therefore, that resource

organization forms the basis for services provided in the library. Scott (2003) asserts that a good

resource organizer must be a problem solver. Problem arises in all sort and shapes in technical

services by tracking down and deciding what to do with new arrivals. He further stated that

31

information resource organization must have the knowledge of current tools for assigning subject

heading and call numbers to assess the content of an item and determine not only how it relates

to other items, but also what makes it unique. Scott again said information resource organizer

must be flexible as library profession is packed with rules, interpretation, rules modification and

proposal for new rules. Information organizer must be service oriented, as the most important

rule to remember in information resource organization is that the users need comes first.

Echezona (2011) stated that the major role of academic libraries is to provide quickly the

resources users need for teaching, learning, recreation and research. For that mission to be

accomplished according to her, the librarian should have the necessary skill in organizing the

library resources to meet the need of the patron community. Fatoki (2007) asserted that for the

librarians to be in line with the scheme of librarianship there is the need for acquisition of the

necessary skills through sponsored major conferences, workshops, tutorials and publications at

both national and international levels. There are therefore several ways by which needed

competencies could be acquired. These include attending workshops, conferences, orientation,

and induction and most importantly librarian should involve themselves in continuing education.

If all these are put in place, then the resource organizer must have provided stability in the

accessibility and usability of library resources.

From the literatures reviewed above, it is crystal clear that librarians are saddled with the

responsibility of organizing resources in the library. It is also deduced that these librarians must

be skillful to effectively do this job.

32

Challenges to Resource Organization in Libraries

Studies have shown that organizations of library resources are facing a number of

challenges. This could be highlighted as lack of trained professional librarians, Non availability

of current tools, funding, erratic power supply, and lack of local area network and choice of

software. Iwhiwhu (2008) in his study revealed that inadequate staff, ignorant and unawareness

of resource organization tools was a major challenges confronting resource organization practice

in most academic libraries

Azino (2006) asserts that every staff in the library is important to the growth of the

library. The library is an information provider to a wide range of people in different categories,

most especially the higher institution libraries. The inability of resource organizers to exercise

their professional skills has caused a lot of resource backlogs in the technical services of most

libraries. The main cause of resource backlog in most academic libraries today may have to do

with the inadequate number of trained staff as well as sudden staff departure. Oketunji (2009)

says that occasionally, resources backlog may largely be as a result of difficult and foreign

language resources added to library collections and there is lack of supervision and interpreting

librarian, a lot of these resources are set aside by the in experienced librarians, thereby making

such information not to see the light of the library until they become obsolete. Ebiwolate (2010)

noted that resource organization is inhibited by inadequate funding, lack of qualified staff to

organize the library resources. Studies have consistently reported inadequate levels of ICT

literacy as one of the major challenges facing academic libraries in Nigeria as the move into the

21st century. Many libraries in Nigeria cannot afford to purchase and install computers and

establish an internet connection to aid resource organization especially when there is need for

online services

33

Another vital challenge is inadequate power supply. We are at the era of information

technology where power supply is required. Arua (2005) observes that resource organization

requires appropriate backup such as efficient telecommunication network and reliable power

(electricity supply) so that the system will not degraded or destroy.

Strategies for Enhancing Effective Resource Organization in Libraries

Strategy is a plan intended to adopt in achieving certain purpose. For library to have

effective resource organization practices certain strategies must be evolved. Smith (2003) stated

that librarians must be curios in a way that library skills could be acquired. According to him the

curios people are always adding to their knowledge and thus becoming more efficient in the

performance of their services. He noted that curiosity reflects the values and habit of learning.

Ofordile (2007) recommended that library administrators should make adequate provision

for librarian’s development progamme by making funds available. He further stated that the

librarians should be willing to improve themselves in their work within and outside the library.

The library as important place in institution as a center of knowledge, it is therefore expected that

all staff that are exposed to users are suppose to be well trained. The training and retraining is

required in every librarian. A librarian without the knowledge of how information can be

accessed and described is seriously out of the field of librarianship. According to Ogbonyomi

(2009) the resource organizer as a trained professional is expected to bring his information

filtration skills to bear upon his jobs in such a way that there is a balance between recall and

relevance in any information search. One way of doing this according to Oladele (2008) in

Ogbonyomi (2009), is for resource organizers in particular to be conversant not only with the

characterization of metadata scheme, but how to generate metadata that are reflective of their

information resources.

34

Stoffle, Morris and Trejo (2003) see the creation of an enabling environment from

organizational level. They argued that for the librarian to organize the needed resources in the

library there must be limitless innovation opportunities and flexible supportive infrastructure.

They also stated that librarians on their own must utilize the required tools.

Catz and Mackhie (2007) in Susan and Baby (2012) technology is the portal through

which librarians interact with information available. They assert that librarians of this decade

have to possess a portfolio of technology related skills in order to complement and support the

skills in order to be familiar with different operating systems.

Deducing from these reviews, there is no doubt that the librarians are confronted with

challenges which must be overcome if they are to be relevant in the present scheme of

information resource organization.

Review of Related Empirical Studies.

This sub-section reviews studies as it relates to the polytechnic libraries, librarians and similar

institution libraries. Ifidon (1993) carried out a survey study of student use of catalogue and users

advising services in the polytechnic library Ibadan using questionnaire to elucidate information

from two hundred and fifty (250) students. The aim was to identify the problems of the non

usage of these services and proffer possible solution to these problems. The study revealed that

student users did not availed themselves of these services and facilities as expected. The reason

he attributed to lack of skills by the librarians to carry out user orientation and instruction

programs. He therefore recommended a more wide spread, organized and articulated users

instruction program in the library. This study limits itself to student users only and did not

request the view of the librarians to know if there was an organized orientation and instruction

35

that has not been utilized by the student users. The present work therefore differs from Ifedons

work because it is to look at resource organization practices in libraries.

Drisu (2009) in his work, competencies required by polytechnic librarians in north central

state of Nigeria examined the competencies of eighty five (85) librarians comprising of librarians

and library officers in seven polytechnics. Questionnaire was used as the main instrument that

provides information for the competencies of librarians in the polytechnic libraries. The study

identifies some implication for polytechnic library management, the librarians and the user. The

result shows that librarians have not been able to provide quality services to their users in this

21st century because of non possession of needed information and communication technology

competencies. Librarians in the polytechnic should adopt strategies to possess the needed

competencies. The writer recommended that library management should Endeavour to send as

many librarians as possible to attend workshops, seminars and conferences and on return there

should be an in house training so that there should be a kind of train the trainee system to impact

knowledge acquired. Drisu’s work, although on the polytechnic library like the present work was

limited to the competencies and the skills needed for effective and efficient services. This study

relates to the present work in a way because the area of study is the same. Therefore the writer

will infer from the findings and recommendations.

