Course Information

 Course Title: Use of Library

 Credit Unit: 2 (Compulsory for all undergraduates)

 Duration: One semester

 Study Time: 1 hour per day

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Identify sources of information.

2. Collect secondary information using the library.

3. Utilize library resources for academic writing.

4. Manage information retrieved from the library.

Module 1: Types of Libraries and Services

Unit 1: Types of Libraries

Definition of a Library:
An organized collection of resources (books, journals, digital materials) accessible to a defined
community for reference or borrowing.

Types of Libraries:

1. Academic Libraries: Serve universities/polytechnics (e.g., NOUN Library).

o Functions: Provide research materials, support academic programs.

2. Research/Special Libraries: Serve specific fields (e.g., IITA Library).

o Functions: O er specialized services like literature searches.

3. School Libraries: For primary/secondary schools.

o Functions: Support curriculum, encourage reading habits.

4. Public Libraries: Open to all (funded by taxes).

o Functions: Promote literacy, provide recreational materials.

5. National Libraries: National repositories (e.g., National Library of Nigeria).

o Functions: Legal deposit, national bibliography.

Unit 2: Library Services

General Services:

 Reference Services: Assist users in finding information.

 Current Awareness Service (CAS): Updates users on new materials.

 Interlibrary Loan: Borrow materials from other libraries.

 Lending Services: Borrow books (with due dates).

Specialized Services:

 Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI): Personalized research updates.

 Referral Service: Direct users to other libraries/experts.

 Translation Service: Convert materials to local languages.

Module 2: Research Techniques

Unit 1: Information Sources

1. Primary Sources: Primary sources are original materials on which other sources of
information are based (e.g., Diaries, letters, print speeches, patents, photographs,
newspaper articles, Journal articles, theses and dissertations etc.

2. Secondary Sources: Secondary sources of information are created from primary sources
of information. (e.g., text book, biographical works, commentaries, criticisms, dictionaries
and histories).

3. Tertiary Sources: Summarize primary/secondary sources (e.g., chronologies,

bibliographies, indexes, encyclopedias, and directories etc.)

Unit 2: Literature Review

 Definition: Literature review is a critical analysis of related literature to research topic.

 Steps:

1. Identify relevant literature.

2. Analyze the literature

3. Synthesize findings.

4. Write the review systematically.

Unit 3: Databases

Definition: Databases are vital resource tools for your research. A database is a searchable
collection of published works. It is an electronic (online) catalog or index. The database helps the
researcher to find reliable information from trusted sources.

Some examples of known databases are:

- ABI/Inform
- Academic search premiere
- JSTOR
- LEXISNEXIS Academic
- PSYC/NFO
- PubMed/Medline
- ScienceDirect
- Scopus
- Web of Science
- SAGE
- LAW Pavilion
- Project Muse Journals
- AGORA
- EBSCO
- ERIC
- HINARI
- National Virtual library
- Ebrary
Questia
- Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE), etc.

Brief notes on a few:

 Academic Search Premier: Multidisciplinary database.

 JSTOR: Digital library for journals/books.

 PubMed: Free medical research database.

Unit 4: Open Educational Resources (OER)

 Definition: defined as the open provision of educational resources, enabled by information

and communication technologies for consultation, use and adaptation by a GST 104 Use of
Library community of users for non-commercial purposes.

Open educational resources are commonly referred to as digitized materials o ered freely
and openly for educators, students and self-learners to use and reuse for teaching, learning
and research.
 OER include:

1. Learning Content (i.e., full courses, courseware, content modules, learning

objects, collections and Journals.)
2. Tools (i.e., Software that supports the development, use, reuse and delivery of
learning content, including searching and organization of content, content and
learning management systems, content development tools, and online learning
communities.)
3. Implementation (i.e., resources which are intellectual property licenses that
promote open publishing of materials, design principles of best practice and
localized content.)

Open Access Repository

Definition: are online platforms that store and provide free, unrestricted access to digital academic
or scholarly materials.

There are basically two main categories of repositories:

1. Subject specific repositories

2. Institutional repositories.

 Subject– Specific Repositories: contain research outputs of specific disciplines in order to

make it available to the public.

