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Volume 8, Issue 1 of The International Journal of Information, Diversity & Inclusion (IJIDI). This introductory article presents the theme, "A Culture of Knowledge Sharing," which we have identified as a common thread that weaves the papers featured in this regular issue. These papers cover knowledge sharing in research, literature reviews, and reports from the field discussing topics such as ways Hebrew children's literature can bridge cultures in Israel, research from Nigeria examining prison libraries as information resources for rehabilitation, and community-based information projects empowering immigrant women in Canada. The papers in this issue highlight how knowledge sharing impacts citizens' information behaviors worldwide. Two book reviews are featured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Espanola de Comunicacion en Salud is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Comunicacion Sanitaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Librarians organize information resources of all kind for easy access and retrieval; organizational records are one of such information resources that librarians organize for quick access and easy retrieval when needed by the organizations. Academic records being vital information resources that determines the future of students and the efficient workability of academic institutions like universities and other schools are to be well managed and organized so as not to get them mutilated, destroyed or missing. These academic records which include course registration, results, transcript and the likes are supposed to be well managed as they contain delicate information concerning the daily transactions of students and lecturers in the institution and they also contain evidence of academic performances of the trainees. In this 21st century universities in Nigeria are expected to be able to grow beyond managing such delicate and important records manually with the use of papers, files and cabinet to managing the records with the use of academic records management system software (ARMS) that is specially configured with the relevant and requisite modules to manage and organize academic records. Whereas a lot of universities in Nigeria are yet to upgrade to using some of these software to manage their academic records, it is pertinent for this paper to be able to expose some of such ways that these very important records can be properly and efficiently managed. This style of managing student academic records are important in order to guard against natural and artificial disasters like flood, fire, humidity, dust, mutilation, lost etc. when these records are managed with the use of the academic records management system (ARMS) it goes a long way to ensuring safety and easy access of the students academic records. So this paper presents Concepts of ARMS, Students' academic records, Types of records management systems (RMS), elements and feature of a efficient RMS, ARMS procedure, Advantages and perceived problems of using ARMS, Application of ARMS in maintenance of students academic records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the usage electronic academic databases resources by lecturers and postgraduate students in Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the types of electronic academic databases that lecturers and postgraduate students are aware of, the electronic academic databases that are available and used, purpose of usage of electronic academic database and the problems militating against the effective use of electronic academic databases resources. Four specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study is 134 lecturers and postgraduate students in WDU. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with the title "Usage of Electronic Academic Database Resources Questionnaire (UEADRQ)". Data collected was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings showed that there was a high level of awareness of the electronic academic database by the lecturers and postgraduate students and they equally made use of them. However, NUC Virtual library, HINARI, Research4life, AGORA and EBSCO Host were not being used as such. JSTOR, Elsevier, DOAJ, ProQuest, Science direct, and LexisNexis where been put to maximum usage. Research, writing of seminar/conference paper, assignments/seminar presentations and getting up-to-date information with subject areas were the purpose of their usage of the electronic academic databases. Lack of search skill, slow internet bandwidth and incessant power outrage were some of the problems militating against the effective usage of electronic academic database resources in WDU. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that electronic academic databases are vital information resources that need to be available in academic libraries for use by lecturers and students in the pursuit of their academic advancement. The study recommended among others, that orientation, workshop and seminar should be organized by librarians and university authorities on how to acquire the needed search skills in order to be able to make adequate use of these electronic academic database resources in order to advance academic excellence. Lecturers and student's attendance at such orientations, workshop and seminars should be made compulsory by the university authority. Also University libraries should endevour to acquire standby generator. This will be very vital particularly in the situation of power outage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business information has become a critical factor for the growth and success of small-scale business enterprises, the library as an institution responsible for information resources, sources and services to users, has indeed, become an indispensible partner in this national socio-economic growth and development drive. More typical however, is the public library because it is the only library that is open to every member of the public (SMEs owners inclusive) irrespective of background, age, status, race or creed. This paper therefore, discusses and provides useful insight on the application of Wilson's theory of Information seeking behavioural to public library as a sources of business information for SMEs in Nigeria. In a recent survey of major international research databases such as Scopus, Ebscohost and Web of Science, it was observed that there is a gap in knowledge as related to Wilson's theory of information seeking behavioural in the study related to business information and SMEs development particularly in the context of Nigeria. The present study explores the Wilson's theory of information seeking behavioural to Public library as a source of business information for SMEs in Nigeria through a literature review, the paper provides a conceptual background of public libraries and small and medium enterprises and the need for business information for SMS particularly through the public libraries. The paper contributes to knowledge in the following ways for policy formulations, and as a reference material for researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has remained a key expectation of universities all over the globe, and supporting the research effort of academics is a key goal of libraries. Most of the support services is shown by the availability of current information provided by journals and current research output. The paper is an overview of the concept, types of databases and vendors of popular databases, current practices and some identified bias in the subscription process in most universities in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for the study is a descriptive survey research with questionnaires used to solicit responses from participants using Google form. The paper also recommends effort in building local-based content but globally available databases to increase intellectual contribution to the body of knowledge. Government support in the area of curriculum and general standards to reduce bias towards local content. Consortium-managed subscription to international databases to reduce the cost burden on individual institutions and improve access to rich sources of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is about Application of Technology Resources to Library Information Processing in Academic Libraries in Nigeria. The electronic age has made users search beyond print media while looking for information resources. Latest research work are sent across the world through electronic means and no serious researcher of this age ever depends solely on print media rather the use of internet, websites, e-mail etc