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LIBRARY SERVICES

Library services are services rendered to users so as to meet their information needs. Such
unique services provided by the library should be accessible to everybody. They include;

• Loan
• Inter-Library Loan
• Current Awareness Services (CAS) / Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)
• Photocopying
• Referral Services
• Bibliographic Searching
• Readers’ Advisory Service
• Library Orientation
1. Loan/Lending Service: This is perhaps the most important service provided by a library.
The process of loaning books is called charging or checked out while the process of
returning it is called discharging or checked in. Loan or lending services is essentially a social
service in which users of a library have the opportunity of borrowing library materials
either for reading or consultation. Designated staff at the circulation desk in the library is
responsible for charging and discharging of information materials to users. In borrowing
any information materials from the Library, these are guidelines to follow strictly:
• The reader must be registered user of the library
• Users are allowed to pick books from the open shelves in the Library
• Such a book/information material is taken to the circulation desk to be processed and
recorded by the designated staff.
Every Library has a system of giving out library materials on loan to users (Charging) and
receiving library materials from users at the expiration of the loan period (Discharging).
Also, each library determines the loan period, level of users and nature of the books or
materials to be loaned. In Venite Library, a student is only allowed to borrow a book for
a period of one week. Non-teaching staff is entitled to borrow a maximum of two books
for two weeks, while academic staff, is entitled to borrow a maximum of two books for a
month. A library book is overdue if a borrower fails to return it on the date stipulated on
the borrower’s slip and it attracts fine. Failure to return the library material at the due date

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attracts a fine known as overdue fine which is determined by the library management. The
main purpose for fixing a loan period is to ensure that books or materials in the library are
regularly available for use. Text-books in the open shelves can be borrowed for home use
but information materials such as reference materials, serials, reserved books etc. can only
be consulted within the library or be photocopied.
2.Inter-Library Loan (ILL) Service : This is the practice in which libraries cooperate among
themselves to exchange library materials on behalf of their library clients with the purpose
of providing information and meeting the needs of their users. A library which does not
have a particular library material desired by its users will borrow the material requested
from another library on behalf of the user who needs the material. ILL is very important
where resources of a library are limited and is a system used to supplement its holdings.
Users have access to this only on the condition they are registered users of the library. Users
will have to fill a form giving details of the material required while the library helps the
user in getting the material needed.
3. Current Awareness Service/Selective Dissemination of Information: This service is
provided by the library to keep users abreast of the happenings in their subject areas of
interest. This services intimate users of information on the latest document or collection in
the library i.e. new arrivals. Also, users receive regular e-mail for newly published research,
journal table of contents, and other types of information specified by the user. Registration
is required and is free. Another wonderful advantage is that one can be alerted on articles
or library materials that match his/her research interests.
4. Photocopying Services: Photocopying is a service whereby written, printed or graphic
material is directly copied by photographic techniques. Any library that is worth its salt
provides photocopying services for its users. In some cases, it may be self-service or a staff
is designated to it, but in other case, one will be charged a service fee. The scarcity of
relevant and expensive text-books and other relevant library materials serves as the basis
for users to engage in high level of photocopying of information materials as an alternative.
There is a restriction to which a user can photocopy Library materials in the library to avert
piracy or other copyright offences.