Examples are:

Repository Focus

Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Biology,

arXiv ([Link])
Statistics

bioRxiv ([Link]) Biology and life sciences

ChemRxiv
Chemistry
([Link])

EarthArXiv
Earth and environmental sciences
([Link])

TechRxiv ([Link]) Engineering and technology

 Institutional Repository (IR): This contains research output of an institution such as a

university and makes it available to the public.
Examples are:

- Eprints

- D–Space

- National Academic Research and Collaborations Information System (NARCIS)

- Focus on Access to Institutional Resources (FAIR)

- Open DOAR

Module 3: Organization of Library Materials

Unit 1: Library Catalogues

 Definition: Library catalogue is a complete organized record of all libraries’ contents.

It is a list of all bibliographic items found in a library or group of libraries.

Access Points

Access points are headings that users employ to locate needed materials. For example; Title,
Author and Subject are three main access points.

Physical Form of Library Catalogue

Types of physical form of library catalogues are:

a. Book catalogue: lists bibliographic records in alphabetical order by various entries on pages
of a book. This is the oldest type of catalogue.

b. Card catalogue: is a file of cards usually in catalogue cabinet showing the users the library’s
collections. The cards give very relevant information about the books in the library as well as
indicating their location on the shelves. These cards are filed alphabetically in catalogue trays
that are placed in the cabinets.

c. Microform catalogue: are photographed card catalogue or screen images that are
transferred onto microform. Basically, they are used as backup as online catalogues have
overtaken them.

d. Online catalogue: Online catalogue is more appropriately referred to as On-line Public

Access Catalogue (OPAC). It is the most modern form of catalogue. One needs a
microcomputer with a large memory for it. Bibliographic records of all documents in a
collection are stored in the computer memory disk. OPAC is the most e icient of all the
catalogues. It is very flexible and can be easily updated.
Unit 2: Classification Schemes

The Importance of Library Classification

Library classification is the process of organizing library materials (like books, journals, and
media) into categories or classes based on their subjects so they can be easily located and
retrieved.

Librarianship is the act of bringing the library user in contact with a specific document or
information and it is done by a Librarian.

Types of Library Classification Schemes

1. Library of Congress Classification Scheme (LC)

2. Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme
3. Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)
4. Bliss Classification Scheme
5. Colon Classification Scheme
6. Moys Classification Scheme

The scheme that is mainly employed in academic libraries is:

Library of Congress Classification Scheme (LC)

In the next page you will find a comprehensive table I have prepared of the summary of all the
library classification schemes, where they are used, their key notations for easy memorization.
 Key Classes
Notation Example Call
Scheme Used In (Verbatim from
Style Number
NOUN Material)

Mixed:
1. Library of Academic A General Works
Letters + JA66.M33 2011
Congress (LC) libraries (e.g., K Law
Numbers + (Politics book)
(Page 52) NOUN) Z Bibliography
Cutter

2. Dewey Pure 000 Generalities

School/Small 610.73 MED
Decimal (DDC) numbers + 600 Technology
libraries (Medical book)
(Page 53) decimals 900 History

3. Universal Based on 903 Prehistory 903'15

Special libraries
Decimal (UDC) DDC + 903'14 Pastoral (Nomadic
(EU/Africa)
(Page 55) symbols cultures cultures)

Roman
4. Bliss B Physics H
letters +
Classification UK libraries H Human Biology (Physical
Arabic
(Page 56) Z Law Anthropology)
numbers

5. Colon B Mathematics
Scientific Facets with L:Medicine
Classification L Medicine
subjects colons : (Medical text)
(Page 57) X Economics

KD Nigerian Law
6. Moys KD
Letters + KV European Law
Classification Law libraries (Nigerian Legal
numbers KW EU Community
(Page 58) System)
Law

Key points

- Library of Congress (LC): Used in academic libraries (e.g., NOUN).

- Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): Common in schools.
- Universal Decimal Classification (UDC): Used in French-speaking countries.
Module 4: ICT in the Library

Unit 1: Digital Libraries

 Advantages: 24/7 access, global reach, space-saving.

 Challenges: Requires tech skills, copyright issues.\

Unit 2: Computer-Based Literature Search

Constructing a Search Strategy

A search strategy is a structured organization of terms used to search a database.

