INVESTIGATION ON THE AVAILABILITY INFORMATION RETRIEVAL TOOLS IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY: A CASE STUDY PROTESTANT UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL AFRICA, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Globally, university libraries serve as the core of academic and research activities, providing students and faculty with access to a wide range of information resources. Edom (2022) asserts that because information resources are the fundamental assets of libraries worldwide, the significance of academic libraries lies not only in their role as central hubs for teaching, learning, and scholarship in academic institutions, but also in their responsibility to furnish suitable information resources that align with the objectives and mission of their institutions.  With advancements in technology, the role of libraries has expanded beyond traditional physical resources to include electronic resources and digital information retrieval tools. Ajiboye, Oyedipe & Alawiye (2023) argued that the advancements in ICT have led to the production of numerous information resources, both in print and electronic formats. 

Literarily, keeping up with the ever-expanding pool of published information has become increasingly challenging, if not unattainable. As a result, the task of accessing information from the numerous information devices and carriers has become a significant worry for libraries and information scientists. Buji (2023) posits that owing to information explosion and the introduction of new technologies, information needed by students is now found in diverse formats in university libraries, technology centers and computer laboratories. These technologies have provided an alternate means to enhance access to academic knowledge for educational purposes through information retrieval tools.  

Notably,  Bawden & Robinson (2022) defines information retrieval tools as straightforward procedures or devices that assist library users in locating, retrieving, and utilizing necessary documents or information from library resources, books, or papers. In addition, he specified various tools that should be included, such as bibliographies, indexes and abstracts, catalogues, computer filing or websites, subject index, title index, directories, OPAC, CD-ROMS, online databases, internet search engines, and so on. According to Tella et al (2017), university libraries play a vital role in providing students with access to a vast array of information resources, particularly through the use of information retrieval tools. These tools, including databases, online catalogs, search engines, and digital libraries, allow students to efficiently locate, access, and use scholarly materials for their academic and research needs. Echem & Udo-Anyanwu, (2018) argued that in today’s information age, the ability to retrieve relevant information quickly is critical to academic success. These tools, such as online catalogs, digital libraries, databases, and search engines, help users locate, access, and use information efficiently. The availability of information retrieval tools in academic institutions is essential for promoting research and improving students' academic performance (Tella et al., 2017).

Conversely, according to studies by Ngambi and Brown (2017), many university libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including those in Cameroon, face challenges related to infrastructure, digital literacy, and limited funding, which may affect the availability and accessibility of information retrieval tools. In Cameroon, university libraries have made efforts to digitize their collections and provide students with modern retrieval systems. However, there is concern about the extent to which these tools are accessible and effectively utilized. Even though the Protestant University of Central Africa (PUCA), a prominent academic institution in Cameroon, has invested in upgrading its library systems, but there is a need to investigate the actual availability of these tools and whether they meet the demands of the academic community. As noted by Mahmood (2013), the availability of information retrieval tools is not only about having digital resources but also ensuring that the library infrastructure supports their effective use Thus, having a well-functioning library system with up-to-date retrieval tools can significantly enhance the quality of research conducted by students and faculty. On the other hand, limited access to such tools may hinder academic progress and limit students' exposure to current knowledge and research trends. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent times, many academic libraries often struggle with issues such as inadequate poor information retrieval tools, no internet access and lack of technological infrastructure.  As Jegede (2016) emphasized, the gap between the availability of information retrieval tools and their usage can be attributed to several factors, including limited access, lack of training, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these issues will not only improve the academic experience for students but also ensure that university libraries in Cameroon meet global standards in information management. Emphatically, the relevance of information retrieval tools extends beyond academic success; they are also crucial in preparing students for the knowledge-based economy. As noted by Fatoki (2024), information retrieval skills are increasingly becoming essential in the professional world, where access to accurate and timely information is key to decision-making and innovation. Therefore, understanding the availability of these tools in the Protestant University of Central Africa library will provide insights into the institution's ability to equip its students with the skills they need for future success.

