Administration

Permanent URI for this departmenthttps://ir.uat.edu.ng/handle/123456789/98

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Digitization of Nigerian university libraries
(2009) Iwhiwhu. Enemute; EYEKPEGHA, Elvis Ovietobore
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the present digitization projects in Nigerian university libraries and the challenges they pose to effective information delivery. Design/methodology/approach – The research method employs both qualitative and quantitative methods. The questionnaire is the major instrument used for data collection, with observation as complimentary instrument. The respondents constitute 40 professional and para-professional staffers drawn from both universities. Findings – The results from the paper reveal that the libraries lack written policy on digitization, inadequate ICT infrastructures and manpower, fund, and inadequate government support. Users are not given user education/digital literacy to enable them adequately utilizing the available digitized resources and services, thus posing challenges to effective information delivery. Originality/value – The paper will make for a more conscious effort in institutionalizing digital library services, formulation and implementation of digitization policies, introduction of user education/digital literacy programmes and conscious staff training programme on ICTs for university libraries in Nigeria.
ROLE OF THE LIBRARY IN DISSEMINATING INFORMATION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
(2017) Sawyerr-George, Oyinkepreye; Bribena, Emilian; Paleowei, Zikena Cletus
The paper discusses the role of the Library in rural development. It discusses the importance of information to rural people, the concepts of development and rural development, information needs of rural dwellers, challenges faced by rural people in accessing information and the role of the library and librarian in the development of rural communities. The paper is an opinion paper. Historical research design was used for the paper and data was obtained from documentary sources and analysed with content analysis in a narrative form. Findings from literature reviewed showed that the information needs of the rural people were numerous, ranging from health, agriculture and allied occupations, education, housing, employment, transportation, religion, recreation, culture, welfare and family matters. Their challenges of accessing information were due toilliteracy, poverty, lack of information infrastructure, lack of libraries and information centers. The library can fill the information need of the rural people through education, provision of reading and information materials. It concludes by stating that the library plays an important role in rural development, so they should endeavor to stock the rural libraries with materials that will meet the information needs of the rural people. It goes further to recommend that librarians working in the different types of libraries should endeavor to acquire materials such as books and make ideas available through radio broadcast and cassette recordings.
Identifying Digital Aggression in Information Dissemination on Social Media
(2022) Odigie, Imoisili Ojeime; Irenoa, Kenneth Ohis; Sawyerr-George, Oyinkepreye
Text and memes are increasingly populated and used to spread information on social media like twitter. Sometimes these memes can have different meanings or connotations. This study was aimed at highlighting how such information in the form of memes or text are diffused on social media platforms, with Twitter the selected platform. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed method design which allows for in-depth analysis of quantitative results from the corpus of tweets. The findings indicate a growing use of a new terminology ―vawulence‖ over the period of eight months observed showing adoption and acceptance of the new variation for the word violence. The study also found that digital aggression (cyberbullying) has become more notable and on the rise particularly with the use of text and memes showing veiled and, in some instances, outright attempts at cyberbullying with new terminologies still arising (in the form of ‗wotowoto‘ and ‗collect‘ which mean a form of physical assault).
An Assessment of Academic Database Subscription Management in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Challenges and Prospects
(2022) Irenoa, Kenneth O.; Sawyerr-George, Oyinkepreye E.
Research has remained a key expectation of universities all over the globe, and supporting the research effort of academics is a key goal of libraries. Most of the support services is shown by the availability of current information provided by journals and current research output. The paper is an overview of the concept, types of databases and vendors of popular databases, current practices and some identified bias in the subscription process in most universities in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for the study is a descriptive survey research with questionnaires used to solicit responses from participants using Google form. The paper also recommends effort in building local-based content but globally available databases to increase intellectual contribution to the body of knowledge. Government support in the area of curriculum and general standards to reduce bias towards local content. Consortium-managed subscription to international databases to reduce the cost burden on individual institutions and improve access to rich sources of information.
Usage of Library Information Resources and Research Productivity among Lecturers in Federal Universities in South-South, Nigeria
(2023) EYEKPEGHA, Elvis Ovietobore; OGBOMO, Monday Obaidjevwe; OCHONOGOR, Wilson Chukwunedum
The study investigated the relationship between usage of library information resources and research productivity among lecturers in federal universities in South- South, Nigeria. The research was anchored on correlational research design. From a population of 7,219 a sample size of 368 was drawn using accidental sampling technique. Data were from respondents via questionnaire and, analysed with frequency, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study found that there was no significant relationship between usage of library information resources and research productivity among lecturers in federal universities collected in South-South, Nigeria; usage of library information resources and research productivity among lecturers in federal universities in South-South, Nigeria were low, while challenges lecturers encountered in the process of research productivity were inadequate funds, excess workload, poor research facilities, delayed payment of research grant, inadequate management support, time pressure, deadline and publication cost. The study concluded that, usage of library information resources did not correlate with research productivity among lecturers in federal universities in South-South, Nigeria. It was recommended that Librarians in federal university should employ promotion strategies such as social media, posters, influencers and word - of - mouth marketing to create awareness of library information resources to lecturers, improve usage and consequently increase research productivity among lecturers.
