University of Nebraska - Lincoln

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

November 2022

Public Library Services on the Promotion of Literacy Level of

Users in Kenneth Dike E-Central Library, Awka
UGOCHI IRUOMA EGWUONWU
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria, ui.egwuonwu@unizik.edu.ng

OBIOMA LOVETH OBIEKWE

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria, obiekweobioma@yahoo.com

EVELYN NKIRUKA EKPEHA

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria, evegr8concept27@gmail.com

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac

Part of the Scholarly Communication Commons

EGWUONWU, UGOCHI IRUOMA; OBIEKWE, OBIOMA LOVETH; and EKPEHA, EVELYN NKIRUKA, "Public
Library Services on the Promotion of Literacy Level of Users in Kenneth Dike E-Central Library, Awka"
(2022). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 7433.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7433
 Public Library Services on the Promotion of Literacy Level of Users in Kenneth Dike E-
Central Library, Awka
BY
EGWUONWU UGOCHI IRUOMA
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY
E-MAIL: ui.egwuonwu@unizik.edu.ng

OBIOMA LOVETH OBIEKWE

FESTUS AGHAGBO NWANWO LIBRARY
NAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA.
obiekweobioma@yahoo.com
AND
EKPEHA EVELYN
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY
evegr8concept27@gmail.com

Abstract
This study investigated public library services on the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-
Central Library, Awka. Five research questions were used for the study. The research method
adopted was the survey method and population consisted of 2543 registered users of Kenneth
Dike public library. A sample size of 345 users was used. Mean was used for data analysis.
Questionnaires and observation checklist were used for data collection. The study found that the
available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users are consultancy
services, exhibition and displays, book reservation services which have high mean score above
2.50. The extent of use of the available public library services by users to promote their literacy
level are reprographic services, library instruction (user education), and inter-library loan which
have high mean score above 2.50. The roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users
in Kenneth Dike E-central Library in Awka are teaching of literacy skills, promotion of
independent learning ,education on lifelong learning ,organizing library week, story-talk hour,
creative activities or creative writing , book exhibition and book talk which have high mean
score above 2.50. The challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services
towards promoting literacy level are inadequate financial support, insufficient library materials,
and poor library infrastructure which have high mean score above 2.50. The solutions to the
challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy
level of users are adequate financial support, sufficient library materials, and low cost of library
materials which have high mean score. This study concludes that the impacts of public library
services on promoting literacy level are high as they have the tendency of improving the reading
culture of users. The study went on to recommend that sufficient and relevant library materials
which include electronic resources be made available for users of public libraries as this will go a
long way to enhance each user’s literacy level.

1
Introduction
Information is a vital tool for education; it has played a vital role in the acquisition of

knowledge and skills. Information improves the level of literacy of people and can improve their

performance in their daily activities. Therefore, there is need for individuals to long for relevant

information that will improve and promote their literacy level.

Information plays a very important role in the economic and social development of a

nation. This facilitates all round development of an individual. Citizens’ capability to acquire

information will enable them to attain their educational goals. It is pertinent to note that every

educational process or knowledge acquisition begins with the ability to read and write.

Comprehension which is at the centre of reading, involves the recognition and sometimes

verbalization of symbols, which represent sounds in human speech (Antwi, 2015). Therefore,

access to information and reading such information can improve as well as promote the literacy

level of an individual.

Literacy can be defined as the act or practice of a person to acquire knowledge through

reading or studying of books (Fosudo, 2010). Literacy takes place when the reader understands

what has been encoded. The ability to have a certain literacy level facilitates the learning process

and requires the use of complex thought procedures to interpret printed symbols as meaningful

units, and comprehend them as a thought unit, in order to understand a printed message (Aina,

Okusaga, Taiwo, & Ogundipe, 2011). In the view of the researcher, literacy is the ability to know

something that is vital and important to a person’s educational, political, socio-economic and

general life. Literacy will make a person to be effective in his or her dealings. Literacy can be

seen as the ability to understand something. A person level of understanding of something is that

person’s level of literacy for that very thing.

