USE OF LIBRARY ,STUDY SKILLS AND ICT

LECTURE NOTES
GST 121

Course Lecturers: Flt Lt A. MOHAMMED- ali2dede@gmail.com

Mrs Maryam Garba –mubimaryam@gmail.com
Mr Stephen I Ogor – stephenogor765@gmail.com

COURSE CONTENTS:
 Course Introduction and General orientation to AFIT library.
 History of Libraries, types and functions of libraries.
 Book.
 Sections of the libraries.
 Information Communication Technology.
 Computer and the Library.
 Library Automation.
 Internet and Information Sourcing.
 Digital preservation.
 Preservation of Library Materials.
 Rules and Regulations Governing the use of Library.
 Library and the law.
 Plagiarism.
 Cataloguing and Classification.
 Shelving and Shelf Arrangement.
 Reference tools and Services.
 Tools for Information Access and Retrieval.
 Research

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INTRODUCTION: The Library is the nerve center of educational Institutions, it is also
a crucial center in the development of man at any level and more particularly so in any
academic purist. According to Okotore (2004) understanding how library works saves
time and avoids much frustration. Libraries are part of information highway that
connects people to the world of knowledge.

Libraries are created to:

 Conserve knowledge.
 Preserve cultural heritage.
 Provide information.
 Serves as centers for research and recreation.

DEFINATION OF LIBBRARY

Library has passed through series of historical development during which it receive
various definition in consonance with its original purpose.

Library is defined as the collection of books used for reading or study, or the building
or room in which such collections are kept. The word is derived from a Latin word
LIBER meaning “a book”

Nwosu (2000) defines library as an organized collection of books and information

materials kept for reading, study and reference. According to Longman Dictionary of
Contemporary English (1987) is a room or building containing books that can be
looked at or borrowed.

However library can be defined as a collection of books and related material housed,
organized and interpreted to meet the board and varying needs of people including
seeking for information, knowledge and recreation.

However, Gbadamosi describes library as a collection of books and non book

materials, systematically organized through the use of codes (rules) and schemes for
provision of service for users or Clientele

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 Objectives of the Library

Every library is usually established for certain objectives. it is therefore, the

responsibility of a library to fashion out ways through which those objectives can be
achieved. The main objective of any library is to ensure that its users’ needs are met
within the shortest possible time. Below are some objectives of libraries:

a. To identify and selected information materials.

b. Determine the information needs of users through user community analysis.
c. To acquire selected books and non book material through purchase, donations or
gift and exchange.
d. To ensure users are assisted to use library material by paying attention to users
queries.
e. To ensure there is internet connectivity which bridges gap for physical books.
f. To preserve for future generation, all information materials both in print and non-
print format.

Functions of the Library

Libraries according to their class differ in functions they perform, primarily the function
is to aid the parent institution in the conduct as well as the realization of its objectives.
The library contributes to the realizations of the institutional objectives thereby
supporting the total program of the institution by acquiring and making available the
information materials and services which are needed by all categories of its users.
However libraries have some basic functions:

1. Selection and acquisition of library materials: These services are carefully made
by the acquisition librarian through acquisition tool that are available such as
purchase, gift or donations.
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2. Preservation of books and non books materials in other to make information
available and accessible to future users,
3. Providing adequate and comfortable physical facilities for study including carrel
for private study and such aids as typing facilities and photocopying services
which are patronized by users or by the library staff.
4. Borrowing and leading materials or inter library loan.
5. Disseminate of material: Libraries disseminate information to users through
circulation, reference and reserve unit. Reference services includes answering
questions from users
6. Organizing library materials: knowledge is made available accessible and usable
to the clientele, to achieve this the library makes it materials easily accessible
by deporting a system of organization through s scheme and displaying through
open shelves or other efficient means, providing key for location through
catalogue bibliographies, indexes etc for easy retrieval.

Types of Libraries

Libraries are divided into various parts, and according to the literature you may
have consulted however, there are five different types of libraries notable among
are :

a. National Library
b. Public Library
c. School Library
d. Academic Library
e. Special Library

National Library

National library this is also called Apex Library. According to Olankun & Salisu
(1985) started when the federal Govt appointed a library Advisory committee in
towards establishing National Lib. The National library was made the legal
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 depository and Bibliographic Center for the nation. It also has the power to
establish braches in other states.

Function of National Library

 It acts as a collection and collation centre for all published literatures emanating
from a country.
 It helps in development of other libraries by setting standards, rules and
regulations to be abide by
 It is responsible for issuance of International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

Public Libraries

They are established by states and located in cities and town meets the information
needs of the general public and they are usually maintained by public funds. Public
library is often called the people library.

Functions of Public Libraries

 They serve wider range of patrons than all other kind of libraries example
children, young, adult, male female, physically challenged etc
 They offer extension service to the grass root e.g mobile library, reading
campaign, debates among schools e.t.c

However the following services have been observed to be available in a good

number of public library across the world.

 Leading service e.g for home reading

 Mobile library service e.g extending services to the less privilege children,
hospitals, prisons e.t.c
 Inter library loan with other libraries.

School Libraries

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Most public and private primary and secondary schools falls between these categories
of library, school libraries are designed to support the school’s curriculum. School
libraries, refers to libraries found in nursery, primary school their materials are based
on the subject taught in school.

Functions of School Libraries

They provide pupil with their first experience in using library.

They provide pupil with pictorial books to browse through.
They improve pupils listening domain through story telling it should be noted that
school library require students with equip students with the required skills they need to
effectively and efficiently utilize the library collection.

Academic Library

They are designed to serve present institution with academic needs ranging from
research work, presentations ,lecture notes and assignments.

