EFFECT OF LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT ON UNDERGRADUATE USERS PATRONAGE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OYE-EKITI, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

By

Justice Agu

Presented To

Department of Education

ABSTRACT

This study examines the Effect of Library Environment on Undergraduate Users’ Patronage in the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research focuses on understanding how physical infrastructure, digital resources, and library services influence undergraduate students' utilization of the library.

A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 360 undergraduate students across various faculties. The study utilized statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and regression analysis to analyze the data.

The findings revealed that factors such as library cleanliness, staff responsiveness, study space adequacy, and lighting/ventilation significantly affect students’ library usage. Specifically, the regression analysis indicated that 62% of the variance in library patronage could be explained by the library environment. Cleanliness and staff responsiveness had the strongest positive impacts, while digital resources were identified as insufficient, discouraging frequent library visits.

The study concludes that improving the library environment, particularly by enhancing digital resources, expanding study spaces, and maintaining a conducive physical infrastructure, will significantly increase undergraduate patronage. Based on the findings, recommendations were made, including the provision of better internet access, upgrading study facilities, training staff, and promoting awareness of library services among students.

This study contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of the library environment in influencing students’ patronage in Nigerian universities and suggests practical measures for library administrators and stakeholders to improve user experience.

Keywords: Library Environment, Library Patronage, Digital Resources, Library Services, Undergraduate Users, Federal University Oye-Ekiti

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Libraries have long been recognized as essential pillars of higher education, serving as hubs for academic growth, knowledge acquisition, and personal development. In an era dominated by information technology, libraries remain critical to student success by providing resources, study spaces, and a conducive environment for learning. For undergraduate students, libraries are particularly vital as they offer access to materials that support coursework, research, and overall academic achievement. However, the extent to which students utilize library services is often contingent upon the quality of the library environment.

The concept of the library environment encompasses both its physical and intangible aspects. This includes elements such as lighting, furniture, ventilation, noise levels, availability of digital resources, and user-friendly services. A well-designed library environment promotes focus, reduces stress, and enhances user satisfaction, thereby increasing patronage. Conversely, a poorly maintained library can deter students and diminish its relevance in academic institutions.

In Nigerian universities, libraries face several challenges, ranging from inadequate funding to infrastructural deficits and limited digital facilities. Despite these challenges, libraries are expected to meet the dynamic needs of their users. At Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), the library serves as a crucial resource for its undergraduate population. However, anecdotal evidence and preliminary observations suggest a decline in library patronage among students. This raises questions about the role of the library environment in influencing usage patterns.

As institutions of higher learning strive to enhance the quality of education, understanding the factors that drive or hinder library usage is essential. This study seeks to explore the impact of the library environment on undergraduate students’ patronage at FUOYE, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement and contributing to the broader discourse on library management in Nigerian universities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The library at Federal University Oye-Ekiti is strategically positioned to support the academic endeavors of its undergraduate students. It houses a diverse collection of resources, including textbooks, journals, and digital materials, and provides spaces for individual and group study. Despite these provisions, there has been a noticeable decline in student patronage. Many students prefer alternative study spaces or rely on online resources, bypassing the library entirely.

Several factors may be responsible for this trend. Physical aspects of the library environment, such as inadequate seating, poor ventilation, and insufficient lighting, can make the space uncomfortable for users. Additionally, the availability and accessibility of digital facilities, including internet access and electronic databases, are critical in a technology-driven age. Service-related factors, such as staff attitude, operating hours, and noise levels, also play a significant role in shaping students' perceptions of the library.

While previous studies have examined various aspects of library usage, there is limited research specifically focusing on how the environment influences patronage in FUOYE. Addressing this gap is crucial for ensuring that the library remains a central component of the university’s academic ecosystem. This study seeks to identify the specific environmental factors that affect undergraduate patronage, providing insights for policymakers, library administrators, and university management.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to examine the effect of the library environment on undergraduate users’ patronage at Federal University Oye-Ekiti. The specific objectives are:

1. To identify the physical environmental factors that influence library patronage.

2. To assess the impact of digital facilities on students’ library usage.

3. To evaluate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the library environment.

4. To provide recommendations for enhancing the library environment to increase patronage.

1.4 Research Questions

To achieve the objectives of this study, the following research questions will guide the investigation:

1. What physical environmental factors influence undergraduate patronage of the library?

2. How do digital facilities affect library usage among undergraduate students?

3. What are undergraduate students’ perceptions of the library environment at FUOYE?

4. What measures can be taken to improve the library environment and increase patronage?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To further guide this study, the following hypotheses are formulated:

• H? (Null Hypothesis): There is no significant relationship between the library environment and undergraduate users’ patronage.
• H? (Alternative Hypothesis): There is a significant relationship between the library environment and undergraduate users’ patronage.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. First, it provides empirical evidence on the relationship between the library environment and undergraduate patronage, contributing to the academic literature on library management in Nigerian universities. Second, the findings will be useful for policymakers and university administrators in making informed decisions about resource allocation and infrastructural development.

For library administrators, this study offers practical insights into the needs and preferences of undergraduate users. By identifying areas of improvement, the study can help enhance the overall library experience, ensuring that it remains a preferred space for academic engagement. Lastly, the study contributes to the broader discourse on the role of libraries in the digital age, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to library design and management.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the Federal University Oye-Ekiti and examines the library environment’s impact on undergraduate students’ patronage. It investigates physical, digital, and service-related factors and evaluates students’ perceptions of these elements. The study is limited to undergraduate students, as they constitute the largest group of library users and are most affected by the environmental factors under consideration.

The study does not include postgraduate students, academic staff, or external library users, as their needs and expectations may differ significantly from those of undergraduates. Additionally, the study focuses solely on the main library at FUOYE, excluding other departmental libraries or affiliated institutions.

1.8 Definition of Terms

For clarity and consistency, the following terms are defined as used in this study:

• Library Environment: The physical, digital, and service-related attributes of a library that influence users' experiences and satisfaction.
• Patronage: The frequency and extent of library usage by undergraduate students.
• Physical Factors: Tangible aspects of the library environment, including seating, lighting, ventilation, and noise levels.
• Digital Facilities: Technological resources available in the library, such as computers, internet access, and electronic databases.
• Undergraduate Users: Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Federal University Oye-Ekiti.

1.9 Organization of the Study

This thesis is organized into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study, providing the background, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, and hypotheses. Chapter Two reviews relevant literature, presenting the conceptual and theoretical frameworks and highlighting gaps in existing research. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including the design, population, sample, and data collection methods. Chapter Four presents and analyzes the data, discussing the findings in relation to the research questions and hypotheses. Finally, Chapter Five summarizes the findings, draws conclusions, and offers recommendations for improving the library environment at FUOYE.