GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT

This study was to examine library signage and students’ utilisation of information services in university libraries in the United Kingdom. This study adopted survey research design. The study was conducted in university libraries in the United Kingdom. The population of the study was 4220 registered undergraduate students in faculty of education. The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 2 Universities in the United Kingdom, alongside 4220 registered undergraduate students which constituted the sample size for the study. The researcher developed instrument entitled “Library Signage and Students Utilization of Information Services Questionnaire” (LSSUISQ), used in collecting data for the study. The instrument was given to three research experts for face validation. Two assessors were from the Department of Education Foundations, Guidance and Counselling and one from Library Science Unit of the Department of Educational Technology and Library Science. A trial testing of the instrument was carried out using 30 registered students who did not take part in the actual study. Thereafter, the internal consistency of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha method. The reliability coefficient index of 0.86 was obtained. The Regression Coefficient Analysis was used to answer research questions of Simple Linear Regression Analysis, while the F-value of the Simple Linear Regression Analysis was used to test null hypotheses at .05 alpha level. The study concluded that multi-colour guide and directional guide foster independent and critical thinking. It solves way-finding problem in unfamiliar environment, it helps library user to use the appropriate data, tools and facilities of the library, bringing about coordination in academic libraries and aid students in way-finding and effective retrieval of the needed information. It was therefore recommended that the Government should increase budgetary allocation to universities to ensure adequate fund for provision of library signage in academic libraries. This will contribute to effective way-finding and utilisation of information services by students and other library users.

KEYWORDS: Library Signage, multi-colour, directional guide, Students’ Utilisation, Information Services, University Libraries, Way-finding