A library resource and service utilization framework for Caltec Academy, Makerere

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to design a library resource and service utilization framework for Caltec Academy Library. Its objectives were; to examine the current Status of Library resource and service utilization in Caltec Academy Library, to assess the challenges associated with access and utilization of information resources, to identify the factors affecting use of Caltec Academy Library by students, to find out Strategies for effective use of Caltec Academy Library by students, to identify the Purposes of resource and service utilization framework and to develop a resource and service utilization frame work for Caltec Academy Library. A case study research design, qualitative approach and purposeful sampling strategy were used. The researcher used three data collection methods of questionnaires, interview and observation. The study population was 250 from which a sample of 152 respondents was obtained consisting 2 librarians, 15 teachers and 135 students. Findings revealed that much as the Caltec Academy Library is equipped with abundant information resources and services, they are not fully utilized by users and this is due to lack of a clear formulated library resource and service utilization framework. It was concluded that the Caltec Academy Library is equipped with adequate information resources and services but underutilized. It was also deduced from the findings that a good number of Students rarely use the library due to the fact that they lack enough awareness about the available information resources and services in the library. They also lack the needed skills for searching and retrieving of information materials required to meet their needs. Arising from the findings and conclusions of this study, the researcher recommends that Caltec Academy Library should ensure that the library gets clear formulated library resource and service utilization framework. Considering the importance of resource and service utilization Program to the use of library, it was recommended that resource and service utilization program should be given the first priority in the Caltec Academy library in order to sensitize more students and draw their attention to the available resources and services and teaching them how to make best use of them that can be of immense benefit to them in the course of their studies.