ABSTRACT

This study examined users' patronage ofservices ofspecial libraries, with reference to the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Library, Abuja, Nigeria. Case study and descriptive survey research designs were adoptedforthe study. Thepopulation ofthe study comprisedstaffand users ofthe IPG R library, Abuja. Apurposive sampling technique was usedto draw a sample size of 120staffandusers ofthe IPCR library, Abujawhich was evaluatedforthisstudy. Instrumentfor data collection include a well structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. Out ofthe 120 copies ofquestionnaire sent out, a response rate of103 (86%) wasrecorded. The study employedthe use offrequency counts, percentages, significant mean and criterion mean as statistical measures for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that the IPCR library, Abuja has various information resources and services; staff make adequate use ofthe library, users were highly dissatisfiedwith the servicesprovidedby the library among others. The study identifiedsomefactors that hindered use such aspoorlibraryfacilities; non automation oflibrary services andoperations etc. It was therefore recommended that the library employ adequate and qualified staff, fully automate the library, offer effective and innovative library services, thatwould endearresearchers and staff of the organization to the library, especially for research on peace and conflict management among others. This study has serious implicationsfor special library services in Nigeria as mostspecial libraries do not havefocusedservices that engender research. Designing innovative servicesin speciallibraries is anotherissue that israisedhere. Special libraries must be adequately staffed by qualified librarians with subject specialties. The results ofthe study have implicationsforthe management andstaffofthe IPCR library, Abuja andresearchers onpeace and conflictmanagement. Keywords: Users, Patronage, Special Libraries, Services,Abuja, Nigeria.