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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356260337 THE ROLE OF REPROGRAPHIC

SERVICES IN ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY OF INFORMATION RESOURCES TO
UNDER GRADUATE STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
MINNA LIBRARY Article · November 2021 CITATIONS 0 READS 202 2 authors, including:
Stella Onwukanjo Federal University of Technology Minna 24 PUBLICATIONS 15
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1 Abstract This study is aimed at finding out ways of enhancing accessibility of library
information resources to students through reprographic services in the academic library of
Federal University of Technology, Minna. The specific objectives are: to find out if available
library resources are accessible; To find out if there are reprographic services in the library; To
determine the extent to which reprographic services are carried out in the library; To determine if
the reprographic services have enhanced the accessibility of library resources in the library; and
to identify the challenges militating against reprographic services. Census design was used for
data gathering, one hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance, and data was collected
and analysed using simple percentages and frequency tables, while Ttest was used to test for
hypothesis.. The findings of the study reveals that, the library provides adequate information
resources; accessibility of library resources have effect on student’s academic performances;
carry out reprographic services for the provision of library resources; photocopying was the
major reprographic services available in the library; and that reprographic services enhance
accessibility of library information resources. The study recommended that the parent institutions
of FUT library should provide adequate financial allocation for their libraries for the
procurement and maintenance of reprographic equipment; management of academic libraries
should implement policies that will provide enabling environment for the use of reprographic
services in enhancing access to information resources; FUT Minna library should make multiple
copies of costly and rare materials available in the library with the available machine in order to
safeguard the life span of the original materials;FUT Minna library should make reprography
practices as one of the fundamental services to be carried out by the library . 2 THE ROLE OF
REPROGRAPHIC SERVICES IN ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY OF INFORMATION
RESOURCES TO UNDER GRADUATE STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY MINNA LIBRARY BY STELLA AMARACHUKWU ONWUKANJO ( PhD)
CLN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT FEDERAL
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA. NIGER STATE GSM 08023417566 EMAIL
[email protected] AND ONEKPE, MAUREEN OTOLUWA LIBRARY AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY MINNA. NIGER STATE GSM 07039265995
EMAI :[email protected] 3 Introduction Academic libraries across the globe are
recognised to provide literature to sustain the teaching, learning and research activities of their
parent institutions as may be relevant. Academic library as stated by Fadinu and Yaya (2010)
acquires information resources in different and diverse media, and also organise, preserve and
disseminate the acquired resources to the users through a variety of user oriented services such as
circulation, reference and reprographic services. Libraries all over the world do not only make
information resources available in the library but also ensure their accessibility to the library
patrons in meeting their information and knowledge needs. The level of accessibility of every
library material is determined by the degree of available resources. Accessibility of library
resources according to Achebe (2008) is one of the fundamental functions of all libraries to
ensure that libraries achieve their objectives by not only providing and storing relevant
information resources but also ensuring their accessibility by the library users. The primary aim
of every academic library is to make relevant information resources available and accessible to
its users in order to satisfy their information needs. According to Ishola and Obadare (2014)
accessibility of library information materials plays a vital role in the provision of effective
information services in the academic libraries. However, access to library information resources
is provided through varieties of library services such as circulations, reference and reprographic
services among others. These are services that connect the users with the available resources in
the library; they are services through which library users efficiently and effectively access the
available library information resources for their information needs. Accessibility of library
resources is a pre- 4 requisite for users’ satisfaction. The level of satisfaction of users depends on
the level of accessibility to library resources, the need for academic libraries to improve and
provide adequate and effective access to their resources is of utmost importance. A library whose
resources are not accessible is more or less like an empty building. Olajide (2016) maintained
that accessibility of information has been made easy through the use of internet services.
