Physical Damage and Theft of Library Materials as Correlates of User Frustration in Public Libraries in Jigawa State

AbstractPurpose: This study examined the relationship between physical damage and theft of library materials, and user frustration in public libraries in Jigawa State, Nigeria.Methodology: The study employed a correlational survey research design. It was guided by two research questions and tested two hypotheses. The population included 1,560 registered users from three public libraries: Dutse Central (602 users), Hadejia (512 users), and Birnin Kudu (446 users). A sample of 455 users was chosen through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data collection involved two validated instruments: the Vandalism of Library Materials Questionnaire (VLMQ) and the User Frustration Questionnaire (UFQ), with reliability confirmed via Cronbach’s Alpha (average 0.86 for VLMQ clusters and 0.86 for UFQ). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, with significance set at p <0.05.Findings: Results showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.05) between physical damage and user frustration, caused by resource scarcity and inadequate user education. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.58, p <0.05) was observed between theft and user frustration, linked to restrictive borrowing policies and socioeconomic factors.Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for enhanced resource availability, user-centred services, and affordable photocopying services to mitigate vandalism and improve the user experience in Jigawa State’s public libraries.Study type: Research paper.