Abstract

This study investigated Delinquent Readership Problems in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike. Four research questions were designed to ascertain the variousforms ofdelinquent readership behaviour, factors that leads to delinquent readership behaviour, effects ofdelinquent readership behaviour and strategies to eradicate delinquent readership problems in MOUAU library, Abia State. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of1385 registered library users in MOUAU, the sample size is 308. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling technique. A Questionnaire on Delinquent Readership Problems in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) Library, (DRPMLQ), was used for data collection. Descriptive statistical method such c,sfrequencies and mean were used to analyze the data. Findings from this study have shown that various forms of delinquent readership behaviour among users of MOUAU library include: theft of user’s belongings, mutilation oflibrary materials, among others. While folding of books or leaves ofa book, theft oflibrary materials and assault on staffand users are not forms of delinquent readership problems in MOUAU library. Furthermore, inadequacy in the service rendered to user, insufficiency of library materials, among others are the effects of delinquent readership behaviour in MOUAU library. On the other hand, high cost of library materials, scarcity of library materials, among others arefactors that lead to delinquent readership problems in MOUAU library. While lack ofphotocopyingfacilities is not a factor that leads to delinquent readership behaviour in MOUAUlibrary. Strategies that could be used to overcome these problems of delinquent readership problems in MOUAU Library include: provision of modern electronic security devices, orientation of new users on library use ethics, etc. Based on the findings it was recommended that there should be a heavypenalty attached to anyform ofdelinquent readership act, the library management can suspend or barn any user caught in such act by so doing, users will learn to desistfrom such act, among others.