Abstract
This study examined the utilization of Information Resources Management Systems (IRMS) for community engagement in public libraries in South-East Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study, which adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 248 professional and para-professional librarians in public libraries across the five states of South-East Nigeria, and a census approach was adopted. Data were collected using the researcher-developed Information Resources Management Systems Utilization for Community Engagement Questionnaire (IRMSUCEQ), validated by experts in Library and Information Science and Measurement and Evaluation. The instrument had an overall Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that Integrated Library Systems (75.4%), Online Public Access Catalogues (65.7%), and electronic databases (64.5%) were the most widely utilized IRMS. Overall utilization for community engagement was high (M = 2.97, SD = 0.92). Major challenges included inadequate funding, poor ICT infrastructure, unstable electricity supply, insufficient staff training, weak administrative support, low digital literacy among users, and poor maintenance culture (Grand Mean = 2.98, SD = 0.82). Strategies identified for improving utilization were increased funding, staff capacity building, enhanced ICT infrastructure, stable electricity supply, stronger policy support, regular system maintenance, and public awareness programmes (Grand Mean = 3.26, SD = 0.77). The study concluded that sustained institutional support, improved infrastructure, and continuous capacity building are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of IRMS in promoting community engagement in public libraries.
Keywords: Information Resources Management Systems, public libraries, community engagement, information management, digital library services, South-East Nigeria.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31