Abstract
Continuous intention to use library resources has become a major concern in Nigerian
universities, as many postgraduate students exhibit declining and inconsistent patterns of
utilisation despite significant investments in service environments and personnel
development. This study examined library service environment and personnel competence as
predictors of postgraduates' continuous intention to use library resources in public
universities in Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria. Guided by three research questions and
corresponding null hypotheses, a quantitative explanatory survey design was adopted. The
population comprised postgraduate students in public universities in Lagos and Ogun States,
while a sample size of 420 respondents was selected using multistage, proportionate
stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a self-designed
instrument titled Library Service Environment, Personnel Competence and Postgraduates'
Continuous Intention to Use Library Resources Questionnaire (LSEPCPCIULRQ). The
instrument was validated by experts, and a pilot study yielded a Cronbach's Alpha reliability
coefficient of 0.79. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. Findings revealed that library service environment significantly influenced
continuous intention to use library resources (R² = .454, F = 347.23, p < .05); personnel
competence also significantly influenced continuous intention (R² = .507, F = 429.61, p < .05);
while both jointly exerted significant influence (R² = .642, F = 373.84, p < .05). The study
concluded that conducive environments and professionally competent personnel are
indispensable for sustaining postgraduate utilisation. Universities should therefore invest in
modern infrastructures and continuously strengthen personnel competencies to enhance
postgraduate research engagement and sustained patronage.
Keywords: Library Service Environment; Personnel Competence; Continuous Intention to
Use; Library Resources; Postgraduate Students
Publication Date: 2026-07-31