Information Retrieval Systems In Academic Libraries (a Case Study Of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede Owerri)

ABSTRACT

Information retrieval systems in libraries are basically systems that store record in a file for data relevant to each request, retrieve the data and provide the information on request. The purpose of such system is to help access and use of the knowledge which has been recorded. This study on information retrieval systems in libraries a case study of Federal Polytechnic Libraries, Nekede, Owerri is an investigation into the various means adopted by the library under study in their information retrieval process. Particular attention was paid to the existing information retrieval systems in use in the library and how suitable they are, the basic advantages of digital information retrieval over manual were also revealed by the study. The research methodology adopted for the research was the survey method, data was collected using questionnaire and oral interview together with observation. The study also revealed the information retrieval process in the library is manual which the library organizes its materials through cataloguing, classification and indexing. Based on the problems encountered, some useful recommendations on how to improve on the information retrieval functions in the library were made. The study also concluded by suggesting that further research study should be made.         

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page -      -       -       -       -       -       -       -       i

Approval Page -      -       -       -       -       -       -       ii

Dedication -    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       iii

Acknowledgement -        -       -       -       -       -       -       iv

Abstract -        -       -       -       -       -       -       -       vi

Table of contents -  -       -       -       -       -       -       vii

CHAPTER ONE

        INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background of the study        -       -       -       1

1.2   Statement of the study   -       -       -       -       4     

1.3   Objective of the study     -       -       -       -       5

1.4   Scope of the study  -       -       -       -       -       6

1.5   Significant of the study -        -       -       -       6

1.6. Research Questions -     -       -       -       -       7

1.7   Definition of Terms-       -       -       -       -       8

CHAPTER TWO

2.0   Literature Review   -       -       -       -       -       10

2.1   Types of Information Retrieval Systems-       11

2.2   Functions of Information Retrieval System-  14

2.3   Types of Information Needs    -       -       -       20

2.4   Information Retrieval System-       -       -       21

2.5   The components of Information Retrieval

Systems -        -       -       -       -       -       -       -       32

2.6   Problems of Information Retrieval System     35

2.7   Prospects of Information Retrieval System    38

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1      Research Design     -       -       -       -       -       40

3.2      Area of study -        -       -       -       -       -       -       41

3.3      Population of the study  -       -       -       -       41

3.4      Sample size     -       -       -       -       -       -       41

3.5      Sampling procedure       -       -      -       -       41

3.6      Instrumentation     -       -       -       -       -       42

3.7      Data collection        -       -       -       -       -       43

CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1      Data Presentation -        -       -       -       -       -       44

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

1.1      Summary -      -       -       -       -       -       -       54

1.2      Conclusion -    -       -       -       -       -       -       55

1.3      Recommendations -        -       -       -       -       55

1.4      Limitations      -       -       -       -       -       -       56

1.5      Suggestion for further research -   -       -       56

References -    -       -       -       -       -       -       57

Appendix I -     -       -       -       -       -       -       59

Appendix II -    -       -       -       -       -       -       60

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Information is a basic human need. It is needed in all facts of human endeavour. No society and libraries can function effectively without the intensive 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 Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, Owerri.

The world in information cannot be mentioned in isolation of human beings. 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, according to 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.

This research purpose to investigate the various system adopted by the academic library under study in retrieving for use known information items when needed and to retrieve documents on a particular subject problem and questions encountered.   

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.

a.  Lack of funds

b.  Government apathy to academic libraries

c.   Low literacy level in Nigeria

d.  Poor computer informed staff in the academic libraries.

1.3      Objective of the study

In order to evaluate information retrieval system in Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, Owerri, the following objectives are to be focused.

i.            To identify the existence of information retrieval system in the library.

ii.          To know how information resources are organized in the library in its retrieval effort.

iii.        To identify the problems encountered by the library in its information retrieval effort.

iv.         Identify the process on how information retrieval system are improved in the library.

To highlighting the changes of information retrieval system in the library.

Get Full Work

Report copyright infringement or plagiarism