Ojo-Ade and Jagboro (2000) carried out a survey on subject catalogue at the Hezekiah

Oluwasanmi library, the study was carried out for a period of six weeks using questionnaire. The

focus of the study was to find out the extent to which the subject catalogue in the library, met the

user’s needs. It was also aimed at investigating the application of standard cataloguing and

classification scheme to ascertain how cataloguers professionally abides by the standard way of

making entries, particularly subject entries in the catalogue. The data was analyzed using

36

percentages. Result shows that 88% usage level of subject catalogue as well as 85% success rate

of searches. The study was set out to find out the extent of use of subject catalogue by users and

the problems facing the users of these catalogues as well as proposing possible solutions.

Although resource organization is synonymous to cataloguing and classification in nature, the

researcher will not make use of the above for the fact that the researchers work is on the resource

organization practices while OjoAde and Jagboro is on the use of catalogue.

Posigha (2011) in his work, the use of library catalogue in Niger Delta university library

employed descriptive research method and questionnaire as a research instrument to generate the

data, the analysis revealed that one hundred and sixty eight of the users were not aware of library

catalogue and one hundred and sixty had never used the catalogue. The study also revealed that

two hundred and nine users encountered difficulties in using the catalogue because of proper

organization and education and as a result two hundred and two users resolved to

browsing/reading through the shelves method to locate books. Recommendations were made to

improve effective catalogue use and proper shelve arrangement to enable users have easy access

to library books. Posigha’s recommendation will be used by the present researcher.

Islam (2010) investigated the use of library catalogue in Dhaka University library. The

study employed descriptive research methods and a questionnaire to generate the data. The

analysis revealed that 61.38% (178) of the users were aware of library catalogue and 53.45%

(155) users had never used catalogue. The study also shows that 71.03% (206) users encountered

difficulties in using the catalogue because of lack of proper organization and, as a result, 69.31%

(201) of the users did browsing/reading through the shelves to locate books. The analysis also

revealed that 68.97% (200) of users indicated that proper organization and user education was a

means to easy catalogue use in the library. Recommendations were made to improve effective

37

catalogue use, including proper organization, user education, regular orientation program, and

preparation of guidelines on use of the library catalogue. This work relates to the present work in

a way because the findings and recommendation will assist in carrying out this work.

Abubakar and Baba (2008) studied the use of computer in the library in four Universities

of Technology libraries in Northern Nigeria. Their aim was to determine the availability and use

of computers in the library. The adopted a survey research using questionnaire to collect data.

The sample population was 151 library staff. The data collected were analyzed using frequency,

counts, tables and percentages. Two sets of questionnaire were used that is, the first one was to

solicit for information on types and numbers of computers available in university libraries under

study. The second sought for information on demographic data of respondents; types of

computer etc. the findings revealed 15% respondents did not indicate any frequency used of

computers despite anonymity in questionnaire. It also shows that respondents use computers for

the purpose of internet browsing and e-mail with 22% and 21% responses respectively. They

identified erratic power supply, inadequate computers, as problems militating against effective

use of computer in the library. They concluded by recommending that library staff should be

trained of the use of computers and modern computers be provided by the university libraries.

This work has relation with the present work because it is part of the method of resource

organization.

Obajemu (2006) carried out a survey of eight-four (84) participants at the cataloguing and

indexing group of Nigeria Library Association Workshop in 2004 with a view to determining the

impact of the annual workshop on the application of information and communication technology

(ICT) to cataloguing and classification in Nigeria libraries. The work covered forty-three

libraries- Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education, Research Institute and ministries

38

/ parastatals / agencies across the nation. Questionnaire was used for data collection and the data

analyzed reveals that the workshop organized in the recent years had spurred the action of the

participants at the workshop to further pursue ICT and that the workshops had positive impact on

the participants with respect to application of ICT to cataloguing and classification. He

recommended for the libraries intending to computerize their catalogue and that they should get

themselves familiar with software’s available in the market in other to make appropriate software

to avoid running into trouble of incompatibility. He also recommended an in-house training for

all levels of staff in the library to acquaint everybody with the knowledge of the software. Also

recommended is the formation of user groups that will be used to solving technical problems.

This work is related to the present work. The writer will infer from Obajemu’s work.

Jacinta (2012) looked into the impact of information communication technology on

public library services with particular reference to cataloguing and classification in the

information age. The paper looked into the impact of the cataloguers and librarians as they no

longer catalogue materials in book formats alone but in electronics and other formats. These

were also covered in the discussion. The public libraries in the five states of South East Nigeria

were sampled for the study. Data for the study was generated from the cataloguing section of

these libraries and those librarians and library officers in charge of cataloguing through

structured interview. Further information was also elicited from heads of libraries. The data was

analyzed and presented in tables using frequencies and percentages. Major findings shows that

all of these libraries have very poor status as regards automation and use of ICT for library

routine and services. Inadequate number of staff for cataloguing, inadequate ICT skills and

training opportunity. Based on these findings, the paper mainly recommended that the

government should make adequate provision for public libraries in the national budget so as to

39

ensure adequate funding of these libraries. Jacinta’s work is on cataloguing and classification

using ICT, the researcher will infer from his work as it is related to the present work.

Summary of the Literature Review

In the review of literature, a number of literatures such as textbooks, journals, seminar

papers, online resources and other relevant publications were consulted. This enable the

researcher to review relevant literature on resource organization practices in libraries, procedure

of resource organization practices and strategies for enhancing effective and efficient resource

organization practices in libraries. Based on the literature reviewed the following facts were

revealed.

- That the methods of organizing information resources in library can be done through

cataloguing and classification, indexing and abstracting and by format.

- That some basic tools are required for effective information resource organization

practice in libraries. Such tools includes, classification scheme, subject headings,

thesaurus, AACR2, computer system.etc.

- That essential skill are needed by the librarians in organizing information resources in

libraries.

- That academic librarian are required to adopt continuing education for resource

organization practice. These can be acquired through seminars, workshops, conferences,

symposia, on the job training. etc.

- That librarians are faced with numerous challenges such as non availability of current

tools, funding, erratic power supply, lack of area network etc.

40

- That academic librarians are faced with challenges such as lack of funds, lack of

appropriate working tools and inadequate personnel’s for providing effective and

efficient organization of library resources.

