A Comparative Evaluation of the Networks of Three Nigerian Federal Universities for Effective Library Services

Abstract

This paper is a comparative evaluation of the networks of three Nigerian federal universities and how such networks can be used to enhance library services. The university networks included in this study are the Federal University of Technology Minna Network (FUTMINNet), University of Jos Network (UNIJOSNet) and University of Lagos Network (UNILAGNet). University of Minna (FUTMIN), established in the 1980s, belongs to the third generation of Nigerian universities; University of Jos (UNIJOS) (established in the 1970s) belongs to the second generation, while University of Lagos (UNILAG) (which was established in the 1960s) belongs to the first generation. Both FUTMIN and UNIJOS are located in North Central geo-political zone of Nigeria while UNILAG is located in the South West zone. The research design employed was the survey method (involving the use of questionnaire, interview, and direct observation) to study the wired and wireless connectivity of the networks of the three universities and compare them against criteria such as network speed, bandwidth, latency, and user response. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the network users of each of the three universities, giving a total of 300 questionnaires for the study. The result of the study shows that UNIJOSNet is the fastest while in terms of the wired service, UNILAGNet is the fastest. FUTMINNet is not performing well compared with the UNIJOSNet and UNILAGNet, or not satisfying its users at a satisfactory level. Wireless services of UNIJOSNet and UNILAGNet, which in turn affects the quality of library services offered to users. Wireless services of FUTMINNet do not adequately meet the expectations of users of library services. The paper recommends that the library network services of UNILAGNet has the best performance, while FUTMINNet needs the most improvement. Finally, universities need to enhance their wireless networks by upgrading and expanding the network components and infrastructures of all the networks, especially FUTMINNet.