are the language of the day. Functionally, university libraries of the current dispensation provide access to both print and electronic resources to serve users and to increase the visibility of their institutions, and as a measure of prestige. In other words, they must go beyond the border of print collection in information delivery. It must extend to computer resources and other non-print format. The paper concluded that technology resources is indispensable in the 21st century for global access to information materials. Therefore academic libraries in Nigeria must strive to apply these resources to their information processing for total production and distribution of information contents in a quality manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses utilization of library and information resources and its importance in research process. It views research as a systematic painstaking investigation of a topic or in a field of study often employing technique of hypotheses and experimentation, undertaken by a person intent on revealing new facts, theories or principles or determining skill and identification of research problems which is connected to the level of library and information resources usage and hence determines the productivity or output of researchers. It discusses library and information resources as resources that include all forms of information carriers that can be used to promote and encourage effective research activities and developmental projects including books, journals, periodicals, audio-visual etc. Impediments to the full utilization of library and information resources are highlighted. They include lack of adequate current or relevant materials, non-involvement of lecturers in book selection, lack of adequate professional library staff, lecturers' lack of awareness of new arrivals among others. The study concludes by recommending acquisition of current and relevant information sources particularly books and journals, well qualified, experienced and adequate professional and Para-professional library staff should be employed by the university, approval of more funds for university library, research productivity should be encouraged with adequate funding in form of grants to lecturers/researchers in respective of their level and rank, lecturers promotion and entitlements should not be delayed, and Libraries and Librarians should embark on awareness and information literacy programs in order to improve on library patronage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successive governments in Nigeria in the last few decades have come up with different national education programme to improve the standard of education in the country. Unfortunately, none of these programmes seem to achieve the desired results. The major ingredient for the success of these programmes lies in the ability of the individuals to access and exploit quality information which translate to knowledge. Without information, national education plans remains idealistic and inclined towards failure. The relevance of library and information resources and services in the attainment of global education standard in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. Libraries as institution saddled with the responsibility of catering for the information needs of the general public, play vital roles in the realization of these objectives. Libraries are seen as factors that firmly wedge together all the various aspects of education efforts in Nigeria. The paper dissected the conceptual clarifications, functions, and services of library and explicitly discussed the vital roles that libraries play in education. It emphasizes the fact that the library is one of the education facilities required to achieve sound education at any level of schooling system in Nigeria. Concluding, the paper holds that both the library and education are inseparable twins in that, one ceases to function well without the others. As library contributes significantly to the advancement of education and learning of all levels; range of variety of documentation and information resources and services that are capable of fostering educational excellence in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the quality and quantity of the performance in computing in Nigeria Universities, there is need for a functioning research networking application through which they can exchange ideas. This is because academics tend to be more comfortable communicating with each other, asking questions and more importantly, such networking will provide mentorship in the Nigeria academic community. In order to make for this, several recommendations have been suggested but not scientific. Therefore to bridge this gap, this paper examines the properties of co-authorship network in Covenant University, Computer Science department. Properties of network such as centrality measures, network coefficient and so on are discovered. A collaboration recommendation application is then developed using the link prediction based on the Adamic-Adar Index measure. In conclusion, the result gotten from the network analysis is a valuable source of information for accessing the different centrality values of researchers in computer science. It also formed the foundation for developing an academic collaboration recommendation system for a small world research network. This will therefore improve the quantity and quality of performance of computer science academics in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective use of information resources by lecturers is one of the determinants of university education outcomes. To function optimally, lecturers utilise digitised information resources in their duties. University libraries are saddled with the responsibility of organising and providing lecturers' needed information resources. This study, therefore, investigated the influence of digitised library information resources availability on the use of information resources by lecturers in six federal universities in Southern Nigeria. Instruments used for data collection were the DLIRA (r = 0.73) and UIR (r = 0.64) scales. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson product moment correlation, and multiple regressions at.05 level of significance. The results showed that digitised library information resources availability on the use of information resources influenced the use of information resources by lecturers in the federal universities in Southern Nigeria. Thus, there is a need for the management of university libraries to intensify efforts at converting most of the paper-based resources to digitised formats for increased use of library resources by lecturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper aims at determining students' attributes and utilization of information resources in academic libraries in Imo State. The study focused on four (4) Universities in Imo State while four (4) variables were considered: students' study habit, intellectual curiosity and information literacy skill, with a sample of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Methods: The sample respondents were drawn using a simple random sampling technique through structured questionnaires. The answer to the research questions were arrived at using the descriptive analysis while the hypotheses were tested using t-test at 5% level of significance. Results: The results show that the major determinants of students' utilization of library information resources are: students' information literacy skill to use the computer and Internet facilities provided to access information resources for their assignments; to explore new ideas and balance their study time with recreation to avoid conflict. The result also shows a significant relationship between students' study habit, intellectual curiosity, information literacy skill and utilization of information resources in the library. Conclusion: The extent of students' knowledge of how to access sources of information using computer and Internet facilities provided; students' desire to explore new ideas to among others update themselves and carry out their class assignments affects their utilization of library information resources. Finally, the students' study habits, intellectual curiosity and information literacy skill significantly affects the utilisation of library resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of information communication technologies has transformed communication in Nigeria. The mass media once regarded as the most vocal and vibrant press in Africa is losing public trust as people easily source for critical information from social media instead of the media due to their