Assessment of Library Resources in Theological Institutions in North Central States of Nigeria

i Assessment of Library Resources in Theological Institutions in North Central States of Nigeria A thesis presented to the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka in fulfillment of the requirement for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph-D) Degree in Library and Information Science By Gupiyem Gungsat GUPIYEM PG/Ph.D/002/32814 ii APPROVAL PAGE This thesis has been approved by the Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka By ………… ……………………… Professor V W Dike Supervisor Internal Examiner ……………………… ……………………… Professor External Examiner Dr V N Nwachukwu Head of Department ………………………… Professor I Ifelunni Dean of Faculty iii CERTIFICATION Gupiyem Gungsat GUPIYEM, a postgraduate student in the Department of Library and Information Science with Registration Number PG/Ph.D/002/32814, has satisfactorily completed the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science The work embodied in this thesis is original and has not been submitted in part or in full for any other diploma or degree of this or any other university ……………………… Prof V W Dike Supervisor …………………… G G Gupiyem Student ……………………… Date …………………… Date iv DEDICATION This research work is dedicated to my beloved late father, Gungsat Gupiyem Mwelnung Wumben, who never lived long enough to see his dreams and prayers come to pass v ACKNOWLEDGMENT I wish to thank God first and foremost There is nothing that I could accomplish without His wisdom, word and power To my supervisor, Professor, V W Dike I owe a lot of thanks for the special attention devoted to this work at all stages Indeed, she proved herself a mother and a reliable educator The contributions of Professor S.A Ezeudu and Dr (Mrs) N E Achebe are gratefully acknowledged, especially during the proposal defence Thanks for all your contributions to see that this research work becomes a reality My appreciation is extended to University of Jos for sponsoring me for this programme and to all the management of the institutions I contacted for data collection, Prof Ochai, A Dr Akintunde, S.A and Mrs Tashi, L I for their encouragement I am indeed very thankful I also want to appreciate the sacrifice of Mr Dawel, O.P and Mr Gyang, J for typing the work from proposal presentation to seminar My gratitude is also extended to Dr Damar, D D for her financial contribution and moral support from beginning to the end Thanks are also due to Mr Toro M.A the statistician for all his contributions My special thanks go to my beloved wife, Mrs Gupiyem Helen, my children Nanbal, Walshak, Anmak, Bamnan and to my mother, Na Tabitha Gungsat who endured my absence all these years To all my lecturers in the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka namely, Pastor (Dr) F Ekere, Dr A J Mole, Dr V Nwachukwu and Dr R E Ozioko for always being there for me with a response to my numerous enquiries Thanks for your contributions my seminar leaders, in the persons of Professor Q J Nwoji (Chairperson), Dr A J Mole (Content Reader), Dr J O Chukwu (Design Reader), Dr F M Onu (PG Rep) I am also thankful to all my instruments validators for their contributions in improving the structure and content of the instruments I also want to appreciate the efforts and financial supports of Mrs K J Gukas, A A Toto and J I Gagman and all those who contributed in one way or the other, to make this study a success, May the Almighty God bless you all vi Gupiyem G G University of Nigeria, Nsukka TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page Approval page - - - - - - - - - i ii vii Certification Dedication Acknowledgment Table of Contents List of Tables Abbreviations and Acronyms Abstract Chapter one: Introduction Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Purpose of the Study Research Questions Significance of the Study Scope of the Study Chapter Two; Review of Related Literature Conceptual Framework Library and Theological Libraries Funding of Theological Libraries Printed and Electronic Resources for Theological Libraries Facilities of Theological Libraries Human Resources of Theological Libraries Curriculum and Collection of Theological Libraries Challenges of Special Libraries for Resource Provision Standard and Techniques for Assessing Library CollectionTheoretical Framework Review of Empirical Studies Summary of Literature Reviewed Chapter Three: Research Method Research Design Area of Study Population of the Study Sample and Sampling Techniques Instruments for Data Collection Methods for Data Collection Validation of the Instruments Reliability of the Instruments Method of Data Analysis Chapter Four: Presentation of Results Research Question Research Question Research Question Research Question Research Question Research Question