Incidences of Noise Pollution in Selected University Libraries in North Central Nigeria

Five libraries of the Joseph Sawuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State University Makurdi, Federal University Lafia, University of Ilorin, and Kogi State University were randomly selected, visited, with the intent to determine the incidences of noise pollution, their sources and their ratings based on a comparative analysis. Combined with other methods such as on-site observation, identification of factors causing noise and the noise level in each library was measured using a digital sound level meter (model JTS-1357). Each library was demarcated into three; the lobby, general and referral sections. The basal noise level was measured for each library at 7.30- 7.45am, the second reading between 12-1pm and the evening measurement at 4-5pm. The data generated was analysed, tabulated and bar charts drawn using SPSS version 17. Results obtained show that University of Ilorin had the highest basal noise of 49.5dbA, while Federal University Lafia had the list of 37.9dbA. When the mean noise was computed University of Ilorin came top with 56.03dbA as the noisiest of all University libraries visited, while Kogi State University had the list noise level 48.37dB and a sitting capacity of 700 students. All these are far above the specified noise limit for libraries as specified by audiologists and World Health Organisation WHO, (1999) [12]. It is recommended that a strict law concerning noise pollution should be developed and enforced for not only universities but, all libraries. Those that have been built already may have the alternative measures put in place to reduce the effect of noise.