Research article · 2026
AWARENESS OF COPYRIGHT POLICIES AS A DETERMINANT OF UTILISATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES AMONG POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the relationship between awareness of copyright policies and utilisation of library resources among postgraduate students in federal universities in South-South Nigeria. It specifically sought to determine whether copyright policy awareness significantly influences students' utilisation of library resources.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a correlational research design. The population comprised 1,059 postgraduate students in federal universities in South-South Nigeria, from which a sample of 318 students was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, with 234 valid copies retrieved, representing a 74% response rate. Data were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), with the hypothesis tested at the 0.05 level of significance.
Findings: The study revealed a strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between awareness of copyright policies and utilisation of library resources among postgraduate students (r = 0.634, p < 0.05). The finding indicates that students with greater awareness of copyright policies tend to utilise library resources more effectively, confidently and responsibly. The null hypothesis was therefore rejected.
Originality/Value: The study contributes empirical evidence on the relationship between copyright policy awareness and library resource utilisation among postgraduate students in federal universities in South-South Nigeria, an area identified as relatively underexplored. It highlights the importance of integrating copyright literacy into postgraduate research training and library user education programmes to promote ethical information use and effective engagement with scholarly resources.
Keywords: Copyright awareness; copyright policies; library resource utilisation; postgraduate students; intellectual property; information literacy.
Paper type: Empirical research
Keywords
Copyright awareness; copyright policies; library resource utilisation; postgraduate students; intellectual property; information literacy. Paper type: Empirical research
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