Summary of Major Findings Chapter Five: Discussion of Results Discussion of Findings Sources of Funding Theological Libraries - - - - - - iii iv v vi viii ix xi 1 16 18 18 19 21 22 22 22 37 38 43 44 48 51 53 - - 69 75 77 79 79 80 82 83 83 86 87 87 88 89 89 90 96 98 101 109 114 117 117 117 viii Print and Electronic Resources Library Facilities in Theological Libraries Human Resources in Theological Libraries Curriculum and Library Collections Challenges for the Provisions of Library Resources Implications for the Study Recommendations Limitation of the Study Suggestions of Further Study Conclusions References Appendix i: List of Institutions Covered in the Study Appendix ii: Sample Formula Adopted Appendix iii: Observation Checklist Appendix iv: Letter to Respondents Appendix v: Users Questionnaire (ALRTINCSN) Appendix vi: Interview Schedule with Librarians Appendix vii: Validation of Instruments Appendix viii: Instrument Evaluation Guide for Experts Appendix ix: Letter to Provost for Permission Appendix xa to xe Validators Report Appendix xi: Letter of Introduction by Head of Department Appendix xii: Certification of Correction of Ph.D Proposal Presentation Appendix xiii: Reliability of Test and Re-test Result Appendix xiv: Agreement Analysis (Interview Schedule Result) Appendix xv: Map of Nigeria Showing the Location of North Central States Appendix xvi Certification of Correction of Ph.D Seminar Appendix xvii Table Showing Distribution of Questionnaire 118 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 153 156 157 162 163 166 167 168 170 171 243 244 245 246 248 249 - - - 250 Appendix xviii Table Showing Institutions Interviewed and Observed - - 251 Appendix xix Approval of Title of Thesis and Synopsis - - - - 252 LIST OF TABLES Table 1.Print Resources Available in Theological Libraries Table Electronic Resources Available in Theological Libraries Table Library Facilities in Theological Libraries in North Central States - - 91 93 96 ix Table Human Resources Heading Theological Libraries 98 Table Human Resources Available in Theological Libraries 100 Table Mean(x) Showing the Core Subject of the Curriculum of Theological Libraries 101 Table Mean (x) Showing the Challenges for the Provision of Library Resources in Theological Libraries in North Central States of Nigeria 109 x ABSTRACT This study was designed to assess library resources in theological institutions in North Central States of Nigeria The main problem of the study is that literature shows that no study has been done in this field and materials are few and scanty, therefore, a study conducted will stimulate further research in this field To achieve this, six purposes were formulated and also six research questions were asked The population of the study is the 22 theological libraries in the north central states with a total of 5760 people (students, faculty members and non- teaching staff) Sample size of 15 librarians and 360 library users (staff and students) were used Fifteen institutions were visited for the purpose of observation and interview of those in charge of the libraries, institutions covered came from four states namely: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Plateau The instruments for data collection were a questionnaire for library users titled, Assessment of library resources in theological institutions in North Central States of Nigeria (ALRTINCSN), check-list for observation of library resources and interview schedule for those in charge of the institution’s libraries The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages The findings of the study showed that majority of the libraries in theological institutions are without professional library staff (librarians) The findings further revealed that almost all the theological institutions in North Central States of Nigeria depend mainly on printed materials in their libraries and are lacking in electronic resources The study also revealed that funding is a major problem in theological libraries which affects every fabric of its development The researcher postulated eight recommendations based on the findings of the study ABBREVIATIONS AND ACROYNOMS 172 I am a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Library and Information Science I am conducting a study on “Assessment of Library Resources in Theological Institutions in North Central States of Nigeria” in which you have been selected to participate Attached are questions to which you are kindly requested to provide honest responses You are required to either fill in or tick (√) the appropriate response that applies to you I wish to assure you that all the information you supply will be treated confidentially Therefore, you not need to write your name in any part of the questionnaire Thanks for your cooperation Sgd Gupiyem Gungsat Gupiyem (Researcher) APPENDIX