2
 The public library is a library in the community that serves the generality of the public

without any surcharge. Akanwa (2010) citing Emenalor defined the public library as a library

that provides library resources, services and recreational outlets for the generality of the

citizenry, namely, the young, the old, the literate and the non-literate. Aina cited in Iwhiwhu and

Okorodudu, (2012) also noted that, while other types of libraries are meant for a specific group

of users, the public library is not restricted to any group of users. It is expected to serve all kinds

of people including young children, people with disabilities or even people who for one reason or

the other are incapacitated.

In relation to the foregoing, e-library is a library that is controlled electronically. It is

enabled through the use of network and computer system. E-library houses materials in digital or

online forms that can be accessed through the use of computer, CD ROM, or other electronic

applications Akanwa (2010). Most public library users are connected electronically which make

them assume online services.

Public libraries are predominantly used by people in a locality to access information that affects

their daily activities in the area of education, employment, health, politics, economics, religion

and agriculture. It is established, supported and funded by the community, either through local,

state or national government or through some other forms of community organizations (Iwhiwhu

& Okorodudu, 2012). Ebiwolate (2010) affirmed that the fundamental aim of libraries is to

provide timely, accurate, pertinent, and reliable services for its users at the right time and in the

right format.

The services of the public libraries according to Ebiwolate (2010) are Information

consultancy, internet services, indexing and abstracting services, current awareness services

(CAS), user education services, reference services, resource sharing services, lending services,

3
selective dissemination of information services (SDI), book loan services, photocopying

services, binding services, online services, computer typesetting services, CDROM searching

and publishing services among others. Olanlokun and Salisu (2013) noted that public libraries

ought to offer services to the public free of charge and also provide educational, social and

political information to people in a particular community. As captured by Amonoo and Azubuike

(2015) in Economic Commission for Africa, public library services can make significant

contributions to formal and informal education.

From the above, it could be deduced that citizens of Nigeria who are not privileged to

attend post-primary education can become literate and develop themselves through the use of

public library services that are provided through modern facilities to enable users to access them.

However, literacy level of Nigerians as reported by World Bank (2015) has not been

encouraging. Most libraries cannot meet up to their mandate of providing effective public library

services that can support and bridge the literacy gap of her heterogeneous population. Therefore,

this study will examine the impact of public library services on the literacy level of users in

Kenneth Dike E-central Library, Awka

Statement of the Problem

In a normal situation, public library services are supposed to support the educational

objectives of the community and the state in general, by providing current or up to -date library

materials in it’s various form and format, to keep users abreast of new development. The public

library is to promote the development of reading skills and encouraged long term learning habits

through reading, listening to and viewing a range of learning materials (Ode, 2014).

However, it was observed that the services of the public library could be hindered with

poor funding to acquire resources that will enhance their service delivery to their users (Busayo,

4
2011). Also, the users seams to find it difficult to access materials in the library to support their

literacy needs and this could have affected patronage. From observation, most users have shun

the use of public library in their search for informal education and lifelong learning. If public

libraries fail to sit up and meet up to this important mandate, there is the fear that public library

in the nearest future would be a shadow of itself and the educational literacy level of the

uneducated in Awka , Anambra state will remain poor. Therefore, this study will examine

public library services on the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the influence of public library services on the

literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka. The specific purposes are to:

1. Find out the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users

in Kenneth Dike e-library, Awka

2. Ascertain the extent of use of the available public library services by users to promote

their literacy level in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka.

