UNIVERSITY OF JOS LIBRARY
USE OF LIBRARY G.S. 001
LECTURE 1
JOS UNIVERSITY LIBRARY WITHIN GENERAL LIBRARY NETWORKS
Organization of Jos University Library
Jos University Library, like many other Nigerian University Libraries, had traditionally functional departments up to very
recently - Administration, Acquisitions, Technical Processing, Serials and Documents, and Readers Services, all
emphasising the processes through which materials pass.
However, from 1980 session, in order to achieve the library goals more effectively, a drastic change was made to
organise the library along subject division lines. These goals are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
ensure a high degree of relevance of its collections to the needs of the University community;
ensure that maximum use is made of the resources and facilities it provides;
give qualitative reference and information services to its clients;
join its staff with their teaching colleagues in making the use of its resources an integral part of the
educational process.
This new organization lays much emphasis on reference and information services by specialists through which the
needs of users are better satisfied. The internal structure now consists of three units - Administration, Subject Libraries
and Support Services. It allows for Librarians to be responsible for specific subject areas thereby utilizing their basic
subject specialisation/interest wherever possible. The duties of these subject Librarians are:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Reference service at all times including evening shift one a week from Monday to Friday;
Liaison with departments to encourage relevant collection development and proper timely
arrangement for use of library courses;
Teaching use of library introductory and advanced courses;
Representation of the library on faculty and other senate committees. Additional Librarians and
other library staff carry out the work in Administration and Support Services which include
Technical Processing Department with Orders, Cataloguing, Circulation, Serials, Reprography
Sections and Bindery and the Press Departments. The Press is just about to come into being.
The activities of these sections, as the name of the unit indicates, offer services which support the work done by the
Subject Libraries' unit.
This can be detailed as follows:
Orders - treats recommendations for materials to be acquired for the library and stamps and numbers them when they
are received. Any user can submit recommendations.
Cataloguing - as the name implies library staff catalogue and classify materials so that they are organized for use.
Catalogue users are prepared so that users can know what the library has.
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J.U.L.I.A. (Jos University Library Information and Accessions) is issued every two months by this section.
Through this media, users can see at a glance what has been acquired during the past period.
Circulation - controls the circulation of materials by keeping track of items through records to show what is on loan or
on reserve and keeps statistics of the users and their use of materials.
Serials - all serials are recorded stamped, classified and recorded in this section.
Reprography - Duplicating and photocopying facilities are provided by this section. Users can take advantage of the
photocopying service to obtain their own copies of materials in the library, at a small charge.
Bindery - This exists essentially for the maintenance of library materials either for binding loose serials or repairing
damaged items. Students' projects are also being bound. Machines have been acquired for the Press which is to be a
commercial venture and should be starting as soon as there are more staff and space available.
Need for Library Regulations
As is normal with all organizations there must be regulations to ensure proper functioning and to give equal opportunity
to all members.
This is exactly what the library does. It has its regulations which guide users in the proper use of its materials and
facilities.
All registered users of Jos University Library receive a copy of "Know Your Library" in which the regulations are
embodied.
"Know Your Library" covers varied topics like Membership, borrowing privileges, normal loan period, reserve loan period, use of various materials, opening hours
etc.
Membership - This has to be stipulated since the University Library cannot cater for the entire public. It exists mainly for
the University community-staff, students, and "other" associate members.
Borrowing privileges - To ensure all users have a chance to borrow, a certain number of books is set for each category
of user.
Normal loan period - In order to have items circulate so that they are not monopolised, a time is allocated for returning
them.
Reserve loan period - a shorter time limit is needed because reserved items are in great demand.
Use of various materials - Some materials cannot be borrowed because they are the only copies available e.g. thesis,
or reference books which are used only for specific purposes i.e. bits of information. Users are urged to treat all
materials with care because the materials belong to everyone and should be well kept for future use.
Opening hours - The Library is stopped for definite number of hours and those are made know for the benefit of users.
2
Users are reminded that regulations are made to assist them and are advised to abide by them to achieve smooth and
effective running of the Library.
Cooperation with Libraries in Nigeria
In spite of microforms and compact storage it is impossible for any library to own every printed document that its users
need. The inter-library loan system continues to operate on community, local regional, national and international level.
