Information Needs of Prisoners and Adequacy of Information Resources in Prison Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Obiora Kingsley Udem (PhD) Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0597-6435
  • Oluoma Miracle Emereonwu Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
  • Chisom Marycynthia Nwadibe Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

Keywords:

Information Needs, Adequacy, Information Resources, Prisoners, Prison Libraries, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the information needs of prisoners and the adequacy of information resources in prison libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study. The population of the study was 1781 inmates in prisons in Anambra State. The sample size of 327 was selected using Taro Yamane’s formula and proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Two instruments titled the Information Needs of Prisoners Questionnaire and the Adequacy of Information Resources Checklist were used for data collection. The instruments were validated by three experienced lecturers. One in the department of Educational Foundations (Measurement and Evaluation Unit) and two in the Department of Library and Information Science, all at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaire items, with a value of 0.79. The researchers administered the questionnaires with the help of four research assistants (correctional officers). Out of 327 questionnaires administered, 314 were successfully retrieved. The percentage return rate of distributed questionnaires is 96%. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of the mean; also, the International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) guideline for library services to prisoners was also used as a yardstick for the measurement of adequacy. The results from the data analysis indicated that prisoners have diverse information needs that, when met, would help them during their stay in prison as well as when they are eventually released; these needs include legal information, information on prison rules, financial information, and others. While there were few information resources found to be adequate, the inadequacy of most of the listed information resources is recorded in prison libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that information resources be made adequately available for prisoners in relation to their information needs.

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Author Biographies

Obiora Kingsley Udem (PhD), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

Obiora Kingsley Udem is a Senior Lecturer and researcher at the Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. He holds a Bachelor of Education Degree (B.Ed.) in Library and Information Science, a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS), and a PhD from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He is a member of the Nigerian Library Association. He has written book chapters and articles for both reputable national and international journals. His areas of interest include ICT in libraries, information/digital literacy, social media, and digital libraries.

Oluoma Miracle Emereonwu, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

Oluoma Miracle Emereonwu is an Assistant Lecturer and researcher at the Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science (BLIS) and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is working towards a PhD in Library and Information Science. She has written articles and conference papers. Her area of interest include Information technology leadership, special libraianship and digital humanities.

Chisom Marycynthia Nwadibe, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

Chisom Marycynthia Nwadibe is Assistant Lecturer and researcher at the Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science (BLIS) and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is working towards a PhD in Library and Information Science. She has written articles and conference papers. Her area of interest include information literacy, information engagement, and information needs.

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Published

2024-09-25

How to Cite

Udem, O. K., Emereonwu, O. M., & Nwadibe, C. M. (2024). Information Needs of Prisoners and Adequacy of Information Resources in Prison Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 14(3), 19–38. Retrieved from https://ijkcdt.journals.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/ijkcdt/article/view/1017

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Obiora Kingsley Udem (PhD), Oluoma Miracle Emereonwu, Chisom Marycynthia Nwadibe

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