Some studies have been undertaken on polytechnic libraries and other institutional

libraries in Nigeria, most of these studies centered on library services available and the use of

such services. None of these works dealt with resource organization practices in polytechnic

libraries. This creates a gap in the literature which needs to be filled. It is hope that at the end of

the study, the findings of the study will help to fill this gap by creating awareness of resource

organization practices especially in the federal polytechnic libraries. The findings will also go a

long way to point out some of vital hiccups and suggest ways of enhancing resource organization

practices in libraries. This work therefore is unique in itself and does not duplicate any previous

studies thus the need to carry out the research.

41

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHOD

This chapter describes the procedure of the study under the following headings: design of the

study, area of the study, population of the study, sample and sampling techniques, instrument for

data collection, validation for data collection, method for data analysis.

Design of the Study.

The research design of this study was descriptive survey research design. According to

Fisher (2007) descriptive survey research design is a type of design that involves a systematic

and comprehensive collection of information about the opinions, attitudes, feelings, belief and

behaviors of people through observation, interview and administering of questionnaire to a

relative large representative sample of the population of interest. This method is used because the

research is to elicit the opinions of the respondents in terms of their resource organization

practices within the polytechnic libraries in the North Central Nigeria.

Area of the Study

The area of study is the North Central Nigeria. The states within the zone are Kogi,

Kwara, Nassarawa and Niger.

Population of the Study

The population of this study was four polytechnic libraries comprises of Federal

polytechnic library Bida in Niger state, Federal polytechnic library Idah in Kogi state, Federal

polytechnic library Nassarawa in Nassarawa state and Federal polytechnic library Offa in Kwara

state and the respondents are the ninety seven (97) library staff in the four federal polytechnics

42

that are located in the North Central Nigeria. The polytechnics and their population are: Federal

polytechnic Bida with twenty two (22) library staff; Federal polytechnic Idah with twenty four

(24) library staff; Federal polytechnic Nassarawa with twenty one (21) library staff and Federal

polytechnic Offa with thirty (30) library staff See appendix A on page 63.

Sample and Sampling Techniques

The entire population was used for this study, therefore there was no sampling. This is in

line with Nworgu (2004) who states that when the population of the study is small, there is no

need for sampling.

Instrument for Data Collection

The instrument for data collection in this study was questionnaire and observation

checklist. The questionnaire is titled Resource Organization Practices in Polytechnic Libraries

Questionnaire (ROPPLQ).The questionnaire was drawn to elicit adequate information with

regards to resource organization practices in library. The questionnaire was designed strictly in

line with the research questions. See appendix B on page 64.

The sections into which the questionnaire was divided are Section A and B. Section A.

Background and characteristics of the respondents. Section B was divided into cluster I, II, III,

IV, V, and VI. Cluster I is on the method adopted in resource organization practices in Federal

polytechnic libraries with thirteen (13) items, cluster II. tools available in the polytechnic

libraries for resource organization with eighteen (18) items, Cluster III is on the extent of the

application of these tools in the resource organization practices in the polytechnic libraries with

eighteen (18) items, Cluster IV is on the competencies possessed by library staff in the

Polytechnic libraries with ten (10) items, Cluster V is on the challenges affecting effective

43

resource organization practices in libraries in the North central Nigeria with nine (9) items and

cluster VI is on the strategies or measures taken in solving these challenges with nine (9) items.

There are seventy seven (77) items on the entire cluster. Also observation checklist was used by

the researcher in all the four federal polytechnic libraries in the North central Nigeria with

eighteen (18) items.

Validation of the Instrument.

The instrument for data collection was face validated by expert two lecturers in the

department of library and information science and one from measurement and evaluation

University of Nigeria Nsukka. These experts were requested to validate the instrument for the

purpose of proper wording of the items. Appropriateness and adequacy of the items for the study

as well as relevance of items to the purpose and research question of the study. All their

comments were fully used in the final modification of the instrument.

Method of Data Collection

The researcher personally traveled at different occasions to administer the questionnaire

to the library staff in the four federal polytechnic libraries in the North Central Nigeria. The

questionnaire was collected within one week after it was administered. This is to allow

respondents enough time to read and understand the questions contained therein. It is also to

allow for objective provision of answers to the questions. This was done to ensure high return

rate of questionnaire.

44

Method of Data Analysis

The researcher used descriptive statistical method to analyze the data. Specifically,

frequencies, percentages (%) and mean was used to analyze each item on the questionnaire for

the purpose of answering the research questions. Each item on the questionnaire was presented in

a tabular form for clarity while the four point scale method which requires strongly agree, agree,

strongly disagree, disagree was used for calculating the mean result. The value assigned to the

different scaling statement was thus;

SA = strongly agree 4

A = Agree 3

D = Disagree 2

SD = strongly disagree 1

On a four point rating scale, the cut off point was obtained by adding up the value (all

the scores) in the scale and diving it by the number of scores. E.g. 4+3+2+1 = 10 = 2.5

4 4

Any item ranked from 2.5 and above was considered useful whereas any one ranked below 2.5

was considered as negative.

45

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS.

In this chapter, the data collected through questionnaire and observation checklist are

represented and analyzed. Ninety seven (97) copies of questionnaire were distributed to the

respondents, all were returned, and representing 100% but one (1) was not useable. Only Ninety

six (96) representing 99% was used. They were organized and analyzed by means of mean (X)

and percentage (%) and presented in tables. The tables below show that the total frequency of

respondents is Ninety six (96) with a criterion mean of 2.50 while the percentage value is 99%

with a cut of point of 50%.

RESEARCH QUESTION 1

What are the methods adopted in resource organization practices in the Federal Polytechnic

Libraries in the North Central Nigeria?

In answering this question, criterion mean of the responses on methods adopted in resource

organization practices in the Federal Polytechnic Libraries in the North Central Nigeria was

analyzed, the mean score of 2.50 was used as criterion mean point in determining it. The analysis

of the data is presented in table 2 below.

46

Table 1: Means responses of library staff in the Federal Polytechnic Libraries in the North

Central Nigeria on methods employed in resource organization practices.

S/N Methods VHE HE LE NE MEAN

(X)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Shelf organization 47 25 11 13 3.10

Online 11 27 31 27 2.22

CD Rom 9 17 34 36 2.00

Data base 9 16 31 40 1.93

Microform 6 11 36 43 1.79

Use of table 34 33 11 18 2.84

Use of conventional catalogue 39 28 12 20 2.95

Use of online catalogue 9 19 19 49 1.87

CAS 8 23 32 33 2.06

SDI 8 15 35 38 1.92

Indexing 15 23 25 33 2.20

Abstracting 15 16 26 39 2.07

Computerization 22 18 26 30 2.33

Key: VHE-Very highly employed, HE- Highly Employed, LE Less Employed, NE- Not

Employed.

