INFLUENCE OF LIBRARY RESOURCES, SERVICES AND USE BY LAWMAKERS ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of library resources, services and use by lawmakers on legislative activities in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The objectives of the study were to determine the types of library resources available to lawmakers in FCT, to ascertain the influence of library resources on legislative activities in FCT, determine the influence of library services on legislative activities in FCT and ascertain the influence of library use by lawmakers on legislative activities in FCT Abuja. Four corresponding research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population consisted of 472 lawmakers and heads of legislative libraries in FCT. A sample size of 217 which consisted of 214 lawmakers and three (3) heads of legislative libraries in FCT was used. A structured questionnaire and an observation checklist were the data collection instruments. Data was analyzed by mean and standard deviation. Results showed that books, newspapers, encyclopedia, dictionaries, indexes, abstracts and special collections are all available in the legislative libraries studied. The study further revealed a significant influence of library resources, services and use on legislative activities in FCT Abuja. Based on the findings, it was recommended that legislative libraries in FCT should acquire relevant e-books and journals to facilitate research and also access to digital resources should be improved so that legislators can have access to library resources anywhere and anytime.