patrimonial relationship with the state. The potentials of these information communication technologies in holding government accountable and enhancing journalism practice has endangers the state. Consequently, attempts by the state at regulating social media and the mass media through draconian bills such as protection from internet falsehood and manipulation bill of 2019, and the National Communication for the prohibition of Hate Speech bill 2019. Using Habermas notion of the public sphere coupled with semi-structured interviews with 12 media practitioners, this paper examines ways in which such regulatory frameworks have impacted on both the media and democratic cultures of the Nigerian state. The paper argues that social media and its convergence in the newsroom has expounded the democratic culture due to its affordances of speedy and accountability. However, the potentials of social media and its affordance has been misused. Consequently, the contestation between the state, public and media on how social media and its convergence in the newsroom can be effectively regulated. The media and public do not trust the state as they blame the state for the rise of fake news (misinformation and disinformation). On the other hand, the state has blamed the desire for profit and commodification of news for the rise of fake news. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is a resource used to increase knowledge and usable for the intended purpose. Its need is a global widespread essential feature of production, consumption and exchange of human mental creativity across the globe. Having discovered that information support services are part of services in institutions that add to the value and quality of learning regardless of the mode of delivery, the information needs of distance learners deserve to be met, irrespective of where they are located. It is in this respect that paper seeks to examine the information needs of distance learners, the concept of distance learning and its learners. The other aspect of this paper is the channels and, or sources of information through which the information needs of distance (remote) learners are met. Some of the sources or channels considered are the library, modules/study guides, lecturers or tutors, interaction with peers, friends/colleagues and telecommunication. The paper examines literature both in Nigeria and other African countries, as well as what is available in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the accessibility options for SRDs in university libraries in Nigeria. Access to the library's information resources is a benchmark for effectively utilizing information resources and services and fulfilling information demands for the educational growth of people within a community. Students that struggle with reading and it affect their capacity to learn are students with reading disabilities. University libraries should support and encourage scholarly work and research in all areas of human endeavor, regardless of ability or disability. As a result, this paper explores the idea of students with reading disabilities (SRDs), their traits, and the responsibility of university libraries in Nigeria in supporting SRDs. The article looks at the discrepancies between accessible and necessary information sources and the difficulties Nigerian university libraries experience in bridging such gaps and presents pertinent suggestions for improving access to SRDs. • The paper examined the provision of access for students with reading disabilities (SRDs) in Nigerian university libraries. • The study adopted a conceptual approach. • The takeaways are its emphasis on the critical role university libraries should play in improving information access and availability for SRDs. • The article examined the discrepancies between accessible and necessary information sources and the difficulties Nigerian university libraries experience in bridging such gaps. • The study recommended the repackaging and recreating university library information resources, facilities, and services to improve access to SRDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research remains an integral part of university postgraduate studies. Literature is a key ingredient of research report writing, while paper based information resources are often difficult to remotely access, the internet has encouraged and enhanced information resources access and use. It is therefore pertinent that universities worldwide should ensure the provision and access to information resources, particularly those available in electronic format. This study thus investigated the use of electronic information resources (EIR) by postgraduate students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University using the Davis Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A survey research design was adopted for this study and the population for the study comprised Four Hundred and Sixty-Two (462) postgraduate students of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. Using Yamane (1973) formula, Two Hundred and Fourteen respondents were identified for the study. 214 copies of the questionnaire were administered and 183 copies were retrieved. Out of the 183 copies retrieved, 178 copies were found useful for further use. The return date was 83%. The study found that the TAM parameters influence the use of EIRs by the students, the study thus recommend the sustenance of regular subscriptions to the various EIR database being currently provided by the university. The study also recommend that the postgraduate school should partner with librarians in teaching the 'literature review' aspect of Research Methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is an important tool for realizing any objective or goal set by individuals, so it remains a vital force for any individual or organization. A set of information required by an information user to make the right decisions when confronted with an issue at any given time is referred to as information need. Undergraduate students' information need ought to be identified so that libraries and information providers can redirect and improve their services to meet their information need. The purpose of this paper is to look into the educational information needs of undergraduate music students at public universities in southern Nigeria. For this study, a descriptive survey design was used, with a researcher-developed questionnaire distributed to 250 undergraduate music students. Results show that there was no statistically significant mean difference in the educational information need of male and female undergraduate music students at the universities studied. Additionally, this study revealed a non-statistically significant difference in the educational information need of undergraduate music students in first-two years and final years of study. The findings of this study indicate that information on all courses taught in the department and musical instruments mastery were the most frequently requested by undergraduate music students, at 98.8 percent and 80 percent respectively. These findings will be useful to librarians in identifying the educational information required by undergraduate music students and improving information sources to meet these students' educational information need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library and Information Services for the Grassroots and Vulnerable is an aspect of the objectives of the public library which have been denied attention in the actualization of its set objectives. It is eminent that these low-lives, down-trodden, mistreated, un-served is given a chance to have access to information regarding their needs, which might vary from health, agriculture, craft, religion, educational and social needs. Without contradiction the level of library and information delivery to these persons is not encouraging, and as such the need to improve on the best way to reach out to them becomes imperative. Majority of these group of individuals are uneducated and that does not rule out the fact that they have need for information services. The public library have been seen and known with its ethics and ethos of serving the "un-served and forgotten" and making library and information services available to everyone. In the early days of the inception of public library in Nigeria, they were charged with the responsibility of providing information needs for the development of people in the grass root through their mobile library services and advocacy program. The fundamental aim of public libraries is to provide timely, accurate, pertinent and reliable information to all people irrespective of class