Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Researchers in Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to investigate the information needs and information seeking behavior of the researchers in Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State. The study used questionnaire and interview method to obtain data from the respondents. Out of the sixty copies of questionnaire distributed to respondents, fifty-three copies were returned and found useable for the study. There was also an interview with the Director, library services in the institute.

Findings from the study revealed that the information needs of the researchers were mainly on current awareness, to prepare for promotion exercises and job interviews and to prepare for seminars and conferences. Among various information resources available to the researchers, journals and online databases were the most preferred. However, the researchers utilized the internet frequently than the library. This was because materials in the library were outdated and could not be used to meet current information needs. 

Some of the challenges faced by the researchers during information seeking process include poor internet connectivity, high cost of purchasing information resources and outdated materials in the library. Finally, appropriate recommendations such as increase in the budgetary allocation of the library, improvement in internet connectivity and the acquisition of current materials into the library were put forward to solve the challenges highlighted by the study.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page_____________________________________________________________  

Certification _________________________________________________________      ii

Dedication_____________________________________________________________ iii Acknowledgement____________________________________________________      iv

Table of Contents______________________________________________________    v

List of Tables_________________________________________________________   vii

Abstract_____________________________________________________________   viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study________________________________________________    1

Statement of the Problem________________________________________________    3

Research Questions_____________________________________________________   4

Aim and Objectives of the Study__________________________________________   5

Significance of the Study________________________________________________   5

Scope of the Study_____________________________________________________   6

Operational Definition of Terms__________________________________________    6

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction________________________________________________________    8

Conceptual Framework

An overview of the concept of Information, Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour____________________________________________________    8 

Sources and Channels of Information for Agricultural Researchers____________     12 Information Seeking Models___________________________________________     14 

Review of Related Empirical Studies____________________________________     18

Summary of Literature Review_________________________________________     25

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

Introduction________________________________________________________     27

Research Design____________________________________________________     27

Study Setting______________________________________________________       27 

Population of the Study_______________________________________________     28

Sample and Sampling Technique_______________________________________     29

Instruments of Data Collection________________________________________        29  

Validation of the Instruments_________________________________________        30

Method of Data Collection__________________________________________          30

Method of Data Analysis_____________________________________________       31

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION____________________________________________________     32

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND                     RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction________________________________________________________     44

Summary of Findings________________________________________________     44

Conclusion________________________________________________________    45

Recommendations___________________________________________________    46

References________________________________________________________     47

Appendix 1: Questionnaire on Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Researchers in Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State___________________________________________________________   55

Appendix II: Interview Questions with the Director, Library Services Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State___________________________  61

Appendix III: Letter of Introduction____________________________________   52

LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1: Distribution of respondents by gender____________________________     32

Table 4.2: Distribution of respondents by educational qualification ____________       33

Table 4.3: Distribution of Respondents by years of professional work experience__      33

Table 4.4 Distribution of respondents by the rate of information seeking____                34         

Table 4.5: Categories of Information Needs_________________________       35

Table 4.6: Medium of Obtaining Information_______________________        36

Table 4.7: Information Resources Consulted When Seeking Information__       37

Table 4.8: Challenges of Information Seeking_______________________      38

Table 4.9: Solutions to Information Seeking Challenges______________      39

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.2.1: A Stage Process Version of Ellis’s Behavioural Framework_______  16