ASSESSMENT OF LIBRARY CATALOGUE USE BY UNDERGRADUATES IN LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OGBOMOSO OYO STATE NIGERIA

This underutilisation of library catalogue limits access to academic materials and also reduces the efficiency of library operations and negatively affects students’ academic performance. This study examined the use of the library catalogue by undergraduate students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted with structured questionnaires administered to a representative sample of undergraduates across faculties. The study investigated the level of awareness, frequency of use, purpose of catalogue use, search strategies adopted, and barriers encountered in using both traditional and online public access catalogues (OPAC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, and mean scores). Findings indicated varied levels of catalogue usage, with a notable preference for shelf browsing and challenges in effective information retrieval ( = 1.65, SD = 0.990). Major constraints included lack of adequate library orientation, lack of awareness of library catalogue and no internet access, waste of time and lack of interest. The study concludes that while students recognize the importance of catalogue use in academic work, usage effectiveness is hampered by skill gaps. Recommendations focus on structured user education programmes and improved ICT support to enhance catalogue utilization and continuous awareness campaign among undergraduates.