ACQUISITION AND UTILIZATION OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS IN CAPTAIN ELECHI AMADI POLYTECHNIC LIBRARY, RUMUOLA, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

Government publications are vital information resources for research. This study examined the acquisition and utilization of government publications in Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic (CEAPOLY) Library, Rumuola, Port Harcourt. Six research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed descriptive survey research design. Population of the study comprised the three library staff in the Acquisition Unit and five working in the Circulation Section of the library. Questionnaire and observation were instruments used or data collection.  Data collected were analysed using frequency count and simple percentages. The study found that government publications acquired in the library  were top officials’ photos, maps, charts, government serials publications, government reports, officials’ gazettes among others. Method of acquisition of these publications was mainly through donation and purchase. The study further found that lack of digitization of the government publications, delay in the arrival of the publication to the library and poor funding has hindered adequate utilization of these publications in the library. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that improved funding would enable CEAPOLY Library to purchase more government publications. The study further recommends that CEAPOLY library should engage in online subscription to government publications, and that government publications should be digitized in academic libraries to enhance their utilization and that competent/professional staff should be engaged in CEAPOLY Library to manage government publications and other information resources.