Abstract

The study evaluated information needs and library resources available to post graduate students in the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty-five copies of questionnaire were administered to postgraduate students in Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS), African Studies (AFS) and Peace Building (BD) units. The study identified Kenneth Dike, WORDOC and IFRA as libraries normally used by postgraduate students of the Institute of African Studies. The study shows that the library resources/materials in the Institute of African Studies library were readily available and accessible; and that 79.4% of postgraduate students were satisfied with the available library materials. Theses and dissertation and journal articles were the most frequently referenced library materials. The study further revealed that journal articles and textbooks/monographs were the main library materials required by research students. Result of One-Way Analysis of Variance indicated that the postgraduate level of satisfaction with library materials do not vary significantly (F = 0.895, p>0.05). The study recommended that the Institute of African Studies library should be updated in terms of acquiring current books, journals and audio-visual materials to make it the most referenced library in order to meet the needs of Institute of African Studies researchers.

Key words: Information need, Institute of African Studies, library resources and services, postgraduate students.