An Evaluative Study of Library and Information Services to Children in Nassarawa State Public Library

Abstract

Ineffective library services could affect the growth and development of children especially in their academic pursuits. The Study was therefore conducted in order to evaluate the effectiveness of library and information services to children in Nasarawa State Public Library. Descriptive survey research method was used for the study which the target population was 39 comprising of children between the ages of 8-12 and staff of Nasarawa State Public LIbrary. Questionnaire, interview and observation were used for collecting data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage tabulation were used in analyzing the data, Results revealed that the services provided at the children's section in Nasarawa State Public Library are effective. The study revealed that lack of trained personnel with necessary knowledge of the group, lack of adequate funds and information resources as well as inadequate information technology are factors hindering effective library and information services in Nasarawa State Public Library. IN order to enhance library services provision, some suggestions such as provision of adequate financial support, proper staff development programme through training and retraining within and outside the library, provision of ICT facilities such as internet services to mention but a few were recommended.