The result presented in table 1 indicated that of all the methods adopted in resource organization,

the highest adopted by respondents is shelf organization with the highest mean of 3.10. Use of

conventional catalogue follows this with the mean of 2.95. The third in the rank is use of table

with the mean 2.84. The rest have negative mean of 2.33 for computerization: Online 2.22;

Indexing 2.20, Abstracting 2.07; CAS 2.06; CD Rom 2.00. Data base, SDI, use of online

catalogue and microform have less than 2.00 mean of 1.93, 1.92, 1.87 and 1.79 for the rest four

respectively.

47

RESEARCH QUESTION 2

What are the facilities employed in the resources organization practices?

In answering this question percentage of the response on the question and observation checklist

were analyze after computation. The cutoff point in deciding the availability or otherwise is 50%.

The availability and the state of function were also analyzed from the check list. The summary of

the analysis of the data is presented in table 2.

Table 2: Observation check list of the facilities available in resource organization practices

in Federal Polytechnic Libraries, Bida, Idah, Nassarawa and Offa.

S/N Facilities for resource organization

practice

FED. POLY

BIDA

FED. POLY

IDAH

FED.

POLY NASARAWA

FED.

POLY

OFFA

TOTAL

A NA A NA A NA A NA

1 Cutter number table √ √ √ √ 3

2 Library of congress classification scheme √ √ √ √ 4

3 Dewey Decimal classification scheme √ √ √ √ 1

4 Universal Decimal Classification Scheme √ √ √ √ 0

5 Colon Classification Scheme √ √ √ √ 0

6 Anglo American cataloguing Rule

(AACR2)

√ √ √ √ 2

7 Dictionary √ √ √ √ 4

8 Thesaurus √ √ √ √ 1

9 Perforator √ √ √ √ 1

10 Library of Congress subject heading √ √ √ √ 4

11 sears list of subject heading √ √ √ √ 1

12 Catalogue Cabinet √ √ √ √ 4

13 Catalogue Cards √ √ √ √ 4

14 Notes books √ √ √ √ 0

15 Computer √ √ √ √ 1

16 Abstract √ √ √ √ 0

17 Bibliography √ √ √ √ 0

18 Indexing √ √ √ √ 0

Total 7/18 11/18 11/18 7/18 6/18 12/18 6/18 12/18

39% 61% 61% 39% 33% 67% 33% 67%

Key: A – Available, NA – Not available, % percentage

48

The result presented in table 2 indicates the eighteen (18) facilities believed to be very

indispensable to resource organization practices in the four (4) Federal Polytechnic Libraries in

the North Central Nigeria under study. Seven (7) representing 39% resource organization

facilities are available in Federal Polytechnic Bida while eleven (11) representing 61% are not.

Those available are listed as follows in ranking order. Cutter number table, library of congress

classification scheme, Dictionary, Thesaurus, Library of Congress subject headings, catalogue

cabinet and catalogue cards.

Eleven (11) representing (61%) resource organization facilities are available in Federal

Polytechnic Idah while seven (7) representing (39%) are not. The available facilities are listed in

ranking order. Cutter number table, library of congress classification scheme, Dewey Decimal

Classification Scheme, Anglo American Cataloguing Rule 2 (AACR2), Perforator, sears list of

subject heading, catalogue cabinet, catalogue cards, and computer.

Six (6) representing (33%) resources organization facilities are available in Federal

Polytechnic Nasarawa while twelve (12) (67%) are not. The available facilities are listed in

ranking order. Library of congress classification scheme, Anglo American cataloguing Rule 2

(AACR2), Dictionary, Library of congress subject heading, catalogue cabinet, catalogue cards.

Six (6) (33%) Resource organization facilities are available in Federal Polytechnic Offa

while twelve (12) (67%) are not. The available facilities are listed in ranking order. Cutter

number table, library of congress classification scheme, Dictionary, Library of congress subject

heading, catalogue cabinet, and catalogue cards.

This is in line with the researcher’s observation as contained in observation checklist.

49

RESEARCH QUESTION 3

To what extent are these facilities applied in resource organization practices in the Polytechnic

Libraries?

In ascertaining the extent to which those facilities are applied in resource organization practices

in the libraries, the frequency counts and mean score were computed and analyzed. In deciding

the extent of facilities applied, 2.50 remains the cutoff point. The summary of the analysis is

presented in table 3. The responses were VGE, GE, LE and NA.

Table 3: Mean responses on extent of application of facilities in resource organization

practices in Federal Polytechnic Libraries in North Central Nigeria.

S/N

O FACILITIES VGE GE LE NA MEAN

(X)

1. Library of congress classification scheme 70 22 3 1 3.67

Dewey Decimal classification scheme 9 8 26 53 1.71

Universal decimal classification scheme 6 5 26 59 1.56

Colon classification scheme 2 5 22 67 1.39

Cutter number table 47 19 10 20 2.96

Anglo American cataloguing Rule (AACR2) 65 13 6 12 3.36

Dictionary 60 20 4 12 3.33

Thesaurus 25 13 16 42 2.21

Catalogue Cabinet 62 20 6 8 3.41

Library of congress subject heading 68 20 4 4 3.58

Sears list of subject heading 9 8 26 53 1.71

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

KEY: VGE-Very Great Extent, GE- Great Extent, LE- Less Extent, NA –Not Applied

50

Table 3: shows the mean responses of the extent of application of facilities in resource

organization practices in the polytechnic libraries under study. The highest facility by the

respondents is library of congress classification scheme with the highest mean of 3.67. Library of

congress subject heading follows with a mean of 3.58. Next is catalogue cabinet with a mean of

3.36; Dictionary, 3.33; cutter number table 2.96 mean. The rest have negative mean of 2.21 for

thesaurus; Dewey decimal classification scheme and sears list of subject heading 1.71

respectively; universal decimal classification scheme 1.56 and colon classification scheme has

the least mean of 1.39.

51

RESEARCH QUESTION 4

What are the resource organization competencies possessed by library staff in the libraries?

To elicit information on the competencies possessed by staff in the polytechnic libraries for

resource organization in the North Central Nigeria, the mean and percentage score of 2.50 and

50% were used as criterion in determining them. The analysis of the data is presented in table 4,

5 and 6 respectively.

