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No. of pages: 75

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Abstract:

This study was undertaken to investigate the information needs and information-seeking behavior of the researchers at Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State. The study used a questionnaire and interview method to obtain data from the respondents. Out of the sixty copies of a questionnaire distributed to respondents, fifty-three copies were returned and found useable for the study. There was also an interview with the Director, of 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 more 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 This was because materials in the library were outdated and could not be used to meet current information needs.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 the information-seeking process include poor internet connectivity, high cost of purchasing information resources, and outdated materials in the library. Finally, appropriate recommendations such as an 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 Content:

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