3. Determine the role of public library in promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike

e-central Library, Awka

4. Identify the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards

promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka

5. Identify solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective

services towards promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library,

Awka

Research questions

5
 1. What are the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users

in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka

2. What is the extent of use of the available public library services by users to promote their

literacy level in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka

3. What are the roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike

e-central Library, Awka

4. What are the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards

promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka

5. What are the solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective

services towards promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library,

Awka

Public Library Services

Public Library Services are services provided by the public library which aids user’s location and

usage of the library resources. Public library services are the provision of library aids that are

planned to support user’s information needs and demands (Kaur, 2015). Iwhiwhu and

Okorodudu (2012) citing the UNESCO manifesto for public libraries, enumerated the following

services as services provided by the public library:

i. Photocopying: The provision of these services in libraries helps to reduce the rate of theft

and mutilation of materials, and saves the time of researchers.

ii. Current awareness services: This service provides the user with current, relevant and

newly published information materials available and accessible in public libraries.

iii. Selective dissemination of information: This service tries to furnish users with

information that will enhance research, teaching and learning.

6
 iv. Referral services: This kind of resource comes to play when a user or reader could be

shown to another library or alternative source of information to meet his/her information

needs. Users could be referred to individual specialist, research institution or professional

organization to seek for information that will satisfy a particular need.

v. Abstracting and Indexing services: This function of public library aid fast retrieval of

information as they are summary, concise, accurate contents of range of periodicals,

subjects relating to a discipline which could be in print or electronic format.

vi. Translation Services: Libraries undertake this function to make sure that library resources

written in other languages which are deemed essential to users are translated into English

Language to enable access to the information content of the material.

vii. Inter-library loan and document delivery service: This is vital to the services of all types

of libraries. Through this service, users are assisted in locating and searching materials

which are not available in the library.

viii. Library Instruction (User education): Instruction in the use of the library is a must.

Library instruction is the instruction given to users to help them make the best use of the

library. If users are to make the most use of library resources and services, they need to

be guided properly.

ix. Reprographic services: This has a great impact on many areas of library services. It has

made it possible to bring within the realm of even the smallest library copies of journals,

books, manuscripts and other documents. Some of these may have been out of print, not

available or too expensive for the library to acquire. Photocopying has revolutionized

library loans. It reduces the rate of borrowing. This is also quick and likely to reduce the

propensity to steal or mutilate library books.

7
 x. Book reservation services: Apart from textbooks on the open shelves, there are reserve

book collections in most libraries. They comprise recommended text from teaching staff,

most of these texts are insufficient in number to permit borrowing to ensure that all users

get access to them.

xi. Exhibition and displays: This is a very important aspect of public/reader’s services. With

book displays, the library calls the attention of users to new books. Colour captions and

skillful arrangement of books and jackets or pictures help to make the display attractive.

New books in academic libraries are usually left on the display shelves for a period of

one or two weeks while sounds may be left in display until new issues are received.

Bulletin and boards are used for the display.

xii. Consultancy services: Consultancy services is another very essential service that

librarians offers to provide the user with professional advice on how to efficiently access

the materials made available in the library.

Literacy involves the giving of interpretation of written symbols mentally. The level of

literacy of a person is his or her ability to recognize, locate, evaluate and use effectively the

needed information (Association of Colleges and Research Libraries, 2015). The level of

information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning and it is common to all disciplines, all

learning environments, and to all levels of education. Hence, to build on the literacy level gap of

an individual, the public library is best suited to achieve this.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural Organisation (UNESCO 2014) opined

that Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling Individuals to achieve their goals, to

develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider

society.

8
Literacy Skills are helpful to everybody in order to carry out their occupations efficiently and

successfully. Literacy promotes training of citizens on the power of use of information resources

and information. Training is not only for citizens but also for new staff of public library to use

ICT effectively. This in conformity with the views of Johnson and Drebber (2013) explained that

literacy is a social need and assess for effective use of the huge amount of Information in today's

information society. Libraries will actively support the development of individual literacy level

through education and partnership thereby encouraging and supporting learning at all levels.

Having the ability to read and write enables individuals to become literate in the society. Dubicki

(2013) states that information literacy strategies equip users with knowledge about specific

subjects, contents, research practices and information retrieval systems that apply generally

across disciplines.

