USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES BY GRASSROOT PEOPLE FOR COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the use of information resources in public libraries by grassroot people for community transformation in North-Central, Nigeria. The study was guided by 2 research objectives and 2 corresponding research questions. The total population for the study was 198 librarians in public libraries in North-Central, Nigeria. The researcher adopted census sampling technique to cover the entire population of library staff in the State public libraries. Questionnaire and checklist were the research instruments used for data collection. Out of the 198 copies of questionnaire administered, 174 copies were filled, returned and used for the analysis representing 88% success rate. Descriptive statistical tool involving frequency counts and percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed the availability of library catalogue, indexes, bibliography, abstracts, textbooks, journals and monographs as information resources available in all the public libraries. The study revealed further that the grassroot people use books, journals article, dictionaries, newspapers and manuscripts for community transformation with the weighted of 2.67. The study concluded that public libraries in North-central, Nigeria have the potential to play a significant role in community transformation through the use of information resources by grassroots people. By harnessing the power of information, grassroots people can become active agents of change, driving development and improving the quality of life in their communities. The study recommended among others that the management of public libraries in North-central, Nigeria should prioritize the development of relevant information resources and services that meet the needs of grassroot people.