According to Nwachukwu, et.tal (2014) accessibility means the provision of information
resources in the library, and users effort to recognise, and lay hands on such resources. Most
libraries according to Nwachukwu 2014 ensure the collection of information resources in the
library by engaging every possible means to get them across to users, unfortunately most of these
materials are not accessible to users. This is either as a result of the insufficiency, and poor
classification scheme, theft/mutilation among others. When a library encounters such challenges,
it becomes a problem as it will lead to a reduction in accessibility of library information
materials. Therefore, when library resources are not accessible, users find it difficult to use such
library, and when a library is not being used, it cannot meet its aims and objectives. Aina (2014)
opined that the superiority of library collections of both print and non-print materials are
guaranteed with high degree of accessibility of the information resources which further affect the
performance of students positively. This view could be argued for and never against. There is no
doubt that academic libraries are set up to support the learning and the teaching of the parent
organisations. Resources should be made available and accessible to students for assignments
and research purposes outside what is given in class. Citing Adeoye and popoola(2011)
accessibility of information resources is a fundamental subject matter in any library, irrespective
of the volume of library collection. If the collections are not accessible, it is of no useful value to
both the library and the users Accessibility in this context can either be high or low according to
Adeoye and Popoola (2011). The increase and decrease in accessibility is Commented [P1]: 5
influenced by number of factors which range from outdated materials, lack of multiple copies,
lack of reprographic services to provide extra copies of information resources apart from the
original copy, and many more. They posit that accessibility is influenced by the level of available
library resources, therefore for greater accessibility to be achieved in academic library, which
will in turn ensure users satisfaction and achieving the purpose for the establishment of academic
library, reprographic activities is of necessity. All libraries are limited in their collections
irrespective of volumes of their collections. This can be traced to so many factors that militate
against library’s collections. These include deteriorations, theft, mutilation, lack of proper
preservative measures and etcetera. The lower the copies of library resources, the lower the
accessibility and vice versa. In order to correct this trend, reprographic services is one of the
modern techniques adopted by most libraries to make resources available and accessible to users.
According to Opeke (2010) reprography is a fast and cheap means of disseminating information
and a major information activity in modern libraries. She further posits that is a term that is now
used in terms of photo, duplicating, photocopying, printing, document reproduction or
documentary reproduction. Reprography according to Onwukanjo ( 2015) citing Prytherch
(2005) means the reproduction in facsimile of documents of all kinds by any process using light,
heat or electric, radiations-photocopies, microcopies, blue prints, electro – copies, thermo –
copies, and others. It is now taking a central stage in most libraries in enhancing library
resources. Reprography as rightly opined by Golwal and Motewar (2012) is a fast and cheap
means of disseminating information, and is now becoming a major activity in modern library
services. There is no doubt that reprography has become an indispensable tool in the generation
and dissemination of information to different libraries and information centres. 6 Reprography is
a necessity for accessibility. Reprography according to Okpeke serves many roles in libraries and
these roles amongst others include dissemination of information on a large scale among libraries
and their users, reproduction and catalogue presentation of records, extensive replication of
information of unique collections of data, out of print books, manuscripts, collections and of
volume of periodicals. However, it is pertinent to note that the importance of reprography in
library and information services cannot be over emphasized as it ensures speedy access and
processes in acquiring an original work and all elimination of time tag as well as saving space in
the library through the redirection of bulky materials into format like microfilm, microfiche and
others. These services ensure effective service delivery in any form of library. Golwal and
Motewar (2012) explained that in the face of global economic recession, where libraries are
grossly underfunded, reprographic services have come to play a significant role in academic
library services. With reprography in place, the library can get an exact copy of the original
document. Apparently, reprography has enhanced the accessibility of library materials. Users can
now have access to copies of materials even in situations where somebody is using the original
document; photocopies could be made available to others. Therefore, libraries all over the years
have been known for their unique standard in terms of collection, preservation, conservation,
disseminations and provision of library resources to users. The role of the library in provision of
library resources to its users are carefully carried out as effort are being put in place to ensure the
possibility of achieving the library’s aims and objectives, and in furtherance to achieve the
library’s aim and objectives. Reprographic services played a very important role towards
increasing the level of accessibility of information resources in libraries. Thus reprography is
concerned with the subject of multiplication through duplication in order to make such materials