V ASSESSMENT OF LIBRARY RESOURCES IN THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS IN NORTH CENTRAL STATES OF NIGERIA (ALRTINCSN)- USERS QUESTIONNAIRE CLUSTER A-Demography Institution: ……………………………………………………………………… Your status (Tick appropriately) (a) Faculty member [ ] (b) Student [ ] (c) Non-teaching staff [ ] 173 CLUSTER B- Resources Provision in Theological Libraries Instruction: Kindly assess the levels of the following resources provision in your institution = Very adequate; 3= Adequate; 2= Inadequate 1=Very inadequate S/NO Basic resources in a library i Staffing (professional library staff) ii Facilities (including bindery, book shelves, reading space etc) iii Information resources (books and electronic resources) 174 CLUSTER C: Books Provision in Theological Libraries Instruction: Assess the extent of books provision in the library in respect to effective coverage of theological education curricular 4=Very adequate; 3= adequate; 2=Inadequate; 1= Very inadequate S/NO Major Courses in Theological Institutions i Christian Religious Studies ii Islamic Religious Studies iii African Traditional Religion iv World Religions v Theology( Old and New Testaments) vi Bible Languages(Greek and Hebrews) vii Pastoral Studies viii Church History ix Bible Archeology x English Language xi Bible Geography xii Educational Programmes xiii Old and New Testaments Studies xiv Research Methods xv Stewardship and Church Planting xvi Spiritual Formation CLUSTER D: Library Resources/Curricular Coverage 175 Instruction: Assess the adequacy of library resources as they affect curricular coverage 4= Very adequate; 3= Adequate; 2= Inadequate; 1= Very inadequate Library Materials and Curricular Coverage S/NO i Theology ii Missions iii Religious Education iv Church Music v Pastoral Studies vi Christian Education vii Ethics and Philosophy CLUSTER E: Challenges for Library Resources Provision 176 Instruction: To what extent you agree with these statements concerning the challenges for library resource provision? 4= strongly agree; 3= agree; 2=disagree; 1= strongly disagree S/NO Challenges for Library Resource Provision i Funding of the library ii Lack of professional library staff iii Collection restricted to parent organization’s doctrines iv There is no cooperation with other libraries v Library not member of any Association (e.g NLA, NTLA etc) professional Note: NLA means Nigerian Library Association and NTLA means Nigerian Theological Library Association 177 APPENDIX VI INTERVIEW SCHEDULE WITH LIBRARIANS (ISWL) SECTION A: Demography Preamble: Researcher to introduce himself and present letter of introduction to the interviewee What is the full name of your institution? When was the institution founded? Are you a librarian by training? What is your highest qualification in Librarianship? When was the library established? To what denomination does your institution belong? Who funds the library resources of your institution? SECTION B: Resource provision in theological libraries What you understand by resources in a library like yours? Probing questions follow; such as: Do you think the human resources available for the library are adequate? If No how you solve such problem? Do you think the books provisions for the library are adequate? What are the sources of your books provision? Do you have audio-visual materials as part of your library collections? How are the electronics used in the library? How is the library funded? Is the funding of the library adequate? SECTION C: Library Resources Provision and Curricula Coverage What you understand by curriculum? Probing questions follow; such as: How often is the curriculum of the institution reviewed? What is the role of the library when the curriculum is being reviewed? Do you stock your library constantly to take care of new developments in the curriculum? How often you that? SECTION D: Availability of Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities Do you have “ICT facilities” like computers in your library? Probing questions Follow; such as: How many computers you have in your library? Do you have Internet facilities in your library? What are the electronic hardware and software resources available in your library? If you not have any information and communication technology facilities, how you cope with global challenges and currency of information in your institution? If you have ICT facilities, you have challenges for the utilization of electronic resources? If yes, what are these challenges? Thank you G G Gupiyem (Researcher) 178 APPENDIX VII Dept of Library & Information Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria Dear Sir/ Madam, VALIDATION OF INSTRUMENTS ON THE “ASSESSMENT OF LIBRARY RESOURCES IN THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE OF NIGERIA” I am a postgraduate