Utilization and User Satisfaction of Public Library Services in South-West, Nigeria in the 21st Century: A Survey

Abstract

User satisfaction of public library services has become an imperative concern in recent times. There is no doubt that satisfaction of library services influences the degree in which the services are used and it has been found to be an important factor that affects the use or non use of library services. This study investigated the utilization and user satisfaction of public library services in south west Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed for this research and a total of 400 (four hundred) library users chosen across four states in South-West, Nigeria were used for the study. Questionnaire was the major instrument used for data collection. Frequency counts and simple percentages were used to analyze the obtained data. The results showed that there is an improvement in the use of these libraries. Also, lack of adequate facilities, inadequate/outdated information resources, internet /ICT services in Nigeria public libraries were revealed by the users as major factors affecting user satisfaction of public library services in this 21st century of information and communication technology. Based on the findings, it was recommended that funding should be increased by the government so that adequate information resources and ICT facilities can be acquired in public libraries. And this will also boost the utilization of public libraries among the Nigerian population who desperately need a place where their information needs would be met.