Provision and Access to Library Support Services for Distance Learners in Ladoke Akintola University, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the provision and access to library support services for distance learners in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of distance learners from LAUTECH. A random sampling technique was used to select 341 respondents as sample size of the study. Data was collected using an adapted questionnaire. Four research questions were answered by the study. A total of 341 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents with a response rate of 86.2%. The findings of the study revealed that the majority (90.2%) of the respondents agreed that the library offered support services except for documentary, borrowing and internet services to distance learners. Also, the findings revealed that the level of accessibility of library support services was slightly above average. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the level of satisfaction by distance learners is low. The study revealed that geographical isolation, poor Internet connectivity, difficulty in borrowing library and others affecting the use of library services. The study concluded that the LAUTECH library provided library services but inadequate to DLs. Based on the findings; the study recommended among others that library management should extend borrowing of books.