ABSTRACT
Information retrieval systems in
libraries are basically systems that store record in a file for data relevant
to each request, retrieve the data and provide the information on request. The
purpose of such system is to help access and use of the knowledge which has
been recorded. This study on information retrieval systems in libraries a case
study of Federal Polytechnic Libraries, Nekede, Owerri is an investigation into
the various means adopted by the library under study in their information
retrieval process. Particular attention was paid to the existing information
retrieval systems in use in the library and how suitable they are, the basic
advantages of digital information retrieval over manual were also revealed by
the study. The research methodology adopted for the research was the survey
method, data was collected using questionnaire and oral interview together with
observation. The study also revealed the information retrieval process in the
library is manual which the library organizes its materials through
cataloguing, classification and indexing. Based on the problems encountered,
some useful recommendations on how to improve on the information retrieval
functions in the library were made. The study also concluded by suggesting that
further research study should be made.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Title page - - - - - - - - i
Approval Page - - - - - - - ii
Dedication - - - - - - - - iii
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - iv
Abstract - - - - - - - - vi
Table of contents - - - - - - - vii
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study - - - 1
1.2 Statement of the study - - - - 4
1.3 Objective of the study - - - - 5
1.4 Scope of the study - - - - - 6
1.5 Significant of the study - - - - 6
1.6. Research Questions - - - - - 7
1.7 Definition of Terms - - - - - 8
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review - - - - - 10
2.1 Types of Information Retrieval Systems - 11
2.2 Functions of Information Retrieval System- 14
2.3 Types of Information Needs - - - 20
2.4 Information Retrieval System - - - 21
2.5 The components of Information Retrieval
Systems
- - - - - - - - 32
2.6 Problems of Information Retrieval System 35
2.7 Prospects of Information Retrieval System 38
CHAPTER
THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1
Research Design - - - - - 40
3.2
Area of study - - - - - - - 41
3.3
Population of the study - - - - 41
3.4
Sample size - - - - - - 41
3.5
Sampling procedure -
- - - 41
3.6
Instrumentation - - - - - 42
3.7
Data collection - - - - - 43
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1
Data Presentation - - - - - - 44
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY,
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
1.1
Summary - - - - - - - 54
1.2
Conclusion - - - - - - - 55
1.3
Recommendations - - - - - 55
1.4
Limitations - - - - - - 56
1.5
Suggestion for further research - - - 56
References
- - - - - - - 57
Appendix
I - - - - - - - 59
Appendix
II - - - - - - - 60
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Information
is a basic human need. It is needed in all facts of human endeavour. No society
and libraries can function effectively without the intensive of information
whether in print or non-print format.
It
is therefore pertinent to know how this information can be retrieved and
disseminated for use by the users or the society in a modern world. The
different systems of information retrieval in academic libraries are therefore
discussed in this write up with special interest on Federal Polytechnic Library
Nekede, Owerri.
The
world in information cannot be mentioned in isolation of human beings.
Information has been described as the master resource, the chief raw material
and the principle product on modern economic. Even before the modern world, the
ancient world has been dealing with information gathering, storage and retrieval
which were done in an ancient way where papyrus, clay tablets e.t.c. were used.
Information
can be seen as data that have be subjected to functions capable of answering a
users query, be it recorded, summarized or simple collection that would help in
decision making, according to Uwem, (2008) defined information as a finished
product ready for use, the source and medium of communication not with sanding
information therefore, can help to ensure the effective use of other resources
when it gets to the right people and at the right time.
Consequently,
the basic objective of any library be it academic, public, school or special
library includes the acquisition of information, surveying materials properly
processing, organizing, storing and retrieving for disseminating such
information to interested users. Hence every academic libraries whether the
limits of its fund, develop sufficient information both in scope, nature and
size to support the users information needs and aspiration will largely depend
on a specific question and its ability to supply known information are produced
in form of language even to retrieve information is inform of language, most
times, the users found it increasingly difficult to cope with the basic
problems of accessing particular information items for use.
This
research purpose to investigate the various system adopted by the academic
library under study in retrieving for use known information items when needed
and to retrieve documents on a particular subject problem and questions
encountered.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The
period under review in this research work is of great importance in academic
libraries. It is a period of technological information explosion.
This
is a period when many retrieval systems exists, where more efficient and
accurate retrieval system has been developed like computer and internet which
links different but many stations together.
However,
there are basic problems which militate against the efficient utilization of
these resources and these problems include.
a. Lack
of funds
b. Government
apathy to academic libraries
c.
Low literacy level in Nigeria
d. Poor
computer informed staff in the academic libraries.
1.3 Objective of the study
In
order to evaluate information retrieval system in Federal Polytechnic Library
Nekede, Owerri, the following objectives are to be focused.
i.
To identify the existence of information
retrieval system in the library.
ii.
To know how information resources are
organized in the library in its retrieval effort.
iii.
To identify the problems encountered by
the library in its information retrieval effort.
iv.
Identify the process on how information
retrieval system are improved in the library.
v.
To highlighting the changes of
information retrieval system in the library.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This
study is limited to the information retrieval processes in academic libraries.
This study is further narrowed down to academic libraries and specific focus on
Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede. The different information retrieval
processes were reviewed with unique interest in the libraries as it applies to
the library under study. This library was chosen so as to evaluate the
developments and the changes that have taken place in the library under study
as regards to information retrieval system.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This
study is significant because there is no society that can function without
information. So information can only be relevant when it gets to the right
people at the right time and in the right dosage. It is sine-qua-non to library
users, librarians, administration and the entire society.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTION
What are the extent of information retrieval system
used in Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede?
ii.
How does Federal Polytechnic Library
Nekede, organize their materials in the library.
iii.
What are the problems of information
retrieval systems in the library?
iv.
How does information retrieval systems
improve in the library?
v.
Do they have changes in information
retrieval system in the library?
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
For
the purpose of understanding this project work under study, the following items
are relevant to point out. They are as follows: -
ACADEMIC LIBRARY:
An academic library is a library that is been established in higher
institutions, such as universities, polytechnics and college of education which
serve the teaching and research needs of students and staff. This library serve two complementary purpose
which are to support the school’s curriculum and to support the research or the
university faculties and students.
INFORMATION:
This refers to a fact told or communicated that, fact is a piece of information
that is referred as true. It can also be seen as a processed data which is
communicated or receive which also can be used in making an information
decision.
INFORMATION RETRIEVAL:
This means the systematic storage and recovery of data as from a file and
catalogue or memory bank of a computer. It equally means document delivery such
as mails, photocopied document, data bank mail, links, library searches,
personal files, catalogue and database design.
INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
SYSTEM: This refers to a system that stores record in a
file, accept requests for information, search the file for data relevant to
each request, retrieve the data and provide the information to the requester.
The aim of such system is to help access and use knowledge that has been
recorded. An effective information system stores a large number of records yet
retrieves desired record rapidly and accurately in response to requests.
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