student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka conducting a study on the above subject matter Find attached herewith, the instruments for data collection (observational checklist, questionnaire, and interview schedule) Please kindly assist and validate the appropriateness of the instruments in line with the objectives of the study as stated below: Determining the sources of funding theological libraries in North Central states of Nigeria Determining the print and electronic resources in theological institutions in North Central states of Nigeria Assessing the library facilities available in theological libraries in North Central States of Nigeria Assessing the level of human resources available in theological institutions in North Central States of Nigeria Determining the extent that library collections cover the curriculum of theological institutions in North Central states of Nigeria Determining the challenges to library resources provision in theological libraries Thank you Sincerely yours, Sgd Gupiyem Gungsat Gupiyem ( Researcher) APPENDIX VIII 179 Department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Dear Sir/ Madam, INSTRUMENTS EVALUATION GUIDE FOR EXPERTS (IEGE) Please you have been selected to assist in the development of research instruments Your selection is based on your experience and versatility in instruments development and evaluation Kindly review the attached instruments by answering the following questions You are free to make corrections, additions or any observations you deem fit to improve the quality of the instruments Please each instrument is to be evaluated separately Are the questions in this instrument representative of all the content related to the specific construct being studied? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Are there questions, words or phrases that you think should be deleted or modified? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) Are there questions that you think should be included in this instrument? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Are directives or instructions clear, concise, complete and easy to understand? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Does the title clearly reflect the content of the instrument? Yes ( ), 180 No ( ), Unsure ( ) Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Does the introductory statement of the “questionnaire instrument” clearly state the purpose of the study? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) In the “questionnaire instrument” is the confidentiality statement adequate? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Is the language of the introductory statement appropriate for the population to be studied? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Are items in the personal data section appropriate for the intended purpose? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… 10 Is the length of observational checklist/ questionnaire/ interview schedule appropriate for the intended purpose? Yes ( ), No ( ), Unsure ( ) 11 Kindly comment on any of the instruments as you feel will add to its validity Comment: ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………… 181 Thank you for your anticipated cooperation Sincerely yours, Sgd Gupiyem Gungsat Gupiyem ( Researcher) Valuator:………………………………… Signature:………………………………… Dept.:……………………………… Date:……………………………… 182 APPENDIX IX Department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka The Provost/Rector, ………………………… ………………………… Dear Sir, PERMISSION TO USE YOUR INSTITUTION FOR RESEARCH DATA COLLECTION This is to notify you that I am a Postgraduate student from University of Nigeria, Nsukka I am conducting research on the topic: “Assessment of Library Resources in Theological Institutions in North Central States of Nigeria,” of which your institution happened to fall within this area of study Please, I would like to have permission to collect information from the following in your institution: (i) The Librarian (ii) Users of the library (staff and students) 183 All responses will be treated confidentially and to be used solely for the purpose of this research work Thanks for your cooperation Yours faithfully, Sgd Gupiyem Gungsat Gupiyem Researcher ... adequacy of funding theological libraries in North Central states of Nigeria 2) Determining the print and electronic resources in theological libraries 3) Identifying the library facilities in theological. .. theological libraries in North Central states of Nigeria 4) Identifying the level of human resources provision in theological libraries in North Central States of Nigeria 5) Determining the extent that... a reference point Scope of the Study The main concern of this study is to assess library resources in theological institutions in North Central States of Nigeria, comprising six states namely: