LIBRARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TOOLS ON USER ENGAGEMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Library infrastructure and the deployment of modern information management tools are crucial in 
enhancing user engagement, especially among undergraduate students. Thus, this study examined 
library infrastructure and information management tools anduser engagement among 
undergraduates in Kwara State University, Malete. The study was guided by four specific objectives 
and adopted thedescriptive survey design with a population of 39,633 undergraduates from ICT 
faculty, while the sample size of 381 was determined using Raosoft online sample size calculator. A 
simple random sampling technique was adopted to give every respondent an equal chance of being 
selected in the process, while questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected was 
analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that while students actively used 
Internet services and study areas, services such as reference and circulation were under-utilised, 
due to limited awareness. Library infrastructure received mixed reviews, with frequent complaints 
about inadequate seating, poor ventilation, and unstable internet connectivity. Although some 
digital tools like library management system and electronic databases were available, institutional 
repositories and reference managers were unfamiliar to students. The study, therefore, 
recommended among others that increased investment in infrastructure, user training, acquisition 
of essential tools, and a redesign of digital platforms to improve accessibility and engagement.