Information retrieval systems in libraries are basically systems that store record in a file for data relevant to each request, retrieve the data and provide the information on request. The purpose of such system is to help access and use of the knowledge which has been recorded. This study on information retrieval systems in libraries a case study of Federal Polytechnic Libraries, Nekede, Owerri is an investigation into the various means adopted by the library under study in their information retrieval process. Particular attention was paid to the existing information retrieval systems in use in the library and how suitable they are, the basic advantages of digital information retrieval over manual were also revealed by the study. The research methodology adopted for the research was the survey method, data was collected using questionnaire and oral interview together with observation. The study also revealed the information retrieval process in the library is manual which the library organizes its materials through cataloguing, classification and indexing. Based on the problems encountered, some useful recommendations on how to improve on the information retrieval functions in the library were made. The study also concluded by suggesting that further research study should be made.          

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    i
Approval Page     -    -    -    -    -    -    -    ii
Dedication -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    iii
Acknowledgement -    -    -    -    -    -    -    iv
Abstract -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    vi
Table of contents -    -    -    -    -    -    -    vii

CHAPTER ONE
    INTRODUCTION
1.1    Background of the study    -    -    -    1
1.2    Statement of the study    -    -    -    -    4    
1.3    Objective of the study    -    -    -    -    5
1.4    Scope of the study    -    -    -    -    -    6
1.5    Significant of the study -    -    -    -    6
1.6.     Research Questions -    -    -    -    -    7
1.7    Definition of Terms    -    -    -    -    -    8

CHAPTER TWO
2.0    Literature Review    -    -    -    -    -    10
2.1    Types of Information Retrieval Systems    -    11
2.2    Functions of Information Retrieval System-    14
2.3    Types of Information Needs    -    -    -    20
2.4    Information Retrieval System    -    -    -    21
2.5    The components of Information Retrieval
Systems -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    32
2.6    Problems of Information Retrieval System    35
2.7    Prospects of Information Retrieval System    38

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1    Research Design     -    -    -    -    -    40
3.2    Area of study -    -    -    -    -    -    -    41
3.3    Population of the study  -    -    -    -    41
3.4    Sample size    -    -    -    -    -    -    41
3.5    Sampling procedure    -     -    -    -    41
3.6    Instrumentation      -    -    -    -    -    42
3.7    Data collection    -    -    -    -    -    43

CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1    Data Presentation -    -    -    -    -    -    44

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
1.1    Summary -    -    -    -    -    -    -    54
1.2    Conclusion -    -    -    -    -    -    -    55
1.3    Recommendations -    -    -    -    -    55
1.4    Limitations    -    -    -    -    -    -    56
1.5    Suggestion for further research -    -    -    56
References -    -    -    -    -    -    -    57
Appendix I -    -    -    -    -    -    -    59
Appendix II -    -    -    -    -    -    -    60