Academic library have professionally organized collections of graphic and non-graphic

materials or information resources for the exploration of staff and student in the
institute of higher learning. Example of Academic Library is AFIT, Kaduna Polytechnic,
and Federal Colleges of Education libraries e.t.c

Functions of Academic Libraries

 They promote reader advisory service: this is done through their staff, they
provide answers and feed back to users who make enquires on the use of
library and its resources.
 They provide inter library loan services.
 They prepare materials for the use of students, lecturers, faculties and others
who require them.

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Others include select and acquire information materials, preserve and store these
materials for future use, retrieve and disseminate knowledge.

Special Library

Is a term for library that is not academic, school, public, private national library,
libraries attached to organizations, ministry, parastatals, are based towards library
clients are referred to as special library, they are not usually open to the general public
they are also known as information centers. The rule of each special library is to
support the information needs of its users so that they can achieve the mission &
goals of the organization. Examples are Research Institute Library, Medical Library,
Photo Library Teaching Hospital Library, Arms And Armo (Military Library)

Book

Books are important in human lives in that they empower mankind and brings about
positive changes to our lives. According to United Nation Education Scientific and
Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) 1985 define book as non periodical publication
consisting of at least 49 pages excluding the cover page.

Furthermore, Macmillan Dictionary.com (2015) sees book as a set of printed pages

fashion together inside a cover that may contain a story, information, poem, or other
form of writing. In other words it’s a set or collection of written, printed, illustration or
blank sheet made of paper, parchment or other various materials, usually fastened
together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf and each
side of a leaf is called page. A book produced in electronics format is called an
electronic book (e-book)

Importance of a Book

 Books provide readers with the needed break from the chaos of life
 Books bring inner peace and make one relaxed from hustle and bustle of life.
 It is a form of mental exercise for the brain.
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  It boosts the imaginative power of the reader and makes him a better thinker.
 Books appear to be the best panacea to overcome boredom.

A book may therefore be described as a collection of sheets containing hand written or

printed materials sewn and bound between covers, however, not all publication are
books, for instance, serial and other forms that are less than 49 pages are called
pamphlets. Periodical are like magazine, journals, newspapers. They appear at fixed
intervals.

Parts of a book

A book maybe divided in four parts these parts are listed and briefly discussed below:

 The cover
 The preliminaries
 The body of the text or text
 The subsidiaries

Cover: It protects the book , cover cloud be hard bound or soft cover. The cover
itself is made up of (3) three sections namely:

a. Front cover: it identifies the title, author and other information about the book.

b. Spine: same as above but also carries crest (logo) of the publisher.

c. back cover: contain general information about the author or information

about the content of the book ,it also carries name, crest of publisher and ISBN

Preliminaries: It precedes the main text and is numbered in roman figures, these
part consist of the following.

a. Fly page: These are blank pages at the beginning and end of a book which
is not pasted to the cover but serves as protection for the book.

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 b.Title page: This is the second page which gives the title and subtitle in full, the
authors name and qualification also publishers name and address are found on
this page.

c. Acknowledgement Page: It contains list of contributors and individual who

assisted in writing the book.

d. Forward: This is an explanatory statement on the purpose of the book, it’s

usually written by another person other than the author who has a good
knowledge of the subject.

Others Includes: tables of content, dedication page, copy right page. e.t.c

Body of the fact (text) : Body of the text can also be called (Text) it is the main part
of the book consisting of the following: chapter by chapter presentation of the subject,
tables and graphics or photographic illustrations, footnotes, side notes, where
necessary.

Subsidiaries: These are located at the termination of the text they include: Reference
/ Bibliography

R – Are list of books & other document to which a reference has been
made in the text?
B – Refers to a list of other source of information consulted and acted
directly in text or note.

Glossary: This is a list of technical/ unusual terms used in the book with
accompanying definitions and explanations

Kinds of books

There are (4) four main kinds of books namely:

1. Trade book.
2. Text book.
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 3. Reprint.
4. Reference book.

Trade book: are referred to most book in a book store which includes novels, travel
books, religious books among others, Trade books are published for public
consumption

Text books: These are books for regular study in schools and colleges. They are
usually written by subject specialist on different discipline. Most books being used
in schools are text books

Reprint: Are copies of an earlier edition reproduce at intervals after the maiden
copies produced have been exhausted they are just reprinted version of the
previous edition. However there may be little modification in the title page.

Reference books: They are information bearing materials that are designed to be
consulted or looked up for specific piece of information, fact and are not intended to
be read through. Reference books are only consulted for specific information.

SECTION OF THE LIBRARY

A library or an information centre, like any other organization has various departments,
units or section to help accomplish its aims and objective of the parent body.

No matter the size of the library all the division are relevant for example in a special
library which is smaller in size, one person may be in charge and performs all the task
required successfully but in the academic library which is relatively bigger in size, it
maybe a little bit difficult for a librarian to perform all the functions required
successfully. Depending on the setup in the academic library there may be different
departments /sections or units such as:

 Technical service
 Reader service

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  Collection development
 Research

It should be noted that all these depends on the setup of the library however, in a
typical academic library the following sections: Acquisition, Audio–visual,Archive
,circulation Bindery ,serial ,Cataloging ,security/IT,Classification, Retro graphic

According to Malomo ( 2004) some traditional function of a library includes building

the library’s basic collection and providing various materials to satisfy patrons in all
works of life assisting patrons to satisfy their information needs, offering ancillary
services such as audio – visual, reprography, book bindery and later library – loan.

Different Sections of the Library

a) Administration:

This is the head of library activities which is usually headed by a qualified librarian who
most have good visionary leadership. The librarian as a top manager is responsible for
the administrative and professional duties that include:

 Planning library budge

 Developing & organization of the library policy.
 Supervising & organization of the library.
 Coordinating & maintenance of records.
 Displaying of new add time in library.
 Capacity building for library staff.
 Contiguous review of library programs.

b) Reference section

This section carries out reference service to the library patrons, it involves personal
assistance given to the user of the library who needs a particular item of information.
The information needed many involve quick answer, therefore reference librarian uses
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available reference tools to satisfy his users, example of the reference tool includes
encyclopedia, bibliographic, directory, atlas, gazetteer, manuals e.t.c. A reference
librarian is responsible for the following:

 Selection of special materials for the library.