Within Jos and its environs there are a few libraries with which the University Library cooperates either to borrow or
lend books - These include the National Library branch, the State Library, the National Museum Library, Teacher
Resource Centre, Hillcrest School and Federal Institute for
Verterinary Research Library.
To go further afied at the regional level, the nearest University Library is Kashim Ibrahim at Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria. It is understandable that the younger developing libraries need to use the older ones more than vice versa.
Following this trend, Jos University Library has received much cooperation from Kashim Ibrahim Library.
The most recent service introduced is the weekly courier from Jos to Kashim Library when lecturers and postgraduate
students who wish to physically consult materials at A.B.U. are taken there for a day.
It should be noted that it is still only books that are loaned. Should materials from serials be required, photocopies are
supplied. All these are provided for a fee to cover the cost of materials and handling.
On a national level, all the University Libraries have been planning and inter-university libraries courier service but it
has not yet come off the ground. However, like Jos and A.B.U. some others have been running their individual courier
services.
Cooperation with Libraries Outside of Nigeria
This cooperation among libraries transcends national boundaries. At the international level therefore Jos University
Library can tap various sources of information. Not only can books and photocopied serial articles be procured, but
also because of developments in miodern technology, access to electronic data bases is available.
A Lecturer can make a request through the library for a search to be made for many years from several journals. If
these are not stacked locally, then the request is sent abroad and the information can be received from one of these
data bases within a few weeks.
3
Conclusion
We have tried in this course of lectures to tell you all about your University Library and to show you how to use the
materials and facilities in this Library to get information within the Library or from any other plae where that information
exists. It is hoped that you will master this skill to get all necessary information not just for the present, but also
throughout your life.
While you are at this University the Library staff are available at all times to assist you in achieveing this goal.
Therefore, use the staff to the maximum.
UNIVERSITY OF JOS LIBRARY
USE OF LIBRARY G.S.T. 101
LECTURE 2
CIRCULATION SERVICES AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER LIBRARIES
These services are handled by the Circulation Section already described bdriefly in the first lecture under the
organization of the library.
In this lecture Circulation services are developed under three headings – membership, loans and reserved collection
and library regulations are highlighted with emphasis on care and use of books. Thereafter cooperation with other
libraries is described.
A. Circulation Services
As is normal in all organizations there must be regulations to ensure proper functioning and to give equal opportunity to
all members. The is exactly what the Library does. It has its regulations which guide ;users in the proper use of its
materials and facilities.
All registered users of Jos University Library obtain a copy of "Know Your Library" in which the regulations are
embodies.
"Know Your Library" covers varied topics like –
Membership, clearance, borrowing privileges, normal loan period, reserve loan period, use of various materials,
opening hours etc.
1. Membership – This has to be stipulated since the University Library cannot cater for the entire public. It exists
mainly for the University Community-staff, students, and "other associate members. There is registration for
new users validation of borrowing cards for old users and clearance for those who are leaving the University.
2. Loans – This refers to procedures for borrowing and returning books, records of loans aand reservation of
books.
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a. Borrowing privileges
b. Normal loan period
c. Reservation of Books – This is a service that users should pay particular attention to as it assists
them to obtain the use of books already on loan to other users. It should not be confused with the
Reserved Collection.
1. Reserved Collection refers to Library materials that are much in demand and are reserved or kjept separate
in the Circulation Section away from books on the open shelves. This allows them to be available to all users
and their use is controlled.
Reserve Loan Period – A shorter time limit for use is needed because Reserved items are in great demand.
Opening Hours – The Library ;is open for a definite number of hours and those are made known for the benefit of
users.
A. Care and Use of Books
Use of various materials – Users are urged to treat all materials with care becaause the materials belong to everyone
and should be well kept for future use.
1. Physical Handling of Library Materials. Careful handling of Library materials is necessary for their
iphysical durability. The neat appearance of a book also attracts the user.
Turning over the pages of a books hould be done without folding the covers to avaoid creating a
tattered,"dog-cared" or torn edge. There should be no writing on or defraying any part of library
materials.
2. Non-Borrowable Materials. Some materials cannot be borrowed because they are the only copies
available e.g. Seriuals, Theses, or reference books which are used only for specific purposes i.e.
bits of information.
Among non-borrowable books are also rare books and very expensive ones of which only one
copy may be in the Library’s collection.