available in many copies as possible, thereby avoiding or putting a stop to scarcity of such
materials. The International Federation of Reprography 7 Rights Organization (IFRRD) (2010)
opined that reprography is the reproduction of graphics through mechanical or electrical means,
such as photography or xerography. Reprographic reproduction is a process that usually results
in a copy on a graphic surface. The following processes like printing, photocopying, scanning,
digital copying for instance on CDs and DVDs and electronic storage in database are all aspects
of reprograhic services. Reprography is also understood as the process of reproducing, reprinting
or copying graphic material especially by mechanical, photographic, or electronic means for
reasonable copies of library information resources available and accessible. Achebe (2008) stated
that reprography serves many roles in the libraries. Specifically, it is used for (1) dissemination
of information on a large scale among libraries and between libraries and their users (2)
Reproduction of catalogues (3) preservation of public records (4)security storage of important
documents (5) securing the protection of information rare and important texts. Extensive
duplication of information of unique collection of data, out of print books, manuscripts, volumes
of periodicals and so on, and Saving space in the library, through the reduction of bulk materials
into small formats, like microfilm and microfiche and others. Achebe(2008) maintained that
most libraries especially in the academic institutions offers reprographic services such as
photocopy, microfilming, scanning and others to provide relevant information resources to their
users. Igbeka (2011) also affirmed that academic libraries apart from providing information
resources and services, carrying out reprographic services to users. According to the author, the
reprographic services offered in libraries are mostly not for profit making but for enhancement of
an organisation in carrying out its daily business and administrative activities. Wirsiy and
Shefack (2009) stated that reprographic services have been in existence in libraries. The
existence of this service is majorly helpful in reducing the challenges of scarcity of information
resources in the libraries. The concern for space according to Ola (2010) and more importantly,
the deterioration of library materials in the face of dwindling financial support from library
patrons led to the popular use of reprographic services as means of enhancing library materials
and also as a preservation and conservation tool. Achebe (2008) opined that the advent of
information technology in the world has affected all facts of human endeavor, of which that
library is not left out. This new innovation according to the author made the library to store and
use digital materials in the discharge of services to their users. Example of such digital software
in the libraries includes fax, electronic mail (E-mail), CD – ROM, and some office reprographic
equipments. Different kinds of reprographic equipments are found in every library, but the most
prevalent in 8 developed countries is the coin, the - slot photocopier provided for public use.
Thus, acquisition of photo copiers in most libraries is worth-while because it has helped to
reduce the incidence of mutilation of library materials and also in the enhancement of library
resources in providing multiple copies that will serve the needs of the users. Statement of the
Problem . In the face of global economic recession where libraries are grossly underfunded, most
libraries are not being able to acquire all the materials needed due to insufficient finances.
Having adequate resources in the library is not an indication of a good or well organised library,
because availability of resources do not guarantee accessibility. It is interesting to really note that
while there are cries that libraries are inadequately stocked, it is always difficult for libraries to
give the available resources to users. Many a times, users of academic libraries find it difficult to
physically or bibliographically lay hands on the available resources. It is therefore against this
back drop that this study is being carried out to examine the role of reprographic services in
enhancing accessibility of library resources to users in Federal University of Technology, Minna.
1.3 Hypothesis The study postulated only one null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance
H0:1.There is no significant relationship between reprography and accessibility of library
resources in FUT Minna library. Objective of the Study The general objective of this study is to
examine the role of reprographic services in enhancing library resources accessibility in Federal
University of Technology Minna Library. However, the study seeks to achieve these specific
objectives: 1. To find out if available resources are accessible. They are to; 9 2. find out if there
are reprographic services in the library under study 3. determine the extent to which reprographic
services are carried out in the library 4. determine if the reprographic services have enhanced the
accessibility of library resources in the library 5. identify the challenges militating against
accessibility Research questions Based on the specific objectives of the study outlined above, the
following research questions have been formulated to guide the study: 1. Are the available
resources accessible? 2. Are reprographic services available in Federal University Technology
Minna library? 3. To what extent are reprographic services carried out in Federal University
Technology Minna library? 4. Has reprographic services enhances or increase accessibility of
library resources in Federal University Technology Minna library? 5. What are the challenges
militating against reprographic services in Federal University Technology Minna library?
