ABSTRACT

This study investigated public library location as correlate to users’ patronage in Abia and Imo States, Nigeria. The study was aimed at finding out the relationship between the public library location and users’ patronage. That is to know if the location of public libraries in Abia and Imo States affected the patronage of users. Literature in relevant areas was reviewed.  An ex-post facto design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 914 registered users of public libraries in Abia and Imo States.  A total of 524 registered users from Umuahia Central and Owerri Central libraries in Abia and Imo States formed the sample for the study using purposive sample technique. A structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed and presented using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). The major findings of the study revealed that there is a high positive and significant relationship between the location of public libraries and users’ patronage, which showed that location of public library can affect the use. A significant relationship also existed between the distance to the public library location and users patronage. This implied that low level of patronage of public library could be as a result of distance of the library to the users. The findings also discovered that how users commute to the public library in their area relates to users’ patronage. Challenges such as non-centrality of the library to users’ residence, high cost of transportation, among others relates to users’ patronage. The study outlined solutions such as centrality of the location of public library, low cost of transportation, involvement of library and information professionals in planning and establishment of public library, among others. Thus the study concludes that centrality of the location of the public libraries can increase the level of users’ patronage. The study recommends that State Government should site public libraries in centralized locations. Library and Information Science Professionals should be fully involved in the planning and establishment of public libraries and also Non-Governmental organizations and philanthropists should be encouraged to support funding of public libraries.