Documents and special collections kept in the Documents Section are also non-borrowable and
are therefore only consulted in that Section. Reserved materials as described in the earlier part of
the lecture are non-borrowable but are consulted within the Library.
3. Photocopying: To facilitate the care and use of Library materials photocopying services are
provided. This allows users who are not borrowing an item make a copy (for a fee) of any material
required for personal use.
This is particularly necessary ;with Serials which are not borrowable but are heavily consulted for
up to date information.
4. Binding: This is another service that facilitates longer ;use of Library materials. Paper back items
can be reinforced, damaged books are repaired, loose serials are bound together usually after a
year’s subscription has been received. Users should note therefore that selfish behaviour should
not be practiced. Such acts like book mutilation or book theft attract very strong punitive measures
including expulsion from the University.
5
You are reminded that regulations are made to assist users and you are advised to abide by them to achieve smiooth
and effective running of the Library.
C. Cooperation with Other Libraries
In spite of microforms, compact discs and compact shelf storage, it is imposible for any Library to own every printed
document that its users need. Therefore interlibrary cooperation continues to operate on community, local, regional,
national and international levels. The exchange between Libraries of materials or copies of materials is referred to as
interlibrary loan.
1. Libraries Within Nigeria: Within Jos and its environs, there are a few Libraries with which the University
Library cooperates regularly either to borrow or lend books – National Museum Library, Education Resource
Centre, Hillcrest School, National Veterinary Research Institute Library, Vom, National Institute for Policy and
Strategic Studies Library Kuru.
To go further a field at the regional level, the nearest conventional university library is Kashim Ibrahim at
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It is understandable that the younger deceloping libraries need to use the
older ones were than vice versa. Following this trend Jos University Library has received much cooperation
from Kashim Ibrahim Library.
The nearest Science and Technology University Library is Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Library
Bauchi with which there is also much interlibrary cooperation.
An interlibrary service that existed was the weekly land courier from Jos to Kashim Ibrahim Library when
lecturers and postgraduate students who wished to physically consult materials at ABU were taken there for
a day. The service of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for interlibrary cooperation
within the country has also been utilized.
It should be noted that it is still only books that are loaned. Should materials from Serials be required,
photocopies are supplied. All these are provided for a fee to cover the cost of materials and handling.
On the national level, all the University Libraries had been planning an inter-university Libraries land courier
service but it has not come off the ground. However like Jos and ABU, some others had been running their
individual courier service. Enquiries about interlibrary loans to other libraries within Nigeria are made by
telephone, radio, fax or electronic mail (e-mail) where this computer service exists. This last is being made
available in the Federal Universities through the National Universities Commission network (NuNet) and
being cheaper than fax message, will be miore frequently used.
2. Libraries Outside Nigeria: This cooperation amiong libraries transcends national boundaries. At the
international level therefore Jos University Library can tap various sources of information. Not only can books
and photocopied serial articles be procured, but also because of developments in modern information
technology, access to electronic data-bases abroad is available.
These databases caan be accessed directly through the Internet but Jos University does not yet have such
connectivity. However, copies of some databases are availabnle in the library on CD-ROMs (Cpmpact disks read only
memory). By this means users can make literature searches for references through many years of several abstracting
journals.
If the references selected are not available locally, the request for a photocopy is sent abroad to another library and the
information can be received sometimes within a few days. Fax or electronic mail (e-mail). Again because of the
cheaper cost, the mail is more frequently used to send the request while the photocopy is returned by ;mails courier.
6
Payment for such request can be made with coupons which are bough in advance – British Lending Library coupons
for requests from Britain and UNESCO coupons for some others.
Alternately, an exchange arrangement may be made to supply the other library with some lecal materials.
Conclusion
We have tried in this set of lectures to tell you all about your University Library and to show you how to use the
materials and facilities in this library to get information within the Library or from any other place where that information
exists. It is hoped that you will master this skill to get all necessary information not just for the present, but also
throughout your life.
While you are at this University, the Library staff are available at all times to assist you in achieving this goal.
Therefore, use the staff to the maximum.
7
UNIVERSIITY OF JOS LIBRARY
USE OF THE LIBRARY G.S. 001
LECTURE 3
ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES
This lecture covers three main topics:
A. Classification – the way in which hooks, serials and other library materials are
Arranged in the Library.