Methodology Research design Census design was used to conduct this research on the role of
reprographic services in enhancing accessibility of information resources in Federal University
of Technology Minna Library. Census design as maintained by Lohr (2009) is associated with
the total enumeration of of individuals concerned about a certain problem. Census design allows
the researcher to carry out an in depth study on a given entity. It involves using total enumeration
method to collect data from the entire staff since their population is small. It also allows the
researcher to obtain factual data and information needed to conduct effective study. 10
Population of the Study The target population for this study involves all the staff of the Federal
University of Technology Minna library. Based on preliminary investigation, there is a total of
NinetySeven (97) staff from both the main library in Gidankwano and the Bosso campus library,
comprising of professionals, Para-professionals and Nonprofessionals. Sample techniques and
sample size All the ninety-seven (97) staff of the University library was used as the sample for
the research work. Therefore, a total enumeration technique was adopted for the study.
Instrument for data collection The research instrument used in this study is structured
questionnaire. The questionnaire was chosen due to its importance in collecting data from
respondents. Questionnaire allows the researcher to obtain data and information accurately and
effectively. The questionnaire is designed and structured in two (2) sections, A and B. The
Section A part of the questionnaire conations question on the demographic details of respondents
such as gender, status, age, educational qualification and working experience, etcetera, while
section B contains relevant questions on accessibility and reprographic services. Validity of
Instrument The instrument used was validated by experts in library and information science, who
examined and made necessary correction in terms of the structural and grammatical design of the
questionnaire. The Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the reliability coefficients of
the instrument. The values obtained were 0.85 for Accessibility questionnaire (AQ) while the
values obtained for Reprographic Services Questionnaire (RQQ) was 0.78. 11 Method of Data
Collection The method of data collection for the study is through the administration of
questionnaire which were personally distributed by the researchers to (73) seventy three
respondents (the library staff) from both campuses of the Federal University of Technology,
Minna which are Bosso and main campus in Gidan Kwano that were available. However, (48)
were retrieved. Method of Data Analysis The data collected from the questionnaires
administered and retrieved were analysed using simple descriptive statistics of frequency counts,
and percentages. The hypothesis was analysed using T-test method Data analysis based on
research questions Research question 1: Are the available resources accessible? Questionnaire
item 1: The library provides adequate information resources for utilisation by users? Table 1:
Resources adequacy Options Frequency Percentage Agreed 29 61 strongly agreed 17 35
Disagreed 1 2 Strongly disagreed 1 2 Total 48 100 Table 1 shows that 29 (61%) agreed that the
library provides adequate information resources for utilisation by users, 17(35%) strongly
agreed, 1(2%) disagreed, 1(2%)Strongly disagreed Questionnaire item 2: Do users have access to
the available information resources in the library? Table 2: Access to information resources
Options Frequency Percentage Agreed 29 61 strongly agreed 15 32 Disagreed 2 5 12 strongly
disagreed 1 2 Total 48 I00 Table 2 shows that 29(61%) agreed that users have access to the
available information resources in the library, 15(32%)strongly agreed, 2(5%)Disagreed,
1(2%)strongly disagreed. Questionnaire item 3:Users are highly satisfied with the accessibility
rate of informationresources? Table 3: user’s satisfaction Options Frequency Percentage Agreed
43 90 strongly agreed 3 6 Disagreed 1 3 Strongly disagreed 1 1 Total 48 100 Table 3 shows that
43(90 %) of the respondents agreed that users are highly satisfied with the accessibility rate of
information resources, 3(6%) strongly agreed, 1(3%) disagreed and 1(1%) strongly disagreed.
Questionnaire item 4: The degree of accessibility of library resources have effect on students’
academic performances? Table 4: Student’s academic performance Options Frequency
Percentage Agreed 23 48 Strongly agreed 16 34 Disagreed 7 15 strongly disagreed 2 3 Total 48
100 Table 4 shows that 23(48%) of the respondents agreed that the degree of accessibility
positively influence student’s academic performance, 16(34%) strongly agreed, 7(15%)
disagreed and 2(3%) strongly disagreed. Research question 2: Are reprographic services
available in the library? Questionnaire item 5: Does the library carry out reprographic services in
the provision of library information resources? 13 Table 5: Availability of reprographic services
Options Frequency Percentage Yes 41 85 No 7 15 Total 48 100 Table 5 shows that 41(85%) of
the respondents agreed that the library under study provides reprographic services while the
remaining 7(15%) believe that the service is not rendered. Questionnaire item 6:Which of the
following types of reprographic services is available in the library? Table 6: Types of
reprographic services Options Frequency Percentage Photocopying 23 48 Reprinting 7 15 Micro
copying 4 8 Duplicating 6 12 Digitalization 6 13 All of the above 2 4 Total 48 100 Table 6
shows that 23(48%) picked photocopying, 7(15%) picked reprinting, 4(8%) picked micro coping,
6(12%) picked duplicating, 6(13%) picked digitalization while 2(4%) picked all of the above.