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5. Referral Services: This is a situation in which a user might be directed to another library
or an alternative source of information, such as other academic institutions, professional
organisations, research institutes or individual specialists that is better qualified to provide
assistance to the user. Referral service in an academic library is recognized as an important
element in the provision of superior reference services. Readers are advised to collect a
letter of introduction from the reference librarian to take to other libraries where they are
directed to or where they will get the relevant materials that meet their needs.
6. Bibliographic searching: Staff of the circulation and reference section of the library
renders assistance to users in searching for literature sources. They are assisted in browsing
the shelves and packaging of information from the sources located.
7. Readers’ Advisory Service: Readers are advised in the library on alternative sources for
their information needs, how to arrange their assignment, presentation, referencing,
quotations etc.
8. User Education Service: This is done to keep the students abreast of the resources or
services in the library and as well as enable them to exploit all the available resources or
services in the library. User education services include library orientation, organised guided
tour, display on exhibition of library materials, library bulletin, teaching use of library as a
course, friends of the library club etc.
LIBRARY RESOURCES
The lofty goals of libraries in tertiary institution as centres for receiving and dissemination
of information, learning and teaching hub, and a place for stimulating reading habit,
reading interest, recreational reading and research activities will be elusive if the library
resources are not properly managed. Library resources can be grouped into three, namely:
(a) Human Resources: These are the entire group of paid employees responsible for the
management of library or library system. They include professionals (librarians),
paraprofessionals (library officers), technical staff (system analysts) and support staff
(secretary, library assistant). The entire staff compliments the work of the library towards
achieving the lofty goal of the library.
(b) Infrastructural Resources: They include the physical structure housing the library, the
furniture and fittings that distinguishes it from a bookshop or reading room e.g.

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Bookshelves, A/C, fan, fluorescent, display boards, reading table and chairs, aimed at
creating a conducive environment for learning, research and studying.
(c) Information Resources: These are materials acquired by the library to satisfy the
information needs of its users. They include books, serial collections and reference materials
(encyclopaedias, dictionary, gazette, directories, yearbook, atlas)

Information Resources/Library Materials

Library materials or resources are all kinds of human intellectual products that contain
information in prints, non-prints and electronic forms which are carefully selected,
acquired, organized and made accessible to users for the effective running of the library.
Types of Library Materials
Library materials can be grouped into three, namely:
• Print materials,
• Non-print materials
• Electronic Resources.

1. Print Materials: As the name implies, print are information materials that are in printed
form. Examples of prints are books, reference materials, serials (newspapers, magazine,
journals, manuscripts, government publications and unpublished materials.
Books: are set of printed pages that are fastened together inside a cover which can be
turned and read page by page. According to United Nations Educational Scientific and
Cultural Organisation, UNESCO. A book can be regarded as a non-periodical printing
publication consisting of 49 or more pages, cover page excluded. However, not all
publications are books. For instance serials and other forms that are less than 49 pages are
called pamphlets. Books can be divided into fiction and non-fiction. Fiction books are story
books based on imaginary characters and events, and are not based on people and facts.
They are books on imaginary ideas or events. Fiction books are mostly read for pleasure
or relaxation rather than serious reading. E.g. Story books or novels. Non-fiction books
contain information on subjects and disciplines, such as textbooks on various disciplines,

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writing about real people, places, things and events. They constitute the largest percentage
of library collections.
Parts of a Book
Basically, a book may be divided into four parts.
These are:
• Cover
• Preliminaries
• Text
• Subsidiaries
a) Cover: The cover also known as the binding protects the book. It could be hard cover
or soft cover (paperback). The cover itself is made up of three sections namely; front cover,
the spine and back cover. The front cover identifies the title, author and other information
about the book. The same is also true of the spine that carries the logo of the publisher.
The back cover usually contains a note about the author and sometimes contains the blurb,
which is a general note about the contents of the book. The note is usually prepared by
the publisher as propaganda to sell his book. It also carries the name and crest of the
publisher as well as the International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
b) Preliminaries: As the name suggests, it precedes the text. They are numbered in a
separate sequence and in roman numerals. Under preliminaries we have:
i) Front Piece: This is a full page illustration. It usually faces the title page. The imprint page
contains the name and address of the publisher, the publication and printing history of the
book.
ii) Title Page: The page at the beginning of a book which indicates the complete title, the
subtitle (if there is one), the names of the author, or editor together with the qualifications,
the name of the publisher and the place of publication
iii) Recto: A right hand of a book usually an odd page number
iv) Verso: A left hand page of a book usually bearing an even page number.
v) Half Title Page: Also called bastard page or fly title page. The leaf which appears just
prior to the title page. It typically contains only the title of the book, although, at times,
the author’s name or other information may appear.