or race. Public libraries are devoted to improve access to information and satisfying their user needs. It is worth to know that the people in the grass root and vulnerable are not exempted. There is a growing recognition that library services, particularly public libraries are an integral part of national socio-economic development and improvement of the general quality of life of the populace. However, there has been poor satisfaction of information services to the needs of people in the grass root and vulnerable which could be tied to inadequate funding, staffing and inadequate information resources. It is on this premise that this paper advocates the need for innovative library services, evaluation and monitoring of library services as much as the challenges faced in the provision of library services, Recommendations on how best to tackle the provision of library services to the grassroots and the vulnerable are proffered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the importance of leadership on innovative practices in academic libraries in Nigeria. Academic libraries are expected to provide services in all forms, they provide reference services, technical, readers' services and so on, and also providing information resources in all kinds of format. Being a routine-like organization, users will desire new methods and expect creativity. Without creativity, turnout to the library may be less. Hence, good and innovative library leadership is important to keep its relevance to the university. It is therefore crucial for academic libraries to have effective leadership that will foster creativity and innovative practices. This paper therefore stated relevant leadership traits and skills that will foster innovation and suggested innovative practices that may be adopted in academic libraries in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This paper explores the relevance of inter-market research to improving knowledge in property markets. It focuses on Nigeria's emergent property market which JLL (2018) suggests is information challenged. Given the country's lack of property data management, it is posited that inter-market studies can help to improve information supply and market knowledge. Inter-market research in Nigeria is compared with the UK's established market where such research is a key information source. Design/methodology/approach: An online database search was used to collate published intra-market and inter-market research on Nigeria's property market between 2009 and 2019. The inter-market research were thereafter examined as to volume and scope (geographical and thematic) and compared with the UK's. Findings: Relative to the UK, the volume as well as scope (geographical and thematic) of inter-market research in Nigeria are respectively far lower and narrower, thereby producing less information overall. Only a few Nigerian studies provide insights of two or more local markets. There is little or no research on many important market issues and other urban markets in the system. This suggests that inter-market research is relatively undeveloped in Nigeria. Research limitations/implications: The online search approach used to assemble extant research in the absence of a research repository may have resulted in the omission of some inter-market research undertaken between 2009 and 2019 if these were not published online. Practical implications: The dearth of inter-market research in Nigeria suggests an inadequately researched market. This limits market information, market knowledge, suggests a low market competitiveness with implications for development in view of the role of property in the modern economy. Originality/value: In view of the little attention given to inter-market research in Nigeria, this study draws attention to its potential for improving market knowledge by the production of information which has a wider market relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to review related literature on Community Service Programme and the involvement of librarians in such initiatives, with a focus on the University of Port Harcourt. This review was also undertaken to establish a link between the Community Service Programme and purposeful librarianship. Related literature was reviewed on the involvement of academic librarians in Community Service Programme in Universities with a focus on University of Port Harcourt Community Service Programme. It was observed that Community Service Programmes play an essential role in linking students with host communities and provide opportunities and prospects for the development of entrepreneurial skills. This paper highlighted the benefits of community service activities to all the stakeholders. It also exposed the problem of noninvolvement of librarians in community service initiatives. This problem is more pronounced in Nigeria where librarians of all categories are not involved. It was, therefore, recommended that librarians should be actively involved in the design and implementation of the Community Service Programme in universities. In order to bridge the gap between town and gown, this paper also recommends the establishment of a functional Community Information Resource Centre with a library. This is a baseline review as no such paper has been written on this topic. Thus, it provides the basic information needed for further studies in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Information World / Bilgi Dünyası is the property of University & Research Librarians Associations (UNAK) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper examined the strategies used for marketing of information resources and services in medical libraries of public universities in the North-western geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The main objectives of the study is to identify the major strategies used in marketing of information resources and services and how to enhance the existing marketing strategies for optimum use of information resources and services.An explanatory sequential mixed methods research was used for the study. The study involved medical libraries of four public universities in the zone under study. A sample of 365 number of students and 4 number of heads of the medical libraries were chosen for the study. Questionnaire, interviews and observation were used as instruments for data collection. SPSS and Nvivo software were used to analysed the quantitative and the qualitative data collected. The findingd reveales that the major strategies used include advertisement, notice boards, use of social media, use of posters and pamphlets, exhibition and display, user oreintation program and user education. Others were seminars and workshops, SDI, CAS and handbook.The challenges surrounding the libraries' strategies in marketing the information resources and services were the absence of adequate funding and lack of sufficient facilities that will facilitate marketing the information resources and services, among others. Therefore, it is recommended that there is the need for a policy to guides the strategies in use, adequate training should be given to library staff. The libraries should provide adequate facilities to facilitate marketing of information resources and services to their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an assessment of information management in Oyo State, Nigeria with a view to understanding the information sources used by policy makers in the ministries, current information organisation and storage practices, and level of utiliisation of information. The paper also examined information dissemination practices and perceived benefits of information management as well as the challenges encountered. A sample survey design was used to collect data from 374 staff from the rank of grade levels 07 to 16 in seven of the twenty ministries in the state. