Globalization, modernization and functionality of the public library system in Nigeria

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/LM-01-2016-0008
Date14 November 2016
Published date14 November 2016
Pages426-440
AuthorPatience Uzezi Otolo
Subject MatterLibrary & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion
Globalization, modernization and
functionality of the public library
system in Nigeria
Patience Uzezi Otolo
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find out: the functionality of public libraries in the provision
of needed information resources; the impact of the use of modern electronic gadgets as the level of
patronage; the influence of old technology use on libraries; and the globalization effect on the user
behavior toward public libraries.
Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the descriptive survey design since the opinion,
perceptions and observation of public library users were examined. Purposive sampling technique was
used to select 185 respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the
respondents. The instrument was validated by research experts in the area of test and measurement and in
library and information science research. A reliability test was carried out using 25 academic library users
in Delta State University, Abraka, to establish a coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbachsα. The data obtained
were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for research questions while the Pearson product
moment correlation coefficient analysis and linear regression analysis were used to test hypotheses.
Findings Public libraries in Nigeria are functional and accessible. There is inadequacy in modern
information and communication technology devices that aid information provision and dissemination,
Globalization and modernization has negatively impacted the patronage of public libraries.
The influence of deterritorialization has influenced the user attitude toward regular use. Globalization
has made time and space much more closer, thereby reducing contact and interaction between library
staff and users in the public library system. Globalization and/or modernization has brought not only
challenges to public libraries, but also opportunities to exploit.
Research limitations/implications The findings of the study were drawn from one sampled area
to represent the entirety of the country. The respondents were public library users who were found
using public libraries; therefore, less time was allocated to answering research instrument, thereby
potentially and probably not responded to with utmost concern.
Practical implications Public library functionality will be deterred if necessary actions are taken
to improve the quality of service provision. There will likely be a reduced patronage of public libraries
if users do not get the most recent information as supposed. There is already a negative effect of
globalization and modernization on the functionality of public libraries. There is an urgent need to
update and modernize public libraries across the nation for effective and efficient service delivery.
Social implications Globalization has led to the reduction of interpersonal and social interaction
which is supposed to promote friendliness between public library users and the staff. It also promoted
the use of modern technologies such as telecommunication devices, information disseminating gadgets
in homes while inhibiting public library patronage time and space is now been maximized for the
benefit of library users who are distant from the public library location in as much as information has
become accessible at their fingertips.
Originality/value This research was carried out by the author (Dr (Mrs) P.U. Otolo) and is fully
individual. All authors cited are duly acknowledged.
Keywords Nigeria, Modernization, Globalization, Deterritorialization, Functionality,
Public library system
Paper type Research paper
Library Management
Vol. 37 No. 8/9, 2016
pp. 426-440
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-01-2016-0008
Received 29 January 2016
Revised 24 April 2016
Accepted 14 June 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
Conflict of interest: the author declares that there are no conflicts of interest and it is completely a
single authored paper.
426
LM
37,8/9

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