Maximizing the use of public library services in Niger State through Marketing

Abstract

The paper examined marketing library and information services of public libraries in Niger State. The study employed a survey research design. The population of the study consisted of forty-three professional and Para professional librarians employed by the Niger Slate Library Board. The data were analyzed by use of frequency and percentages. The results of the data analysed revealed that the need for marketing public library services was to create awareness of the services provided by the public libraries (72%) The library services available for marketing were library services for children (100%), user education (74%) and reference services (93%). Furthermore, findings of the study revealed that the most widely used marketing techniques were 'display and exhibition of new arrivals' (63%) and interpersonal and good communication skills (88%). It was recommended that public library staff ensure that they create and serve users with novel and innovative information services