Information Needs, Sources, and Information Seeking Behaviour of Administrators/Policy-Makers in Federal Polytechnics: A Case of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This work which focused on the policy-makers/administrators as information users was carried out using hundred (100) questionnaire in order to ascertain the information needs, sources and information seeking behaviour of the administrators. The barrier to information flow to them was also identified. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using simple stratified random sampling technique. Interviews, questionnaire and observation were used as instruments for data collection. Data collected were analysed using tables, percentage and frequency distribution. The result showed that the policy-maker did not have direct access to adequate information through the libraries as well as other government agencies. These sources of information, have been inefficient. Recommendations such as; the frequent use of library for secondary source of information, setting up of registry/information unit, organizing in-service education programmes, workshops, seminars etc, to educate the policy-makers were made to ameliorate the situation.

Key Words: Information, needs, sources, seeking-behaviour, administrator, and policy-maker