Library Service Usage, Barriers, and Strategies to Enhance Patronage Among Working Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by working students in patronizing library services in Nigeria and to propose tailored solutions to enhance their patronage. A descriptive survey research design was used to collect data from 110 working undergraduate students, which was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that busy job schedules, limited time on campus, and the fact that they mainly come to the campus for lectures are the primary reasons why working students rarely patronize the library. However, most of them expressed the need for library access tailored to their unique needs, which includes remote or distance approach. The preferred methods for accessing library services among working students include selective dissemination of e-books to their emails and having librarians available on a dedicated WhatsApp number. Additionally, they indicated openness to the idea of using chatbots to respond to their library requests. The study concluded that the use of technology such as email, instant messenger, and chatbots can address the challenges hindering library patronage by working students. Thus, the study recommends that library administrators invest in developing and adopting these technologies to meet the demands of working students in Nigeria.