This study explores the use of the cybercafe at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. By means of questionnaires, data were collected from 83 users. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents have not been using the cafe for a long period of time; most of them visit the internet cafe for sending or receiving e-mail, followed by browsing for academic information; most acquired internet knowledge and skills through practical self-teaching but a good number of respondents do not spend a long time accessing the net per visit. Yahoo! is the search engine used by most respondents followed by Google. The high cost of internet access is a constraint to a majority of users.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find out: the functionality of public libraries in the provision of needed information resources; the impact of the use of modern electronic gadgets as the level of patronage; the influence of old technology use on libraries; and the globalization effect on the user behavior toward public libraries. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the descriptive survey design since the opinion, perceptions and observation of public library users were examined. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 185 respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The instrument was validated by research experts in the area of test and measurement and in library and information science research. A reliability test was carried out using 25 academic library users in Delta State University, Abraka, to establish a coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbach’s α. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for research questions while the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient analysis and linear regression analysis were used to test hypotheses. Findings Public libraries in Nigeria are functional and accessible. There is inadequacy in modern information and communication technology devices that aid information provision and dissemination, Globalization and modernization has negatively impacted the patronage of public libraries. The influence of deterritorialization has influenced the user attitude toward regular use. Globalization has made time and space much more closer, thereby reducing contact and interaction between library staff and users in the public library system. Globalization and/or modernization has brought not only challenges to public libraries, but also opportunities to exploit. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study were drawn from one sampled area to represent the entirety of the country. The respondents were public library users who were found using public libraries; therefore, less time was allocated to answering research instrument, thereby potentially and probably not responded to with utmost concern. Practical implications Public library functionality will be deterred if necessary actions are taken to improve the quality of service provision. There will likely be a reduced patronage of public libraries if users do not get the most recent information as supposed. There is already a negative effect of globalization and modernization on the functionality of public libraries. There is an urgent need to update and modernize public libraries across the nation for effective and efficient service delivery. Social implications Globalization has led to the reduction of interpersonal and social interaction which is supposed to promote friendliness between public library users and the staff. It also promoted the use of modern technologies such as telecommunication devices, information disseminating gadgets in homes while inhibiting public library patronage time and space is now been maximized for the benefit of library users who are distant from the public library location in as much as information has become accessible at their fingertips. Originality/value This research was carried out by the author (Dr (Mrs) P.U. Otolo) and is fully individual. All authors cited are duly acknowledged.

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PurposeTo provide a report of the 2004 Annual Conference of the Nigeria Library Association Delta State Chapter.Design/methodology/approachA brief report of the conference held at the Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro, Delta State in November 2004, with the theme “Libraries: Tools for Education and Development.”FindingsThe Conference had over 150 participants from different libraries all over the State. The focus was on education and development, ICT and new roles for libraries. This regular annual conference is aimed at giving reports, the activities of the association for the past one‐year, deliberations on the activity of the association in the State.Originality/valueProvides a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.

Libraries are crucial part of teaching and learning in educational institutions. The emergence of technology and its incorporation into libraries have improved learning through a well strategized information management model. This has relegated series of antiquated routine practices of the traditional or conventional library. The innovative approaches to information resource utilization introduced by technology have significantly promulgated the relevance of libraries to education. This has also diversified the learning pattern of students and faculty and the management of scholarships within institutions of learning. The crux of this discourse revolves around answering questions like; how has globalization impacted library services? Can globalization mar or improve libraries? Has it changed the learning configuration and reading perspective of students with regards to patronizing the library as a vital information hub or knowledge repository? Since libraries (mostly academic, public and special) have become reference centers for learning, teaching, research and development processes, the contributions of technology and globalization in traditional libraries is reviewed. It proficiently looked at the current integration of modern technology into the library and how it has facilitated optimum learning experience in universities. The challenges that accompanied its emergence of technology and the extended learning services were discussed.