Seminars/Research

Nkiko Christopher: Acting Director, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota. Chrismoj3@yahoo.co.uk

Title: Pioneer Bachelor Degree: Citation Analysis of Covenant University Students Research Projects

Abstract

The paper reports a citation analysis of the pioneer Covenant University bachelor degree students research project report of 2006, accepted by the university academic department and submitted to the university library. The analysis was performed to assist the recipient library in determining the types of materials that are mostly sought after and used by students. This will no doubt enhance collection improvement by the university. Five hundred and fifty seven (557) research reports were analyzed which generated a total of fourteen thousand six hundred and fifty five (14655) citations, which represent an average of 26.3 citations per research report. Type of material cited, amount of internet/electronic resources citations and recency of citations were analyzed. The result corroborated past research efforts. Books were cited more frequently than journals. 53.3% of the citations were books while 21.5% of the citations were journals. Internet/electronic resources citations were 7.7%. About 64% of the total citations were recent.

The paper suggests that students should be thoroughly sensitized towards choosing their research topics early to avoid rushing over their works and so prevent hasty and inadequate reading which in turn leads to poor citation as well as lack of depth. It concludes by advocating for further studies within the next five years to ascertain the extent to which the present findings would be confirmed in subsequent students’ degree research projects of the university.

Ilo Promise. Head, Technical Services, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota. Feomilo_2005@yahoo.com

Title: Cataloguing and Classification in an ICT Era: Matters Arising

Abstract

The paper discusses the current trends in cataloguing and classification of library materials in the information and communication technology era. There is outstanding evidence that ICT has improved cataloguing activities but has at the same time given rise to some issues of concern to the library, librarian and the users. These identified issues include threat to the position of the cataloguer, requisite skills, infrastructure, training, software etc. Suggestions given on how to derive maximum benefits include capacity building through self-development, review of curriculum, constant power supply and regular user bibliographic instructions.

Yusuf, Felicia. Acquisition Librarian, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota. yusuffelicia@yahoo.co.uk

Title: Repositioning School Libraries in Nigeria: The Catalyst to Promoting Reading Habits among Primary and Secondary School Students in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the repositioning of school libraries in Nigeria as the catalyst for promoting reading habits among primary and secondary students. It also identifies funding, environmental inhibition and poor implementation of national policies in education as major constraints. Strategies for intervention among others include; professional accreditation of schools based on their library status, aestheticism, endowment, capacity building, automation, teacher-librarian as a model and relevant learning resources. It recommends the collaboration of all stakeholders to rebuild this foundation, if sustainable educational standard is to be guaranteed.

Adeyemi, Aderonke O. Cataloguer, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota. deroyemi@yahoo.com

Title: Electronic Resources: Impact On Academic Productivity of Academic Staff of Covenant University, Ota

Abstract

Individuals as well as organizations seek for ways of enhancing their relevance and productivity on a daily basis. Covenant University library has invested heavily in the annual subscription to electronic resources as well as twenty hour provision of functional Internet services. The study examined the impact of electronic resources on the academic

productivity of Covenant University faculty. It revealed that electronic resources enhance research and teaching of the staff. An increase in the electronic resources acquisition is recommended, since e-Resources have removed walls from libraries thereby making library materials accessible to all regardless of time and location.

Osayande, Odaro. Reference Librarian, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota. osasodaro@yahoo.com

Title: Security Issues In Academic Libraries: The Way Out

Abstract

Security of library materials has bothered librarians from the medieval period to the present. This study examines and evaluates security issues in academic libraries which include: theft of library materials, mutilation or vandalism of library materials, fire outbreak, dealing with disruptive and deviant patrons, etc. The focal point of this study is on the issues of theft and mutilation of library materials which has bedeviled academic libraries. Insensitivity to the needs of others, inoperative copying machines, incessant power outage, porous security, etc, are some of the reasons why patrons steal and/or mutilate library materials. The study examines techniques and dynamics of library crimes, the effect on faculty/other users and the library itself. The paper finally, recommends modern and proactive approaches as the way out of the menace of theft and vandalism in academic libraries. These include but not limited to, facility consideration when designing a library building, security personnel, window protection and the installation of Electronic Security Systems (ESS) viz: 3M security system, electronic surveillance cameras/CCTV, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) System, etc.

Ijirigho Mercy A. Head, Readers’ Services, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota. mercyari2001@yahoo.co.uk

Title:Faculty Expectations of Libraries: A Comparative Study of Covenant University and University of Lagos

Abstract

The study assessed the quality of library services rendered, identified faculty expectations of libraries and ascertained the disparity of users’ expectation between private and public universities. Three hundred copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents which include faculty from Covenant University and University of Lagos while two hundred and forty were retrieved. Among other findings, the study revealed that the quality of services currently rendered, is higher in the private university than in the public university. Also faculty expectations of libraries in the private university were found to be at variance with those of faculty in the public university. The study recommends development and deployment of innovative services, which include 24hours services, scanning services and current awareness services to upgrade current practices to a global standard and thus attract greater patronage as well as sustain faculty expectations.

Adebayo Oyeronke Circulation Librarian, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University Ota. adebayo_oyeronke@yahoo.com

Title: Reading Habits of Secondary School Teachers in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area: A study of Selected Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study examines the reading habits of secondary school teachers in Ado – Odo Ota Local Government Area. The survey method was used for this study; a self-designed questionnaire was administered to 100 teachers in the local government using random sampling technique. This study revealed that majority of the teachers concentrate on reading textbooks and they have no fixed time for reading. It concluded that teachers have to develop a love for reading so that they can be versatile in knowledge. It also recommends that stakeholders collaborate to revitalize school libraries if sustainable education is to be attained.