Use of Print and Non-Print Resources as Factors Influencing Research Productivity of Librarians in Private Universities in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the use of print and non-print resources as factors influencing research productivity among librarians in private universities in South-west, Nigeria. The descriptive survey method was employed for the study. The purposive sampling method was used to select 12 out of the 34 private universities in the South-West Nigeria. Random sampling method was used to select ten (10) librarians each from two private universities in six states making a total number of 120 librarians. One hundred and twenty (120) copies of the questionnaire were administered to librarians and 109 copies were retrieved, giving a response rate of 90.8%. The data was analyzed using frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the librarians used textbooks, atlases newspapers, electronic books, electronic encyclopedias, online public access catalogue and online conference proceedings for their research activities. Also, journal articles, co-edited books published and conference paper presentation were the research resources that contributed to librarians’ research productivity. Major factors influencing the use of print and non-print resources were library orientation, awareness of electronic resources, level of availability and accessibility on resources. Publication cost, lack of research orientation and high cost of internet access were the major challenges facing librarians in their research productivity. It is recommended that academic libraries should try as much as possible to conduct training, seminars as means to increase print and electronic information resources awareness, access and use. Time management should be inculcated by the librarians in order to have time to study and research.