Perceived Influence of Utilisation of Library Information Resources on Academic Performance of Postgraduates in Universities in Benue State

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived influence of library information resources on the academic performance of postgraduate students at universities in Benue State, Nigeria. Academic libraries serve as critical hubs for teaching, learning, and research, offering both physical and digital resources essential for advanced scholarly work. Guided by a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 368 postgraduate students across Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Benue State University, and the University of Mkar using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyse responses on the types of library resources available, the extent of their use, perceived impact on academic performance, and the challenges faced by students. Findings revealed that research journals and online databases were the most utilised resources, while e-books, theses, and reference materials were less
frequently accessed. Postgraduate students perceived library resources as having a strong positive influence on academic performance, particularly in enhancing access to relevant materials, supporting academic writing, improving critical thinking, and facilitating time management and effective presentations. However, challenges such as limited digital access, inadequate internet connectivity, insufficient training, outdated materials, and constrained library infrastructure were significant barriers to optimal utilisation. The study concludes that effective engagement with library resources is essential for improving postgraduate research quality and scholarly productivity. Recommendations include enhancing digital infrastructure, expanding awareness and training programmes, improving resource availability, and strengthening library facilities to support postgraduate learning and research.