The Role of the Library in Geosciences Education, Petroleum Exploration And Exploitation And Research: A study of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Library

Abstract

Purpose- The objective is to examine the sources of, and the need for information to the academic in the fields of geoscience education and petroleum exploitation research, using the geoscience academic staff and students of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port (RSUST) Harcourt, Nigeria, as a case study. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents a case study of the use of the library resources by the study group here. Two sets of questionnaire (one for the lecturers and the other for the students were used to elicit data for the analysis. The elements in the two questionnaires were the same. This made the analysis and comparisons clearer. Tables and percentages are used in data presentation. Finding: The modern e-library (virtual library, library without walls or digital library) still provides a great opportunity for the geoscience academic to excel. The paper reveals the need for better funding so that the library will be stocked with relevant materials on specific disciplines. Sadly, the study also reveals serious under-utilization of the available library resources, by the group of academics studied. It thus recommends that the professionals themselves should accept that regular visits and use of the library facilities provide the solution to their research information need. Research limitation/implications: It focused only on the use of the university library and its facilities, by the geoscience academic staff and students of the Rivers State University of Science and technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Practical implications: A striking revelation that an academic might not have visited his/her university library for up to 6 months. It further explains why the students themselves may not see any need to visit the university library to consult the library resources other than reading their lecture notes. Originality/value: Provides insights into the direction of user-orientation programmes and activities for university library managers, especially for libraries in Nigeria