Internet Usage among University Students in Nigeria
(2023) Sawyerr-George, Oyinkepreye Evelyn; Agina-Obu, Rachael
The study looked at how students at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, used the Internet. A descriptive survey approach was chosen, and the study’s execution was driven by five research questions. The population of the study consisted of 1300 undergraduate students, and the Taro Yamane sample size algorithm was used to select the sample size, which was set at 300 students. The instrument for gathering data was the questionnaire. Experts in research techniques and statistics approved the questionnaire. The instrument’s dependability was determined using Cronbach Alpha, which produced a result of 0.87. Frequency counts and simple percentages were used to examine the data. The research found that the majority of students have access to Internet services on campus and that most of them regularly utilize those services for learning, personal development, and pleasure. The findings also showed that most students choose to use the university library’s Internet services and that obstacles to efficient use of these services included slow Internet speed, unpredictable power supply, weak information retrieval skills, and issues identifying relevant information. The researchers’ recommendations were based on the findings, and they included an upgrade to the institution’s electrical infrastructure, Internet infrastructure, and the provision of Internet access in the students’ dorms to maintain its efficient Internet services. The university library should also instruct students in digital literacy to enhance their search techniques and strategies.
Digital resources and the reading habits of university students in Nigeria
(2023) Ogunbodede, Kolawole Francis; Sawyerr-George, Oyinkepreye Evelyn
The study examined digital resources (DRs) and the reading habits of university students in Nigeria. This study aims to establish the relationship between DRs and the reading habits of university students in Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all university students in Nigeria. An online questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was validated by two experts in research methodology and educational technology. 412 university students who responded to the questionnaire were used as the sample for the study. The sample size is justified by Fox et al. (2007) and Meyer (1979), who recommended 384 samples from an infinite population range. Cronbach’s alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instrument, which yielded 0.76. Data were analyzed with frequency counts and simple percentages, and statistical product and service solutions version 23 was used to generate the mean and standard deviation while Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings established that the majority of the university students used DRs daily and the Internet resources were mostly used by the students. The students had positive perceptions of the impacts of DR usage on their reading habits. Lastly, the test of the hypothesis showed that there is a significant relationship between DRs and the reading habits of university students in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that the university management should continue to provide the Internet services and computer systems so that students can continue to enjoy more access to DRs to enhance their learning.
An Investigation into the Effect of Social Media Addiction on Library Users of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri
(2023) George-Sawyerr, Oyinkepreye E.
The study discussed the effects of social media addiction on library users of the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri. It defined and explained social media addiction, and the different themes relating to social media addiction. The study had five objectives and research questions. The literature reviewed social media as a concept, the benefits of using social media and addictions, the types of addiction consequences of social media addiction, and suggestions on ways to reduce social media addiction. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population for the study is 100, while the sample size was 48. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and Chi Square and descriptive analysis was used to analyse the results. The study concluded that social media is beneficial to library users but with potential for abuse by library users with dire consequences in terms of their physical and mental health, and academic performance. The study suggests ways of managing social media addiction through acknowledging their addiction, reviewing past posts, setting priorities right, turning off all notifications, avoid posting everyday life experiences, limiting their social media usage and transfer their social media account to another people.
Gender Differences in Awareness and Use of ChatGPT Among Undergraduate E-Library Users at Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
(2026) George-Sawyerr, Oyinkepreye E.; EYEKPEGHA, Elvis Ovietobore
This study examined gender differences in awareness and use of ChatGPT among undergraduate e-library users at HENSARD University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Of a population of 350 undergraduates, 78 students encountered in the e library were selected through availability-based purposive sampling; 75 valid questionnaires were analyzed (96.2% response rate), comprising 33 males (44.0%) and 42 females (56.0%). Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, an independent-samples t-test, and Pearson product–moment correlation. Based on the displayed group summary statistics, awareness scores did not differ significantly by gender, t(73) = -1.28, p = .204, mean difference = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.38, 0.08], Cohen’s d = -0.30. Use scores also did not differ significantly, t(73) = -0.38, p = .706, mean difference = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.31, 0.21], Cohen’s d = -0.09. Awareness was strongly and positively correlated with use, r = .72, p < .001. Students reported high to very high levels of awareness and use, with the five-item use scale producing a grand mean of 4.21 on a five-point scale. The main reported purpose was assignment completion (77.3%). Students also reported very positive perceptions of ChatGPT’s ease of use and usefulness. The principal limitations are the small, single-institution sample, availability-based purposive sampling, self-reported data, and the cross-sectional design, which limits generalizability and does not permit causal conclusions.