Obanewa, Lere and Asokhia (2012) classified library users into four groups: general readers,

creative readers, adult students, and readers with specialist interests. General readers are those

who read for information and general enlightenment. They consult newspapers, encyclopedias,

general works, and related documents. The library offers this group of user’s excellent

opportunity to update themselves and be very current about national and international affairs.

The library serves as a powerful means of developing individual readers in their varied interests.

Creative readers are read novels, magazines, fiction, and fantasy. The library resource offers

these users materials which are interesting, entertaining, and educative. Adult students' interests

centre on information for serious academic pursuits. They consult textbooks and reference

works. The last groups of library users are people with specialist interests, including scientists,

medical doctors, engineers, undergraduate, and post-graduate students.

9
According to Iwhiwhu & Okorodudu 2012, information and communication technology has

shown that public libraries must shift from their traditional method of library services to

electronic method for effective services , but this should not stop efficiency of traditional library

practices. Public libraries of this era are expected to repackage its resources and services that are

user centered, and those resources and services should be provided fast, easy, comfortable to its

users which will increase access to important library resources and services that are limitless.

Therefore, public libraries are expected to provide resources and services essential for the

benefit of all formal and informal programs; which could encourage reading for recreation, self-

discovery, personal enhancement, and sharpening of intellectual quest.

Methodology

The survey research design was used for the study. The reason for choosing survey research

design is because it is used to study a specific population and it involves collecting data on a

representative population on which generalization is made.

Population

The population consisted of 2543 registered users of Kenneth Dike public library as at January to

July, 2019 (Source: Library Registration Records of Kenneth Dike E-Central Library, Awka).

Instrument

The main instruments used for collecting data for this study is questionnaire and observation

checklist. The questionnaire was designed using four point rating scale. It is divided into two

parts.Part one (1) is designed to collect relevant background information on the users, whereas

part two (2) sought to elicit information on the research questions. Observation checklist was

used for research questions 1 while questionnaires were used for research question 2, 3 , 4 and 5.

10
A 4 likert scales of HU- Highly Used, FU- Frequently Used, LU- Less Used, NU- Not Used was

used for research question 2, while research questions 3, 4, 5 and 6, used Strongly Agree (SA);

Agree (A); Disagreed (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD as its response options

Results

Table 1: What are the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users

in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in Awka

S/N Available Public Library Services Decisions

1. Consultancy Services Available
2. Exhibition and Displays Available
3. Book Reservation Services Available
4. Reprographic Services Available
5. Library Instruction (User Education) Available
6. Inter-Library Loan Available
7. Document Delivery Service Available
8. Translation Services Not Available
9. Abstraction and Indexing services Available
10. Referral Services Available
11. Selective Dissemination of Information Available
12. Current Awareness Services Available
13. Photocopying Available
14. Online Public Access Catalogue Not Available
15. Bibliographic Service Not Available
16. Binding Services Not Available
17. Computer Typesetting Services Available
18. Customer Relation Not Available
19. Lending Services Available
20. Internet Access Available

Table 1 shows that the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of

users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in Awka are consultancy services, exhibition and

displays, book reservation services, reprographic services, library instruction (user education,

inter-library loan, document delivery service, abstracting and indexing services, referral services,

selective dissemination of information, current awareness services, photocopying, computer

11
typesetting services, lending services, and internet access are the available public library services

that can promote the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in Awka, Anambra

State.

Table 2: Mean responses of the extent of use of the available public library services by
users to promote their literacy level in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in Awka
(HU- Highly Used, FU- Frequently Used, LU- Less Used, NU- Not Used)

