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 This was because materials in the library were outdated and could not be used to meet current information needs.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information seeking process include poor internet connectivity, high cost of purchasing information resources and outdated materials in the library.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