B. The Catalogue – The record kept of most materials (excluding serials) held
in the Library.
C. The Serials list – The record kept of the Serials held in the Library.
A. CLASSIFICATION
In most libraries books are arranged so that all those on one subject may be found together. This helps the users to
locate books quickly and easily and enables them to browse among the books in the subject area in which they are
interested.
In order to group similar books together, libraries use what is called a CLASSIFICATION SCHEME.
DEFINITION:
A classification scheme provides for the systematic arrangement of books and other library materials so that those on
the same subject are brought together.
Over the years, a number of classification schemes have been developed for use in libraries but there are only a very
few used widely today. In Nigeria, as in most English speaking countries, the university or national libraries are:
1. The Dewey Decimal classification system
2. The Library of Congress classification system.
In both of these schemes, there is a small number of main classes e.g. history, siocial sciences, languages and
literature, science, technology etc. Each of these general subject areas is subdivided into more specific topics which
can themselves be further subdivided e.g.
8
SCIENCE
Mathematics Physics Botany Zoology etc
Chemistry
Physical Chemistry Organic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry
Each of the main classes and each of the subdivisions within the classes is given a symbol so that all the books on a
particular subject may be marked with this symbol. The symbols used may be either letters or numbers or a
combination of both, and are referred to as CLASS MARKS (sometimes CLASS NUMBERS). So, for example, in the
Library of Congress Scheme which this Library uses, history is given the symbol (or classmark) D, African history is
denoted by DT and the history of particular countries by a combination of letters and numbers e.g. Nigerian history DT
1313-DT 1439 (according to the modified scheme in use here). Note that the letters are assigned arbitrarily i.e they are
not initials of the subjects that they represent, e.g. H - Social Sciences, Q - Science etc.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CLASSIFICATION
This was developed at the end of the last century by the most important library of the United States - the Library of
Congress. At the time, the library held over 12 million volumes so the scheme they devised was very detailed. The
classification is continually being revised and expanded to cope with new areas of knowledge.
The main classes of this scheme are shown in Know Your Library 32-33 denoted by a single letter. Principal
subdivisions are denoted by an added letter e.g.
P - Languages and literature
PN - Literature (general)
PR - English literature
PS - American literature
Further subdivision is by the use of numbers e.g.
PN 1031- Poetry (general)
PN 1514- Sonnets
PR 1631- Drama (general)
PN 1989 - Ballet
We follow this scheme strictly but with one exception. African history, DT, was found not to be detailed enough for our
purpose, so we use a modified schedule developed within Nigeria at Ahmadu Bellor University.
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CALLMARKS AND SHELF ORDER
Earlier, mention was made of classmarks as sysmbols denoting a specific topic within classification scheme. However,
there may be a large number of books on the same topic and we need to distinguish between them in some way, so
we add an AUTHOR NUMBER to the classmark. This is composed of the first letter of the author's surname, plus some
numbers which are assigned according to tables that we have in the Library. For example, Calculus has the classmark
QA 303. Suppose we have two books on caloulus
FADELL, E.R. Calculus and
SAWYER, W.W. What is Calculus.
The first will be located at QA303.F27 and the second at QA303.S2. The classmark plus author number is referred to
as the CALLMARK (or CALL NUMBER). Sometimes the Callmark may also include a third part - the LOCATION
MARK). In Jos University Library, all materials not located in the main sequence of books in the Reading Room are
indicated by location marks. (see Know Your Library p.9)
Location marks currently in use (page 15)
REF - Reference books in the Reference Room
2 - Non-borrowable books in the Lending Section
3 - Serials (in print format)
6 - Benue, Bauchi and Plateau State collection
7 - Government Publications
8 - These (in book format).
Books are arranged on the shelves in order according to the callmark. One point to note is that numbers following the
point are read as decimals.
Thus:PN86 comes before PN86
.K57
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B. THE CATALOGUE
I have described how books are arranged in a library, but it still remains to consider how to locate them.
Many people, just look along the shelves where they expect books in that subject to be found. Although browsing is a
good way to get to know the range of books a library has on a particular subject area, it is a very inefficient way of
trying to locate a particular book. For instance, the bookj may be on loan, being used in the Library or even be shelved
in another section such as the Reference Room. In addition, if the book deals with more than one subject it can only
stand on one shelf e.g. a book dealing with both polictics and economics may be shelved within the politics section and
so if you are browing in the economics section you will not find it.
