Information Needs and Information Seeking Pattern of Adult Learners

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Information Needs and Information Seeking Pattern of Adult Learners

Author : S. A. Itasanmi and Olajumoke Okanlawon
Volume 9 No.2 April-June 2019 pp 110-115

Abstract

This study examined the information needs and information seeking pattern of adult learners in literacy programmes in Oyo State, Nigeria. Descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted for the study and 200 learners were randomly selected from literacy centres across the state. A self-structured questionnaire was designed and appropriately reviewed and validated by experts in the field of information studies and adult education. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, simple percentages and mean score was used to analyse the data collected from the learners. Results of the analysis revealed a ranking of need for information on health and general wellbeing coming first, followed by information on how to acquire basic literacy skills of reading, writing & arithmetic which was ranked second among others. The findings also showed that adult learners seek information mostly through radio and television (mean = 3.0450), followed by textbooks (mean = 2.8550) and through their facilitators (mean = 2.7400). Adult learners also seek information through their various religious books (mean = 2.7350), literacy primers (mean = 2.6300) and social media (mean = 2.5050). Language barrier and unavailability of required materials ranked first and second respectively among others as the challenges they face in seeking information.

Keywords

Information Needs, Information Seeking Pattern, Adult Learners, Oyo State

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References

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Indian Journal of Information Sources and Services (IJISS) a Multidisciplinary Library and Information Science Journal is a refereed Journal and publishes from India. This Journal encompasses all branches of Library and Information Sciences and its sub – disciplines like Library Management; Information Systems & Services, Information Processing & Retrieval; Information Sources & Services; Community Information System, Scientometrics & Informetrics, IR Theory, Knowledge Organization; Information processing & retrieval, Classification, Preservation & Conservation, Information Management,Library classification, Information sources, Systems and Services,Computer Application in Library; Digital Library; Information Systems; Bibliographic Control, etc.

All papers are peer-reviewed and newly selected panels of international referees have been appointed to ensure that review is done rapidly and to the highest standards. Special topics will provide accounts of research, written periodically at the invitation of the Editorial Board by Library Professionals under the direction of Editor-in-Chief.