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INFORMATION NEEDS AND SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN

IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES: A CASE STUDY OF BENUE STATE PUBLIC

LIBRARY

BY

FULL NAME (SURNAME FIRST)

MATRICULATION NUMBER

A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR AN AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc.) DEGREE IN Type

your course of study, department and School Name Here

Type Date of Submission Here (E.g 13th MAY, 2023)

1
INFORMATION NEEDS AND SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN

IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES: A CASE STUDY OF BENUE STATE PUBLIC

LIBRARY

By

YOUR FULL NAME (SURNAME FIRST)

MATRICULATION NUMBER

DEGREE IN [Type your course of study, department and School Name

Here).

Type Date of Submission Here (E.g 15th MAY, 2023)

2
 DECLARATION
I, Type your Name Here hereby declare that this research work titled Type your Project Topic

Here is a product of my research work under the supervision of

________________________ ____________________

__________________

Name of Student Signature Date

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 CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this research project is an original work undertaken by

________________________________________ (Matric Number) under the

supervision of ___________________________ and has been prepared in accordance

with the regulations governing the preparation of projects in the Department of

_________________, University of __________________________. This project has

been read and approved by:

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Supervisor Date

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Head of Department Date

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4
 DEDICATION
This research project is dedicated to Almighty God and my lovely family.

5
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The success of this work will not be complete without mentioning the name of those who

have been helpers of destiny.

First and foremost, I remain eternal grateful to Almighty God for life and strength through

school.

My profound gratitude goes to my father, ______________________________, my lovely

siblings, ________________________________________________________ for

their support.

To my supervisor, ___________________________, I say thanks for your effort towards the

successful completion of this work.

6
 ABSTRACT

The study investigated information needs and seeking behavior of

children in public libraries: A case study of Benue state public library.
Five (5) objectives with corresponding research questions were
formulated to guide the study. The study adopted survey research
design, the population of the study was 490 children registered with the
Benue state library Board headquarters, Makurdi. However, a sample
sized of 220 were drawn using simple random sampling and Taro
Yamene’s formula was used to determine the sample size from the
population. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire
developed by the researcher and validated by two experts who are
professional librarians. Data collected for the study was analyzed using
descriptive statistics of frequency counts and mean scores to answer the
research questions. Findings of the study revealed that children needs
information on child development and skills acquisition, some children
need information on culture of the people, among others. Findings of the
study also revealed the ways in which children seek information in public
libraries in Benue state to include: consulting the children librarian,
personal interaction with public library staff, children seek information by
asking questions, browsing the book shelves, reporting to staff,
complaining, among others. Furthermore, findings of the study revealed
the sources of information available to children in Public libraries in
Benue state to include; audio/ talking books, graphic novels and manga,
story and information books for all ages, among others. Findings of the
study also revealed that the information children often sourced in public
libraries in Benue state were: picture books, board books for babies and
toddlers, talking books, among others. Findings of the study further
revealed that lack of awareness/ orientation programme, inadequate
search skills, lack of information literacy programme, among others were
the challenges hindering children from accessing and utilizing library
resources in public libraries in Benue state. Recommendations were
made based on the findings of the study; the management of Benue
state library board should organize awareness/ orientation programme
for children to enable them have knowledge of available sources in the
children’s section of the library, among others.

7
[ Please Note that this Table of Contents is a just a template and may not contain
the exact sub headings in your project, kindly make the necessary
adjustment and delete this line immediately. Thank You!]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page - - - - - - - - -

Approval Page - - - - - - - -

Declaration - - - - - - - -

Dedication - - - - - - - - -

Acknowledgement - - - - - - -

Abstract - - - - - - - - -

Table of Contents - - - - - - -

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study - - - - -

1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - -

1.3 Objectives of the Study - - - - - -

1.4 Research Questions - - - - - -

1.6 Significance of the Study - - - - -

1.7 Scope/Limitations of the Study - - - - - -

1.8 Definition of Terms - - - - - -

8
CHAPTER TWO – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction - - - - - - -

2.2 Conceptual Framework - - - - -

2.3 Theoretical Framework - - - - -

2.4 Empirical Review - - - - - -

CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction - - - - - - -

3.2 Research Design - - - - - -

3.3 Population of the Study - - - - - -

3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique - - -

3.5 Research Instrument and Instrumentation- - -

3.6 Validity of Instrument - - - - - -

3.7 Reliability of Instrument - - - - - -

3.8 Method of Data Collection - - - - - -

3.9 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - -

CHAPTER FOUR – DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction - - - - - - - -

