BIBLIOMINING FOR ENHANCING THE PROVISION AND UTILIZATION OF DIGITAL LIBRARY SERVICES IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the role of bibliomining in enhancing the provision and utilization of digital library services in federal universities in North-Central Nigeria. Guided by five research questions and three hypotheses, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 265 library staff from three selected federal universities, from which a sample of 159 respondents was drawn. A total of 126 valid questionnaires were returned, representing a 79% response rate. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and system log data from digital library platforms. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used for data analysis. Findings revealed a moderate level of digital library utilization and bibliomining adoption among librarians. Data warehousing was moderately utilized, while data mining and bibliometrics were less applied. Bibliomining moderately improved digital library effectiveness through better identification of high-demand resources and enhanced service delivery. Key challenges included poor ICT infrastructure, limited analytics skills, and low awareness of bibliomining practices. Hypotheses testing showed significant relationships between bibliomining practices and digital library utilization (r = 0.68, p < 0.05), digital library management (r = 0.61, p < 0.05), and service effectiveness (r = 0.72, p < 0.05). The study recommends improved ICT infrastructure, capacity building, and institutionalization of bibliomining practices.