Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between user profiles and the utilisation of library
materials by undergraduate Library and Information Science (LIS) students in federal
universities in South-east, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The
study population comprised 294 undergraduate LIS students sampled across the region.
Data collection was executed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using
mean score, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) to
test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the research question
revealed that the mean score for users' interest profiling was 3.80, while library utilisation
scored 3.66, with a correlation coefficient r-value of .764. This implies that there exists a
very strong positive relationship between users' interest profiles and library utilisation.
The corresponding null hypothesis was rejected (p < 0.05, r = .764, p = .000), indicating
that there is a statistically significant relationship between users' interest profiling and
library utilisation by undergraduate LIS students. The study concludes that an accurate
understanding of student information needs and user profiles directly enhances library
material access, recommendation workflows, and general system patronage. It is
recommended among others that academic libraries dynamically should integrate modern
profiling strategies within their library management frameworks to optimize the filtering,
delivery, and visibility of resources.
Keywords: User Profile, Library Utilisation, Undergraduate Students, Library and
Information Science, Federal Universities.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31