S/N Extent Of Use Of The Available Public Services By Users Mean Decision
1 Consultancy Services 3.17 Highly used
2 Exhibition and Displays 3.33 Highly used
3 Book Reservation Services 3.32 Highly used
4 Reprographic Services 3.44 Highly used
5 Library Instruction (User Education) 3.09 Highly used
6 Inter-Library Loan 3.20 Highly used
7 Document Delivery Service 3.31 Highly used
8 Translation Services 2.41 Not Used
9 Abstraction and Indexing services 3.19 Highly used
10 Referral Services 3.35 Highly used
11 Selective Dissemination of Information 3.12 Highly used
12 Current Awareness Services 3.19 Highly used
13 Photocopying 3.17 Highly used
14 Online Public Access Catalogue 2.12 Not Used
15 Bibliographic Service 2.44 Not Used
16 Binding Services 2.05 Not Used
17 Computer Typesetting Services 3.08 Highly used
18 Customer Relation 2.41 Not Used
19 Lending Services 3.82 Highly used
20 Internet Access 3.82 Highly used

Table 2 shows that the respondents agreed that the extent of use of the available public library

services by users to promote their literacy level in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in Awka,

Anambra State are high on consultancy services, exhibition and displays, book reservation

services, reprographic services, library instruction (user education), inter-library loan, document

delivery service , abstracting and indexing services, referral services, selective dissemination of

12
information current awareness services, photocopying, computer typesetting services, lending

services, and internet access which has mean scores of 3.17, 3.33, 3.32, 3.44, 3.09, 3.20, 3.31,

3.19, 3.35, 3.12, 3.19, 3.17, 3.08, 3.82, and 3.82 respectively which is above the benchmark of

2.50 which is score for accepting an item. However, the respondents attested that translation

services, online public access catalogue, bibliographic service, binding services, and customer

relation which have mean scores of 2.41, 2.12, 2.44, 2.05, and 2.41 are not or less used by users

of public library .

T able 3: Mean responses of the roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users
in Kenneth Dike e-central Library, Awka. (SA- Strongly Agree, A- Agree, D- Disagree, SD-
Strongly Disagree)

S/N Role Of Public Library In Promoting Reading Habits Of Users Mean Decision
1 Teaching of Literacy Skills 3. 32 Agreed
2 Promotion of independent learning 3.10 Agreed
3 Education on lifelong learning 3.38 Agreed
4 Organizing library week 3.19 Agreed
5 Book exhibition and book talk 3.12 Agreed
6 Story talk hour 3.42 Agreed
7 Creative activities or creative writing 3.45 Agreed
8 Formation of clubs within the library set up 3.07 Agreed
9 Mobile reading tents for users 3.56 Agreed
10 Collections should reflect different cultures and interests 3.14 Agreed
11 Offer literacy classes or one one-one tutoring programmes 3.59 Agreed
12 Involvement in literacy education 3.24 Agreed
13 Equitable book distribution 3.23 Agreed
14 Availability of relevant literatures 3.32 Agreed
15 Organizing drama presentation 3.10 Agreed
16 Adequate space for tutoring 3.30 Agreed
17 Provision of teaching/reading resources 3.34 Agreed
18 Readers advisory services 3.45 Agreed
19 User education 3.35 Agreed
20 Book load services to user 3.07 Agreed
Table 3 shows that the respondents agreed that the roles of public library in promoting literacy

level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in Awka are teaching of literacy skills,

promotion of independent learning ,education on lifelong learning ,organizing library week ,book

13
exhibition and book talk, story-talk hour, creative activities or creative writing, formation of

clubs within the library set up, mobile reading tents for users, collections should reflect different

cultures and interests, involvement in literacy education, equitable book distribution, availability

of relevant literatures, organizing drama presentation, adequate space for tutoring, provision of

teaching/reading resource, readers’ advisory services, user education, and book loan services to

user which have mean scores of 3.32, 3.10, 3.38, 3.19, 3.09, 3.20, 3.31, 3.19, 3.35, 3.12, 3.19,

3.17, 3.08, 3.82, and 3.82 respectively which is above the benchmark of 2.50 which is score for

accepting an item.