4.2 Analysis of Demographic Data of Respondents - - - -

4.3 Analysis of Psychographic Data - - - - - -

4.4 Test of Hypotheses - - - - - - - -

9
CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion - - - - - - - -

5.3 Recommendations - - - - - -

References - - - - - - - -

Appendix - - - - - - - -

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

10
 Since the creation of history, man had generally requires

information for his survival, information is required in decision making

and in other aspects of life. To function and to be relevant, every society

needs information. Hence information is said to be data of value in

decision making. It is critical resources that enable an organization to

function and flourish. It is first among the other corporate resources

because decisions relating to others depend on it. But the collection,

processing and dissemination of information are not trouble free. This is

basically due to the nature of information. Information is indispensable

to all processes and is essential to natural development. It is both a

national and international resource for social political, religious,

economic, cultural as well as technological development. Information is

important as the three basic necessities of life which are water, food and

shelter and so should be given enough priority in order to achieve what

is meant for. It is significant to note that information is useless unless it

is used however, before information can be made use of, it has to be

provided and the user of it has to be aware of it. In other words, the use

of information depends on its availability and accessibility to users.

Information is the act of informing or the condition of being

informed or the communication of knowledge. The American library

11
association glossary of library and information science (ALA) (2000)

define information as all ideas, greats and imaginative works of mind

which have been communicated, recorded, published and distributed

formally or in formally in any format. The new Webster’s dictionary 11 th

edition, 2003 defined information as, the communication of news,

knowledge obtained by search, study etc. it can also be considered as

knowledge communicated concerning some particular facts, subjects or

events. Information reduces uncertainty and adds to human knowledge.

Those that are pointers to other information and their sources which it

provides substantive information that is information itself. Information is

regarded as resources for use, and its generation and use for efficiency

and effectiveness is a very demanding and stressful task because any

information that is not organized for future use may be wasted. Also, the

relevance attached to information makes people to seek it in diverse

ways and for diverse needs. Information as a concept is not new to the

field of library and information science and its existence is designed to

solve problems when it is needed and source by individuals on a day-to-

day basis. According to Edewor, EmekaUkwu and Egreajena (2016), the

whole world needs and seeks information to survive and thrive in the

21st century with professionals, teachers, students and even the elderly

desiring information for their everyday activities. Researchers from

12
different disciplines working at the various Federal institutes in Nigeria

are no exception to the popular craving for information for their

numerous projects geared towards significantly contributing to

sustainable national development. Chowdhury (2004) and Ikoja-Odongo

and Mostert (2006) set forth that an information need may arise when

an individual recognizes that his or her current state of knowledge is

insufficient to cope with the task at hand, to resolve conflicts - or to fill a

void in some area of knowledge. Similarly, Ingwersen and Järvelin

(2005) and Nicholas (2000) point out that information needs have to do

with an identified or recognized knowledge gap that is available to an

actor/ user or an anomaly which an actor/user wishes to resolve. Choo,

Detlor and Turnbull (2000) maintain that information needs are

frequently thought of in terms of a person’s cognitive needs - gaps or

anomalies in the state of knowledge or understanding that may be

represented by questions or topics. These questions or topics will

definitely lead to users of information seeking information. In the same

vein, Wilson (2006) opines that when we speak of users’ information

needs, “we should not have in mind a concept of a fundamental, innate,

cognitive or emotional need for information, but a concept of information

as a means towards an end of satisfying such fundamental needs”. He

stresses that as part of the search for the satisfaction of these needs, an
13
individual may engage in information-seeking behaviour. He further

states that it is advisable to remove the term “information needs” from

our professional view point and rather speak about “information seeking

towards the satisfaction of need”.

Information seeking involves the act of reaching out for totality of

information-related products and services that researchers may perceive

to have a potential purpose in filling the gaps in their current knowledge

regarding the research they are carrying out. Informationseeking

behaviour can be regarded as a response to information needs which an

information seeker performs as depicted by Wilson (2000) as a

purposive-seeking action for information as a consequence of a need to

satisfy some goals. According to Acheampong and Dzandu (2015), the

need to be an informed and knowledgeable individual leads to the

process of identifying information needs. This process does not stand

alone without the individuals knowing the way they articulate, seek,

evaluate, select and use the information, which is commonly referred to

as “informating-seeking behaviour” being sought for. Information-

seeking actions entail the actions that researchers are willing to take in

the course of carrying out their research projects in order to fill research

knowledge gaps.

