The problem of this study relates to the organization of the learning resource center at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. It was undertaken to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the program offerings and to suggest ways of improving the effectiveness of the center. The investigation was therefore concerned with the development of a learning resource center model based on the study of the instructional needs of the university environment and the structure of the current program offering.
The study employed qualitative evaluation research methods. Data was obtained through the use of in-depth interviews, unstructured observations, and the analyses of program related documents. A survey of the literature provided the framework for anchoring constructions and reconstructions in the research study.
Accumulated data was analyzed utilizing the qualitative methodology. The information was synthesized to design a learning resource center model for the institution which is adaptable to similar Nigerian institutions.
The findings of the study reveal that: (1) the learning resource center is not tied to the overall university curriculum thus making it difficult to obtain administrative and financial support for the development of the center; (2) organizationally, the learning resource center is weak and marginally effective in providing the needs of students and faculty members in the instructional environment; (3) the absence of official guidelines for the development of the learning resource center grossly affects internal evaluation and accountability.
The major conclusion of the study is that the university authority needs to realize the importance of the learning resource center in promoting teaching excellence and enhancing the intellectual abilities of students in the instructional environment; the center has the potential of solving some of the instructional problems plaguing the institution. This, however, can only be achieved if the university commits resources to the nurturing of the center to enable it to function effectively.