Questionnaire item 7: Practices of reprographic services helps to disseminate information
resources in the library? Table 7: Information dissemination Options Frequency Percentage
Agreed 32 67 14 strongly agreed 7 14 Disagreed 9 19 Total 48 100 Table 7 shows that 39(67%)
of the respondents agreed that reprographic services help easy dissemination of information
resources, 7(14%) strongly agreed and 9(19%) disagreed. Questionnaire item 8:Absence of
reprographic practices in the library shortens the life spanof library resources? Table 8: Absences
of reprographic services Options Frequency Percentage Agreed 18 38 strongly agreed 15 31
Disagreed 15 31 Total 48 100 Table8 shows that 18(38%) of the respondents agreed that absence
of reprographic services in the library can shorten the life span of library resources, 15 (31%)
strongly agreed and the remaining 15(31%) disagreed. Research question 3: To what extent are
reprographic services carried out in Federal University of Technology Minna library?
Questionnaire item 9: To what extent does the library carry out reprographic services? Table 9:
Extent of reprographic practices Options Frequency Percentage High 18 38 very high 15 31 Low
12 25 very low 3 6 Total 48 100 Table 9 shows that the extent of reprographic services in the
library is high with frequency 18(38%), very high with frequency 15(31%), low with frequency
of 12(25%), very low with frequency of 3(6%). Questionnaire item 10:How effective is
reprographic services in FUT Minna library? Table 10: Effectiveness of reprographic services
Options Frequency Percentage 15 High 23 49 very high 10 21 Low 10 21 very low 5 9 Total 48
100 Table 10 shows that the respondents, 23(49%) ticked high, 10(21%) ticked very high,
10(21%) ticked low, 5(9%) ticked very low. Questionnaire item 11:Reprographic services are for
money making by the parent organization? Table 11: Reason for reprographic services Options
Frequency Percentage Yes 22 46 No 26 54 Total 48 100 Table 11 shows that 22(46%) of the
respondents agreed that reprographic services is for money making while the remaining 26(54%)
disagreed. Research question 4: Has reprographic services enhanced or increased accessibility of
library resources in FUT Minna library? Questionnaire item 12:Does the library use reprographic
services to enhance accessibility of its information resources? Table12: Enhancing accessibility
Options Frequency Percentage Yes 33 69 No 15 31 Total 48 100 Table 12 shows that 33(69%)
of the respondents agreed that F UT Minna library use reprographic services to enhance
accessibility of its information resources, 15(31%) disagreed. 16 Questionnaire item 13:How do
reprographic services enhance accessibility of library resources in FUT library? Table 13:
Reprographic services and accessibility enhancement Options Frequency Percentage Enable the
library to disseminate information on large scale 9 19 Allows the library to produce multiple
copies of costly and rare materials 13 27 Enable the library to preserve and extend the longevity
of the original resources 10 21 All of the above 16 33 Total 48 100 Table 13 show that 16(33%)
picked all of the above. Questionnaire item 14:To what extent have reprographic services
enhance accessibility in FUT Minna Library? Table 14: Extent to which reprographic services
have enhanced accessibility Options Frequency Percentage High 20 42 very high 12 25 Low 11
23 very low 5 10 Total 48 100 Table 14 shows that 20(42%) picked high, 12(25%) picked very
high, 11(23%) picked low, 5(10%) picked very low. Questionnaire item 15:Accessibility will be
impaired without reprographic services in FUT Minna library? Table 15: Accessibility without
reprographic services 17 Options Frequency Percentage Agreed 28 59 strongly agreed 3 6
Disagreed 13 27 strongly disagreed 4 8 Total 48 100 Table 15 shows that 28(59%) agreed, 3(6%)
strongly agreed, 13(27%) disagreed, 4(8%) strongly disagreed. Research question 5: What are
the challenges militating against reprographic services in FUT Minna library.? Question item
16:Are there challenges affecting reprographic services in enhancing library resources in the
library Table 16: Challenges affecting reprographic services Options Frequency Percentage Yes
35 73 No 13 27 Total 48 100 Table 16 shows that 35(73%) agreed while the remaining 13(27%)
disagreed. Questionnaire item 17:What are the challenges militating against effective
reprography for library services? Table 17: Reprographic challenges Options Frequency
Percentage Inadequate reprographic equipment in the library 21 44 Lack of trained personnel to
handle reprographic equipment 3 6 Lack of stable power supply 17 36 Inadequate funds 3 6 All
of the above 4 8 Total 48 100 18 Table 17 show that 21(44%) picked inadequate reprographic
equipment, 3(6%) pickedlack of trained personnel to handle reprographic equipment, 17(36%)
picked lack of stable power supply, 3(6%) picked inadequate funds, 4(8 %) picked all of the
above 19 Questionnaire item 18: Does the library have harsh policies against reprography? Table
