Creation and Utilization of Learning Commons for Enhanced Patronage in the University Libraries in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the creation and utilization of learning commons for enhanced patronage in the federal university libraries in South-South Nigeria. Eight research questions were formulated to identify: the reasons for creating learning commons, the requirements for their creation, the components, the competences of librarians and other personnel involved, what use users make of learning commons, the extent of utilization, how satisfied are the users, what challenges are associated with the creation of learning commons and the strategies put in place to enhance the utilization of learning commons. The study adopted descriptive survey design; the area of the study was the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria which is made up of six states namely: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, Edo and Rivers States. The population of the study was made up of all the one hundred (100) professional librarians and the thirty thousand, eight hundred and five (30805) library users of all the six (6) federal university libraries in the South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 1640, made up of 100 professional librarians and 1540 library users. A proportionate sampling technique was adopted to select the sample for library users; while entire population of 100 professional librarians were used because they were manageable. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection; the instrument was face-validated by three experts, two from the Department of Library and Information Science and one from Measurement and Evaluation in the Department of Science Education of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Cronbach Alpha Reliability Index was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument and it yielded an overall coefficient of 0.79. Data collected were analysed using simple percentages, means and standard deviations and presented in tables and figures. The study found that electronic classrooms, computer workstations clusters, flexible seating areas, wireless network etc are the learning commons component created. It was also found that application of ICT/collaboration among staff, employment of professionals etc. were the method of creating learning common. Results further revealed that respondents reported high level of competence in ICTs as a learning commons skills. It was also found that free Wi-Fi for personal computer usage, working group, online information etc were the purposes for creating and utilizing learning commons. Findings also showed that the learning commons were utilized within the study area to a large extent. Results also showed that users were highly satisfied with learning commons. The result of the study also showed that librarians and users identified incompetence of library staff and lack of information skills respectively as critical problems associated with use of learning commons in university libraries in South-South. Finally, result showed that employing qualified staff, politeness to increase friendliness etc were among the strategies for enhancing utilization of learning commons in university libraries. Based on the results of this study, the researcher recommends, among others, that there should be adequate provision of information resources and services in the institutions under study including outside and within the libraries venues.