An assessment of rural libraries and information services for rural development

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to assess the rural libraries and information services for rural development in Delta State, Nigeria. Design methodology/approach The study adopted both descriptive and exploratory research designs. Questionnaire, observation and structured interview guide were the major instruments for data collection. Total enumeration was used to gather data from respondents in 16 functional rural libraries in Delta State. Findings The study revealed the challenges that surround the rural people in accessing information in rural libraries. It showed that only 16 rural libraries were established and functional in 16 communities within the 25 local government areas. Findings also showed that the rural libraries were not able to fulfil their roles. It was evident that the information needs of the rural people which made them to access the library were not adequately met because of some hindrances such as inadequate up-to-date information materials, lack of awareness, illiteracy, language barrier, inadequate skilled personnel and inadequate infrastructure and facilities. Practical implications The important finding in this study is that rural libraries are the most relevant institution to disseminate information about government policies, inculcating reading habits and developing skill and knowledge of people. Therefore, underdevelopment of rural libraries and inadequate information sources and facilities will hinder access to information and development of the people who need them. Originality value This research is the first of its kind to assess rural libraries and information services for the development of rural people in the 16 rural libraries in Delta State of Nigeria.

Spatial Distribution of Climate Change Variables (Rainfall and Temperature): A Case Study of Delta State, Nigeria

“…The State has a land area of 16,842 square kilometers and is located at Longitude 5° to 6° 45′ east of the Greenwich Meridian and Latitude 5° to 6° 30′ north of the Equator (Oghenejabor et al, 2020;Balogun and Onokerhoraye, 2022). The Delta State is bordered to the north by Edo State, to the east by Anambra and Rivers States, to the south by Bayelsa State and the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west by Ondo State (Omeluzor et al, 2017). The climate of the Delta State is influenced by two air masses: moisture-laden southwesterlies (tropical maritime), which originate from the southern Atlantic Ocean; and dry northeasterly (tropical continental), which originate from the Sahara Desert and bring harmful conditions to the area during the dry season (Ologunorisa, 2004;Oyerinde, 2021).…”

Optimizing of Library Management Based 5S Method (Case Study: Buluh Cina Village, Kampar District, Riau)

“…According to Griffis & Jonhson (2013), village libraries can help encourage community members to read books, access knowledge and information, and use all library materials for education and entertainment. Furthermore, libraries can help rural children and adults retain their knowledge, help rural communities understand social, political and economic aspects, and assist the development of healthy family life by providing materials on social, economic and health development (Omeluzor et al, 2017).…”