18: Policies Options Frequency Percentage (%) Agreed 7 21 Strongly agreed 2 6 Disagree 23 70
Strongly disagree 6 3 Total 48 100 Table 18 shows that 7(21%) agreed, 2(6%) strongly agreed,
23(70%) disagreed, 6(3%) strongly disagreed. Questionnaire item 19: The library environment is
reprographic services unfriendly? Table 19: Library environment Options Frequency Percentage
Agreed 18 38 strongly agreed 4 8 Disagreed 25 52 strongly disagreed 1 2 Total 48 100 Table 19
shows that 18(38%) agreed, 4(8%) strongly agreed, 25(52%) disagreed, 1(2%) strongly
disagreed. Data analysis based on tested hypothesis One hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of
significance; below are the results Ho1: There is no significant relationship between reprographic
services and accessibility. Table 20: The t-test relationship between reprography and
accessibility of Library resources in FUT Minna Library. 20 Reprography services Accessibility
of Library resources. Mean 2.0925 1.88 Variance 0.612492 0.308867 Observations 4 4 Pooled
Variance 0.460679 Hypothesized Mean Difference 0 Df 6 t Stat 0.442766 P(T<=t) one-tail
0.336725 t Critical one-tail 1.94318 P(T<=t) two-tail 0.673451 t Critical two-tail 2.446912 Table
20: reveals that there is a significant relationship between reprography and accessibility of
Library resources in Federal University Technology Minna Library. Because, at an alpha level of
0.05, the t Stat value is equal to 0.442766and it is less than(<=t)two-tail value 0.673451is greater
than 0.05 significant. Thus, the independent null hypothesis is rejected. Discussion of Findings
based on research question Research question 1: Are the available resources accessible? The
findings shows that the information resources provided by the library are adequate enough for
the users. In addition to being adequate the information resources are also accessible to users.
Accessibility level has a significant influence on students’ academic performance. The findings
from research question one shows a high level of users’ satisfaction, perhaps, we can tie this to
the fact that information resources in the library is adequate and accessible to users. Moreover,
accessibility influences student’s academic performances, this agrees with the findings of Aina
(2014) who opined that the level of accessibility affects student’s academic performances
positively. 21 Research question 2: Are reprographic services available in the library? The
findings show that the library carries out reprographic services in the provision of library
information resources. Photocopying was indicated as the major reprographic services available
in the library. Reprographic services help to disseminate the information resources. Absence of
reprographic services in the library can reduce the life span of the library resources. Equally,
findings from research question two shows easy dissemination of information resources as a
result of reprographic services, and that absence of reprographic services could lead to
difficulties or reduction in information resources; therefore, easy retrieval of information
resources can be influence by reprographic services, this is in line with the views of Oyewusi and
Oyeboade (2009) who opined that reprographic services is a fast and cheap means of
disseminating information and a major activity in modern libraries. Research question 3: To what
extent are reprographic services carried out in FUT Minna library? The findings show that
reprographic services are high and effective. It is also shows that reprographic services is not for
money making.. The findings from research question three shows that reprographic activities are
highly adequate which is responsible for its effectiveness, however, reprographic services is not
for money making. This agrees with the study of Achebe (2008) who maintained that not all
library materials can be loan, therefore photocopying enables copies of such materials to be
available to user. Research question 4: Has reprographic services enhanced or increased
accessibility of library resources in FUT Minna library? Federal university of Technology Minna
library use reprographic services to enhance accessibility of resources.Reprographicservices
enhances accessibility of information 22 resources in divers ways. The findings revealed that
accessibility has highly enhanced reprographic services and that accessibility will be impaired
without reprographic services The findings from research question four shows increase in
accessibility of information resources, this can be traced to reprographic services availability,
however without reprographic services, accessibility will be difficult. This agrees with the
findings of Wirsiy and Shefack (2009) who ascertained that the availability of reprographic
services is to reduce the challenges of scarcity of information resources. Research question
5:What are the challenges militating against reprographic services in FUT Minna library?
