AN EXPLORATION OF ALTERNATIVE LIBRARY SERVICES IN ENHANCING PATRONAGE IN THE DESIGN OF A MODEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

📄 Project Abstract

Public library as a place over the years has generated debate in literature by some interest groups in the library profession, some group`s are regarding the library as a "deserted library" no more relevant in this virtual era while others are maintaining the ground that the library is still a place to use for study, learning and research. However, the existing public libraries have seen a drastic drop in patronage over the years, these libraries were generally designed first and foremost as places to collect, accesses, and preserve print collections and thus, were comparatively static buildings.Alternative Library Services (ALS) is based on the principle that the library needs to provide a leisurely environment by serving various functions of entertainment and social activities.An exploratory research method was used to carry out the study while, questionnaires, physical observation and literature review were used as instruments of data collection,three public libraries were purposive...