Table 4: Mean responses of staff in the Federal polytechnic Libraries in the North Central

Nigeria on competencies possessed.

Key: VHP - Very highly possessed, HP- Highly possessed, LP- Less possessed, N-Not

possessed.

The table depicts that of all the needed competencies, the highest required by the respondents is

organizing skills with the highest mean of 3.43. Initiative skills follow this with the mean score

S/No Competencies VHP HP LP NP MEAN

( X)

1. Organizing Skills 58 28 5 5 3.43

Decision making skills 36 36 11 13 2.98

Online cataloguing skills 38 27 13 18 2.77

Research skills 33 39 9 15 2.93

Flexibility skills 25 41 15 15 2.79

Innovative skills 26 33 20 17 2.70

Language skills 39 33 12 12 3.03

Development of team spirit 37 34 9 16 2.95

Initiative skills 44 41 2 9 3.25

Computer skills 48 24 10 14 3.10

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

52

of 3.25. The third in the rank is Computer skill with 3.10; follow by language skill of 3.03. The

others are Decision making skills 2.98, Development of team spirit 2.95; Research skill 2.93;

Flexibility skills 2.79; online cataloguing 2.77 and innovative skill of 2.70.

Table 5: Mean responses of staff in the Federal Polytechnic libraries in the North Central

Nigeria on competencies possessed.

S/No Competencies VHP HP LP NP MEAN

( X)

1. Organizing Skills 47 25 11 13 3.10

Decision making skills 34 33 11 18 2.86

Online cataloguing skills 11 27 31 27 2.22

Research skills 34 33 11 18 2.84

Flexibility skills 6 11 36 43 1.79

Innovative skills 39 33 12 12 3.03

Language skills 15 23 25 33 2.20

Development of term spirit 18 15 35 38 1.92

Initiative skills 26 33 20 17 2.70

Computer skills 11 27 31 27 2.22

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Key: VHP-Very Highly Possessed, HP- Highly Possessed, LP- Less Possesses, NP-Not

possessed.

Table 5 revealed that of all the needed competencies, the highest possessed by the respondents is

organizing skills with the highest mean of 3.10. Innovative skills follow with the mean score of

3.03. The others are decision making skills 2.86, Research skills 2.84, and Initiative skills 2.70.

The rest have negative mean of 2.22 for online cataloguing skills, language skills, 2.20;

Development of team spirit and flexibility skills have 1.92 and 1.79 respectively.

53

Table 6: Percentage responses on the method of competencies in resource organization

acquired by staff in the federal polytechnic libraries in the North Central Nigeria.

S/No OPTIONS NO OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE( %)

1. Induction/orientation 79 82

2. Workshop/conference/symposia 12 13

3. On the job training 85 89

4. Formal professional education 96 100

5. Job rotation 81 84

6 Internship 68 71

7. Participatory management training 14 15

8. Seminar 15 16

The table 6 revealed that 96 respondents representing 100% accepted to have acquired their skills

through formal professional education. 85 respondents representing 89% acquired their skills

from on the job training. 81 Respondents representing 84% received their skills through job

rotation. 79 respondents representing 82% said they acquired their skills though internship. 15

respondents representing 16% agreed to have attended seminars. 14 out of 96 respondent

representing 15% accepted partaking in participatory management training while 12 respondents

representing 13% agreed to have ever attended workshop/conferences/ symposia.

54

RESEARCH QUESTION 5

What are the challenges affecting effective resource organization practices in libraries in the

North Central Nigeria.

To elicit the information from staff in the polytechnic libraries in the North Central Nigeria on

the challenges associated with the resource organization practices. The criterion mean of 2.50

was used as cut-off point in deciding their challenges. The analysis of the data is presented in

table below.

Table 7: Mean response of staff in the polytechnic libraries in the North Central Nigeria on

the challenges confronting them for effective resource organization.

S/N OPTIONS SA A D SD MEAN

( X)

1. Lack of budgetary provision for on the job training 52 29 9 5 3.35

Lack of current tools 38 33 13 12 3.01

Inadequate space 46 27 13 10 3.13

Lack of appropriate software 57 20 9 10 3.29

Lack of power supply 64 23 6 3 3.54

Lack of skilled librarians 10 20 30 36 2.04

Lack of IT personnel 31 34 16 15 2.84

Non availability of internet facilities 38 29 14 15 2.93

Inadequate computers 53 27 14 5 3.39

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

55

Key: SA- Strongly Agreed, A- Agreed, D- Disagreed, SD- Strongly Disagreed.

The analysis shown on table 7 on challenges facing the effective resource organization practices

in polytechnic libraries indicate that lack of power supply with 3.54 rank highest among the

challenges faced by the respondents. This is followed by inadequate computers with 3.39. Lack

of budgetary provision for on the job training ranked third with 3.35.

Lack of appropriate software ranked 3.29, followed by inadequate space with 3.13. Others are

lack of current tools with 3.01, Non availability of internet facilities 2.93, Lack of IT personnel

2.84 and lack of skilled librarians as the list and last with 2.04.

56

RESEARCH QUESTION 6

What are strategies or measures that can be used in solving these challenges?

To suggest strategies especially among the ones listed below, the frequency count and the mean

scores of the responses were analyzed after computation. To elicit information on the strategies

that could be adopted for the enhancement of resource organization practices among Federal

Polytechnic Libraries, respondents were requested to us SA, A, D, and SD to indicate their level

of support or against some statements. To decide on this, the criterion mean is also compare with

the item mean. The criterion of judgment is that if the criterion mean is greater than the item

mean, the statement is negatively rated, if otherwise, it is positively rated.

Table 8: Mean responses of the staff on the strategies that could be adopted to enhance

resource organization practices among Federal Polytechnic libraries in the North Central

Nigeria.

S/NO STRATEGIES SA A D SD MEAN

(X)

1. Enhancement of library budget for

on the job training 60 26 2 8 3.43

Procurement of current tools by libraries 53 24 7 12 3.22

Provision of enough space by libraries 45 30 7 14 3.10

Developing in house/customized

software by libraries 40 37 7 12 3.09

Provision of regular power supply 68 20 3 5 3.57

Encouraging further studies, workshop and

conference by libraries 62 22 5 7 3.44

Employment of IT personnel by libraries 31 38 13 14 2.85

Provision of computers by libraries 55 26 6 9 3.32

Provision of internet facilities by libraries 50 32 5 9 3.28

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

57

Table 8 shows that there are many strategies that could be adopted for the enhancement of

resource organization practices among Federal Polytechnic Libraries. All the Nine options listed,

all of them were positively rated as strategies to be adopted. The strategies in ranking order are:

provision of regular power supply 3.57, encouraging further studies, workshop and conferences

by libraries 3.44, enhancement of library budget for on the job training 3.43, provision of

computer by libraries 3.32, provision of internet facilities by libraries 3.28, procurement of

current tools by libraries 3.22, provision of enough space by libraries 3.10, Developing in-

house/customized software by libraries 3.09 and employment of IT personnel by libraries 2.85.

