Orientation and Use of Library Resources among Undergraduates of the Delta State University Library, Abraka

Abstract

To improve teaching and learning, libraries must encourage users to use library materials. Students need orientation and library skills training to maximize library use. Library orientations assist students to grasp reference sections, non-circulatory features, catalogues, and files in reference books and better use of library resources. The researcher found that certain Delta State University (DELSU) students struggle to use library services such as the library catalog, Internet, and shelves. They also travel from bookshelf to bookshelf looking for important library resources, which hurts their grades. The researcher examines why students dislike library resource usage orientation and proposes solutions. Four research questions guided this investigation. This study used the survey research method to obtain empirical data from 1,133 undergraduate library patrons at Delta State University, Abraka. The survey instrument was bifurcated into two sections: personal information and research inquiries. The data was promptly gathered and the duration of the exercise spanned a period of seven days. The analysis of the study employed descriptive statistics, frequency percentages, and statistical mean. The criterion mean was set at 2.50 and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was applied at a significance level of 0.05. Findings revealed that Delta State University library arranges orientation sessions for undergraduate students, Library orientations play an important role in facilitating professional pursuits and career development, Undergraduate students use a variety of library resources, and Library orientation familiarizes individuals with the means to access various library resources, and Library orientation has a positive effect on undergraduate students' academic performance. The study concluded that the library at Delta State University conducts an orientation program to provide education and guidance to library catalogues, and recommended that it is important to promote attendance of orientation programs and motivate students to utilize library resources, such as films, film tapes, disc records, abstracts, etc.