Instead, you should consult the record of all the books held in the library which is known as the CATALOGUE.
DEFINITION
A catalogue is a systematic arrangement of items in an alphabetical or other logical order including brief descriptive
information such as price, size, colour etc. For example, many firms produce lists or catalogues of the items that they
sell. In the case of a library, however, it is a list of books (and other materials) held in the library and including such
information as author, title, publisher, date of publication etc and where the book is located in the library.
JOS UNIVERSITY LIBRARY CATALOGUE
In this library we use a card catalogue. This consists of 3 x 5 inch cards filed alphabetically in drawers. It is easily
updated by the insertion of a card in the appropriate place for a new book.
Both the Main Library and the Branch Library have their own catalogue listing the books held in that Library. In
addition, the catalogue in the Main Library lists the books held in the Branch Library (by first author and title only).
These cards are stamped "Science and Medical Libdrary" to notify users that the books are shelved in the other library.
At the mioment, the catalogue in the Branch Library still lacks many of the catalogue cards representing books
acquired prior to March 1978. We are in the process of transferring the cards for these books from the Main Library
catalogue to the Branch Library catalogue. All of the mathematics physics, chemistry, zoology, medicine, agriculture,
technology and geography books are not yet included. In the meantime if you cannot find what you are looking for,
report this to the staff at the Circulation Desk in the Brach Library who, if necessary can refer your query to the Main
Library.
In both of the University of Jos Libraries the catalogue is split into two sections;
i.
ii.
Author/Title
Subject
The author/title section may be used to answer the following questions:
1. Is a particular book (author and/or title known) in the Library?
2. What books by this author does the Library have?
11
The subject section may be used to answer the following type of query. What books does the Library have on this
subject?
In Know Your Library p. 35, 36, 37, you will see examiples of catalogue cards. Most books will be represented by at
least three cards – author, title and subject. I now want to explain a little more about these three types of card.
AUTHOR CARDS:
To find a book by author e.g. Wole Soyinka – look under his surname i.e. SOYINKA, Wole. The catalogue lists those of
his books which the Library owns, each represented by a separate card. If the library has more than one book by an
author, the author cards are filed aliphabetically by the title. Note that an author does not have to be a person, it could
be an organization, institution etc. In this case, look under the first word of the name.
NIGERIA Union of Teachers
AMERICAN Chemical Society
If a book is written by two or three people, a card will be made for each of them and you can locate the book by looking
up any of the authors’ names.
At the bottom of the author card there is usually a list of the other catalogue cards representing that book which is
known as the tracings. (In the case where a book ios written by many different people the TRACINGS are usually on
the title card). In the example given in Know Your Library we see that there are two subject cards (NIGERIAECONOMIC CONDITIONS) and NIGERIA-POLITICS and GOVERNMENT) and a title card made for that book.
One way of finding if the Library has books on a subject in which you are interested, and for which you already know
the author or title of one book in the Library on that subject, is by ; using the subject tracings. Looking in the subject
catalogue under the subject headings given in the tracings you will find the other books in the Library on the same
topic.
TITLE CARDS
Often people remember the title of a book rather than the author. When looking for a card, if the title begins with an
article (A, an or the) ignore the article and look under the next work.
A World of African song (filed under ‘w’)
The growth of sociability (filed under ‘g’)
Please note that the author and title cards are interfiled in the author/title catalogue. e.g.
EAST,
Eastern India
EASTMAN, John
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You should also read the section on the author/title catalogue in Know Your Library, pages 11 – 12.
SUBJECT CARDS
Often you will need materials on a subject without knowing any authors or titles to consult. In this case look up the
;subject in the subject catalogue. The careds for all the bnooks on a particular subject are filed together and then
arranged aliphabetically by the author’s name (or title if there is no author). A book covering a number of subjects will
be represented by several subject cards as appropriate.
If you are looking for a subject but cannot find if listed in the catalogue, do not assume that the Library has no books of
interest to you. Instead think of another word or phrase that means the same (or something similar) as your subject.
e.g. If your subject was human rights" you would find nothing listed under this in the subject catalogue but you would
find relevant books listed under "Civil rights".
