USER SATISFACTION WITH ACADEMIC LIBRARY FACILITIES AND TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION SUPPORT: THE CASE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BAMENDA, CAMEROON

Abstract

The academic library is designed to satisfy the needs of its users. User satisfaction can be enhanced through the provision of adequate facilities and the library’s support for transformative education. This study was guided by the following objectives: (1) to ascertain the extent to which library users at the University of Bamenda are satisfied with the library facilities; (2) to determine the extent to which library users at the University of Bamenda are satisfied with the library’s transformative education support; and (3) to identify ways in which the library facilities and transformative education support for users at the University of Bamenda can be improved. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was employed, targeting lecturers and students of the University of Bamenda who frequently use the library. A total of 220 participants were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, with the results processed using SPSS version 25.0. Qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that respondents were satisfied with the library facilities, with an overall mean score of 3.14 and a standard deviation of 0.732. Similarly, respondents were satisfied with the library’s transformative education support, with an overall mean score of 3.21 and a standard deviation of 0.653. Respondents suggested the need for infrastructural upgrades and better environmental management to improve library facilities. They also emphasized staff assistance, community engagement, and inter-school competitive programs as vital strategies for fostering a transformative learning culture. These suggestions reflect users’ recognition of the library’s pivotal role in shaping innovative, research-oriented, and socially engaged graduates through improved resources, technology, and educational support systems.