Comparative study of students’ patronage at the academic libraries of two Nigerian universities: FUTO and EEU

This paper surveyed the users’ patronage of Nigerian academic libraries at two universities: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Evan Enwerem University, Owerri (EEU). Four research objectives and five research questions were formulated by the researchers. Uzoagulu’s (1998) statistical formula was adopted for the stratified sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed by using tables and simple percentages. The results identified inadequate relevant current information material; a library environment not conducive to use; and inadequate reading accommodation as the major problems that hampered full patronage. The provision and acquisition of more current and relevant information materials and a comfortable and conducive reading environment would greatly improve the patronage of the libraries under study.

► To compare the extent of patronage of FUTO and EEU libraries by their students. ► To compare the types of information resources patronized by the students in the two libraries under study. ► To compare the reasons for the patronage of both libraries, and. ► To compare the problems encounter by the students in the use of the two libraries and to proffer useful solutions to the identified problems.