Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Summer 5-27-2021
Document Type
Article
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study investigated information needs and seeking behavior of children in public libraries: A case study of Benue state public library. Five (5) objectives with corresponding research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted survey research design, the population of the study was 490 children registered with the Benue state library Board headquarters, Makurdi. However, a sample sized of 220 were drawn using simple random sampling and Taro Yamene’s formula was used to determine the sample size from the population. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire developed by the researcher and validated by two experts who are professional librarians. Data collected for the study was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and mean scores to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that children needs information on child development and skills acquisition, some children need information on culture of the people, among others. Findings of the study also revealed the ways in which children seek information in public libraries in Benue state to include: consulting the children librarian, personal interaction with public library staff, children seek information by asking questions, browsing the book shelves, reporting to staff, complaining, among others. Furthermore, findings of the study revealed the sources of information available to children in Public libraries in Benue state to include; audio/ talking books, graphic novels and manga, story and information books for all ages, among others. Findings of the study also revealed that the information children often sourced in public libraries in Benue state were: picture books, board books for babies and toddlers, talking books, among others. Findings of the study further revealed that lack of awareness/ orientation programme, inadequate search skills, lack of information literacy programme, among others were the challenges hindering children from accessing and utilizing library resources in public libraries in Benue state. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study; the management of Benue state library board should organize awareness/ orientation programme for children to enable them have knowledge of available sources in the children’s section of the library, among others.
Comments
The authors are information Gurus currently working in various academic institutions in Nigeria.