The Role of the Library in Geosciences Education, Petroleum
Exploration And Exploitation And Research: A study of the Rivers State
University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Library
Blessing Ahiauzu Ph.D, CLN
University Librarian
Rivers State University of Science and Technology
Port Harcourt
M. J. Igben MLS, CLN
Reference Librarian
Rivers State University of Science and Technology
Port Harcourt
Abstract
Purpose- The objective is to
examine the sources of, and the need for information to the academic in the
fields of geoscience education and petroleum exploitation research, using the
geoscience academic staff and students of the Rivers State University of Science
and Technology Port (RSUST) Harcourt, Nigeria, as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents a case study of the use of the
library resources by the study group here. Two sets of questionnaire (one for
the lecturers and the other for the students were used to elicit data for the
analysis. The elements in the two questionnaires were the same. This made the
analysis and comparisons clearer. Tables and percentages are used in data
presentation.
Finding: The modern e-library (virtual library, library without walls or digital
library) still provides a great opportunity for the geoscience academic to
excel. The paper reveals the need for better funding so that the library will be
stocked with relevant materials on specific disciplines. Sadly, the study also
reveals serious under-utilization of the available library resources, by the
group of academics studied. It thus recommends that the professionals themselves
should accept that regular visits and use of the library facilities provide the
solution to their research information need.
Research limitation/implications: It focused only on the use of the university
library and its facilities, by the geoscience academic staff and students of the
Rivers State University of Science and technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Practical implications: A striking revelation that an academic might not have
visited his/her university library for up to 6 months. It further explains why
the students themselves may not see any need to visit the university library to
consult the library resources other than reading their lecture notes.
Originality/value: Provides insights into the direction of user-orientation
programmes and activities for university library managers, especially for
libraries in Nigeria.
Keywords: Library use.
Academic staff. Geosciences education. Paper type: Case study.
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