USE OF RELEVANT INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY OPERATIONS IN DELTA AND EDO STATES,NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study investigated use of relevant information resources for effective public library operations in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. The survey research design was used with the population of 265 librarians and library officers drawn from 40 public libraries in two States.The sample size drawn for the study was 171.Questionnaire was the instrument used for the collection of data. The response collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical. A simple percentage and frequency count was used to analyze the demographic information of the respondents and the objectives of the study for this study.The findings revealed that the available information resources in the public libraries were:Textbooks,Newspaper/Magazines,Reference Materials,Fiction and Non-fiction books and pictures. The methods of managing information resources were shelving library materials to allow for free air,ventilation,cleaning and dusting of library materials and cataloguing, infrastructural facilities available were reading tables,sitting chairs,book shelves,library space and parking space, fans and air conditioners,and cataloguing facilities. The study also revealed that the libraries lacked human resources that are relevant for effective operations of public libraries inDelta and Edo States. Based on the findings of the study,conclusion and recommendations was drawn to help public libraries in Delta and Edo States improve on the use of relevant information resources for effective operations of public library.