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The ministries used multiple sources of information; professional/academic journals and the Internet are the least consulted sources. The ministries seldom shared information/database/datasets. The dominant storage system is file cabinet. Current practice of information dissemination is through paper files, memos and reports, meetings, print media, and telephone. Major information management practices are driven by manual systems and approaches. This report contradicts reported efforts of government to implement egovernment. Investing in information technology infrastructure is required to create enabling environment for transition to egovernance. Enskilling civil servants with capacity for managing information using electronic technologies is necessary to improve information management in the state public service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sought to determine the provision of alternative formats of information resources for inclusive library services of visually impaired primary school pupils in Southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 129 respondents, comprising of 125 visually impaired pupils and four librarians from the four special education centres in Southeast Nigeria. One research question guided the study. Two instruments were used for data collection which includes an observation checklist, and interview guide. Data collected with the checklist were analyzed using frequency counts, while those from interviews were analyzed qualitatively and integrated into the discussion of findings. The findings showed that alternative formats of information resources such as Braille textbooks and audio collections were not provided in many subjects in the libraries under study. Braille textbooks in almost all the subjects taught in the schools, including core subjects like English language and mathematics were not available. Even the ones available were old editions of textbooks. Also, it was revealed that other information resources except storybooks were scantly provided in alternative formats. Hence, the study concluded that the provision of alternative formats of information resources in special education centre libraries in Southeast Nigeria is inadequate. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the government should have a written policy statement on the provision of alternative formats of information resources for the visually impaired so that it will serve as a guide for the provision of information resources to special education centres, in order to ensure inclusive library services for the visually impaired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper delved into the availability and utilization of library portal services for research in university libraries in Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The study was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and Felix Aghagbo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Library (UNIZIK), Awka. A total of 70 professionals (librarians and system analysts) in these libraries supplied data for the study. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. These were used to answer the research questions while the null hypotheses were tested using t-test statistic at 0.05 level of significance and 68 degree of freedom. Major findings showed that portal services available in the library showed that the areas of availability of library portal services in Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, U.N.N. includes Agriculture, Health Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences and information about institution, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences. In Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, Awka, the areas of Portal Library Services include Career Development, Federal Government Programs, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Findings on extent of utilization of portal services available in the libraries indicated that portal services are utilized to a low extent in the university libraries. Furthermore, librarians did not significantly differ in their opinions on the availability of library portal services and on the extent of utilization of library portal services in the libraries under study. It is therefore recommended that provisions should be made by the universities and library management to provide and update required portal services in addition to creating enabling environment for enhanced access and utilization of these services. The governments must make an effort to provide funds for policy implementation, necessary technology training for librarians and users, and develop general information infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines how information and communication technology can be utilized for resource sharing among university libraries in Nigeria. It was based on the study and review of recent library and information science literature on both print and electronic resources. It discusses the meaning of information and communication technology, resource sharing practices, and how information and communication technology facilitates resource sharing. It traces the history of resource sharing among Nigerian libraries. The current state of information and communication technology application and utilization in Nigeria and its university libraries is revealed, with emphasis on university libraries that are located in different zones of the country. The paper examines challenges facing Nigerian University Libraries with respect to information and communication technology application and utilization for resource sharing, as well as to areas of library operations to which information and communication technology can be applied and utilized for resource sharing. It concludes by proffering solutions for viable information and communication technologies-based cooperation among university libraries in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities for librarians operating in a global information environment. Design/methodology/approach – The exploratory research design is adopted and secondary data are also used. The method is to first examine the concept of globalization, the status of information and communication technology (ICT) in African countries and current issues in library practices with specific focus on digital technology, and internet use pattern across Africa. The next approach is to examine the challenges and opportunities for libraries and librarians in a global information environment. Findings – The paper concludes that the critical challenge for information professionals from developing countries is to harness technological systems to globalize their information resources and services. The opportunities of doing so are boundless, borderless and beneficial in accessing the global information pool. Practical implications – Nigeria libraries are critically situated at the crossroads of digital revolution that is creating new vistas for information service provision. But how far and how fast they move from the crossroads to the emerging digital threshold will define their quality as well as quantity of information services provision by all species of libraries. Originality/value – The paper originality lies in its concise articulation of the boundless opportunities in a duality of a global information environment and the argument that librarians, who will manage information in the globalized environment, must acquire skills that will make global professionals rather than local champions. It is further contended that Nigerian libraries must join the march of civilization and the radical impact of the globalization process. This is because of the fact that in the garden of humanity, nothing is static; that which fails to grow will begin the process of gradual extinction and irrelevance. This paper looks at the library in a global information environment. It also examines the impact of ICT on global information network. The opportunities offered by the impact of ICT on globalization are also discussed. It articulates the challenges for librarians and libraries in global information environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the impact of information needs and sources of civil servants on covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Two objectives and two research questions guided the study. Cross-sectional survey research design was employed for the study because it studied human behaviours, beliefs and values. Data were collected through online questionnaire for the instrument which contained closed ended questions of Likert scale based on the proposition and objectives of the research. Frequency and Percentages were used for data organisation, presentation and analysis. The study was also carried out to explore how COVID-19 has reshaped the information needs and sources of Civil Servants in Nigeria. Some of the findings revealed how information will prevent the COVID-19 disease, ensuring safety while executing tasks, information acquired will guide the spreading of COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms of COVID-19, and information on diet that boost immune system to fight against the disease. The findings also indicated that the public should trust only verified official sources for COVID-19 related information. The paper recommends that civil servants should strive to seek for information from accredited media and sources, coupled with