In order to construct a search strategy, you have to follow the steps below:

1. Define your topic

2. Choose your keywords

3. Identify alternative terminology

4. Combining your keywords

5. Limiting

6. Choose your database

Module 5: Good Reading Habits/Study Skills

Unit 1: Study Techniques

 SQ3R Method:

1. Survey: Skim the material.

2. Question: Formulate questions.

3. Read: Actively read for answers.

4. Recite: Summarize in your words.

5. Review: Revisit key points.

Unit 2: Developing Reading Habits

Reading is both an important professional skill and a way to enjoy informative, creative, and
inspiring works of literature that enrich your life experiences. Once mastered, reading becomes a
lifelong source of enjoyment and entertainment for you.
For you to develop a good reaching habit, you have to practice the following:

1. Improve your reading skills: Do this by; reading for content, looking up unfamiliar
words, appreciating contextual meanings, becoming familiar with literary devices
and not rushing.
2. Keep reading Materials Handy
3. Connecting reading in everyday life: Do this by; joining a book club, downloading a
news hub or curator, finding a time and place to read and setting daily or weekly
goals.
4. Making a decision on what to read: Do this by; Seeking out blogs, books and
magazines that is in sync with your personal hobbies and interests to drive you to
read with more comfort and enjoyment, you can also talk to friends with common
interests and read a book based on positive reviews or critics.
5. Create a Reading List: Do this by; customizing and personalizing a reading
timetable.

Unit 3: Exam Preparation

To prepare for an exam or ensure your readiness, you can:

- Start studying early.

- Organize all your course materials, notes, and handouts before studying, fill any gaps by
borrowing notes, and review them repeatedly to reinforce understanding and retention.
- Try to find out from your lecturers the areas to cover for your exams.
- Review past exam questions.
- Know exam venue and time of your paper.
- Don’t panic!
- Read through all instructions and exam questions in time and start deciphering your
answers.
- Interpret your questions well
- Create time to review your answers to the exam questions.

Module 6: Copyright, Plagiarism, and Referencing

Unit 1: Copyright Law

The Concept of Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual Property Rights are legal rights over creations of the mind. This law grants the author
of an intellectual creation exclusive right for exploiting and benefiting from their creation.
Types of Protection of Intellectual Property

1. Patents: covers new, non-obvious, industrially applicable inventions.

2. Trademarks: covers signs or symbols to identity goods and services.
3. Industrial Designs: covers ornamental designs.
4. Topography of Semi-conductor product: covers original layout design of micro-electronics
industry.
5. Copyright: covers original work of authorship.
6. Neighboring rights: also covers original work of authorship but in performing, broadcasting
organizations etc.
7. Trade Secrets: covers secret business information.
8. Protection against unfair competition: covers all of the above

Copyright Law

Copyright is a legal framework that governs access to information enacted by the government of
every country.

Copyright Law is the legal right/authority that gives the creator of a work the monopoly of
controlling the distribution of his work.

A Brief History of Copyright

In 1710, the world’s first copyright law was enacted in England known as statute of Anne. What this
law did, was to give the copyright of a work to its original owner. After some time, other countries
gradually came up with their own legislation based on statute of Anne. For example, United States
came up with the copyright Act of 1790. However, it was not until 19th country that copyright
legislation became coordinated at the international level. Although in 1886, the Berne convention
was introduced to provide mutual recognition of copyright between nation states.

The Berne convention brought world recognition of copyright law; therefore, there was no need for
authors to register their works in individual states. The Berne convention is still in force till date and
remains the basis for international copyright law.

Purpose Of Copyright Law

There are basically two purposes for the copyright law. These are economic and moral.

Economic point of view copyright – ensures that the original author or creator/creators is/are
rewarded for their work, which encourages creativity by preventing unauthorized copying and
distribution by others.

Moral point of view copyright – protects/safeguards creators' integrity/moral rights by allowing them
to prevent unauthorized changes to their work that could harm their reputation or honor.
Fair Use in Copyright Law

The Copyright Act of 1976 allows limited copying and distribution of copyrighted material without
permission or payment under certain conditions/factors.

Factors to consider in Fair Use

1. The purpose and character of the use

2. The nature of the copyrighted work
3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work.
4. The e ect of the use upon the potential market for a value of the copyrighted work

Key points

It is not an infringement to make short quotations from a work for purposes of criticisms, teaching,
scholarship, or research. However, the name of the author and the source of the quotation must be
acknowledged duly.

Unit 2: Plagiarism

Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement is any infringement upon the rights of a copyright holder.

Rights of the Copyright Law

• The right to reproduce (copy) a work.

• The right to create derivative works based upon it.

• The right to distribute copies of the work to the public.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the taking of the original work or works of another and presenting it as your
own.