Findings show that there are challenges militating against reprographic services in FUT Minna
library. Inadequate reprographic equipment and lack of stable power supply are the two major
challenges faced by FUT Minna library. There are no policies of any kind against reprographic
services in the library. Findings show that the library environment is reprographic services
friendly. The findings from research question five shows restrictions as a result of inadequate
reprographic equipments as well as lack of stable power supply, however no policies of any kind
is restricting reprographic services. Though there are restrictions about infrastructure but the
library environment is not reprographic unfriendly. This is in agreement with the findings of
Ogunsola (2011) who opined that notwithstanding the relevance of reprographic services in the
library, there are challenges that affect its effective delivering, and these include: lack of
sufficient financial support, lack of reprographic equipment and may more. Findings based on
the tested hypotheses Hypothesis: There is no significant relationship between reprography and
accessibility of Library resources in FUT Minna Library. TheT-test table showing the
relationship between reprography and accessibility of Library resources in FUT Minna Library.
From the result a statistically significantrelationship was 23 found between reprography and
accessibility of Library resources in FUT Minna Library Since there is a significant relationship
between reprography and accessibility of Library resources in FUT Minna Library, it implies that
reprography has positive relationship with accessibility of Library resources in FUT Minna
Library. For this reason, the null hypothesis is thereby rejected, which implied that there is no
significant relationship between reprography and accessibility of Library resources in FUT
Minna Library. Conclusion Libraries generally are established to provide adequate information
resources to meet the information needs of the users, but availability of information resources
does not mean its accessibility, as materials can be available in the library but may not be
accessible to those who need them. It is therefore fundamental for libraries to make their
resources adequately available and accessible to the users. In academic libraries, relevant
resources are provided and made accessible to users, but most times the level of accessibility is
not encouraging as most materials available are either not adequate or sufficient in terms of
copies or volumes making it accessible to one or few users at a time. However, reprographic
services are carried out in order to enhance the accessibility of information resources in libraries.
Reprographic services enable libraries to disseminate information on a large scale; it allows the
libraries to produce multiple copies of costly and rare materials and also enables the library to
enhance the longevity of the original resources. Therefore, it is concluded that provision of
reprographic services in academic libraries is fundamental for the enhancement of accessibility
to library information resources. Recommendations Based on the findings made from this study,
the following recommendations were given, 1. Libraries should make their resources accessible
since accessibility of library resources is a pre-requisite for users’ satisfaction. Since the level of
satisfaction of users depends on the level of accessibility to library resources, the need for
academic 24 libraries to improve and provide adequate and effective access to their resources is
of utmost importance. A library whose resources are not accessible is more or less like an empty
building. 2. The parent institutions of academic libraries should provide adequate financial
allocation to their libraries for the procurement and maintenance of reprographic equipment 3.
The study also recommends that management of academic libraries should implement policies
that will provide enabling environment for the use of reprographic services in enhancing access
to information resources. 4. The study also recommends that the library should make multiple
copies of costly and rare materials available in the library with the available machine in order to
safeguard the life span of the original materials. 5. It is further recommended that academic
libraries should make reprography practices as one of the fundamental services to be carried out
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