PERSONAL VARIABLES OF USERS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES UTILIZATION IN THE SOUTH EAST GEOPOLITICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine personal variables of users and public libraries utilization in the South East geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. The survey research design method was used to conduct the study. Questionnaire in rating scale and direct observation were used as instrument for data collection. The population of the study consists of one hundred and twenty six thousand and five hundred and seventy seven (126,577) users of public libraries with a sample size of four hundred (400) users of the public libraries in the South East geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0 statistical software. The significant level was set at 0.05. The data were organized based on the research questions and hypothesis illustrated with tables and based on the results decisions were taken. Correlation Analysis (Spearman-Rank) was applied to test for the significant relationship on the study while descriptive statistics answered the research questions. Findings revealed that age bracket and educational qualifications have significant relationship while gender has no significant relationship on public libraries utilization in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study recommends that both young and old should be encouraged and sensitized on the use of public library resources for individual and national development.