Exploring the Use of Law Information Resources and Services at Ekiti State University, Nigeria.

Abstract

In the contemporary legal education landscape, the strategic integration of digital and print infrastructures is essential for fostering innovation-led research. The main objective of this study is to explore the utilisation of Ekiti State University Law Library resources and services by a diverse cohort, including undergraduate and Master's students, lecturers, and practicing lawyers in Ado-Ekiti. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study utilised a self-structured instrument, the "Law Library Survey 2023," alongside qualitative insights to gather data from a sample of 90 respondents, achieving an 85.6% response rate. Data were processed using SPSS software for descriptive analysis and thematic synthesis of qualitative feedback. Findings revealed a significant preference for print resources over electronic alternatives, with 63.6% of respondents expressing satisfaction with physical law reports and journals. Conversely, critical digital and reference assets remain underutilized; 14.3% of users reported dissatisfaction with reference services, 29.9% never consulted serials, and engagement with electronic databases was notably low. The study concludes that a significant "satisfaction-usage gap" exists, where the underutilization of vital resources like periodicals and e-databases hinders the potential for effective legal research. Consequently, it is recommended that the library management implement 21st-century service policies, enhance digital literacy training, and foster proactive user-librarian engagement to optimize resource patronage and academic output.