ABSTRACT

 The study examined the challenges in the training of Library and Information Science Students ofImo State University, Owerri. The specific objectives of the study were; to: examine the nature oftraining given to LIS students in IMSU, Owerri; assess the extent to which these trainings are given to LIS students at IMSU, Owerri; find out the attitude of LIS students towards the training they are given in IMSU, Owerri; determine the extent of application of modern techniques in the training of LIS students in IMSU, Owerri; identify the challengesfacing the training ofLIS students in IMSU, Owerri; and proffer solution to the challenges facing the training ofLIS students in IMSU, Owerri. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. A population oftwo hundred and ninety six (296) respondents comprising of students of Library and Information Science Department in Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, was used in the study. The sampling technique used was the census sampling technique while a closed-ended questionnaire offour-point scale was used to collect data. A total of 296 copies were distributedwhile 244 copies ofthe instruments were retrieved and analysedfor the study. Mean and standard deviation were usedfor data analysis. Frequency table was usedfor data presentation. The findings revealed that the challenges facing the training ofLIS students in IMSU, Owerri include; inadequate current and relevant information resources (both print and non-prints), lack of conducive learning environment and classrooms, poor Internet connectivity, inadequate computers/ICT facilities in the library, lack of standard digital departmental library, and high cost of LIS reading materials. The study revealed that LIS students ofIMSU show positive attitude towards the trainings they are given which, to a high extent, focuses on training on information literacy skills, training on ICTproficiency skills, good writing and communication skills, the practical organization and retrieval of information, library user education and research skills. It was equally revealed that LIS students ofIMSU can use the social media in connecting people with information, IMSU LIS Department carries out library services through mobile devices like phones, tablets, laptops among others. The study revealed that LIS Department, IMSU is weak in the areas of library automation softwares, online databases and internet connectivity. The study recommends that the government and parent institutions should adequately fund and ensure the provision of relevant information resources, especially the electronic information resources, so as to enhance the optimum training ofwell-rounded library and information science students. Also, there should be conducive learning and reading environment in the department of library and information science.