Accessibility of public libraries by rural dwellers in rural areas of delta state

Abstract

The aim of this study was to ascertain the accessibility of public libraries by rural dwellers in Delta State. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Five Hundred and Forty (540) respondents were selected from the population of 1,337,010 using quota and accidental sampling techniques while the questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Two research questions were raised and simple percentages and frequency counts were used for data analysis. Five hundred and forty (540) copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents and (352) three hundred and fifty two i.e. (65%) copies were returned. The study found out that, the public libraries are not accessible to rural dwellers as a result, the users rarely make use of the libraries. However, more male mak e use of the library than female while the age of 41-45 rarely make use of the library as compared to 20-25 years of age. In conclusion, public libraries are essential to rural dwellers; therefore it is recommended that all types of information be made available to public libraries. Sensitization programmes should be encouraged. This will in turn bring about positive impact on the rural dwellers.

Key words: Accessibility, Public, Library, rural, Dwellers.