Assessing Information Needs and Using Library Resources Among Academics at Kwara State Polytechnics

Purpose: This study examined information needs and the use of library resources among academics in Kwara State Polytechnics, Ilorin.Method: The study identified four (۴) research questions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population includes the academic staff of Kwara State Polytechnics, Ilorin with a population of ۷۴۲. However, the Raosoft sample size calculator was used to get the sample size of ۲۵۴ for the study. A web-based questionnaire was designed using Google form and generated link was shared among the academic staff of the polytechnics. The link was shared on various groups of the academic staff of Kwara State Polytechnics via WhatsApp and Telegram groups. The questionnaire link was shared and responses were collected for two weeks. The total response from the survey is ۱۵۸ and that was the unit of analysis for the study. The responses collected were automatically analyzed by Google Forms.Findings: The study found that printed textbooks, hard copy journal materials, newspapers, databases, and library catalogs are the sources of information to lecturers in Kwara State Polytechnics, Ilorin. It was found out that academic and research, information on self-development, personal health information, current affair, and information on the new trend are information needs of lecturers in Kwara State Polytechnics, Ilorin and the study also revealed that newspapers, e-books, e-journals, internet, and printed journal are the information demand and use by lecturers in Kwara State Polytechnics Ilorin.Conclusion: The study recommends that libraries in higher institutions should be well equipped with current resources to meet the needs of the ۲۱st century of lecturers.

Keywords:

Library Information , Information needs , Information sources , Information use , Lecturers