INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION FOR ACCESS BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA IN ENHANCING OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA
INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION FOR ACCESS BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA IN ENHANCING OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA
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Date
2026
Authors
IBEH, Lilian Ifeyinwa
ONOPITE, Paul
MARTHA, Unuigbe Ojinika
ALIYU, Fatima
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Library and Information Management Forum Vol. 28. No. 1 2026
Abstract
This study investigated information provision and access among undergraduate students of the National
Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and its implications for enhancing open and distance learning in
the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The research method was survey. A descriptive survey
research design was adopted for the study. The study area comprised the South-South geopolitical zone
of Nigeria, while the population consisted of 33,593 undergraduate students enrolled in NOUN study
centres within the region. A sample size of 395 undergraduate students was selected using a multistage
sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and an observation checklist.
The collected data were organized and presented using frequency distribution tables, while mean and
standard deviation statistics were employed for data analysis with the aid of SPSS version 23. The
findings revealed that information resources, particularly electronic information resources, were
inadequate in the libraries of NOUN study centres in the South-South region. This inadequacy
negatively affected information service provision and access among undergraduate students. The study
further found that effective information provision and access can bridge the information gap associated
with distance learning, complement course modules, provide students with easier access to information
resources, facilitate learning, enhance academic performance, and offer additional learning materials
beyond the prescribed course content. The study concluded that, there are inadequate information
resource, most especially electronic information resources in the study center libraries in South-South,
Nigeria. The study also concluded that, the information provision and access to undergraduate students
of National Open University of Nigeria can bridge the information gap created by distance learning,
complement the course modules, bring information resources to the door step of the students, make
open and distance learning easier. Based on the findings, the study recommended that NOUN study
centre libraries should acquire more information resources, especially electronic information
resources, to enable students to access them conveniently from their homes and workplaces. The study
further recommended that library management should encourage and mandate library staff to provide
more information services, particularly online information services, in order to improve students'
learning experiences and support their research activities
Description
Journal of Library and Information Management Forum