Import of User Education in Academic Libraries in Nigeria: The Federal University Oye-Ekiti Example

Abstract

Thousands of candidates seeking admission to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, particularly, those seeking admission to the universities are school certificate holders, fresh from the various secondary schools with little or no knowledge of how the university system operates. Thus, such candidates when eventually admitted into the university needs to be acquainted with the university norms, custom and culture, particularly, the library and its holdings hence, the need for user education in academic libraries. When users are introduced to the library and its resources early enough, particularly the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti that is just in its 200 level, the possibility of misuse or abuse or damage of materials would be minimized to the barest minimum if not completely eradicated. Therefore, when library materials are judiciously used and jealously guided, such materials would last long and stand the test of time, serving both the present set of students and those who would be admitted in the nearest future. User education in libraries, particularly in academic libraries no doubt, remains a panacea for the longevity of library resources.

Keywords: User Education, Academic Libraries, Federal University, Nigeria

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