Table 4: Mean responses on the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective

services towards promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in

Awka. (SA- Strongly Agree, A- Agree, D- Disagree, SD- Strongly Disagree)

S/N Challenges that hinder public libraries in providing effective Mean Decision
services towards promoting literacy level of users
1 Inadequate financial support 3.23 Agreed
2 Insufficient library materials 3.45 Agreed
3 Lack of skilled human resources 3.04 Agreed
4 Erratic power supply 3.35 Agreed
5 Poor maintenance culture on resources 3.35 Agreed
6 High cost of library materials 3.48 Agreed
7 Abuse of library materials 3.23 Agreed
8 Poor library infrastructure 3.07 Agreed
9 Low usage literacy by users 3.23 Agreed
10 Library material theft and mutilation 3.16 Agreed
11 Poor shelving of library materials 3.59 Agreed
12 Inadequate reading hours for users 3.24 Agreed
13 Poor attitude of library staff 3.23 Agreed
14 Poor classification 3.30 Agreed
15 Lack of freedom for users to access the library at their own time 3.19 Agreed

Table 4 shows that the respondents agreed that the challenges that hinder public library in

providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central

14
Library in Awka are inadequate financial support, insufficient library materials, lack of skilled

human resources, erratic and epileptic power supply, poor maintenance culture on resources,

high cost of library materials, abuse of library materials, poor library infrastructure, low usage

literacy by user, library theft and mutilation, poor shelving of library materials, inadequate

reading hours for users, poor attitude of library staff, poor classification, and lack of freedom for

users to access the library at their own time which has mean scores of 3.23, 3.45, 3.04, 3.35,

3.09, 3.20, 3.31, 3.19, 3.35, 3.12, 3.19, 3.17, 3.08, 3.30, and 3.19 respectively.

Table 5: Mean responses on the solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in

providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-

central Library, Awka.

(SA- Strongly Agree, A- Agree, D- Disagree, SD- Strongly Disagree)

S/N Solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing Mean Decision
effective services towards promoting literacy level of users

1 Adequate financial support 3. 07 Agreed

2 Sufficient library materials 3.69 Agreed
3 Skilled human resources 3.45 Agreed
4 Constant power supply 3.23 Agreed
5 Good maintenance culture on resources 3.59 Agreed
6 Low cost of library materials 3.34 Agreed
7 Monitoring students use of library materials 3.24 Agreed
8 Adequate library infrastructure 3.22 Agreed
9 Education on usage literacy to users 3.24 Agreed
10 Checking materials loaned or used by users 3.13 Agreed
11 Good shelving of library materials 3.51 Agreed
12 Adequate reading hours for users 3.22 Agreed
13 Welcoming attitude of library staff 3.34 Agreed
14 Poor classification 3.30 Agreed
15 Freedom for users to access the library at their own time 3.11 Agreed

15
Table 5 shows that the respondents agreed that the solutions to the challenges that hinder public

library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike

E-central Library in Awka are adequate financial support, sufficient library materials, skilled

human resources, consistent power supply, good maintenance culture on resources, low cost of

library materials, monitoring students use of library materials, adequate library infrastructure,

education on usage literacy by user, checking of materials loaned or used by users, good

shelving of library materials, adequate reading hours for users, welcoming attitude of library

staff, good material classification, and freedom for users to access the library at their own time

which has mean scores of 3.07, 3.69, 3.45, 3.23, 3.09, 3.20, 3.31, 3.19, 3.35, 3.12, 3.19, 3.17,

3.08, 3.07, 3.69, 3.45, 3.23, 3.09, 3.30, and 3.11 respectively which is above the benchmark of

2.50.

Discussions

Results from the findings of the study as presented in table 1 revealed that the available

public library services that can promote the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-central

Library in Awka are consultancy services, exhibition and displays, book reservation services,

reprographic services, library instruction (user education, inter-library loan, document delivery

service, abstracting and indexing services, referral services, selective dissemination of

information, current awareness services, photocopying, computer typesetting services, lending

services, internet access. However, customer relation, binding services, bibliographic, service

online public access catalogue, and translation services are not available public library services

that can promote the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-central Library in Awka. This

result is in line with the study of Olanlokun and Salisu (2013) who stated that photocopying,

computer typesetting services, lending services, internet access are the usual public library

