UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AS AN EFFECTIVE INSTRUMENT FOR ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE (UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, KWARA STATE)

ABSTRACT The main function of library is to educate the people by giving a helping hand to find proper resources. Education and library are nothing but two sides of the same coin and are inseparable in terms of learning. A proper, well setup library which stores a wealth of information in terms of books, literature, e-books, e-resources, etc., is the strength of any institution. So ultimately the academic library plays a major role in assisting, disseminating the information and knowledge to end users. The problem now lies in the proper utilization of the library for academic excellence by students. The study assessed University Library as an effective instrument for achieving academic excellence in University of Ilorin. Survey research design was used for this study and the population targeted undergraduates of University of Ilorin, Ilorin consisting of 100 – 500 level within the main campus of the institution at the permanent site in Ilorin. Based on the researcher’s inability to reach out to all the population size of 48, 504 students which were considered very large, a sample of 1% were thus sufficient to obtain a representative subset. The instrument used for data collected was a close-ended self-constructed questionnaire which was prepared and physically administered to sampled population. In the analysis of the data, the researcher presented the result of data collected in tables and analyzed statistically through simple percentage which helped to bring about clarity and no discrepancy in the result statement. Finding reveled that academic textbooks in students’ field of study; online databases and electronic journals relevant to students’ research interests accessible through the library; collection of reference materials, such as encyclopedias and handbooks; study guides and past examination papers for students’ courses; sufficient number of computers and workstations for students in the library; inter-library loan services; the library's digital collection of e-books and online resources; current issues of academic journals and magazines; dedicated section for thesis and dissertations from previous students and library facilities for group study and collaborative work were available in UNILORIN Library. It was also gathered in this work that There is a high level of utilization of the University of Ilorin’s academic library among students and the library resources enhance research quality, improve overall academic performance, and support study skills reflect the fundamental role academic libraries play in fostering an effective learning environment. In the conclusion, the study submitted that Addressing issues related to inadequate support from library staff, technical problems with digital resources, insufficient study spaces, navigation difficulties, and access to physical resources is essential for enhancing student engagement and success. It is recommended that by focusing on these challenges, the library can better serve its student population and foster an environment conducive to academic excellence. KEYWORDS: Library, Academic Excellence, UNILORIN, University Library and Utilization