 Library tour (taking visitors and new users round the library.
 Translation services
 Library exhibition
 Compilation of reading list
 Contributing or preparing library publication.

c) Circulation section

The circulation section is usually headed by a professional librarian who carries out
various circulatory services to the library patrons some routine service in this section
includes:

 Loaning out books

 Planning books display
 Collection fines and due
 Inter library loan service
 Conducting orientation programs for new patrons
 Keeping statistics of library users

d) Acquisition section

Acquisition section of any library is responsible for the identification, selection and
procurement of information materials and recourse,there services include:

 Book Identification
 Book selection
 Typing the order
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  Mailing the order
 Receiving the order
 Inspection of the books
 Stamping the books

They also select vendors, negotiate consortium, price arrangement for standing orders
and selection individual tiles or resources.

e) Cataloging Section

Is responsible for the organizing and processing of information materials, especially

books quire by the library. This section is in charge of cataloging & classification of all
information resources in the library. This are done by arranging or organizing
information item by subjects this are done through various scheme notable among is
(LC) library of congress and (DDC) Dewey Decimal Classification.

Some routine activities in the cataloging section include:

 Cataloging: this is a detailed description of book by listing out the important

bibliographies features. It is the process of assigning subject tracing to a little.
It’s done cataloging
 Classification: is the process of assigning a class number ( call mark) to a tittle
that corresponds within its subject contents
 Description Cataloging: it entails putting the bibliographers information about a
text book on descriptive cataloguing sheet such information includes: author,
title, publisher, place and date of publication, edition, notes, ISBN e.t.c
 Labeling: This is the process of producing labels for the spine of a book, it
entails putting call mark of the title at the spine of a big book or front of a small
book.

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 LIBRARY AUTOMATION

In traditional library system, every stage of library operation is carried out manually by
the library staff. In recent, application of computer in performance of various task has
resulted in automated library system. Here staff and machine now works together.

The sharing of responsibilities according to Modu (2004) in which human assisted by

computer should be referred to as human machine system.

Library automation is a process of mechanization of all the housekeeping operation in

the library which is of routine and repetitive in nature.

MADU (2004) also defines library automation as the use of computers and associated
technology to revolutionize the meaning of libraries and redefine their existences. This
automation as a process help is acquisition, organization, storage and dissemination
of information in the library. It facilitates their processes in more reliable electronic
process.

Need and Purpose of Library Automation

Library operations and services involve cumbersome task. The traditional manual
performance of the task is prone for constant human error, time consuming and
inefficiency. These problems brought the need for libraries & information centers to
join in information dissemination system. However it should be noted that the overall
purpose of embanking on automation is to increase efficiency in our operation and
services.

Purpose of library Automation.

a. Better services to users: library users require information at the speed of light.
Where ever and whenever manual catalogues cannot meet such requirement.
 Time saving: with manual catalogues user frequently roam about the flow of the
library for what may not be in the collection thence saving the time of the reader
is one of the major goals of any automation effects in the library
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  Storage: libraries are growing organisms so without the application of computer
it will be very difficult to handle the space problem in the library.
 Professional prestige: librarian role as information manager are generally
ignored by the most number of the society. Application of computer in libraries
helps to make positive change of the people toward the and.
 Resource sharing: resource sharing among libraries demand library automation
as a manual requirement when resource are in reformat and in the light net mark
environment, sharing becomes very easy and fast shared across boards.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Introduction: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is often described as

the technology where computers and telecommunication devices are used for
information gathering, processing, storage, retrieval and dissemination to the relevant
users. Nothing characterizes modern life better than the computer. Whether we like it
or not, computers have penetrated every aspect of our society. Today, computers do
more than just computing: supermarket scanners calculate our grocery bill while
keeping store inventory; computerized telephone switching centers play traffic cop to
millions of calls and keep lines of communication untangled; and automatic teller
machines (ATM) let us conduct banking transactions from virtually anywhere in the
world.

Definition of Basic Computer Terms

Computer: It is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and

operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program.

Data: it is a distinct piece of information, usually formatted in a special way.

Information: It is data that is accurate and timely, specific and organized for a
purpose, presented in a context that gives it meaning and relevance, and can lead to
an increase in understanding and decrease in uncertainty.

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Input Devices: translate data into a form that the computer can process.

Output Devices: translate information processed by the computer into a form that
human beings can understand.

Information System: It refers to a collection of equipment involved in the

dissemination of information.

Network: It is a group of two or more devices that can communicate.

Hardware: Refers to the physical elements that make up a computer system.

Software: It is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do a
specific task.

Classification of Computer

Computers can be classified in several ways. It could be classified based on its size,
functionality and data handling.

Classification on the basis of size

Super: Largest, fastest and most expensive • Used for intensive computational task •
Example: PARAM, jaguar, roadrunner •

Mainframe: Large and general purpose computers with extensive processing and
storage capability • Commonly known as the “big iron” Example: IBM z series, IBM
370 and IBM 704. •

Mini: Physically smaller in size and can fix on a desk • Used for word processing,
multi-user applications and industrial automation • Example: Personal laptop and
personal computer

Micro: They are very small in size but more powerful than their size • Applications are
user-friendly, very easy to use and learn • Example: Tablets, Smart watches and
Smart phones

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Classification on the basis of functionality

Word processor: General purpose computer used specifically for office automation
and secretarial duties.