Note that some phrases used as subject headings are inverted (.e. turned back to front) so that instead of "higher
education" you will find "education, higher" and instead of "organic chemistry" you will find "chemistry, organic"). The
specific headings used in the subject catalogue are determined with the aid of the Library of Congress, List of subject
headings. This list consists of two large red volumes ewhich are located on top of the subject catalogue. Instructions on
using this list have been attached to the first page of each volume. So if you are unable to think of alternative words or
iphrases to check in the subject catalogue, then you can use this list to assist you.
Other points to remember when using the subject catalogue are:-
1. First look up the specific subject heading that best defines your topic. For example, if your topic is
air pollution, look up AIR POLLUTION RATHER THAN POLLUTION.
2. Then if you do not find any books listed under the specific subject heading, look under a more
general subject heading for books which may include a section on your topic e.g. if nothing is listed
under SALES TAX loop up TAXATION.
You should also read the section on the subject catalogue in Know Your Library, pages 12 – 13.
ALPHABETICAL ARRANGEMENT IN THE CATALOGUE
The entries in the catalogue are arranged in a strict aliphabetical sequence according to a set of rules published by the
American Library Association. You do not need to Know much detail about these rules but you should study and
remember the points given on pages 10 and 11 of Know Your Library. It is important that you understand what is
meant by ‘word by word" filing, which is the system in use in UBNIJOS Library, so that you can easily find what you are
looking for in the catalogue.
THE SERIALS LIST
The catalogue just been described. For Serials (journals, magazines etc) there is a separate list. Currently, here at the
University our serials are listed alphabetically by title on special stands called "strip dexes". These frames containing
one narrow strip for each title are now located on the card catalog in the Main Library. From time to time the frames are
photocopied to provide "printed" lists for the Serials Room and the Branch Library. When you look up a particular serial
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title, you will find a holdings statement and a call-mark for locating the serial. The holdings statement gives a brief
indication of the particular issues available in the Library. For example, a statement such as:
V. 6 (1960) – 10(1964), 15(1969)Means we have V.
Means we have V.6 which was issued in 1960, V.7, 8, 9 + 10. We do not have, V.11, 12, 13, or 14 but we do have all
volumes from number 15 to the present one issued in 1979. An asterisk before the title indicates some missing
volumes or issues. For complete holdings information, ask for help in the Serials Department. There, a record of each
serial issue as received is kept in a special file know as a "Kardex".
The call-mark for serials issued more often than once a year, i.e. magazines and journals, begins with a (3), the
location mark for the separate serials collections, housed in the Serials Room of the Main Library and in the north?
Portion of the Branch Library. After the (3) are the 1 or 2 letters of the appropriate Library of Congress Class followed
by the first 3 letters of the first word of the title of the serial. Hence, the call-mark for Africana Journal is (3) DT Afr while
that of Newsweek is (3) AP New.
On the Serials shelves, journals and magazines are, of course, arranged alphabetically by these call-marks. Where
callmarks of 2 journals are identical, they are arranged alphabetically by journal title. In practice this means for
example, that all mathematics journals, which are classed in QA, stand on the shelves in alphabetical order by title,
after all general science journals classed in Q and before all astronomy journals classed in QB. I have repeatedly
stated that journals are listed alphabetically by title but there are a few exceptions. In cases where the title is journal of
….., Transactions of ….. followed by the name of an organization, the journal is listed by the nake of the organization
i.e. Journal of the American Medical Association is listed as American Medical Association. Journal (3)R. Ame and
Bulletin of the Society for African church history as Society for African church history. Bulletin. 3/BR/Soc.
LAC Nov. 79
14
UNIVERSIITY OF JOS LIBRARY
USE OF THE LIBRARY G.S. 001
LECTURE 4
REFERENCE SERVICE AND REFERENCE WORK
A Reference Service:
i.
ii.
Can be defined as direct aid given to Library users who need particular information.
FOUR OBJECTIVES OF REFERENCE SERVICE
1.
2.
3.
4.
To provide answers to inquiries requiring specific information.
To guide students in how to use the Library in connection with their studies.
To locate materials for users whenever these materials may be in the Library.
To make available materials not in the Library through inter-library loan.
