Survey of information acquisition and dissemination to distance learning students: the case of National Open University of Nigeria, Ibadan Study Centre

Abstract

This study investigates the survey of information acquisition and dissemination to distance learning students: a case study of National Open University, Ibadan study centre. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the study population consisted of registered library user which was 2,284. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 227 and questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that 147(67%) of the respondents sought and acquired information from the internet and 158(74%) got theirs information from the centre staff. Information was also disseminated to the students through friends and colleagues and centre staff. While 161(76%) also confirmed that information were readily available to them through interpersonal contact with friends and colleagues.160(75.5%) respondents from the centre also agreed that they accessed and utilized the available information which they acquired through interpersonal contact and their lecturers on daily basis. The major factors affecting their information acquisition and dissemination were inadequate sources of information, lack of relevant information.

Keywords: information, open university, information needs, information dissemination