Home Computer: Low cost computer designed for use at home • Used for domestic
purposes such as games, diary and family budgets. •

Personal Computer: Specially designed for individual use at work or home for
business purposes • Example: Laptop, notebook and briefcase.

Classification on the basis of Data Handling

Analog: Processes data in the form of physical quantities such as temperature,

humidity and electrical voltage •

Digital: Processes data that is represented in the form of discrete values • Data is
represented in the code of binary digits 0s and 1s or on and Digital off systems of
electrical circuit

Hybrid: Its operation combines the features of both the digital and analog Hybrid
computers

Computer and the Library

Introduction: ICTs have altered the way in which information is created and
distributed across the world today. It has changed the way in which libraries carry out
their activities such as selection, acquisition, organization and delivery of information.

Uses of Computer in the Library

Computer and ICT can be applied to the several operations of the library. Computers
are generally used for:

 Processing.
 Ordering.
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  Accounting for Library Materials.
 Purchase.
 Management of loan control systems with related tasks.
 Stock Recording.
 Search of on-line information sources for references.
 Library statistics of users.
 Literature searching.
 Internet Services.

Library Automation
Library automation is the term used to describe the use of ICT tools to make library
services more robust, effective and efficient. Aina (2004) defined library automation as
the computerization of routine tasks previously performed by human beings. The main
purpose of library automation is to enable the librarians and library staff to concentrate
on the meaningful spread of knowledge and information.

Advantages of Library Automation

 Improves accuracy and reduces redundancy.

 Faster record retrieval rate.
 Real-time update of records.
 It can accommodate bulky materials thus saving space.
 Errors are easily detected.
 Larger volumes of bibliographic data can be stored and accessed in one system.
 Better use of information resources through improved access.
 Improved resource sharing via virtual catalog or network.

Challenges of Library Automation

Lack of funds: it is expensive to purchase and maintain such information

technologies

Socio-political problem: People prefer to do the job, they have phobia for embracing
technology fearing it may lead to retrenchment.

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Lack of technical personnel: for library software to be properly maintained, it
requires a considerable time and expertise.

Conservatism: people who are comfortable with using a particular thing finds it
difficult to change.

Unstable power supply: These technologies depend on electricity. In a situation

where there is no constant supply, there may be problem in the usage of these
facilities.

Benefits of Library Automation to Library Staff

 Development of new patterns of communication among staff, especially between

computer services and library staff
 Empowerment of staff in decision making
 Acquisition of new skills and knowledge

Internet and Information Sourcing

Introduction: The internet refers to a global or international conglomeration of

interconnected computer networks serving users worldwide. The network can be of
local or global scope, but are linked together by a broad array of electronic, wireless
and optical networking technologies.

Format of Internet/Online Materials

As long as if you have access rights of the site you are retrieving information, online
information is easy to access. Internet/online materials are made available in the
following formats:

 PDF (Portable Document Format).

 Word Document.
 Audio File.
 Visual File.
 Excel.
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  PowerPoint.

Authenticity of Internet Materials

Before using a website as a research resource, the following elements should be

considered:

Domain Suffix: provides a clue about the purpose/audience of a website. Examples

of domain suffix are: .com, .ng, .org, .gov and .edu.

Authority: verify whether or not the site gives credibility to an author or sponsor. This
will give you an idea of the authors expertise and credentials.

Currency: ensure to check the currency of a research resource. An outdated maybe

incomplete or incorrect.

Links: Beware of websites with several broken links. This may indicate an unreliable
resource or lack of frequent maintenance.

URL: Ensure you truncate the URL of a website to its root address. This will tell you
where the site is being hosted.

Comparison: always compare information found on websites with other sources to

ensure that you have the right information.

Advantages (Merits) of Internet

 Communication Forum: The internet enables individuals to have faster

communication. Platforms for products such as SKYPE allow video
conferencing with anyone in the world who also has access to it.
 Abundant Information: information on all subject are available on the internet
with just a click of mouse. A lot of resources can be found through the search
engine in real time.

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  Unlimited Education: it is now possible for individuals to learn in a virtual
worldwide classroom. For instance, help is readily available for students online
for their assignments and projects.
 Online Services and E-commerce: The internet provides the services of
emails, online banking, online shopping, etc. Free mail service to anyone is
easily accessible all around the world. E-commerce enables one in America to
buy things in Asia, Africa or other area in the world through some simple clicks
of the mouse.
 Easy to access: It can be accessed from anywhere, no boundaries, no
limitations as to geographical locations.

Disadvantages (Demerits) of Internet

 Internet Addiction Disorder: excessive use of the internet can be harmful not
only physically but also mentally.
 Web Crime. Hackers can create viruses that can get into your personal
computer and ruin valuable data. Users' personal information such as name,
address, credit card, bank details and other information can be accessed by
culprits when used on the Internet, resulting in big economic loss.
 Social Alienation. Time spent online flies really fast without notice. Once
attracted by so many amazing things provided by the Internet, users are trapped
by a "net", spending less time with people in real life. Less interaction and face-
to-face communication in reality may result in decrease of networking abilities.

Digital Preservation

Introduction: Digital preservation is the method of keeping digital material alive so

that they remain usable as technological advances render original hardware and
software specification obsolete (Harrods Librarian glossary). The digital preservation is
very important due to the issues faced by the digital world. It consists of software
obsolescence, storage medium failures, and storage medium obsolescence among
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others. Digital Preservation Strategies The following are the various strategies used in
digital preservation:

 Bit stream Copying: It is referred to as the process of creating an exact copy of

a digital content in the system. It is popularly known as “backing up data” in the
community. It is not a long-term technique but widely used for data preservation.
Refreshing: It involves copying the digital details from one medium to another of
the same type without making changes. It addressed the issue of deterioration
physical storage medium.
 Persistent Media Storage: It involves the use of long term digital media such
as gold CDs to backup the digital data. Gold CDs are highly resistant to
corrosion.
 Technology Preservation: It involves the preservation of the digital
environment that the system runs on such as the operating systems, application
software and media device. It is commonly called the “computer museum”
solution.
 Digital Archaeology: It is the process of recovering data from an already
damaged digital media. It is an emergency recovery strategy.
 Analog Backup: It involves the combination of the conversion of digital objects
into analog form with the use of durable analog media. It is performed by using
the analog media like digital images, HD Rosetta, etc.
 Data Migration: It involves the copying of data from one technology to another
while preserving the characteristics of the data.

PRESERVATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

This refers to the utilization of all library resources in order to maintain a useable
condition of each item of the collection. In other words, it is called conservation of
library materials, William (1970) state that “everything in library collection is

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deteriorating today, as was deteriorating yesterday and will continue to deteriorate
tomorrow, although librarian out to retard the process”.

FACTORS OR AGENTS OF DETERIORATION

1. Physical agents
- Light
- Heat
- Humidity and moisture
- Dust and Dirt
- Water
2. Biological factors
- Insects
- Rodents
- Mildew (Micro-organism)
3. Chemical factors
- Acids.
- Dust and Dirt particles.
- Other atmospheric contaminants.
4. Human factor
- Theft.
- Mutilations.
- Pencil or biro marks.
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5. Natural factor
- Fire
- Wind
- Water
- Others
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PREVENTIVE AND PRESERVATION MEASURES

In order to preserve library materials, it is essential to adopt certain measures which

may prolong their life span. These measures which could be preventive or curative
includes;

- Binding
- Fumigation
- Periodic weeding
- Adequate ventilation
- Lightening
- Disaster management preparation
- De-acidification
- Mending
- Lamination
- Dusting and good house-keeping etc

RULES AND REGULATIONS GUIDING THE USE OF LIBRARY

For the proper conduct of activities in a library, user are required to abide by the
following rules and regulations.

1. Books and journals consulted must be left on the reading tables.

2. Reference books and audio visual materials are not to be taken out of the library
without permission of the librarian or library staff.
3. Before leaving the institution or organization users must return all library
materials in their possession.
4. Eating/drinking in the reading room (library) is prohibited.
5. Seats may be reserved for thirty minutes or thereabout, after which other
readers may occupy them. (If need be)
6. Readers must enter and leave the library by the entrance designated for such.

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 7. Handbags, briefcases, umbrella, raincoats etc must be left at the section
provided for such.
8. Readers must show all books and paper file at the circulation desk or to the
portal when leaving the library.
9. Library users must produce their library tickets on entering the library, when
borrowing books and at other times as may be demanded by the officers in the
library.
10. Borrower’s tickets are not transferable. Readers are advised to keep their
tickets secured.

LIBRARY AND THE LAW

Concept of Copyright: Copyright according to World Intellectual Property

Organization (WIPO) (2014), is a legal term used to describe the rights creators have
over their literary and artistic works. These could include books, music, paintings,
sculpture, films, computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps and technical
drawings. This is the exclusive right of printing or otherwise reproducing copies of the
intellectual production, publication and offering it for sale.

Works Protected by Copyright

1. Books, pamphlets and other writings.

2. Lectures, addresses and sermons.
3. Dramatic and musical works.
4. Choreographic works and entertainments.
5. Musical compositions.
6. Drawings, paintings, architecture, sculpture, engraving and lithography.
7. Photographic works.

Types of Rights

1. Economic right.
2. Moral right.
25
 3. Paternity right.
4. Right of respect.

Benefits of Copyrights

Copyrights enables artists and authors to commit their time an efforts to the creation of
manuscripts, screenplays, songs and printings. It further encourages people to invest
capital in the production of books, motion pictures, sound recordings and computer
programs. A strong copyright system discourage investment in the privacy of
copyrighted materials since law enforcement agents such as The Nigerian Police
Force, together with the Nigerian Copyright Commission can impound, destroy and
sell the equipment used by the copyright infringers.

Challenges of Copyright Law

1. Cost of books and other literary works.

2. Advent of modern technology which makes reproduction of cheaper version of
intellectual works very easy.
3. Ignorance of the law and lack of awareness from members of the society and
copyright owners alike.
4. Profitability of the illegal trade.

PLAGIARISM (ACADEMIC FRAUD)

Plagiarism could be regarded as an unlawful and dishonest way of ascribing words,

ideas and intellectual ingenuity of another person as being one’s own without due
acknowledge of the source of the information. To simply put, plagiarism is a literary
theft or an act of fraud which involves both pilfering another fellow’s work and
therefore lying about it.

Evidences of plagiarism include the following:

1. Presenting another fellow’s work in full or in part as one’s own.

2. Giving false information concerning the source of a quotation.
26
 3. Cloning another fellow’s work and presenting it as one’s own.
4. Copying ideas or sentences from another authors work without citation.
5. Changing keywords and phrases in a paper with the essential aspects of the
content remaining intact.
6. Copying ideas, words and thoughts from several sources without proper citation.
7. Failing to put direct quotations in quotation marks (“ “).
8. Paraphrasing or quoting sources without proper acknowledgement or proper
citations.
9. Using materials from the web and presenting it as one’s own.

Some Measures to Stem Plagiarism

Plagiarism Detection: This is a process of tracking down some instances of

duplication of someone’s intellectual work within a document submitted for
assessment. Plagiarism checkers/detectors allow access to a large number of
databases to ascertain the level of plagiarism or similarity. It also enables lecturers
and instructions to impress on the leaners measures to improve on their writing and
research skills. Some free plagiarism checkers are; chimpsky, citeplag, copytracker,
plagium and see sources etc.

