Information Needs of Rural Dwellers as a Measure of the Effectiveness of Library and Information Services Provision in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The study was designed to determine the effectiveness of information services provision to rural dwellers in Anambra State, Nigeria vis-a-vis their information needs. Design/Methodology: A survey was carried out using rural dwellers in Anambra North Senatorial Zone of Anambra State including civil servants, petty traders, farmers, artisans( welders, carpenters, hairdressers, carpenters) and the unemployed. The survey employed three instruments to elicit data from library and information centres (LIC) and the rural dwellers in Anambra North Senatorial Zone of Anambra State. Questionnaire and observation checklist were designed for data collection from the LIC. Questionnaire was provided to the managers of available LIC in the Zone namely: Nteje Community Development Information Centre, Igbariam Community Development Information Centre, Awkuzu Central Library and Atani Community Branch Library. Observation checklist was used for onthe- spot check of the available resources as well as data on the statistics of the users and resources consulted. The predominantly illiterate rural community in Nigeria justifies the use of interview to elicit information from rural dwellers on their awareness of information centres, their use, as well as approach to their information sourcing and needs. A total of eighty (80) respondents were interviewed from the communities, twenty (20) respondents per community. These rural dwellers were randomly sampled in the community. Findings: The survey revealed that non-government funded library and information centres provide satisfying information modelled along the needs of the rural dwellers. Contrary to the government funded print based information provision, rural dwellers sources of information are predominantly oral and their information needs are relative to their type of occupation. Contrary to documented information on print and video sources provided by library and information centres, rural dwellers source information from their professional colleagues/trade masters, churches, promotion by motor advertisers, television / radio and ceremonies. The study therefore concludes that with the exception of the non-governmental information centres which are modelled along the needs of the rural dwellers, other government funded information centres do not provide effective library and information services to rural dwellers. Practical Implication: Information needs of rural dwellers is of paramount importance if millennium development goal will be attained. Government sponsored community library and information centres which are geared towards the information needs and literacy enhancement of rural dwellers must be focused upon rather than the print/ paper based platform of the pre and post independent era. Actualization of the later implies that critical needs assessment must be put in place with a view to packaging information services on the required rather than the imaginary. Originality/Value: The place of library and information centres in the all round development of Nigerian citizenry irrespective of location is portrayed.

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