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vi) The Copyright: This is the ownership right of the producer. The right must not be
infringed upon.
vii) Dedication Page: This is the page on which the author pays respect to some other
person(s). It normally comes before preface.
viii) Table of Contents: This is a list of chapter headings and sections in a book showing
also the pages where they can be located in the book.

c) Text: This is the main body of the book in which the subject matter is reflected. It consists
of the following:
i) A chapter by chapter presentation of the subject;
ii) Table and graphic or photographic illustrations;
iii) Footnotes, side notes, or chapter endnotes where necessary; and
iv) References at the end of each chapter, where necessary.

d) Subsidiaries: The subsidiaries also known as auxiliary page are located at the termination
of the text. They are made up of the following:
i) Reference / Bibliography: References are a list of books and other documents to which
a reference has been made in the text. Bibliography, on the other hand, refers to a list of
other sources of information consulted and cited directly in text or not.
ii) Illustration: It may be found at the subsidiary. It is an uninterrupted reading of the text.
iii) Glossary: List of technical terms used in the book with accompanying definitions and
explanations.
iv) Appendix/Appendices: Give supplementary materials or gives extra information at the
end of the book usually of an explanatory or statistical nature.
v). Index: This is a detailed alphabetical listing of important names, places and topics
discussed in the book, along with the folio number of the pages on which they have been
discussed or mentioned.

e) Reference Materials: The word ‘reference’ is derived from the verb “refers” meaning to
turn to and for information. Reference materials are information materials in the library

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regardless of their formats, whether in print or non-print format which can be used to
provide relevant answers to divergent information needs of the library. Also, they are
information materials designed to be consulted when concise information is needed, rather
than being read from cover to cover. The contents of these information materials are
systematically arranged either in alphabetical or chronological order. Some of them have
detailed indexes at the end of each of the materials. Reference materials cannot be
borrowed for home use. They are labelled in the library 'FOR REFERENCE ONLY', 'NOT
TO BE BORROWED'. Examples are dictionaries, encyclopaedias, biographies, geographical
books, yearbook, annuals, calendars, directories, handbooks, manuals, bibliographies etc.

Features of Reference Materials

i. Reference materials give general and specific information.
ii. They are meant for consultation only and are not to be read through, that is from cover
to cover or page to page.
iii. They cannot be borrowed since the materials are not allowed to leave the library
because it is consulted regularly.
iv. They occupy a specific place in the library known as reference section.
v. The materials are usually very bulky and can sometimes run into several volumes.
vi. Reference materials are frequently revised to be up-to-date.
vii. It contains facts that have been brought together from many sources and organized for
easy retrieval either in an alphabetical or chronological order.
viii. It is written to provide appropriate information for solving problems and for acquiring
certain knowledge in a desired topic.
ix. They are usually marked ‘Ref’ at the call mark.
x. There are some that do not provide information but point out the sources of information
such as bibliographies, indexing and abstracting.

f) Encyclopaedia: This is a book of information on every branch of knowledge. It

summaries the most significant or useful ideas and facts in vast knowledge areas and
recognized fields of study. It is a collection of many volumes which are usually very bulky.

