Provision and access to library support services for distance learners in Ladoke Akintola University, Nigeria

This study examined the provision and access to library support services for distance learners (DLs) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used to select 341 DLs to whom to distribute a questionnaire; there was a response rate of 86.2%. Four research questions were answered by the study. The findings of the study revealed that most respondents agreed that the library offered DLs support services, but that they did not include document delivery, borrowing and internet services. The findings also revealed that just over half of the respondents considered the level of accessibility of library support services to be good. However, the study found that the level of satisfaction with library support services was low. Geographical isolation, poor internet connectivity, difficulty in borrowing from the library, among other factors, affected the use of library services. The study concluded that the LAUTECH library provided library services to DLs, but they were inadequate. Based on the findings, the study recommends that library management should facilitate the borrowing of books to DLs through reciprocal services with other libraries and embrace an empathetic marketing approach to reach DLs.