that librarians should sensitise civil servants on how to differentiate between fake and authentic information and government should reduce the cost of data so as to make access to information more affordable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to physical activity information provides opportunities for enduring and relevant messaging regarding physical activity. This may be a potential vehicle to optimise physical activity participation among emerging adults. This study aimed to characterise the physical activity information-seeking behaviour in a sample of university undergraduate emerging adults. Methods: Five hundred and seventy-five undergraduate students (age = 21.7 ± 1.9 years) participated in the study. Respondents' physical activity information-seeking behaviour was obtained using an adapted instrument, while physical activity and barriers were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale. Results: Three hundred and fifty-one respondents (61%) of respondents sought physical activity information. The majority of these individuals (73.8%) sought physical activity information using social media. After identifying and controlling for confounders including engaging in physical activity programmes and faculty of study, having low physical activity levels was associated with a < 1 likelihood of seeking physical activity information compared to having high physical activity levels (odds ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.27–0.87; p = 0.015). However, there was no association between barriers to physical activity and physical activity information-seeking behaviour (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.81–1.69; p = 0.40). Conclusion: Undergraduate emerging adults seek physical activity information using social media to enhance their physical appearance and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the soap opera's potential to engender behaviour learning and meet the information needs of farmers, this paper sought to establish farmers' propensity to use soap opera for sourcing agricultural information in Southwest Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to draw representative samples (150 farmers) in this study. Using interview schedule, data were elicited on farmers' personal characteristics, awareness about the use of soap opera, perceived benefits of soap opera and proclivity to use it for sourcing agricultural information. Data were analysed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means) and inferential (Chi-square and PPMC) statistics at P = 0.05. Farmers' age, years of schooling and household size were 52.1 ± 11.4 years, 10.5 ± 4.6 years and 5.9 ± 2.4 persons, respectively. Majority of the farmers (86.0%) had heard about soap opera and 76.0% heard of different soaps in the last couple of years and more than half (53.3%) had heard of different soaps from both radio and television. However, 90.7% did not know any kind of soap opera that was used to promote agriculture. More than half of the farmers (56.7%) had high inclination for sourcing agricultural information using soap opera. There was a significant correlation between farmers' perceived benefits (r = 0.36; P = 0.00) and proclivity to use soap opera for sourcing agricultural information. Farmers' positive proclivity to use soap implies that soap opera strategy has potentials to benefit farmers as a source of agricultural information; therefore, soap opera should be considered as veritable avenue for agricultural information dissemination in Southwest Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, the focus of strategic management studies has been on technological innovation. However, recent studies have shown rising importance of non-technological innovation to firms' productivity, especially in developing country contexts. One limitation in empirical firm innovation analyses this study attempts to resolve, is the role of information sources in driving non-technological (organizational) innovation in a developing country context. Developing countries rely on knowledge from external sources to make up for their deficiencies in R&D capability to drive their innovation efforts. Using pooled, cross-sectional data from two rounds of Nigeria's Innovation Surveys, this study assesses the role of external information sources in organizational innovation practices in Nigeria. A comparative analysis of the manufacturing and service sectors was also undertaken. Using a multivariate probit analysis, our results provide strong evidence of heterogeneity in firms' information sources used in implementing organizational innovation practices in Nigeria. Most information sources which drive organizational innovation practices in manufacturing firms do not have an impact on service firms. The study recommends sector-specific polices to drive organizational innovation in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the information infrastructure, facilities and services in Nigeria's Agriculture University Libraries., Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Federal, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia, and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, are the respondents. The main objective of the study is to assess the information resources, services and facilities at Agriculture University Libraries in Nigeria in order to analyze the types of available information resources, services and facilities, and the constraints associated with on the provision of information resources services and facilities to library users. Although questionnaires were provided to university librarians, the researcher was in charge of monitoring the activities of library users. The researcher took the entire respondent population of university librarians, in Agriculture University Libraries sampled were retrieved and analyzed, representing 100 %. The process of observation was also used to fill in the holes that the questionnaire did not fill in. Key findings show that in the Agriculture University Libraries in Nigeria, the existing agricultural information tools and facilities available, accessible and used are inadequate. In the Agriculture University Libraries, infrastructural facilities and internet services existed, but were not well established. There was no access to adequate information resources for users because of the insufficient number of library employees. The study recommended the enhancement of existing information tools, services and user information needs facilities, offline database subscriptions such as AGORA, HINARI, AJOL, JSTORE and EGranary to access agricultural information. To resolve these limitations, library management should look beyond the annual budget and reliance on TETFund, on consultancy services, printing, binding, publishing, donations from philanthropists into the future field of revenue streams and financing the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the student's patronage and utilization of library and information resources in Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Four research questions were considered to gather data. The sampled for the study comprised about 367 library patrons (Students). Purpose sampling the population of the study is techniques was adopted. The findings revealed that Afe Babalola University Library have enough materials which can help their patrons to achieve their aim such materials includes: abstract, dictionaries, directories, handbook, journals, projects, textbooks, report etc. Moreover, result showed that respondents visited library regularly but they visited library mostly to read for examination, research, getting assignment done and for personal development. The findings further reveal that library users visited library based on their interest for textbooks, past question and internet. Finally, the findings reveals that no challenges such as power shortage, personal assistant, up to date materials, in-conducive environment, internet, sitting arrangement and organization of library materials. The study recommended the university teachers should engaged the student with assignment that will make them use library more and familiar with other information resources, the librarian should introduce the students to the library through the orientation, library should organized library week once in a while and take a tour to another library, invite interested student to write in school library journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study surveyed the information resources provision of National Open University of Nigeria visa vis the extent of the information needs of their students in Southeast Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study and descriptive survey research design was adopted. The four study centres used for the study in South East has a population of the 42,200 Students. Random sampling technique also was used to draw the sample which came to 2111. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Its reliability was established using cronbach alpha. Data collected was analyzed using arithmetic mean. The study identified various types of information resources and facilities they know and could be required by the students for their learning and research, it further indicates the extent of the students information need as regards to the various programme they offer which was adjudged to be needed at a high extent and finally the extent the NOUN stakeholder's were able to provide the needed information materials and facilities for the students, which also was seen at a low extent. The study therefore recommend that the stakeholders of NOUN should always liaise with their students before acquisitions of information resources and facilities are made, More so effort should be made to solve the problem of poor electricity supply and finally NOUN libraries should ensure they partner with other academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined newspapers and magazines as essential sources of information for students in Covenant University. A survey method was adopted for this research, and the instrument used for data collection was observation, and a self developed questionnaire. A total of 250 copies of the questionnaires were administered to students, only 215 were retrieved and used for the analysis. Findings revealed that the most consulted newspapers by both male and female students are the Punch, the Nation, Guardian, and Complete Sports, while the most consulted magazines by both students are PC World, Popular Science, Leadership and Time magazine, but female students have more interest in fashion magazines like Ebony, Style, Allure and Life etc. From the analysis it was discovered that a larger percentage of male students consult more newspapers than their female counterpart while female students consult magazines more. Findings also shows that students in Covenant University do not place high priority on educational information rather more priority is placed on general information like sports, current affairs, politics & entertainment etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2014, Nigeria faced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) which resulted in 20 cases, eight deaths and over 800 contacts in two densely populated urban cities in the country. An emergency response to contain the outbreak included a communication and social mobilization unit. Methods: The communication and social mobilization team implemented house-to-house interpersonal communication (IPC) as an innovative strategy to contain EVD. Implementation was carried out in two phases. In phase one, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other partners held a stakeholders forum in Lagos where a risk perception analysis highlighted important risk perceptions about the disease. In collaboration with contact tracing teams, the team mapped the locations of the contacts under surveillance in Lagos and Port Harcourt. In phase two, a total of 60 teams of community mobilizers, 20 in Lagos and 40 in Port Harcourt, were trained and dispatched to households within the neighbourhood where contacts lived. Each team spent 30 minutes engaging members of each household with EVD prevention messaging including hand-washing demonstrations. Over a one month period in Lagos and Port Harcourt, respectively, a total of 10 697 house-to-house IPC sessions educating 145 725 community members, were conducted in 11 Local Government Areas in Lagos State and 37 wards in two LGAs in Rivers State. Conclusion: This house-to-house IPC strategy may have contributed to improving EVD prevention practices and is a promising intervention for outbreak control. However, the impact of this intervention needs confirmation through a post-intervention survey, which we recommend to provide quantitative and qualitative evidence that would complement lessons learned discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at exploring the information needs of the physically challenged students in Kwara State Library, Ilorin, Nigeria. A Survey research design was adopted. Three objectives were set for the study and the interview was used to elicit information from respondents. Findings showed that 76% were male while 24% were female. Findings also reveal that the information needs of physically challenges students covered medical (94%), academic (82%), security (78%), news/current awareness, training/conference, seminar respectively (76%), transport/travel (53%), sport (55%), politics (18%), and (4%) among others. The study revealed that (82%) used the library occasionally while (18%) regularly. The study showed that (65%) found the information resources inadequate in meeting their needs. Problems confronting information needs of the physically challenged include, furniture in the library are not good for relaxing (100%), lack of infrastructural facility (82%), lack of information materials (76%), lack of architectural design (73%), staff attitude is discouraging (67%), library environment is not accommodating (61%), and others (41%). The paper concludes that library stakeholders, National Library of Nigeria, Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Library Association, Federal and State government should take into consideration the physically challenged amongst us, thereby ensuring suitable reading environment. Recommendations were put forward to enhance adequate and relevant information by the physically challenged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper determined the level of perception of the effect of information resources awareness, availability and accessibility on the control of covd-19 pandemic among Librarians in Nigeria. A survey research design was employed through convenience sampling technique with a questionnaire as the instrument. The target population is the Librarians in the tertiary institutions. The online questionnaire was sent through an individual e-mail address.188 valid responses were observed after three months. The research questions were answered descriptively while an inferential statistic through regression analysis was used to test the null hypothesis. Findings revealed that the Librarians' perception of awareness, availability and accessibility of information resources had a significant effect oncovd-19 pandemic control at F(3, 187) =88.371, P <.001, R. 59. Further, the standardized coefficient result revealed that awareness, had a significant effect on covd-19 pandemic control with β=277, t=4.720 at p≤ .001, availability had a significant effect on covd-19 pandemic control with β-116, t=2.249, p≤.005 while accessibility to information resources had the highest significant effect on covd-19 pandemic control with β-.848, t-14.226. p≤0001. The results agreed with the descriptive analyses which indicate that awareness, availability and accessibility had a high effect on covd-19 pandemic control with a combined high effect. Awareness, availability and accessibility of information resources" is vital for librarians' job performance, especially during a disaster such as the covd-19 pandemic. This is the area previous studies in the context have not considered, that is the novelty of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the informal communication patterns of Nigerian university scientists. Ninety-five percent of the scientists being to at east one scientific society, while on the average each scientist belongs to three. Within a period of 12 months, 75% of ail the scientists attended at east one scientific meeting such as a conference, seminar, or a symposium. The major reasons for attending such meetings were the need for exchange of information and the desire to present a paper or contribution. However, most of the attendants of scientific meetings hied overseas believe that the most important aspect of the meetings was the opportunity of mailing informal contacts. These contacts subsequently seem to pay an important role in transporter flow of information, considering the fact that most of the coiieagues with whom the scientists maintain regular communication for exchange of scientific information are In overseas countries. Another effect of attending scientific meetings was that many scientists had to modify their ongoing research as a result of ideas they tonic away from the meetings, in most cases, the modification invoiced studying