Our goal is to give personal guidance in the use of Library resources. The materials used to carry out these functions
are many and varied. they include encyclopaedias, Dictionaries, Handbooks, almanacs, newspapers, atleases,
directories, indexes, abstracts, national, trade and subject bibliographies, guide to subject literature. guides to library
resources etc.
i.
ii.
IDENTIFYING AND LOCATING LIBRARY MATERIALS
RECORDS FOR FINDING LIBRARY MATERIALS
a. Card Catalogue - for books and non-book materials.
b. Serials stripdex for serials
c. Call-marks and Call numbers
B. i. REFERENCE WORK: Is one which is designed by its arrangement and treatment to be consulted for definite
items of information; in other words, a reference work is not meant to be read from cover to cover like you would read a
regular story book or textbook. Reference works are usually non-circulating collections, assembled at all times, to
serve the needs of the library community as quick sources of information, e.g. Encyclopaedia Britannica.
15
BASIC QUALITIES OF REFERENCE WORK
1. A collection of information organized for quick and convenient use.
2. Arrangement follows some consistent plan e.g. alphabetical like an encyclopaedia, tabular form l like
statistics.
3. Concentrates on facts. It is constructed for the reader who has definite questions.
iii.
SOME TYPES OF REFERENCE WORKS
1. Dictionaries are books that deal primarily with all aspects of words - from proper definitions, to spellings,
meanings and pronounciations. Arrangements is usually alphabetical, and there are various types of
languages.
GENERAL DICTIONARY:
a. An example of a General Dictionary is the Oxford English Dictionary. This perhaps is one of the most
scholarly, and the most important dictionary of the English language. The Oxford English Dictionary was first
published from 1885-1928 as A New Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles, in 10 volumes. The
present edition in 13 volumes was issued in 1933. The O.E.D. gives a complete history of words in use for
the past seven hundred years. For each word, it show when, how, and in what form it comes into the
language, and changes since then in spelling, usage and meaning. Various abridgements have been made
of the O.E.D. The most important being the shorter Oxford English Dictionary, some of these are available in
the Library.
OTHER IMPORTANT DICTIONARIES ARE:
Webster Third New International Dictionary, Published in 1966, it is the third edition of the famous Dictionary first
published in 1909. Webster also has many abridged versions. The most important of which are, Webster new
twentiesth century Dictionary and Webster's seventh, New collegiate Dictionary.
a. LANGUAGE DICTIONADRIES
These are of two types
1. The standard Dictionary of the language e.g. Oxford English Dictionary., French Dictionary.
2.
3. The bilingual dictionary e.g Cassell’s German and English Dictionary by Karl Brench and Harraps
New Shorter French and English Diction. English and French.
This attemipts to explain the meaning of a foreign word by giving a substitute word in another language. These are
most useful for someone learning new language or someone who needs to translate a letter or document written in a
foreign language.
a. Subject Dictionaries
These are dictionaries which provide keys to terms of special subject of profession:
o
o
o
Dictionary of Comparative Religion
Dictionary of Islam
Dictionary of Archaeology
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o
o
o
Webster’s Geographical Dictionary
A Dictionary of Science (penguine) or
Medical Dictionary, Dictionary of Physics
We have all the access above in the Library.
a. Synonyms – Thesaurus: e.g. Websters’ Collegiate Thesaurus
Thesaurus is consulted when a user is seeking for a more appropriate term that the one he has in
mind. Arranged alphabetically. It lists more than 100,000 synonyms, idiomatic iphrases, related and
contrasted words.
b. DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS
Penguine Dictionary of quotations – J.M. Cotton. A Dictionary of famous quotations by Riobin Hyman intended for
anyone looking for specific quotations – English, few are included from French, German, Greek and Italian.
1. ENCYCLO9PAEDIAS
Encyclopaedia is from the Greek word "comiplete Education". These may be defined as works containing informational
articles on a subject in every field of knowledge. They are usually arranged in alphabetical order: you can consult the
appropriate encyclopaedia when you want an answer to specific questions about a topic e.g. all about Universities,
Education, Music, etc. Examples are Encyclopaedia Britannica – in the Reference Section of our Library – 24 volumes.
a. GENERAL ENCYCLOPAEDIAS
THE BRITANNICA BOOK OF THE YEAR
1938 to date has remained an excellent annual supplement recording the latest develo9pments. The date on the cover
and on the title page refers to the date of publication; the contents of the book refer to the immediate, past year. Thus,
the 1976 Britannica Book of the Year recounts the events of 1975. There is a special supplement
Annual Register of World Events
A handy review of events of the past year. Wide in scope. Arrangement is by subject but basked by detailed index and
list of contents.
