Investigation of information retrieval systems in academic library (Case study: Benue State University))

Description

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Information is a basic human need. It is needed in all facts of human endeavor. No society and libraries can function effectively without the interest of information whether in print or non-print format.

It is therefore pertinent to know how this information can be retrieved and disseminated for use by the users or the society in a modern world. The different systems of information retrieval in academic libraries are therefore discussed in this write up with special interest on Benue State University Makurdi.

Information has been described as the master resource, the chief raw material and the principle product on modern economic. Even before the modern world, the ancient world has been dealing with information gathering, storage and retrieval which were done in an ancient way where papyrus, clay tablets e.t.c. were used.

Information can be seen as data that have be subjected to functions capable of answering a users query, be it recorded, summarized or simple collection that would help in decision making, Uwem, (2008) defined information as a finished product ready for use, the source and medium of communication not with sanding information therefore, can help to ensure the effective use of other resources when it gets to the right people and at the right time.

Consequently, the basic objective of any library be it academic, public, school or special library includes the acquisition of information, surveying materials properly processing, organizing, storing and retrieving for disseminating such information to interested users. Hence every academic libraries whether the limits of its fund, develop sufficient information both in scope, nature and size to support the users information needs and aspiration will largely depend on a specific question and its ability to supply known information are produced in form of language even to retrieve information is inform of language, most times, the users found it increasingly difficult to cope with the basic problems of accessing particular information items for use.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The period under review in this research work is of great importance in academic libraries. It is a period of technological information explosion.

This is a period when many retrieval systems exists, where more efficient and accurate retrieval system has been developed like computer and internet which links different but many stations together.

However, there are basic problems which militate against the efficient utilization of these resources and these problems include.

1. Lack of funds
2. Government apathy to academic libraries
3. Low literacy level in Nigeria
4. Poor computer informed staff in the academic libraries.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

In order to evaluate information retrieval system in Benue State University Library Makurdi, the following objectives are to be focused.

1. To identify the existence of information retrieval system in the library.
2. To know how information resources are organized in the library in its retrieval effort.
3. To identify the problems encountered by the library in its information retrieval effort.
4. Identify the process on how information retrieval systems are improved in the library.
5. To highlighting the changes of information retrieval system in the library.
6. To design a prototype information retrieval system in academic library.

• 1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is significant because there is no society that can function without information. So information can only be relevant when it gets to the right people at the right time and in the right dosage. It is prerequisite to library users, librarians, administration and the entire society.

• 1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study is limited to the information retrieval processes in academic libraries. This study is further narrowed down to academic libraries and specific focus on Benue State University Makurdi. The different information retrieval processes were reviewed with unique interest in the libraries as it applies to the library under study. This library was chosen so as to evaluate the developments and the changes that have taken place in the library under study as regards to information retrieval system.

• 1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The researcher was limited by various factors which include: time, finance and responsibility.

Time was a major constraint faced during the research for this project work and limited the effort in developing a much more comprehensive package needed in the design and implementation of the information retrieval system.

Due to financial constraints the researcher was limited to further research on this study.

Responsibility of retrieval of printed information has traditionally rested with the librarian. Early libraries concentrated on arranging books in some prescribed order on shelves. As the number of books increased, a complex organization became necessary in order to make the contents of a library collection more readily accessible. To provide such organization, librarians developed subject-classification schemes, the card catalogue, and other tools. These bibliographic devices now constitute the basic structure for control of library collections and are the fundamental finding aids that researchers employ.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purpose of understanding this project work under study, the following items are relevant to point out. They are as follows: –

ACADEMIC LIBRARY: An academic library is a library that is been established in higher institutions, such as universities, polytechnics and college of education which serve the teaching and research needs of students and staff. This library serves two complementary purposes which are to support the school’s curriculum and to support the research or the university faculties and students.