new sources of information and further examining the boric of other scientists. Considering the importance of these communication channels to the scientists, a number of measures are suggested for managing them in order to amice them more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tiv Tyumbun Magic Rite over time has been found useful for the treatment or removal of tambe (bewitchment), tyumbur (foolishness), geng or genggegen (disorders) and ukoghkogh (certain ailments) from people and for instilling normalcy and stability for the wellbeing of individuals. However, because of a lack of acquisition of audiovisual materials on the Tyumbun by public libraries, coupled with Christian religious interference, this important magic rite has been threatened with extinction. Therefore, this paper looks at acquisition of audiovisual materials on the Tiv Tyumbun Magic Rite and the role that the public library plays in trying to acquire and preserve this cultural heritage for posterity. The study sampled 105 library staff, library users, traditional priests and native doctors. Mean and standard deviation statistics were used to answer research questions, while chi-square was used for testing the hypotheses formulated at the 0.05 level of significance. It was discovered that public libraries do not acquire the Tiv magic rites of Ibyamegh, Iwya, Atseve, Waio, Igbye, Tyumbun, Akombu á Gbande, Kyurche, Vegh Akombu, and Atsuku. The study recommends that public libraries in Benue State should start acquiring audiovisual materials on the Tiv Tyumbun Magic Rite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the utilization of e-resources Modibbo Adama University of Technology, (MAUTech) Yola under the auspices of the central library, the Ibrahim Babangida Library. Academics and students are primary users of information resources of any library, hence, their responses towards the utilization of e-resources in the institution have been critically considered in this study. A Mixed method research Design was adopted for the study. A case study approach was employed. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theories were used to develop the conceptual framework of this paper. Questionnaires were used as data gathering tools. Academics and students acted as participants. Major findings are lack of sufficient Internet access for academics and students and lack of training and awareness campaigns. Conclusion has shown that e-resources did not impact research and teaching of academics in MAUTech, Yola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the information needs of nurses in two hospitals in Nigeria and the ways in which they went about attempting to meet those needs. Design/methodology/approach – The study is a descriptive survey of nurses at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Yenagoa, and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDU-TH), Okolobiri, in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Findings – The main reasons that motivated nurses to search for information were better patient care, improved medication administration, and better job performance. The main types of information needed by the nurses were how to avoid contracting HIV-AIDS from patients, information about the outbreak of diseases and new discoveries in nursing. They were hampered by their inability to access foreign nursing journals and a lack of awareness of how to use medical databases. This could be due to a lack of funding to subscribe to local and foreign journals, and lack of education and training in the skills of using medical databases. Originality/value – This type of information may prove useful to decision makers such as unit managers, directors of nursing services, and hospital executives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on evidence from a wider study on the cost and cost-effectiveness of sexuality education programmes in six countries, and focusing on the examples of India and Nigeria, this paper argues that advocacy is a key, yet often neglected component of school-based sexuality education programmes, especially where sex and sexuality are politically or culturally sensitive issues. It also suggests that advocacy is not a one-off activity but needs to be carried out continuously and adapted as contexts and needs change. Overall, this piece recommends that advocacy should be a key component of sexuality education work, and needs to be planned and budgeted for. Without such investment, country-level sexuality education programmes are likely to fail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the use of Google and Yahoo in retrieving relevant information resources by Nigerian Internet users. It was found that Nigerians prefer the search services of Google to Yahoo. This is because with Google search engine, they are able to retrieve the exact information that they need; they obtain more relevant and adequate information resources than Yahoo; Google is easier to use than Yahoo; and Google retrieves faster than Yahoo. Most Nigerian Internet users have personal access through their mobile devices such as mobile phones, lap tops, palm tops etc. It was therefore recommended that Google should incorporate more Nigerian content to their knowledge base as most Nigerians depend on it to meet their information needs; while Telecommunication companies (such as Etisalat, MTN, Globacom, Airtel, Starcoms etc.) that offer Internet services to Nigerians should make their services more efficient as they have emerged as the major Internet service providers to Nigerians in the 21st century. Nigerian Internet users are expected to continually up-date their search engine skills as more and more advances are made in the field of information retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the use of Google and Yahoo search engines in retrieving relevant information resources by Nigerian internet users. It was found that Nigerians prefer the search services of Google to Yahoo. This is because with Google search engine, they are able to retrieve the exact information that they need; they obtain more relevant and adequate information resources than Yahoo; Google is easier to use than Yahoo; and Google retrieves faster than Yahoo. Most Nigerian internet users have personal access through their mobile devices such as mobile phones, lap tops, palm tops etc. It was therefore recommended that Google should incorporate more Nigerian content to their knowledge base as most Nigerians depend on it to meet their information needs; while Telecommunication companies (such as Etisalat, MTN, Globacom, Airtel, Starcoms etc.) that offer internet services to Nigerians should make their services more efficient as they have emerged as the major internet service providers to Nigerians in the 21st century. Nigerian internet users are expected to continually up-date their search engine skills as more and more advances are made in the field of information retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the implementation of digitization of resources at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); the processes involved and the challenges faced. In the context of the establishment of a digital library in University of Nigeria, the study aimed to: establish progress that has been made by UNN in digitizing their resources; report the process of digitizing these materials; find out problems encountered in the digitization project; and proffer solutions to the problems encountered. To elicit the necessary information, a literature review of studies done on digitization was carried out. Additionally, information on digitization of University of Nigeria resources was gathered through the University website as it contained necessary information that guided the study. The research was started off mid 2009 and concluded in December, 2009. Researcher's personal experiences and observation methods were also employed in the course of this study. The paper gives an overview of digitization and the digitization initiative in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka including the processes. A lot of challenges are facing the successful digitization of resources in University of Nigeria. Such major deterrents in the project include legal aspect and finances. Other factors were also discussed and the ways forward to the hindrances highlighted. This paper establishes that there are challenges militating against the digitization project in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) which demands immediate attention. However, solutions are proffered, which can help in ameliorating the challenges raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]