Nigerian Yearbook – is a handy compedium ipublished by the Daily Times. Information provided includes politics and
government, finance, trade, commerce, diplomatic relations, etc. Occasional issues carry brief biographical sketches of
prominent Nigerians. There are counterparts of the Nigeria Yearbook in many African countries.
HANDBOOKS
A handbook is a reference book of collection facts and figures on one or many subjects assembled for ready ;use, in
response to popular interest or to a specific need for concise, handy, information.
Thusfor such questions that are characterised by the short specific answers which require the exact wording of a rule,
ciontent of a law, location of a wuotation or its author, the melting point of a metallic alloy, details about the first
airplane, handbooks are the appropriate reference works. Examiples:
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Cueiouairy Handbooks
a. Kane, J.N. Famous first facts; a record of first happenings, discoveries and inventions in the United
States N.Y. Wilson.
b. Guinness Book of World Records – Annual 1962 –
Tells about extremes and record performances in the world, e.g. the Tallest man, the shortest, fattest, fastest runner,
the tallest building, the largest city etc.
1. DIRECTORIES
A directory is a list of persons or organizations, systematically arranged, usually in alphabetical or classified order,
giving address, affiliations etc for individuals and addresses, officers, functions and similar data for organizdations
(A.L.A. Glossary of Library Terms)
Organizations here include:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Learned Societies
Professional and trade associations
Institutions – educational, welfare, artistic – including Colleges, Universities,
Librarians, Museums observatories.
Firms, commercial and industrial
Clubs, lodges, fraternities
Political groups.
There are many examiples of directories.
Industrial Directory of Nigeria
This directory contains iprincipally names, addresses and products or service of all industrial establishments which are
known to be engaged in mining and manufacturing (including processing and repair work) in Nigeria and employing not
less than 10 persons.
ll. The World of Learning 1947 – Liondon, Europa Publications (Annual) A directory of Unitersities, colleeges, libraries,
learned societies, museums, art galleries and research institutes in more than 1590 countries, proceeded by a section
on international scientific educational and cultural organization .
Directory of British Scientists – Liondon, Den
Has entries for over 45,000 scientists given their names and adddress, telephone number, academic career and
qualifications, present post, publications. It also has a list of scientific societies and their journals, research
establishments.
1. Plateau State of Nigerian Office Directory Jos Area
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GAZETTEERS AND ATLASES
The gazetteer is a dictionary of places. It is a very valuable reference work which could be used to find information
about the location of a place, its correct pronounciation, and in many cases, a brief history. Gazetteers no matter how
old, remain useful. There are three popular gazetteers which will be available in almost any library:
a. Chamber’s World Gazetteer
(small 7992 pages) wot9j e,[jasos pm the Brit9ish Isles.
b. Columbia Lippincott Gazetteer of the World. Over 2,000 pages.
Columbia Liuppincott Gazetteer of the World.
Contains some `130,000 names and given locations, variant spellings, cultural
history, and other pertinent facts. Entries cover political divisions and
geographical features.
c. INDEXES – Social Sciences Index; Humanities Index, Education Index
ABSTRACTS – PAIS, Psychological, Sociological.
a. Inter-Library Loan
Another important function of reference service is assisting in locating and
securing material which is not available in our Library. The need for such a
service has grown from the inevitable fact that no university library, no matter
how rich, can supply all the research needs of its patrons. Inter-Library loans
serices thus supplement the collective for research materials. Interlibrary loan
does stipulates that responsibilityu for materials borrowed rests on the
borrowing library and not on the individual borrower.
b. Photo-copying Services
The invention of the photocopy machine has had a great impact on libraries. Copy service is now available in
practically every university library. By this service, the library user can reproduce copies of documents rapidly in lieu of
manual transcription. The library also uses copy service to help preserve its own materials to save space, and to
improve efficiency generally. Photocopy services are available in our library. The fee is 20k per page and we are bound
by the copyright law which st9ipulates that libraries should reproduce materials for research purposes only.
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