CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTICES FOR ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY IN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF BENUE AND NASARAWA STATES

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Date
2025
Authors
IORSHE, Terkimbi Simeon
IORFA, Terungwa
ADADU, Mary Ehi
IORNUM, Victor Shachia
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Library and Information Management Forum
Abstract
This study investigated challenges in implementing public relations practices for enhanced service delivery in state university libraries of Benue and Nasarawa states, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and one hypothesis. The survey research method was used for this study. It employed descriptive research design with population of 131 library staff of Rev. Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University Library and Information Services and Nasarawa State University Library Keffi. The study adopted a census sample approach where all 131 library staff were studied. Data were collected through wellstructured questionnaires. The total of 131 questionnaires were administered to respondents and of the number, 103 were returned representing 78.63% return rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that despite the benefits of public relations practices in promoting the value of the library and shaping public perception, systems limitations continue to hinder the implementation of public relations practices in Benue and Nasarawa State university libraries. The study showed that insufficient funding (mean=3.37), incessant power outages (mean=3.34), absence of public relations department and slow internet connectivity (mean=3.30) are critical financial and technological constraints in carrying out public relations practices in the State University libraries. The study discovered that librarians understand some strategies for ensuring public relations practices to enhance service delivery in university libraries in Benue and Nasarawa States. The result further showed that sufficient budgeting for Library public relations activities obtained a mean score of 3.38 which underscores the critical need for dedicated financial resources for sustaining effective public relations practices in the libraries. The study concluded that public relations practices are essential for enhancing service delivery and visibility of university libraries. However, financial, technological and institutional constraints hinder their full implementation. It therefore recommends adequate funding, establishment of dedicated public relations unit and continuous staff training for public relations engagement.
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Library and Information Management Forum
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