16
service found in the public library. These services are very useful and helpful to users in

promoting their literacy level. Table 2 in response to research question 2 revealed highly used

public library services by users to promote their literacy level in Kenneth Dike E-central Library

in Awka are consultancy services, exhibition and displays, book reservation services,

reprographic services, library instruction (user education), inter-library loan, document delivery

service , abstracting and indexing services, referral services, selective dissemination of

information current awareness services, photocopying, computer typesetting services, lending

services, and internet access. However, they disagreed that binding services, bibliographic

service, online public access catalogue, translation services, and customer relation are not used as

public library service by users. This result tally with that of Ezeala (2008) who stated that the

extent of use of document delivery service , abstracting and indexing services, referral services,

selective dissemination of information current awareness services are high in the public library.

Also, photocopying, computer typesetting services, lending services, and internet access are used

to a high extent.

However, the results of the analysis of research question three as shown in table 3 showed the

roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library in

Awka are teaching of literacy skills, promotion of independent learning, education on lifelong

learning, organizing library week, book exhibition and book talk, story-talk hour, creative

activities or creative writing, formation of clubs within the library set up, mobile reading tents

for users, collections should reflect different cultures and interests, involvement in literacy

education, equitable book distribution, availability of relevant literatures, organizing drama

presentation, adequate space for tutoring, provision of teaching/reading resource, readers’

advisory services, user education, and book loan services to user. This finding agrees with the

17
study of Bent (2008) who opined that the roles of public library in promoting literacy level are

mainly on promotion of independent learning, education on lifelong learning, organizing library

week, book exhibition and book talk, story-talk hour, and creative activities or creative writing.

The analysis of data presented on research question four in table 4 identified the challenges that

hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users in

Kenneth Dike E-central Library in Awka. They include: inadequate financial support,

insufficient library materials, lack of skilled human resources, erratic power supply, poor

maintenance culture on resources, high cost of library materials, abuse of library materials, poor

library infrastructure, low usage literacy by user, library theft and mutilation, poor shelving of

library materials, inadequate reading hours for users, poor attitude of library staff, poor

classification, and lack of freedom for users to access the library at their own time. This result

supports the study of Anyalebechi and Udo-Anyanwu (2016) who opined that the challenges that

hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users are

inadequate financial support, insufficient library materials, lack of skilled human resources,

erratic power supply, poor maintenance culture on resources, high cost of library materials, and

abuse of library materials. Table 5 in response to research question five revealed the solutions to

the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting

literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-central Library. The responses generally indicated that

the solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards

promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike e-central Library include the following:

adequate financial support, sufficient library materials ,skilled human resources, consistent

power supply, good maintenance culture on resources, low cost of library materials, monitoring

students of library materials, adequate library infrastructure, education on usage literacy by user,

18
checking of materials loaned or used by users , good shelving of library materials, adequate

reading hours for users, welcoming attitude of library staff, good material classification, and

freedom for users to access the library at their own time. This results is in agreement with the

study of Frascotti, Levenseler, Weingarten and Wiegand (2007) which stated that the solutions

to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting

literacy level of users are adequate financial support, sufficient library materials, skilled human

resources, consistent power supply, good maintenance culture on resources, low cost of library

materials, monitoring students with respect of library materials, and adequate library

infrastructure.

Conclusion

From the foregoing, it could be concluded that the impact of public library services on

promoting the literacy level of users could be high if the reading culture of users are improved

upon. The need to making availability of library materials sufficient is key to promoting the

literacy level users. This will enhance their extent of use of the available library materials and as

well improve their reading habits

Recommendations

The following recommendations were made:

1. Sufficient and relevant library materials including non print materials should be made

available for users of public libraries.

2. Power supply should be made available so that users can use to a high extent, the

available library materials especially e- resources.

3. The role of the library in promoting their literacy level should be harnessed and improved

19
 4. Challenges of poor collection of library resources that hinders availability of relevant

library materials should be treated and solved

5. The solutions to the challenges should be to ensure that enough funding is made available

REFERENCES

Aina, Adebowale J.,Okusaga, Tajudeen O. , Taiwo, Adebowale&Ogundipe, Titilayo C. (2011).