Bizarrely, despite efforts to improve access to digital resources in university libraries across Cameroon, the availability and functionality of information retrieval tools remain a significant concern. Studies have shown that many libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including those in Cameroon, face challenges such as limited technological infrastructure, inadequate funding, and low levels of digital literacy (Ngambi & Brown, 2017). A study by Mahmood (2013) found that the presence of modern information retrieval tools in libraries significantly enhances academic research. However, without adequate support systems, such as training and maintenance, the availability of these tools may not translate into effective use. This situation highlights a critical gap in the literature.

While many studies focus on the benefits of information retrieval tools, there is limited research on their actual availability in universities like PUCA and the challenges that may hinder their use. The Protestant University of Central Africa (PUCA) has taken steps to modernize its library services, but there is limited research on the actual availability and effectiveness of the information retrieval tools provided. Although PUCA has invested in upgrading its library, it remains unclear whether these tools are meeting the needs of the academic community. Students and faculty may be unaware of or unable to access essential resources, which could negatively impact research and academic performance. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the availability of information retrieval tools in the library of the Protestant University of Central Africa..

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is focused on investigation on the availability information retrieval tools in university library: a case study Protestant University of Central Africa, Cameroon. Specifically, the study seeks to:

assess the availability of information retrieval tools in the Protestant University of Central Africa library.

evaluate the accessibility of these tools to students and faculty.

identify the challenges faced by users in accessing and using information retrieval tools.

propose strategies to improve the availability and usability of information retrieval tools in the university library.

Research Questions

What is the availability of information retrieval tools in the Protestant University of Central Africa library?

How accessible are these tools to students and faculty?

What challenges do users face when accessing and using information retrieval tools?

What strategies can be implemented to enhance the availability and usability of information retrieval tools in the library?

Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant relationship between the availability of information retrieval tools and their accessibility and use by students and faculty in the Protestant University of Central Africa library.

Hi: There is a significant relationship between the availability of information retrieval tools and their accessibility and use by students and faculty in the Protestant University of Central Africa library.

Significance of the Study

Practically, this study will benefit university administrators, librarians, and policymakers by providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of information retrieval tools in PUCA’s library. The findings will inform decisions on resource allocation, infrastructure development, and training programs to improve the availability and usability of these tools. Enhancing students' and faculty's access to digital resources will ultimately improve research outputs and academic performance, aligning with the institution’s academic goals.

Theoretically, this study will contribute to the growing body of literature on information management in academic libraries, particularly in the context of developing countries like Cameroon. It will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by universities in ensuring the availability of digital resources and the impact of technological infrastructure on academic success. Additionally, the study will offer a framework for future research on the availability and use of information retrieval tools in other institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Scope of the Study

The study will focus on the availability of information retrieval tools in the Protestant University of Central Africa library, specifically examining the types of tools provided, their accessibility to students and faculty, and the challenges faced in using them. The geographical scope of the study is limited to the Protestant University of Central Africa, located in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

One limitation of this study is its focus on a single institution, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other universities in Cameroon or beyond. While the results may provide insights into the availability of information retrieval tools in PUCA, the specific context of the university may differ from other institutions, particularly those with varying levels of infrastructure and resources.

Additionally, the study will rely on self-reported data from students and faculty, which may be subject to bias or inaccuracies. Some participants may overestimate or underestimate their ability to access and use information retrieval tools, which could affect the validity of the findings. Furthermore, the study will be conducted over a limited time frame, which may not capture long-term trends in the availability and use of these tools as library services continue to evolve.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Information Retrieval Tools: These are digital systems and databases used to locate, access, and retrieve academic information, such as online catalogs, digital libraries, and search engines.

Digital Resources: These are electronic materials that can be accessed and used through computers or other digital devices, including e-books, journals, and online databases.

University Library: This is an academic library that provides access to information resources and services to support teaching, learning, and research within a university.