JOHN HARRIS LIBRARY

This study evaluaed the quality of library services in John Harris Library, University of Benin. Related literature of eminent scholars views on the study were reviewed. A descriptive survey was employed to carry out this study. The population comprised of all the 300 and 400 level library and information science students in the University of Benin. One hundred (100) respondents were sampled for this study. To ensure a representative sample for this study, sampling was done using the simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used for this study was a self-structured questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents. Data was collected from respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics like simple percentages. Findings revealed a positive perception of library services at John Harris Library, with significant strengths in resource availability and staff knowledge. However, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in digital offerings and operating hours. Respondents provided valuable insights that could guide enhancements to the library's services, emphasizing user engagement, staff training, and resource expansion as key factors in improving overall satisfaction. Based on the findings above the following recommendations were made: The library should establish a clear and visible commitment to enhancing user experience. To address concerns about limited open hours, consider evaluating the current schedule and exploring options to extend service hours. Implement regular user surveys to gather feedback on library services and resources. Invest in ongoing training programs for library staff to enhance their skills and ensure they are equipped to provide excellent support and guidance to users. Develop a user-friendly website that provides easy access to resources, information, and services. Finally increase the selection of digital resources and e-books to meet the evolving needs of users.

This study investigates the security challenges affecting the John Harris Library, University of Benin, and examines the strategic measures adopted to combat theft for improved service delivery. Library theft manifesting in the unauthorized removal, concealment, or mutilation of information resources continues to undermine the availability, preservation, and accessibility of library materials. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to library staff and registered users to obtain relevant data. A sample size of 384 respondents was determined using Cochran’s (1977) formula for infinite populations. Data collected were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores used to present the findings. The results reveal that major security challenges in the library include inadequate surveillance systems, insufficient security personnel, weak enforcement of library regulations, and users’ low awareness of library ethics. The findings also indicate that strategic measures such as the installation of electronic security devices, increased staff monitoring, user education on proper library conduct, and improved access control significantly contribute to reducing theft and enhancing service delivery. The study concludes that a comprehensive and integrated security approach is essential for safeguarding library resources and ensuring efficient information service delivery. It recommends the adoption of modern security technologies, continuous staff training, regular security evaluations, and stronger institutional policies to foster a secure and service-oriented library environment.

The study investigated availability of current and up-to-date information resources as a determinant for effective utilization of academic library by undergraduates. The study aims to evaluate the level of availability of current and up-to-date information resources, evaluate the level of utilization and determine the effectiveness of current and up-to-date information resources on the utilization of John Harris Library by undergraduates, examine the importance and evaluate the benefits of the use of current and up-to-date information resources for undergraduate students. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of two hundred and ninety-eight (298) undergraduate students from the department of library and information science. However, a sample size of eighty-nine (89) respondents was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection in the study was the questionnaire designed by the researcher and administered to the target respondents. The data generated with the questionnaire were carefully collated and analysed with the statistics method of data analysis such as frequency table, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings from the study indicated that current and up-to- date information resources are important to undergraduate students of University of Benin, the study unveiled that current and up-to-date information resources help students with their assignments and course work, useful for their academic pursuit, useful to their for critical thinking, quick and easy learning, and reduced their costs on a book purchase. Through these information resources, students gain easy access to quick, broader, and quality collection of information and improve their academic performance.Based on the findings, it was recommended among others: University management needs to intensify efforts to make the GST - Use of Library course and library orientation for students to be more effective in enhancing the utilization of the library information resources. University management should make sure that adequate fund is made available to the university libraries to enable them to acquire all the necessary information resources to satisfy the information needs of undergraduates and other library users.