58

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, IMPLICATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND

CONCLUSION

Discussion of Findings

The discussion of findings of this study is organized based on the objectives of the study, these

are: to identify methods adopted in resources organization practices; to inquire into the facilities

employed in resource organization practices; to find out the extent of application of these

facilities in resource organization practices; to identify the competencies possessed by library

staff, to identify the challenges affecting effective resource organization practices; and finally to

recommend the strategies or measures to be employed in solving these challenges for effective

resources organization practices among Federal Polytechnic Libraries in Nigeria.

In this chapter, the major findings are discussed, the conclusion, the implication of the

study, recommendations, summary and suggestions for further study. These are guided by the six

(6) research Questions.

1. Method adopted in resources organization practices in Federal Polytechnic Libraries.

The data tabulated in chapter four revealed that shelf organization, use of table and use of

conventional catalogue ranked positive as the only methods of effective resources organization

practices. The findings seem to agree with Kochare (2010) who said that some of the major

activities of resource organization practices in library remain the making available of library

resources to the users with less effort in retrieving them. This he said can only be achieved with

the use of standard and acceptable globalised method. All other methods of resource organization

59

from analysis ranked negative. This is in line with Ugwu (2007) who stated that if information

resources are not given the right treatment in terms of organization and use of library resources,

the implication is that much of the valuable information in them could be lost. The researcher is

of the view that probably, the resource organizers are not aware that online, CD Rom, Data base,

micro form, use of online catalogue, CAS, SDI, indexing, abstracting and computerization are

parts of resources organization practices. This is in line with Fijabi (2001) who suggested that

libraries need to improve on some of their methods of information resource organization and

opined that there should be more emphasis on selective dissemination of information (SDI) and

current awareness services (CAS) to keep users informed of the available information resources

in the library.

2. Facilities employed in the resource organization practices in Federal Polytechnic,

Bida, Idah, Nasarawa and Offa libraries

The data analyzed in the preceding chapter shows that different types of resource

organization facilities are available to enhanced resource organization practices in the

Polytechnic libraries under study; the following are available in the four Polytechnic libraries:

Cutter number table, library of congress classification scheme, library of congress subject

heading, dictionary, catalogue cabinet, catalogue cards. Only Idah has Dewey Decimal

Classification Scheme, Perforator, Sears List of subject heading and computer. Anglo American

Classification rule 2 (AACR2) is available in both Idah and Nasarawa. Thesaurus is only

available in Bida. These findings agreed with Oketunji (2009) who rightly observed that it is

impossible to do a good job in resource organization practices without ample and available

facilities and qualified professionals.

60

The low ranking of information resource facilities such as Colon classification scheme,

Notebooks, Abstract, bibliographies, and Indexing may have resulted as a result of lack of

knowledge of usage of these facilities by the respondents and also the non popularity of the use

of these facilities among academic libraries in Nigeria.

From the researcher’s observation checklist, it was revealed that different resource

organization facilities are available as indicated on the checklist.

3. The extent of application of resource organization facilities

Based on the analysis done on the extent of application of resource organization facilities

by the respondents, it was observed from table 3 that the respondents applies these resource

organization facilities to a great extent; Library of Congress Classification Scheme, Library of

Congress Subject heading, catalogue cabinet, Anglo American Cataloguing Rules 2 (AACR2)

dictionary, cutter number table. This finding is supported by Kochare (2010) who said

organization practices in libraries remains the making available of library resources to users and

further stated that it can only be achieved with the use of standard and acceptable globalised

tools.

However, the researcher is of the opinion that more resource organization facilities be

made available because it will enhance information resource organization in Federal Polytechnic

Libraries in the North Central Nigeria. There is need for maximum use of resource organization

facilities because this is the only means of having effective and efficient resource organization

practices in libraries.

61

4 (A). Competencies possessed by staff in the Polytechnic Libraries

Based on the analysis done on the competencies required for resource organization in the

libraries under study, it was revealed that all competencies are required by library staff to provide

effective and efficient services in resource organization. The ranking shows that organizing skill

ranked highest. This is in agreement with Echezona, Asogwa and Asadu (2011) when they stated

that the major role of academic libraries is to provide quickly the resources users need for

teaching, learning, recreation and research. According to them, for this mission to be

accomplished the librarian should have the necessary skills in organizing library resources to

meet the need of their patron community.

(B). Competencies possessed by the Librarians

The findings of this study show that from the list of competencies accepted to be

possessed by the librarians; the librarians of the Federal Polytechnic libraries in the North

Central Nigeria do not possess all the competencies. The study revealed that competencies such

as Online catalogue, flexibility, language and development of team spirit which are core

competencies required by every librarian for resource organization practices are nearly non

existence. This result is contrary to Scott (2003) who asserted that a good resource organizer

must be a problem solver. Problem arises in all sort and shape in technical services by tracking

down and deciding what to do with new arrivals. He further stated that resource organizer must

be flexible as library profession is packed with rules.

From the discussion above, it is important to possess all the required competencies to be

able to organized resources effectively.

62

(C). Method of acquiring competencies by librarians

Table 6 was used to assess the method of acquisition of the competencies. Result shows

that competencies acquired were through formal professional education, on the job training, job

rotation, Induction/Orientation and Internship. In the same table 6, the result revealed that only

few librarians attend seminar, participatory management training and workshop/conferences/

symposia. This is contrary to Fatoke (2007) who said that for any librarian to be in line with the

scheme of librarianship, necessary skill must be acquired through sponsored major conferences,

workshops and tutorials.

From the discussion above it is important to acquire the necessary competencies to be

able to organized resources effectively to meet the current challenges in resource organization

practices in this dispensation.

5. Challenges affecting effective resource organization practices

The analysis on the challenges affecting effective resource organization practices in the

Federal Polytechnic Libraries, in the North Central Nigeria on table 7, identify numerous

challenges affecting effective resource organization in these Polytechnic libraries.