The Role of Library in Promoting Reading Habits Among Nigerians. Journal of Research
in Education and Society, 2, 1, 168.

Akanwa, P.C. (2010). Management variables and the provision of library services to children in
public libraries of Eastern States of Nigeria. Ph.D Thesis, Imo State University, Owerri.

Antwi, I. K (2015). The reading habits and interest of secondary school students in
BauchiMetroplis: a case study. Lagos: Nigerian Libraries 2 (2) pp. 52-53.

Anyalebechi, L.I. &Udo-Anyanwu, A.J. (2016) Public library services and the attainment of the
social well being of users in Enugu state. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 10,
1, ISSN: 157-9385. www.arabianjbmr.com/JPDS_index.php

Association of College & Research Libraries Standards and Guidelines (2015).Information

Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education.From
http/www.alace.orgala/acr/standards/information. Retrieved July 27, 2019

Bent, M. (2008).“Perceptions of Information Literacy in the transition to higher education”,

National Teaching Fellowship Report, Newcastle University, 2008. Retrieved [july29,
2018] from http://eprint.ncl.ac.uk/file-store/peoduction/55850/9543764E-D3BB-47D2-
8FD3-CDE6BBEA0FD4.pdf

Busayo IO (2011). The Public library as a foundational step to children’s effective reading
habits.Library Philosophy and Practice. Retrieved on 19th November, 2013 from
http://unlib.edu/LPP

Dubicki, E. (2013). Faculty perceptions of students' information literacy skills competencies. J.

Information Literacy, 7(2),97-125.

Ebiwolate, P.B. (2010) Nigeria Public Library Service to Rural Areas: Libraries in Niger Delta
States. Library Philosophy and Practice.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article

Ezeala, L.O. (2008). Effectiveness of library resources in the libraries of Agricultural Research
Institutes in Nigeria.Library Philosophy and Practice.Available at
http://www.webpages.Uidaho.Edu/`Mbolin/Oluebube.html.

20
Fosudo, S. (2010). Reading as part to success" A Lecture delivered at the College Library Day,
AdeniranOgunsanya College of Education, Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos on February 24th.

Frascotti, J., Levenseler, J., Weingarten, C., &Wiegand, K. (2007).Improving Library Use and
Information Literacy at Caritas Charles Vath College, Hong Kong. An Interdisciplinary
Qualifying Project Report Submitted to the Faculty of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
KAL, 0704; IQP division: 51

Iwhiwhu, B.E. and Okorodudu, P.O. (2012) Public Library Library resources, Facilities, and
Services: User Satisfaction with the Edo State Central Library, Benin-City, Nigeria.
Library Philosophy and Practice, 747.

Johnson, B &Drebber, S (2013). Information Literacy in Higher Education; a review and case
study. Studies in Higher Education, 28 (3), 335

Kaur, A. (2015) Marketing of information services and products in academic libraries of Punjab
and Chandigarh India, An exploratory study.

Obanewa, O., Lere, Adewale, L. &Asokhia, D. (2012).Introduction to Adult Education

Practices.Lagos ;Samtos Publishers.

Ode, Elijah O. (2014).Evolving Reading Culture and Readership Promotion Among the Nigeria
Youth. Retrieved from:
https://archive.org/stream/4.AppliedEvolvingReadingCultureElijahOjowuOdePhD/4.%20
AppliedEvolving%20Reading%20CultureElijah%20Ojowu%20Ode,%20PhD_djvu.txt

Olanlokun, S.O. and Salisu, M.T. (2013) Understanding the Library: A Handbook on Library
Use. Lagos: Lagos University Press.

UNESCO (2014). Information Accessibility in Information for all Programmes.(IFEAP)

Retrieved from WWW.UNESCO.ORG.

World Bank (2015). Textbooks and public library Provision in Education in Sub-Saharan Africa,
working paper No. 126

21