Page 211 - DLIS002_KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING THEORY

Knowledge Organization: Classification and Cataloguing Theory

Notes
resources are not fully utilized, such a library will end up a white elephant. It is worthy to
note however that any attempt on the part of the library to ignore the satisfaction of its
users will be done at the library’s peril.
The library provides library use education in order to equip a user with enough knowledge
on the use of the library. This will enable the user to use the library resources effectively
and efficiently. The reason is that library processes could be so complex that an average
user may not easily comprehend how to utilize the available resources. As a result of the
era of information explosion in which we are, information is expanding at a very fast rate
and new resources are being introduced into the library (Aina, 2004). With the advent of
Information Technology (IT), which has permeated almost all the activities of libraries, it
is important to explain the working of a library to a new user in detail. The ultimate
objective is to enable users exploit the resources of a library to the fullest. Fjallbrant (1990)
defines the concept thus: “……..the teaching of those skills that will enable students to
locate and use materials effectively, and feel confident in using the library. Also, its aim is
to acquaint users with the use of materials in the libraries”. Similarly, Fleming (1990)
defined library use education “as various programmes of instruction, education and
exploration provided by libraries to users to enable them to make effective, efficient and
independent use of information sources and services to which these libraries provide
access”.
Bello (2003) corroborated the view of Fjallbrant, by stating that library use education is a
device by the librarians to educate users on how to use the resources available in the
library in a result oriented ways. Thus it is concerned with information retrieval, since the
objectives of the library use education according to Osagie (2003) are as follows:
To enable users to know how to use the library catalogues independently in any
library with particular references to the Author/Title and subject catalogues.

To enable users to understand the classification schemes in any library so as to be
able to locate materials (books, journals, audio visual materials etc.) with little or no
problem;
To be able to see library catalogues as indexes to the entire collection and use them
as such, and

To enable the users to see the library as a repository of knowledge that determines
the success of the students’ academic programme because it is not possible for an
individual to have the collection of a library.
Students in Nigerian tertiary institutions are introduced to the use of library in one form
or the other, in order that the users might know what to consult in their quest for
information. Today, most students in higher institute of learning finds it difficult to explore
the world of information sources thus leading to poor appreciation of the library and its
resources, which contributed to their inability to undergo meaningful researches or at
best become poor library users. It is believed that a concerted effort to know and understand
library more will eventually enable the individual to develop his/her self to the fullest
potentials. This becomes very important as it will enable man to contribute effectively
and positively to the development of the society at large.
There are goals and objectives for library use education in any type of library. Fjallbrant
and Stevenson (1978) described the goals and objectives of user education in academic
libraries as follows; “ The goals and objectives for programmes of University library user
education must be in agreement with the general aim of the library, the aims which must
in turn, be related to the goals and aims of higher education”.
Contd....

206 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY