Library Orientation as Promotional Strategy for New Entrants in Polymer and Textile Science Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Abstract

The paper emphasizes the indispensability of an academic library and the promotional strategies of a library through library orientation which aid in the utilization of information resources for learning. It is focused on the impact of the library orientation on new entrants which is reflected in the literature reviewed. Library orientation is perceived as various programs of instruction, education, and exploration produced by librarians to users to enable them to make effective, efficient, and independent use of information resources and services to which the libraries provide access. The research method was quantitative using a structured questionnaire. The total population was 544 students and 163 were drawn as samples using 30%, the response rate was 153(94%). Research findings revealed how library orientation can be conducted and the efficiency of providing quality services to the users. Library orientation is seen not to be effective as not all students are aware of it, which has led to an urgent need for improvement to enhance the maximum utilization of resources in the libraries. The study revealed that the majority of students of polymer and textile science have not undergone a library orientation and are yet endowed with a departmental library, and as well not aware of strategies for library orientation which could be through the lecture methods of printed sources, bulletin, and electronic billboards.