Awareness of Virtual Library for Access of Medical Information Services by Library Users at National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre (NTBLTC), Zaria, Kaduna State – Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the Awareness of Virtual Library Services for Accessing Medical
Information by Library Users at the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre
(NTBLTC), Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The article was guided by three research questions
focusing on the users’ awareness and utilization of these services, and the challenges hindering
adoption. The study employed a quantitative research methodology using a survey research
design. The population comprised 126 registered library users, and data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that awareness of medical information services was
found to be highest in circulation and lending, while services such as current awareness, research
support, and medical reference were poorly known. Findings revealed that users largely
recognized basic access services such as circulation and reference, while specialized medical
information services—including indexing, research support, and translation—were less visible
and underutilized. Major challenges identified included inadequate IT infrastructure, insufficient
funding, lack of technical expertise, weak institutional policies, and data security concerns. The
study concluded that the overall awareness of virtual library services for accessing medical
information at NTBLTC, Zaria, is relatively low and inadequate. It was recommended that the
library should expand beyond basic access services by introducing subject-specific medical
databases while the institution should seek external funding, invest in staff training on digital tools,
establish supportive institutional policies, tailored to the needs of health professionals and
students.