While some commercial ones are; attributor, copyspace, iparadigms, ithenticate,

plagiarism-detect, plagscan, turnitin, unplag and very-guide etc.

FAIR USE: According to the United States copyright office (2012), fair use refers to
the limitation on the copyright holder’s exclusive rights. It is an exception to the rule of
copyright infringement which permits the reproduction of small amounts of copyright
materials when the copying will have little effect on the value of the original work.

Conditions for Fair Use

1. For research or private study

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 2. Criticisms or review or the reporting of current event if acknowledge is made.
3. Reproduced and distributed in a place where it can be viewed by the public
4. Reproduced and/or performed for judicial proceedings.
5. Use of works as illustrations for teaching.
6. Quotations compatible with fair practice.

PIRACY

This is an act of violating copyright law when people illegally reproduced work for sale,
that is, for commercial gains without permission from the owner of the work.
Okwilagwe (2001) notes that various forms of piracy take place in Nigeria; nothing that
is reproduced is spared, be it music records, audio cassettes, video tapes and all
paper-based printed materials.

CATALOGUING AND CLASSIFICATION

Cataloguing is the preparation of technical information about a book which may be

transferred physically onto a card or electronically as online catalogue according to set
rules as specified in AACR2 or RDA. In other words, it is the process of describing a
book in bibliographic terms. This includes the name of the author, the title, sub-title,
edition statement, place of publication, publisher, the number of pages and the
accession number.

An effective tool of any librarian in making the materials available to its users is an
adequate and effective catalogue. The Library catalogue serves as the gateway to the
library’s collections and further interprets the library to the user. The Library’s
catalogue could be print or electronic. The print catalogue of any modern library is
done by preparing 3 x 5 inches catalogue cards for each title of materials after its
acquisition by purchase, gift or exchange. The print version may also be available
online, if the library has a functional online public access catalogue (OPAC).

A catalogue is defined as a list of books, maps or other items, arranged in some

definite order. The catalogue records describe the resources of a library by given
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details of each item in terms of bibliographic entries such as author, title, publication
information, illustrations, paginations, editions etc. all of these leading to locating and
retrieving the book easily for the user.

Purpose of a library catalogue

1. To enable a person to find a document of which the author, title or the subject is
known.
2. To show what a library has by a given, on a given subject, or on a given kind or
form of literature.
3. To assist in the choice of a document as to its edition, bibliography, literary or
topical form.

Functions of Library Catalogue.

i. To record each work in the library and part of a work under the subject of its
treatment.
ii. To arrange subject entries based on similar topics.
iii. To record each work in the library using bibliographical descriptive terms that
users or readers may use to search for such items.
iv. To record titles of work appropriately.
v. To arrange author entries in such a way that all the works of one writer will be
found together under the author’s surname.
vi. To list the call numbers by which publication may be located or retrieved.
vii. To employ cross references by which a reader may be guided from one entry
in the catalogue to another.
viii. To provide a description of each publication by providing title, imprint,
collection and also notes when necessary.

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Types/kind of catalogues

There are three types of catalogues;

1. The Author/Title catalogue.

2. The classified catalogue.
3. The subject catalogue

Forms of Library Catalogue

1. The cord catalogue

2. The book catalogue
3. The sheaf catalogue
4. Computer catalogue
5. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

CLASSIFICATION

Classification is the division of things into groups according to their types of subject.
Information items in the library may be organized or arranged by subject content,
which entails grouping similar items together. In the library, classification is the
systematic arrangement of information items which possess similar qualities or
characteristic in groups or classes. The major purpose of a classification system in the
library is to provide a basis for organizing books and other information materials so
that the library users can find them quickly and easily. The classification number or a
book is the number assigned to a book to show the subject area and to indicate its
location in the collection.

When a book is classified using a classification scheme, class number is assigned to

it, this is called the notation or classification number. Call marks or call number
determine where such books are to be placed on the shelf in the library. The
notation/call mark is written on the spine or cover of the book so that, it can be easily
30
put in the proper place with other books in the same subject area. This is with the view
to helping users to have stress free access to such material. Examples of
classification scheme;

a. Library of congress classification scheme

b. Dewey Decimal classification scheme.
c. Bibliographic classification
d. Universal Decimal classification scheme
e. Colon classification scheme.

Library of Congress was formulated in 1899 by Herbert Putman for the use of the
congress library in America. Today many large research, national, and university
libraries use this system. It provides greater precision than the Dewey decimal
classification. It is alpha-numeric in nature that is, a combination of letters and
numbers for ease of expansion.

Presently, I, O, W, X, Y are not in use in the scheme. This further allows practitioners
to extensively use the LC scheme classification of materials proceeds from general to
specific classes. The main classes are marked with single letters as follows:

A – General works

B – Philosophy, Psychology, Religion

C – History, Auxiliary science

D – History, Topography (Except America)

E – F – American History

G – Geography, Anthropology, Recreation

H – Social Science

J – Political Science

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K – Law

L – Education

M – Music

N – Fine Arts

P – Language and Literature

Q – Science

R – Medicine

S – Agriculture, Husbandry

T – Technology

U – Military Science

V – Naval Science

Z – Bibliography

Examples of principal sub-division are denoted by an added letter as we have in the

following examples;

BC – Logic

DD – Speculative philosophy

BF – Psychology, Para-psychology

BJ – Ethics

Dewey Decimal Classification scheme (DDC)

Melvin Dewey first published the DDC scheme in 1876 for use in his private library but
was widely accepted by some libraries. The scheme has 22 editions now and an

32
electronic version. Many important libraries especially public, special and school
libraries use it. The British National Bibliography (BNB) published by the British
Museum also makes use of it. The scheme divides the whole human knowledge into
ten main classes 000 – 900. Each class is further divided into ten.