The finding of this study revealed that lack of budgetary provision for on the job training,

lack of current tools, inadequate space, lack of appropriate software, lack of power supply, lack

of IT personnel, non availability of internet facilities and inadequate computers are the

challenges affecting the librarians in resource organization practices. This result agrees with

Iwhiwhu (2008) who stated that some of the challenges for effective resource organization are

non availability of current tools, funding and erratic power supply. Other challenges like lack of

IT personnel, non availability of Internet facilities and inadequate computers conform with Arua

63

(2005) who stated that many libraries in Nigeria can not afford to purchase and install computers

and establish an Internet connection to aid resource organization especially when there is need

for Online services

However, the result of this study disagree with Azino (2006), who assert that the main

cause of resource organization backlog in most academic libraries today may have to do with the

inadequate number of trained staff. This is because the respondents totally disagree with lack of

skilled librarian. The reason for non acceptance of this as a challenge may be because of

inclusion of Para-professional in the resource organization practices.

6. Strategies for overcoming the challenges of resource organization practices in the

North Central Nigeria.

It has been discovered earlier that the challenges affecting effective resource organization

in Polytechnic Libraries are lack of budgetary provision for on the job training, lack of current

tools, inadequate space, lack of appropriate software, lack of power supply, lack of IT personnel,

non availability of Internet facilities and inadequate computers.

Following the analysis for overcoming the challenges of resource organization practices,

the result revealed that most of the respondents suggested that Polytechnic management should

make adequate funds available through budgetary provision to allow more librarians to attend

training that will enhance their job performance. The respondents also suggested adequate

funding for the procurement of current tools. Also provision of Generator as a standby was

suggested by the respondents to serve whenever there is power failure. The respondents

emphasizes on funding because other challenges like lack of adequate space, lack of appropriate

software, lack of IT personnel, non availability of Internet facilities and inadequate computers

64

rest on adequate funding. Some suggestions of the respondents are in line with Stoffle, Moris and

Trejo (2003) who asserts that for librarians to organize the needed resources in the libraries there

must be enabling environment from organizational level and limitless innovation opportunities

and flexible supportive infrastructure with the required tools.

The researcher agreed that if all these strategies are implemented, the effective and

efficient resource organization in these libraries will be guaranteed.

Implication of the Study

The implications of this study are based on the findings and discussion. The study has

some implications for Polytechnic library management, librarians, especially resource

organizers, researchers and users.

Result shows that librarians have not been able to provide the necessary services in their

libraries because of non adherence to methods of resource organization practices. Librarians in

polytechnics should adapt to various methods of resource organization practices. In libraries

where methods of resource organization are not practiced, vital information resources will be

lost. Also in libraries where there is no current resource organization facilities, information

resource organizer will find it difficult to organize information resources adequately and

efficiently thereby, placing resources inappropriately on the shelves. The resultant effects will be

separation of like terms.

The findings revealed that librarians of the polytechnics are not sent for seminars,

conferences and workshops by management of the institutions. This implies that most of the

librarians in the Polytechnics are not updated. Seminars, conferences and workshops are where

65

new development in the field of librarianship are discussed and training carried out to keep

librarians abreast of new development in the field.

Since the Polytechnic libraries are mainly used by researchers, who know what they want

and why they want it, there is need for librarians to provide more skills so that resources can get

to the shelves within a very shortest possible time. In libraries where there is no improvement in

organization of resources, there is bound to be a lot of backlogs leading to vital information to be

kept obsolete.

Recommendations

Based on the result obtained from the study, the following measures are recommended to

enhance resource organization practices in libraries.

1. Polytechnic libraries should as a matter of priority procure current tools for resource

organization to cater for new development in the field. Latest edition of the Library of

Congress Classification (LC) Scheme, Anglo American Cataloguing rules 2 (AACR2) and

Subject heading should always be procured.

2. The study recommends that training and re-training programmes should be organized for

library staff to expose them to the new development on the field. Once the staff are exposed

to new development on the field in one way or the other, they will gain a greater

knowledge on how to organize resources.

3. Library management should endeavor to send as many librarians as possible to attend

workshops, seminars, and conferences. On return of these librarians, an immediate in-house

66

training should be organized in the form of train-the-trainee system to impact the

knowledge acquired to enhance their services.

4. Librarians on their own should make efforts out of their merger salaries to attend seminars,

conferences and workshops. This will go a long way to increase their productivities and

competencies.

5. The study recommend for the provision of enough space to accommodate both the

librarians and resources for effective services.

6. The Polytechnic libraries should make provision for IT personnel, internet facilities and

computers. This will enhance the services of resource organizers especially when an online

service is required.

7. There is urgent need for stand by generator by the library management to be used

whenever there is power failure. This will enhance the pushing out of information

resources with the use of internet services.

8. The study recommends adequate funding and other means of generating money. This is

because without adequate fund, it will be difficult to procure current resource organization

facilities.

Limitation of the Study

The researcher was faced with numerous problems. Among them are:

1. A prolong strike embarked upon by the polytechnic workers.

2. A large area of study with long distance

67

3. Shortage of time as the researcher works full time while on his program.

Suggestions for Further Research

The study is on resource organization practices among Federal Polytechnic Libraries in the North

Central Nigeria. The restriction of this study to only Federal Polytechnic libraries, however, has

call for more investigation into this new area of librarianship in Nigeria context.

The following areas for further study are therefore suggested.

1. Organization and utilization of ICT resources.

2. Consequences of non inclusion of ICT resources in libraries

3. Causes of resource backlogs in academic libraries in North Central Nigeria.

Conclusion

Organization of library resources is central to the mission of libraries worldwide. Effective

organization of library resources promotes efficiency and user confidence in the library services.

From the analysis and discussion of the findings, the researcher discovered that;

1. Librarians in Polytechnic libraries under study adopted shelf organization, use of table and

use of conventional catalogue as a method of resource organization practices.

2. Most of the libraries in these Polytechnics lack necessary current facilities like Anglo

American Cataloguing Rules2 (AACR2) computer, abstract, bibliography, indexing which

are essential tools for resource organization.

68

3. Few facilities like library of congress classification scheme, library of congress subject

heading, catalogue cabinet, dictionary and cutter number table are applied in resource

organization practices.

4. All the needed competencies for effective resource organization practices are required.

5. Some librarians in the Polytechnic libraries do not possess the needed resource

organization competencies.

6. Few librarians are allowed to attend workshops, seminars and conferences.

7. Librarians on their own should sacrifice their hard earned salaries to attend seminars,

conferences and workshop. This is very necessary because their productivity is hinged on

their level of competencies.

