Library and Information Resources for Effective Scientific Research in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

The article identified the major objectives of Nigerian universities to include contribution to national development through high level manpower training etc. The methods of achieving these objectives were found out to include, but not limited to teaching, research and development. The term scientific research, as a major variable of this article was defined as it relates to a method of achieving the objectives of Nigerian universities. The numerous types of information resources utilized by scientists and students for research purposes were also identified. Information resources for scientific research were initially classified into three major categories. These include the primary, secondary and tertiary sources of information. With the current development in information handling, creating, usage and management it was revealed that information resources are now classified into only two categories to include those in print and no-print format. While the print formats of information were found out to be those published in book form, the non-print are the Information and Communication Technology facilities. The major objectives of classifying information resources for scientific research are to determine their relative currency and accuracy. The paper concluded that for any reliable and effective research, the research scientists and students in universities should rely more on primary sources of information and internet facilities. It was recommended among others that university libraries should spend more of their financial resources on acquiring primary sources of information and ICT facilities and a consortium of university libraries should be established to facilitate sharing of current information resources so as to meet the information needs of both scientists and students.