STUDENT RESIDENCE AS FACTOR AFFECTING USE OF LIBRARY BY THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF TWO FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study focused on student residence as factor affecting use of library by the undergraduate students of two Universities in North-Central Nigeria. It adopted a descriptive survey design and had a population of 11,732 undergraduate students from two selected federal universities in North-Central Nigeria. The study used proportionate stratified random sampling technique to sample 500 undergraduate students. Five hundred (500) copies of questionnaire were distributed and four hundred and twenty nine (429) returned; representing a return rate of 86%. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of percentages as well as mean and standard deviation frequency. The decision rule for research questions one through three was based on whether the mean score value was lower than or above the criterion mean value of 2.50 bench-mark. The findings of the study revealed that the use of library resources among undergraduate students is relatively low. The study also revealed that close proximity of libraries to student’s hostels (36.3%) positively affects the undergraduate students’ use of library resources though the effect is mild. Finally, the study recommended that University and Library Management in the universities studied should always consider the need for students’ hostels to be located close to the university libraries. This would no doubt enhance the students’ use of library. Also, university management should endeavour to provide Internet services in the entire campuses and hostels so as to improve the academic performance of the students.