ASSESSMENT OF INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC LIBRARY RESOURCES IN CROSS RIVER STATE

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to evaluate information retrieval system and access to public library resources in Cross River State. The study was specifically carried out to determine whether there is adequate provision of information retrieval system of public library resources in Cross River State, ascertain whether the information retrieval system of public library resources in Cross River State is easily accessed, identify the types of information retrieval systems available in public library, and determine whether the accessibility of information retrieval system enhances the use of public library resources in Cross River State. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprises of staff of Cross River State public library. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 57 respondents and 50 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables, and mean scores. While the hypotheses were tested using Chi-square statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that there is no adequate provision of information retrieval system of public library resources in Cross River State. The study also revealed that the accessibility of information retrieval system enhances the use of public library resources in Cross River State. Therefore, it is recommended that public libraries should organize orientation on the use of the library regularly. This can be done through workshops and seminars. The orientation should focus on library use and how to gain access to information resources in the libraries. To mention but a few.