The major class division of Dewey Decimal Classification are as follows:

000 – General works

100 – Philosophy

200 – Religion

300 – Social science

400 – Languages

500 – Pure science

600 – Technology

700 – Arts

800 – Literature

900 – History, Geography and auxiliary disciplines.

SHELVING AND SHELF ARRANGEMENT

Having catalogued and classified the books, they are then arranged on the shelves
according to their classification marks as indicated on the spines. The call number is
the class mark comprising the subject’s number and the author’s first letter (or 3
letters) depending on the format used in a particular library. This is the number the
reader uses in locating books on the shelves of the library. The books on the shelves
are arranged by the class marks and not by author or title.

33
The arrangement of boks on the shelves is just the same as the arrangement of the
cards in the classified catalogue boxes where arrangement or filing is by class mark.
The call number on each card is also on the spine of the book on the shelf.

If a reader checks through the catalogue cards and sees a preferred title, he/she
writes down the bibliography information. That is, the call number, the author(s) name
and possibly the title of the book. The user then proceeds to the shelves where books
on the discipline are arranged, to get it.

Cuttering

The essence of cuttering according to Oketunji (2005), is to differentiate materials on

the same subject by different authors (personal or corporate). It brings about
uniformity in cataloguing rules and it is arranged alphabetically on the shelves as
emphasized by cutter (2005).

Filing of library materials

Filing in a library can be described as an act of arranging the bibliographic information

printed on the card in a logical order, usually, alphabetically, and or classified in the
library catalogue for consistency, these filing are based on internationally recognize
filing rules. There are many filing rules, but the ALA filing rules which are based on the
2nd edition of AACR2 is recommended for filing in libraries.

In a simple language, filing is a sort of index to library materials or a pointer to the

library resources. The 3’ x 5’ catalogue cards are usually arranged in alphabetical
order in the card cabinet by a library officer or a trained library officer or a trained
library assistant. In filing catalogue cards, there are basic rules to follow. The basic
ways of filing arrangement are ‘word by word’ and ‘letter and letter’. The most common
filing practice is “word by word”.

REFERENCE TOOLS AND SERVICES

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Reference services exist in the library because patrons need information that they
must obtain from a source other than themselves, thus, librarians facilitates the
communication process by offering themselves as intermediaries between patrons
and information. Reference services could be viewed as services provided by the
reference librarian through the use of information resources within the library to help
users meet particular information needs. Quoting Ranganathan, Chappell (1976)
viewed reference services as personal assistance provided to library patrons in pursuit
of information to answer their requests exhaustively and expeditiously. Simply put, it is
the librarian’s aid in bringing the patron and materials needed together for whatever
purpose.

Types of Reference Services

a. Information services
b. Instruction in the use of libraries and information sources.
c. Guidance in the choice of library materials

Reference Materials / books

Reference materials or book refers to specific kind of publication which has been
written for the purpose of consultation on certain items of information, rather than to be
read from cover to cover.

Reference materials constitute reference collection of a library and enables the

reference librarian to answer users’ queries. These sources are usually not allowed on
loan. They can only be consulted within the library.

Reference materials include the following;

1. Dictionaries: Dictionary is a book that people do consult for definition, meaning

spelling (or orthography), pronunciation, syllabication of a word etc. other
dictionaries are called thesaurus or glossaries, wordbooks, lexicons etc.

35
2. Encyclopedias: An encyclopedia is the authority of general knowledge book
and a good place to research on almost any topic. It is a compendium holding a
summary of information from either all branches of knowledge or a particular
branch of knowledge. The articles treated are arranged and accessed
alphabetically by article name. Encyclopedias could be general or subject based
e.g Encyclopedia Britannica (30 volumes), encyclopedias Americana (30
volumes), Subject encyclopedias etc.
3. Biographical sources: biography is a book which gives an account of a
person’s life. It contains information on the personality, achievements, career,
hobbies etc of an individual. There are two types of biographies – individual
biography and collected biography e.g who’s in Nigeria.
4. Year book: Year books are reference materials usually published annually.
They are useful for historical research as they are often prepared and published
soon after the events have occurred. They provide information on a country’s
social, political and economic developments in the preceding year, e.g Nigerian
Year Book.
5. Handbooks: A hand book is a portable reference materials that provides useful
information on a specific subjects in a concise and comprehensive form. It deals
with questions that require established facts. E.g Handbooks of education in
Nigeria.
6. Manuals or users guide: These are reference tools that provides answers to
such activities as how to do, how to perform or how to make? A typical example
is Campbell’s Encyclopedia of World cookery which teaches how to prepare
different types of meals in different countries of the world.
7. Directories: Directory is a list that contains information about persons (their
names, addresses and phone numbers), organizations, institutions, ministries,
recreation centers, societies and associations etc. e.g telephone directory.
8. Gazetteer: Gazetteer is a geographical dictionary or directory that provides
basic information about geographical names and places usually with descriptive
36
 or statistical details when a researcher wants information about the political or
legal status of a country, its location or its features, a gazetteer is usually the
appropriate book to consult e.g Gazetteer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
9. Atlases: Atlas is a bound collection of maps, sometimes accompanied with
charts, tables and plates. These may provide information about the people,
culture and economy of the geographical region covered e.g An Atlas of African
History.

Criteria for Evaluating references materials

i. Authority (expertise and qualification of author)

ii. Scope (completeness of information)
iii. Accuracy
iv. Currency (Up-to-date)
v. Objectivity of the author
vi. Publisher
vii. Documentation / bibliographies
viii. Illustrations
ix. Language
x. Ease of use

TOOLS FOR INFORMATION ACCESS AND RETRIEVAL

Information retrieval tools are instruments or devices that can be utilized to find,
access and retrieve information. These tools could either be print or electronic. Some
information retrieval tools include; abstracts and indexes, library catalogues (print and
electronic – OPAC), bibliography subject directories, web search tools such as search
engines etc.