8. The major challenges confronting effective resource organization practices include; lack of

budgetary provision for on the job training, lack of current tools, inadequate space, lack of

appropriate software, lack of power supply, lack of IT personnel, non availability of

internet facilities and inadequate computers. These may be the cause of the backlogs of

unprocessed books in the libraries of Federal Polytechnics in the North Central Nigeria

under study.

69

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73

Appendix A:

Table 1: Population of the study by Polytechnic.

S/NO POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES POPULATION

Librarian Library

Officer

1 Federal polytechnic library Bida 12 10

2 Federal polytechnic library Idah 14 10

3 Federal polytechnic library Nassarawa 10 11

4 Federal polytechnic library Offa 12 18

Total 48 49

Source: Library staff nominal rolls 2014.

74

Appendix B

Department of Library

and Information Science

University of Nigeria

Nsukka

Enugu State.

3rd

June, 2014.

………………………………………….

………………………………………….

………………………………………….

Dear Respondents,

RESOURCES ORGANIZATION PRACTICES QUESTIONNAIRE (ROPQ)

I am carrying out a study on resources organization practices in libraries of the Federal

Polytechnics in the North central states of Nigeria in partial fulfillment of the award of

master’s degree in Library and Information science.

Please, I am soliciting for your co-operation to kindly complete the attached questionnaire and

return same to me. I wish to assure you that whatever you give shall be treated with utmost

confidentiality.

Thanks.

Yours sincerely,

J. E. Salifu

Researcher

75

BIODATA

1. NAME OF THE SCHOOL ………………………………………………

2. NAME OF THE LIBRARY………………………………………………

3. YEAR OF ESTABLIHMENT OF THE LIBRARY………………..

4. SECTIONS WHERE YOU HAVE WORKED……………………………

……………………………

……………………………

……………………………

5. QUALIFICATIONS…………………………………………………………

6. YEAR OF GRADUATION………………………………………………….

7. PRESENT DESIGNATION…………………………………………………

8. SEX: MALE FEMALE

9. YEAR OF EXPERIENCE IN LIBRARY WORK

A. 1-10 YEARS B. 10-20 YEARS

C. 20 YEARS AND ABVOE

76

Appendix C

OBSERVATION CHECKLIST

Please tick as appropriate in the table below:

Tools available in polytechnic libraries for resources organization practices

Tools Available Not Available

Classification Tools

1. Cutter number table

2. Library of congress classification

scheme

3. Dewey decimal classification scheme

4. Universal decimal classification

scheme

5. Colon classification scheme

Cataloguing Tools

6. Anglo American Cataloguing Rules

(AACR)

7. Dictionary

8. Thesaurus

9. Perforator

10. Library of congress subject heading

11. Sears list of subject heading

12. Catalogue cabinet

13. Catalogues

14. Note Book

15. Computer

16. Catalogue cabinet

17. Abstract

18. Bibliography

19 Indexing

77

Cluster I

Methods of resource organization practices.

What are the method of resource organization practices employed in your library?

Tick as applicable: VHE= Very highly employed. HE= highly employed. LE= Less employed.

NE= Not employed.

Methods VHE HE LE NE

1. Shelf organization

2. Online

3. CD Rom

4. Data Base

5. Micro Form

6. Use of Table

7. Use of Conventional Catalogue

8. Use of Online Catalogue

9. CAS

10. SDI

11. Indexing

12. Abstracting

13. Computerization

14. Other, Please Specify and Rate

15.

16.

Extent of application of these tools to resource organization practices.

To what extent are these tools applied in resource organization practices in your library?

VGE= Very great extent, GE = Great extent, LE = Less extent and NA = Not applied

78

Extent of Application VGE GE LE NA

Classification Tools

17. Library of Congress Classification Scheme

18. Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme

19. Universal Decimal Classification Scheme

20. Colon Classification Scheme

21. Cutter number table

22. Other, please specify and rate

23.

24.

25.

Cataloguing Tools

26. Anglo American Cataloguing Rules (AACR)

27. Dictionary

28. Thesaurus

29. Catalogue cabinet

30. Library of Congress subject heading

31. Sears List of subject heading

32. Other, please specify and rate

33.

34.

35.

79

Cluster III

Skills needed for resource organization practices.

Which of these skills do you think you need for effective organization of information resources

in your library?

VHP=Very highly possessed, HP=highly possessed, LP=less possessed, NP=Not possessed.

VHP HP LP NP

36. Organizing skills

37. Decision making skills

38. On-line cataloguing skills

39. Research skills

40. Flexibility skills

41. Innovative skills

42. Language skills

43. Development of team spirit

44. Initiative skills

45. Computer skills

46. Others, please specify and rate

47.

48.

80

Competencies possessed

Which of the following skills do you possessed?

VHP=Very highly possessed, HP=highly possessed, LP=less possessed, NP=Not possessed.

VHP HP LP NP

49. Organizing skills

50. Decision making skills

51. On-line cataloguing skills

52. Research skills

53. Flexibility skills

54. Innovative skills

55. Language skills

56. Development of team spirit

57. Initiative skills

58. Computer skills

59. Others, please specify and rate

60.

61.

Methods of skill acquisition

Through which of these methods of training did you acquire skills for your work?

A. Induction/orientation ( )

B. Workshop/conferences/symposia ( )

C. On the job training ( )

D. Formal professional education ( )

E. Job rotation ( )

F. Internship ( )

G. Participatory management training ( )

H. Seminar ( )

I. Others, please specify…………………………………………………….

81

Cluster IV:

Challenges for resource organization practices.

What are the challenges affecting effective resource organization in your library?

SA = Strongly Agree, A =Agree, D = Disagree and SD= Strongly Disagree

SA A D SD

62. Lack of budgetary provision for on the job

training

63. Lack of current tools

64. Inadequate space

65. Lack of appropriate software

66. Lack of power supply

67. Lack of skilled librarians

68. Lack of IT personnel

69. Non availability of internet facilities

70. Inadequate computers

71. Others, please specify and rate

72.

73.

74.

82

Cluster V:

Strategies for overcoming the challenges of resource organization practices.

What strategies can be used to overcome these challenges?

SA A D SD

75. Enhancement of library budget for on the job

training

76. Procurement of current tools by libraries

77. Provision of enough space by libraries

78. Developing in-house/customized software by

libraries

79. Provision of regular power supply

80. Encouraging further studies, workshop and

conferences by libraries

81. Employment of IT personnel by libraries

82. Provision of internet facilities by libraries

83. Provision of computers by libraries

84. Others, please specify and rate

85.

86.