THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE

P.M.B 704, AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Introduction

As part of our academic excursion, we visited the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Library, also known as the Albert Ilemobade Library. The visit aimed to provide firsthand experience of
how a university library is structured and operates. The library serves as a central resource hub for
students, staff, and researchers of the university.

History and Structure of FUTA Library

The library was established in 1982, the same year the university began academic activities. Initially, it
was housed in temporary buildings at Obakekere Campus before being relocated to its permanent site in
April 2006. In 2016, the library expanded with an additional twin structure, increasing its capacity to
accommodate more resources and users.

The library is a two-story building with two main entrances. The first entrance is accessible to all users
and includes a Porter’s Desk for monitoring entry. The second entrance is restricted to staff members
and users who need access to the e-Resources Unit.

Library Facilities and Divisions

The FUTA Library is well-organized with multiple divisions to enhance its functionality. These divisions
include:

1. Administrative Division – Oversees the general management and operations of the library, including
staff coordination and policy implementation.
2. Readers’ Services Division – This division provides direct services to users, including book lending,
reference services, and reading spaces.

3. Technical Services Division – Responsible for cataloging, classifying, and processing books and other
materials before they are made available to users.

4. Government Publications, Serials, and Special Collections Division – Houses government documents,
periodicals, academic journals, and unique research materials.

Special Features of the Library

Cloakrooms: Located near the Porter’s Desk, with separate sections for male and female users.

Circulation Unit: Manages book checkouts and returns.

Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC): A digital system that helps users search for library materials.

Recreation Corner: Provides a relaxation space for students.

e-Resources Unit: Allows access to digital academic resources.

Reference Unit: Contains specialized reference materials for in-depth research.

Conclusion

The FUTA Library stands out as a well-equipped academic resource center designed to support learning
and research. The visit provided valuable insights into the organization, services, and facilities of a
standard university library.
Report on Field Trip to the Library of Elizade University

Introduction

As part of our academic excursion, we visited the library of Elizade University, located in Ilara-Mokin,
Ondo State. Founded by Chief Michael Ade Ojo in 2012, the university commenced operations in
January 2013. The library, though smaller than the FUTA Library, serves as a critical academic resource
hub for students and staff.

Our tour guide, Mr. Bright, provided insights into the structure, divisions, and operations of the library.

Library Structure and Facilities

The Elizade University Library is a makeshift facility, designed to meet the immediate academic needs of
the university. Unlike larger university libraries, it has a more compact structure, yet it effectively
supports research and learning.

Apart from the general library, the university has specialized libraries dedicated to specific fields of
study:

1. Law Library – Houses legal textbooks, case reports, and journals.

2. Engineering Library – Contains technical manuals, engineering textbooks, and research materials.

3. Architectural Library – Offers books, design models, and references related to architecture.
Each of these specialized libraries has its own Serial and Reference Unit, ensuring that students and
researchers have access to updated periodicals and reference materials.

Bindery Unit and Its Functions

The bindery unit is located separately from the main library but remains an essential part of its
operations. This unit specializes in:

Bookbinding – Repairing worn-out books and re-binding old materials.

Preservation – Ensuring that delicate and frequently used books remain in good condition.

Document Lamination – Protecting important documents and certificates from wear and tear.

Production of Customized Library Materials – Includes preparing custom notebooks, thesis covers, and
other specialized academic resources.

Comparison with FUTA Library

While the FUTA Library is a larger, purpose-built facility with multiple divisions, the Elizade University
Library operates in a more compact space, focusing on specialized academic disciplines. However, both
libraries are well-organized and tailored to meet the needs of their respective institutions.

Conclusion
The visit to the Elizade University Library provided an opportunity to explore a more specialized and
compact academic library system. Despite its smaller size, the library effectively caters to various
disciplines through its specialized libraries and well-equipped bindery unit.

Report on Field Trip to the Ondo State Library

Introduction

As part of our academic excursion, we visited the Ondo State Library, a public library located in Akure,
the capital of Ondo State. Established in 1976, the library operates under the Ondo State Library Board
and serves as a major resource center for students, researchers, and the general public.

Unlike university libraries that primarily cater to academic institutions, the state library is open to
everyone, making it a vital institution for literacy, lifelong learning, and access to information.