1. Abstracts

37
 An abstracts is a brief summary of a research work (article, thesis, review,
conference proceeding) meant to guide and assist readers to quickly ascertain
the paper’s intent and content.
2. Indexes: An index could be regarded as a guide to the contents of information
materials. They serve as access points to the contents of periodical or serials,
books, conference proceedings and reports as well as other information
material.
3. Bibliography: A bibliography refers to a list of all information sources such as
books, periodical articles, websites etc. arranged in a logical sequence having
some relationship with each other. In general, a bibliography should include
author’s names, titles of works, names and location of publishers, date of
publications e.t.c.

Types of Bibliography

i. Enumerative bibliography
ii. Analytical bibliography
iii. Annotated bibliography
iv. National bibliography

4. Library catalogue
A library catalogue can be linked to a table of contents to a book. It is a gateway to all
information materials in a library.

Types of Library Catalogue

i. Author / title catalogue

ii. Subject
iii. Shelf list or classified catalogue
iv. Online public access catalogue (OPAC)
5. Web Search Tools

38
 The basic tools for accessing the web can be categorized as search engines,
meta search engines, and directories.
a. Search engines – this is a piece of application software that resides in a
computer server on the internet e.g Google, Yahoo, Bing, Alta Vista, Mozilla
firefox, webcrawler, Lycos, infoseek, chrome etc.
b. Meta-search engines – a meta-search engines is a search engine agent that
helps in scanning the contents of some of the sites by gathering information
from several search engines e.g Dogpile (http://www.dogpits.com),
Metacrawler (http://www.metacrawler.com), Mamma
(http://www.mamma.com) they search many engines at a time.
c. Subject Directories – This assist in browsing many sites on a topic. They
are not as broad as the search engines. Majority of subject directories are
purely information and not commercially oriented e.g purely information and
not commercially oriented e.g infoseek, infomine, Digital Liberian, Lycos etc.

CITATION AND REFERENCING

In writing academic papers such as term papers, seminars papers, research reports or
journal articles, we often make use of ideas from other sources or works. We are
usually expected to provide proper citations such sources or works as well as
providing information that will be helpful to the readers in identifying and retrieving the
source of information if need arises. Standard formats exist for making such citations.
Bell (2002) highlighted some of these standard formats to include.

1. American Psychological Association (APA)

2. Modern Language Association (MLA)
3. National Educational Association (NEA)
4. Turabian; Kate L.
5. Hubbed; Geoge S. Attribution
6. Ballow; Stephen N.P

39
Indeed, no one citation format could be said to be better than the other, in any case,
one may prefer one citation format to the others. But when writing an academic paper
one should be consistence in the chosen style.

The APA and MLA Reference styles

In an academic write-up following APA & MLA formats requires that sources be written
in two separate but equal important ways which are;

i. How to cite references within the body of the text

ii. How to list or provide complete references at the end of the write-up.

RESEARCH

Research could be viewed as an organized and systematic way of finding solutions or

answers to problems or questions. It must be noted that questions are central to
research. Research must focus on relevant, pertinent and important questions. Hence
without questions, research is meaningless and has no focus or purposes. Crewell
(2008) views research as a process or steps used to collect and analyse information
to increase our understanding of a topic or issues. According to him, research
comprises three steps one; to pose to question, two; to collect data to answer the
question, and three; to present an answer to the question.

Characteristics of Research

i. It must be controlled.
ii. It must be rigorous.
iii. It must be systematic.
iv. It must be valid.
v. It must be verifiable.
vi. It must be empirical.
vii. It must be critical.

Basic Steps in Conducting Research

40
The steps to be adopted when carrying out a research depend to a large extent on the
type of nature of the research, the topic of investigation, the scope and the overall
objectives of the research. Nevertheless, research in social and behavioural sciences
follows a systematic procedure that starts with the identification of research problems
and ends with the researcher drawing conclusions on his/her findings. Some of the
steps are;

i. Identification of the research problems.

ii. Survey of literature relating to the problem.
iii. Specifying the purpose of the research.
iv. Determining specific research questions or hypothesis.
v. Collecting data for the research.
vi. Analysis and interpretation of data.
vii. Result and discussion.
viii. Drawing conclusions regarding the null and research hypothesis.
ix. Communication research findings and recommendation.

Criteria of a Good Research Work

1. The statement of problem, the scope, significance and limitations of the

research should be well stated to avoid ambiguity.
2. The research procedures adopted must be described insufficient details to
permit another research to repeat or replicate the work.
3. The design of the research must be carefully planned so as to yield results that
are as objective as possible.
4. The flows or limitations in the research process or procedures must be reported
by the researcher.
5. The date used for the analysis must be adequate and sufficient for its
significance and generalization
6. Finding, conclusions and generalizations should be justified on the bases of data
collected.
41
 7. The researcher must be experienced, and possess high sense of integrity and
reputation in the area of his research.

Parts of a Project, Thesis or Dissertation

a. Preliminary pages: title page; abstract; acknowledgement; certification; table of

contents; list of tables; list of figures.
b. Chapter one: Introduction
A brief introduction, background of the study, statement of the problem,
purposes, objectives, research questions, hypothesis, significance of the study,
limitations, delimitations, assumptions if any, definitions of special terms,
summary, references.
c. Chapter two: Literature Review
Literature review point out flaws or gaps in previous related researches which
serve as basis and justification for conduction the study.

Chapter Three: MethodologyMethodology is concerned with the procedures for

undertaking the research e.g design, population, sample & sampling procedures,
instrumentation, source of data etc.

d. Chapter four: Result

e. Chapter five: Findings, conclusions and recommendations
f. Reference/Bibliography

42