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They are generally arranged in alphabetical order for rapid and easy access of information.
They are written by specialists. Encyclopaedia can be categorized into two, namely:
• General Encyclopaedia. This provides extensive information on general knowledge
e.g. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Americana, The World Book
Encyclopaedia etc.
• Specialized Encyclopaedia. They provide information on specific area of knowledge
e.g. Encyclopaedia of Science and Technology, Encyclopaedia of Agriculture etc.

g) Dictionaries: Dictionaries give information on definition of words. They can be

monolingual, bi - lingual or multi - lingual. They assist a great deal in the understanding of
information. They are usually arranged alphabetically. Dictionary can help its users in the
spelling and correct usage of words, understanding distribution and classification of
syllables, parts of speech, phonetics, pronunciation, antonyms and synonyms. Dictionary
could be subject based or general. Subject dictionary is restricted to any subjects, giving
meaning of the words, usage and syllable. Examples are dictionary of Medicine and
Librarian glossary of terms. General Dictionaries treat words of a language. Such dictionary
is not restricted to any particular subject. Examples include: Oxford Advance Learners'
Dictionary, Oxford American English Dictionary etc.
h) General Facts Books: These contain general facts. Examples are Guinness Book of World
Records, Facts on File, 1935 to date etc.
i) Handbook: This contains concise information, principles, procedures, tables, graphs and
diagrams. e.g. Handbook of Chemistry etc.
j) Yearbook: It contains information about the development or events in the previous year
in an establishment or country. E.g. Common Wealth Universities Yearbook
k) Directory: This is a list of persons or organisations that are systematically arranged, either
alphabetically or in a classified order stating the names, addresses, affiliations for individuals
and names, addresses of officers, and their functions in an organisation. E.g. Nigerian hotels
directory, World tourism directory etc. l) Atlas: Atlas is a collection of geographical
pictorial information. E.g. World Book Atlas

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m) Map: A map is a drawing of any part of the earth’s surface showing geographical and
other features such as the positions of the towns as well as the roads. E.g. Map of Nigeria
etc.
n) Index: An index is a pointer to where an important information items can be retrieved
in a book or journal. It enlists all the names and terminologies used in a book or journal
indicating the exact page or pages where they can be located. An index can be published
together with a book, usually at the end or as a separate issue or volume. Index can appear
as general, author or subject index. E.g. Applied Science and technological index
o) Gazetteer: A gazetteer is a geographical dictionary, which provides information and
data about countries, places, towns, villages, rivers, mountains, lakes and other
geographical features, population, tourist area, longitude and latitude, statistics, culture
and other relevant information. It is arranged alphabetically.
p) Gazette: A gazette is a government publication usually devoted to current events
especially within government circles. It provides information about public servants, such
as appointment and promotion, confirmation of appointment, transfer of service,
termination of appointment, resignation, death, decrees, legislation, etc. In Nigeria and
many parts of the world, no law can come into effect unless it has first been published in
the gazette. The Federal as well as state governments issue gazettes from time to time.
q) Bibliography: This is the descriptive list of published document in a given subject within
a period of time. The published documents include articles, books, theses, conference
proceedings and dissertation on a given topic. The bibliographic record will include author,
title of the book, publisher, place and date of publication. e.g. Bibliography of
Bibliographies, National bibliography etc.
r) Biography: A biography source provides information or brief sketches on a person or
group of persons from all walks of life. Examples are Who is Who in Nigeria and Who is
Who in the world.
s) Abstract: It is a summary of a publication or an article with accompany full
bibliographical citations of the work .Example is Chemical abstract

Serials

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Serials are special publications with distinctive titles in different fields of study. They are
issued in successive parts at regular or irregular intervals intended to be continued
indefinitely (that is daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, bi-annually, quarterly or annually).
Serials include periodicals (newspapers, magazines, journals) memoirs, proceedings of
conferences, seminars, workshops, technical transactions, research report, annuals, theses,
dissertations and numbered monographic series.
The Features of Serials
i. Serials are dynamic and volatile in nature whereas a monograph is static.
ii. Serials are continuing publications.
iii. Serials usually bear date, number, volume and International Standard Serial
Number (ISSN).
iv. Publication of serials has no definite or foreseeable end but it continues.
v. Serials are published by higher educational institutions, professional associations
or learned societies and corporate bodies like commercial publishers.
vi. Sources of information published in serials are always from primary sources such
as theses, dissertations, journals, conference proceedings.
vii. Serials are usually not bulky like books.
viii. Serials may be in volumes with specific serial number.
ix. Serials are not loaned out like books but are to be consulted at the Serials Unit
of the library.
x. Serials are not purchased like text books but they can only be accessed through
direct subscription by libraries and individuals or through the Internet.
xi. Serials have editorial board members who are experts in their respective fields.

