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1 – 2 of 2The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of internet resources and the evaluation of their usefulness on teaching, learning and research in Nigerian universities with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of internet resources and the evaluation of their usefulness on teaching, learning and research in Nigerian universities with particular emphasis on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile‐Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a descriptive survey using questionnaires for data collection. The respondents constitute students (750) and academic staff (115) from OAU. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) were used to analyze the data.
Findings
The results from the paper reveal that a majority of the surveyed academic staff and the students found the internet to be very useful. Internet resources mostly used by both groups were e‐mail and the world wide web (WWW). Search interfaces were used for looking for research information. It was discovered that the users were not given adequate user education to enable them make use of the internet resources available.
Originality/value
That the internet is widely used is not a surprise, but the paper points to the fact that more conscious efforts must be made in the introduction of user education and information literacy programmes, as well as in staff training on information and communication technology resources in the library.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of what public relations in university libraries encompasses. This is especially important in the digital age…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of what public relations in university libraries encompasses. This is especially important in the digital age. Information has economic value and requires an information marketplace in which such value can be exchanged. The paper also aims to educate librarians, information managers/analysts and the library clientele/public about the various benefits associated with public relations and marketing of library services.
Design/methodology/approach
After a literature review of available resources (academic literature, journal articles, and books) the benefits associated with public relations in organizations – libraries being client‐oriented organizations – are investigated by means of a questionnaire survey administered to 180 students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‐Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Findings
From the findings contained in 150 returned questionnaires, it was discovered that some 40 per cent of students do not know where to locate materials in their disciplines within the University's Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library. An even higher number have a poor opinion of the library staff competences. This points to the fact that the library's marketing and promotional efforts were not enough to attract the attention of the library patrons. The library needs to take on a greater role in this respect and use its ICT capabilities more.
Originality/value
The paper increases the understanding of what public relations encompasses and how it can be utilized by librarians and information managers/analysts in discharging their mandate of information provision. The ideas and discussions put forth may give the librarians/managers new insights into the provision of public relations services in their libraries. The study makes recommendations concerning the marketing of library resources in order to create awareness and enhance the library's visibility. It also advocates that the library's web site should be used in promoting library services and activities.
Details