STUDENTS’ PERSONAL VARIABLES AND UTILIZATION OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN CROSS RIVER STATE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AKAMKPA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study examined Students’ personal variables and utilization of library services
in cross river state university of education and entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, Cross
River State, Nigeria. The primary objectives were to: examine the influence of
students’ demographic factors on library utilization; analyze the impact of socio
economic factors on access to library resources; investigate the role of
psychological variables in shaping students’ library use; and assess the effects of
institutional factors on accessibility and usability of library services. Four
hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between these variables and
library utilization. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, using
a structured questionnaire as the primary instrument for data collection. A total of
189 students were randomly selected across various departments and levels of
study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used to
present the demographic characteristics and response patterns. The findings
revealed that demographic variables such as age (22.8%) and level of study (24.9%)
were significant in influencing library use. Socio-economic factors like cost of
transportation (24.9%) and family income (21.7%) were identified as barriers.
Psychological factors such as motivation for academic success (26.5%) and anxiety
about quiet environments (23.8%) also played a considerable role. Institutional
variables including library hours (23.3%) and availability of study spaces (24.3%)
were found to affect access. Hypotheses were tested using percentages and
comparative analysis to determine the relative impact of each variable. The study
established that a combination of personal, psychological, socio-economic, and
institutional factors significantly influence students’ use of library services. It was
recommended that the college management should review institutional policies,
provide financial and academic support to students, promote psychological
orientation, and foster inclusive library practices to enhance accessibility and
effective utilization of library services among all student groups.
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