Importance of Serials
a. Serials carry the latest information.
b. They carry first information of new ideas or discoveries.
c. They normally contain journal articles, which are concise and deal directly with a
particular topic or subject.
d. They contain original or primary source materials for research.

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e. They keep specialists or experts abreast of the growth of knowledge in their special
areas of interest. f. Serials give information on subjects or topics, which the library has
no book on.
g. They serve as supplement to related books on any subject.
h. Serials supply additional bibliographical information to the researcher to broaden
his/her knowledge on the topic or subject under research.
i. Serials also supply current or up to date information on a particular subject.

Manuscripts: Libraries keep and provides access to handwritten document of important

persons which are not published. They can be ordinary letters or unpublished works.

Government Publications: They are publications published by local, national and

international governments. They are government laws, decisions and policies. Examples
are Edicts, Act of Parliament, Decrees, Gazettes, etc. Publications of International
Organizations like UNESCO, AU, ECOWAS, EU, etc. are treated as government
documents.

Unpublished Materials: Thesis, dissertations (unpublished works) are available in

academic libraries for staff and students consultations.

2. Non-Print Materials: These are information materials that are not in printed form.
They can be divided into three (3), namely:
i. Audio Materials: These are library materials that can be appreciated through the
auditory senses. Examples are phonodiscs, radio tapes or audiotapes and audio
cassettes.
ii. Visual materials: These can only be appreciated through the visual senses. Examples
are maps, posters, photographs, charts, diagrams, microfiche, globes, etc.
iii. Audio-visual materials: These are materials that can be appreciated through the
auditory and visual senses such as, sound film, television, videotapes, video cassettes
and video discs.

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3. Online Reseurces: Are information stored and accessed through the use of the
interenet. Examples are electronic journals,e-books, OPAC and databases.
(i) E-journals and E-books: They are online resources in form of journals or books which
can be accessed through the use of the internet. These materials are mostly accessed in
search engines such as Yahoo, Google, Google scholar etc.
(ii) OPAC: This means Online Public Access Catalogue. It is an online compilation of
bibliographic information held by a library or group of libraries. Also, is a search tool
for users to locate information materials in the library through designated computer
terminals.
(iii). Databases: This is the collection of information organised in such a way that it can
be accessed, managed and updated. It is usually indexed to enable users search for
relevant information. Two examples are open access and fee-based databases.
Open access Database: These are online resources that can be accessed free of charge.
E.g. Pdfdrive.com, Hindawi, African Journals Online (AJOL) etc.
Fee- based Database: There are online resources that can be accessed by subscription.
Eg. EBSCO host, Elsevier, ERIC etc.
Sources of Information
There are three sources of information and these include; primary sources, secondary
sources and tertiary sources
Primary Sources: The information gotten from these sources have not been interpreted
and use by another person apart from the owner of the fresh information. Primary
sources are original materials on which other research is based. Usually, information of
these sources is the first formal appearance of results in physical, print or electronic
format. They report a discovery or present new information. These sources also contain
information that is yet to be published. They include letters, memoirs, newspaper,
reports, journals and so on.
Secondary Sources: Sources of these types are mostly interpretations or evaluations of
the primary sources. They are the accounts written after the fact. The secondary sources
are not the evidence; rather, they are commentary on and discussion of evidence. They

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have been analyzed and reported by other persons. They include biographical works,
commentaries, histories and textbooks.
Tertiary Sources: These sources consist of information that is a combination of the
primary and the secondary services. Examples include dictionaries, encyclopedias,
databases and library catalogues.

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