Copyright infringement is a construct of the law while plagiarism is a construct of ethics.

Similarities between Plagiarisms and Copyright infringements

Works that can be plagiarized could be copyrighted. Plagiarism deals with creative or academic
works and these types of works, typically, qualify for copyright protection when they are new.
Many plagiarisms are copyright infringements e.g. a blog post on a new site, copying an
encyclopedia article without attribution for a book, and reporting or submitting a photograph
someone else took under your name to a magazine, etc.

Di erences between Plagiarisms and Copyright infringements

The key di erence between plagiarism and copyright infringement is that not all plagiarisms are
infringements and not all infringements are plagiarisms. For example, a person can plagiarize
almost anything, including works that are not protected by copyright. Works that are in public
domain can be plagiarized but because they are not protected by law, they cannot be copyright
infringement on them.

Units 3 & 4: Referencing Styles

A referencing style is a set of rules that instructs you on how to acknowledge the thoughts, ideas
and works of others in a way.

Unintentional plagiarism can occur if you fail to reference correctly. So, you must ensure that you
properly acknowledge the ideas or words of others that you use during your academic work or
research.

The di erent types of referencing styles are:

- American Meteorological Society (AMS) style

- APA referencing
- Chicago styles
- Harvard referencing
- MHRA referencing
- OSCOLA referencing (Oxford Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities)

However, the two most common styles are Harvard and APA styles.

1. Harvard Style:

Harvard referencing style is commonly used by students and researchers to cite information
sources.

Harvard Referencing Style – Compact Guide

1. Basic Structure

Harvard referencing has two parts:

 In-text citations – Brief reference in your writing

Example: (Smith, 2020) or (Smith and Jones, 2020, p. 45)
  Reference list – Full details at the end of your work
Sorted alphabetically by author surname

2. Reference List Formats

Books

 1 Author
Last, F. (Year). *Title*. Edition. City: Publisher.
Adigun, O. (2003). Cases on equity. Lagos: Mabrochi.

 2+ Authors
Last, F. and Last, F. (Year). *Title*. City: Publisher.
Frederickson, N. and Cline, T. (2009). Special needs. New York: McGraw.

 Edited Book Chapter

Last, F. (Year). Chapter title. In: F. Last (ed.), *Book Title*. City: Publisher, pp.X–Y.
Atkinson, D. (2010). Narratives. In: G. Grant (ed.), Learning Disability. Berkshire:
McGraw, pp.78–92.

 eBooks
Last, F. (Year). *Title*. [ebook] City: Publisher. Available at: URL [Accessed Day Mo. Year].
Zusack, M. (2015). The Book Thief. [ebook] New York: Knopf. Available at: [Link]
[Accessed 20 Apr. 2015].

Journal Articles

 Print Journal
Last, F. (Year). Article title. *Journal*, Volume(Issue), pp.X–Y.
Bimber, B. (2000). Gender Gap. Social Science Quarterly, 81(3), pp.868–876.

 Online Journal
Last, F. (Year). Article title. *Journal*, [online] Volume(Issue), pp.X–Y. Available at: URL
[Accessed Day Mo. Year].
Akinsola, M. (2007). Simulation-games. Turkish Online Education, [online] 6(3), p.146.
Available at: [Link] [Accessed 14 Sept. 2007].

Other Sources

 Conference Paper
Last, F. (Year). Paper title. In: *Conference Name*. [online] City: Publisher, pp.X–Y. Available
at: URL [Accessed Day Mo. Year].
  Dissertation/Thesis
Last, F. (Year). *Title*. PhD. University Name.

 Government Report
Organization (Year). *Title*. City: Publisher.

 Interview
Interviewer, F. and Interviewee, F. (Year). Interview title.

3. In-Text Citations

 One author: (Smith, 2020)

 Two authors: (Smith and Jones, 2020)

 Three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020)

 Direct quote: (Smith, 2020, p. 45)

4. Key Rules

1. Italicize: Book and journal titles

2. Use “and”: Between authors in reference list; use “&” only in in-text citations

3. Capitalize: First word of title and subtitle only (except proper nouns)

4. Sort alphabetically: By author's last name

Quick Reference Table

Source Type Reference Format

Book Last, F. (Year). *Title*. City: Publisher.

Journal Last, F. (Year). Title. *Journal*, Volume(Issue), pp.X–Y.

Website Site (Year). *Page*. [online] Available at: URL [Accessed Day Mo. Year].