UTILIZATION OF FUNDS ALLOCATEDUTILIZATION OF FUNDS ALLOCATED TO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA: A SURVEY OF SERVICES NEEDS TO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA: A SURVEY OF SERVICES NEEDS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the utilization of funds allocated to agricultural research institute libraries in Nigeria and the extent to which appropriated funds met services needs. A survey research method was adopted, and the instrument used for data collection was the Utilization of Funds Allocated to Agricultural Research Institute Libraries in Nigeria Questionnaire (UFARILNQ). The study involved all 15 agricultural research institute libraries in Nigeria, with three in the pilot study and 12 in the main study. The collected data were analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation, graphs, and tests of differences and relationships for the four hypotheses. The study found that the funds allocated to the agricultural research institute libraries were inadequate but well utilized, except for the purchase of computers, which were deployed for service provision. The services provided, such as literature search, reference, and selective dissemination of information, were adjudged to meet the needs of users, except mobile library services, which were non-existent. Even with inadequate funding, the respondents were satisfied with the judicious use of the funds resulting in the agricultural research institute libraries offering satisfactory services. The results of the hypotheses were tested at a significant level of 0.05, and the decision was rejected at P< 0.05 and retained at an alpha level of 0.05 (P> 0.05). The recommendations of the study included proper utilization of all funds allocated to agricultural research institute libraries in Nigeria and making the librarian of each agricultural research institute a principal officer to enable meaningful understanding of funds allocations.