AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION BY LIBRARY STAFF OF COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE LIBRARIES IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the agricultural information services provision by library staff of college of agriculture libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. The research design adopted for this study was descriptive survey research design. The population covers the staff of the libraries. The instruments used for data collection were checklist containing items on availability of agricultural information services and questionnaire containing items on methods of providing of agricultural information services and strategies to enhance provision of agricultural information services and strategies for enhancing the provision of agricultural information services. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Findings showed that outreach services, bibliographic services, user education, reprographic services, current awareness services (CAS), etc were not provided; ICTs based information provision models such as Web portal, Voice-Based service, Text (SMS) Based service, Selfsupport online community service, Interactive video conferencing service etc were not in use in the College of Agriculture Libraries in Niger State. The study recommended provision of outreach services, bibliographic services, user education, reprographic services, current awareness services (CAS), etc and make use of latest technologies such as ICTs based information provision models, Smart Phones, CD-ROM, Radio, Television, Computer show case etc to provide agricultural information services to their clienteles.