Structure and Divisions of the Ondo State Library

Public libraries are structured to accommodate diverse users, from students and professionals to
children and senior citizens. The Ondo State Library is organized into several key divisions to support
different types of users and services.
1. Administrative Division

Oversees the general management and policy-making for the library.

Handles budgeting, staff management, and coordination with the Ondo State Library Board.

2. Readers' Services Division

This is the most interactive division, assisting visitors with locating books and other materials.

Includes the circulation desk, where books are borrowed and returned.

Provides reading spaces for quiet study.

3. Reference and Research Division

Houses encyclopedias, dictionaries, government reports, and other reference materials.

Assists users with research and fact-finding inquiries.

Offers access to online and offline databases for academic research.

Dedicated to young readers, featuring storybooks, picture books, and early learning materials.

Hosts storytelling sessions, literacy programs, and educational games.

5. Serials and Periodicals Division

Stores newspapers, magazines, journals, and government gazettes.

Provides access to local and international publications for current affairs and historical research.

6. Technical Services Division

Responsible for cataloging, classification, and processing of books before they are made available to the
public.

Ensures books and materials are organized systematically for easy access.
Comparison with University Libraries

Unlike university libraries that focus on academic and research needs, the Ondo State Library serves a
broader audience, including students, professionals, and casual readers. It also prioritizes literacy
programs and public education, making it a key player in community development.

Conclusion

The Ondo State Library plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and providing access to information for
the general public. Its structured divisions cater to different user needs, from research and academics to
children’s education and digital literacy. Our visit provided valuable insights into the operations of a
public library and its role in lifelong learning.

Report on Field Trip to the National Library of Nigeria (Ondo State Branch)

Introduction

As part of our academic excursion, we visited the Ondo State branch of the National Library of Nigeria,
which serves as the state’s primary legal deposit and research library. The National Library of Nigeria is
the apex library of the country, responsible for preserving and providing access to published materials
for reference and research.

The Ondo State branch was established in 1981 and officially began operations in 1982. The library's first
branch head was Mr. Willurbey, while the current head is Mr. N.A. Ekoh.

Functions of the National Library of Nigeria

Unlike state and university libraries, which focus on general public services or academic needs, the
National Library has a broader mandate, including:

Legal Deposit Services – Collecting and preserving all published materials in Nigeria.

Bibliographic Control – Maintaining the National Bibliography of Nigeria (NBN), a catalog of all books
published in the country.

Reference and Research Services – Providing access to government publications, academic resources,
and historical documents.

Library Development and Coordination – Supporting public and academic libraries across the country.

Structure and Divisions of the National Library (Ondo State Branch)

The Ondo State branch of the National Library is structured to support research, archiving, and national
documentation efforts. The key divisions include:

1. Administrative Division
Oversees staff management, budgeting, and overall operations.

Coordinates with the National Library Headquarters in Abuja.

2. Legal Deposit and Bibliographic Services Division

Collects and archives all books, journals, newspapers, and publications produced in Nigeria.

Ensures compliance with legal deposit laws, requiring publishers to submit copies of their works.

3. Reference and Research Division

Provides researchers with access to historical records, government publications, and official documents.

Maintains a special collection of Nigerian literature, culture, and history.

4. Serials and Periodicals Division

Ensures researchers and the public have access to up-to-date and historical periodicals.

5. Readers' Services Division

Manages book lending (where permitted) and provides study areas.

Assists visitors with finding materials for research and study.

6. Technical Services Division

Handles cataloging, classification, and indexing of all new books and materials.

Ensures proper organization and accessibility of library resources.

7. e-Library and Digital Services Division

Provides computer access, internet services, and digital archives.

8. Preservation and Conservation Unit

Focuses on repairing, binding, and preserving delicate or old library materials.

Maintains a climate-controlled storage for historical documents and rare books.

Comparison with Other Libraries

The National Library differs from state and university libraries in several ways:

It is not a lending library—materials are mostly for reference use.

It serves as a national archive, preserving Nigeria’s intellectual and historical heritage.

It focuses on legal deposit, documentation, and research, rather than general public reading or student
services.
Conclusion

The visit to the Ondo State branch of the National Library of Nigeria highlighted its critical role in
preserving and documenting Nigerian publications. Unlike other libraries, it serves as a repository of
knowledge for researchers, historians, and policymakers. The structured divisions and specialized
functions make it a unique and invaluable resource in the country’s library system.