Marketing Library and Information Services in Academic Libraries in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was designed to investigate the marketing of library services in academic libraries in Niger State Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of seventy-one academic librarians which were used for the study. Three research questions guided the study. A thirty-four-item questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed with the use of frequency tables and mean scores. The results of the data analyzed revealed that the need for marketing library services is to achieve the objectives of the library and enlighten the users on the relevance of library use. The most widely used technique is the exhibition and display of new materials and staff friendliness to users. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed that lack of funds, lack of facilities in marketing library services, and librarians not willing to market library services are factors militating against marketing library services. Based on the findings it was recommended that more funds should be allocated to the development of libraries by parent organizations. Training, workshops, and seminars should be organized for librarians to enlighten them on how to market library services. It is also essential for librarians to be committed to their work and improve their services.