14
 Information needs and information seeking behaviour of children is

defined as the provision of desirable, up to data factual information to

the children at the appropriate time to enhance their welfare and ways

or patterns pursued by them in an attempt to resolve an information

need or needs. Access to information is one of the human rights and

each user of it should be able to get the right information he desires at

the right time and place in the way he needs it.

Information as a valuable commodity can be got from the library

among other places and it is necessary that librarians satisfy user’s

needs. In public libraries, the notion of book acquisition or children

literature is important. As a result, there is need for public libraries to

meet the information needs and information seeking behaviour of

children. This may not only enhance performance of the children, but

would go a long way in improving the services rendered to children in

public libraries. In addition, it would make for easy storage, processing,

retrieval of information, dissemination and use.

As information literacy becomes vital in today’s world, the public

library has a responsibility in ensuring that the specific information and

reference needs of children are adequately addressed. Children as

reference client require skilled and considerable assistance to locate

15
information relevant to both their perceived and real needs. The public

libraries can meet these needs through the children section of the public

library. A children section of the public library is an important unit to

which children have easy access to information and use. It provides

information in various formats. The children section provides pre-school

programmes, storytelling, reading competitive, riddles and joke among

others. The library facilitates education of children. It also performs vital

function such as informational, educational, cultural and recreational

services. Public libraries can play a major role in fostering in children the

desire for education and helping them develop the skills for obtaining the

kind of ever changing knowledge necessary to survive and prosper.

Children by all means need information knowledge sake, self-

development, skill acquisition and to carry out a given assignment.

The public has children’s library section which provides educational,

recreational, and cultural resources for children aged 6 to 11. It has a

large collection of picture books, story books, nonfictional books, and

multimedia materials etc. The main objective of this section is to

develop children's reading habits, research, and creativity skills through

different programs and activities. In addition to the reading habits, the

section has a computer lab, an activity room, a storytelling and puppet

16
show corner, and a multimedia corner. A special section is dedicated to

children with different types of disabilities. Several activities are offered

by the staff of children section on a daily basis, such as storytelling,

puppet shows, and arts and crafts. Children's book authors are often

invited to read to the children.

Children seek information, just like adults, for a variety of leisure

purposes and to help them with their school-based assignments. Also like

adults, for this information they turn to printed sources such as books

and magazines, and increasingly to digital sources, especially the Web.

Yet despite these shared information needs, children differ from

adolescents, as well as adults, especially in terms of their level of

cognitive development and affective behaviour and therefore in their

approach to seeking, evaluating, and using information resources. They

should be perceived, therefore, as a distinct user community when it

comes to information-seeking behavior. Children, like adults, seek

information from wide variety of sources.

The information needs of children can broadly be divided into two

categories: those with relating to education and those relating to their

individual leisure interests. In an educational context, the information

need is often imposed by the teacher (Gross, 2000). One objective in the

17
modem school system is to develop higher order thinking skills, an

objective that necessitates the use of instructional strategies that

encourage discovery and investigation.

The information-seeking behaviour of children has attracted

considerable attentions from researchers, especially in digital

environments. Traditionally, children looked to books and magazines to

meet their various information needs. In the last decade of the twentieth

century, CD-ROM experienced a brief popularity as a delivery vehicle

(especially encyclopedias) for children’s information. In the current

century, however, it is the Web that increasingly has become an

important information resource for this age- group. Information seeking,

however, whether from printed or digital sources, is by no means a

simple and straightforward task for children, as many studies have

revealed.

Information is needed and sought for a purpose; information

seeking is a means and not an end in itself. Traditionally, information

science has had relatively little to say about the final stage the use of the

retrieved information and this is especially the case when the use

happens to be children. Research from the discipline of education is

18
more plentiful, but tends to be restricted to information uses in

educational rather the leisure contexts.

The ultimate goal of the educational system is to maximize

possibilities for student learning. Traditionally requiring students to

acquire discipline-bound knowledge from "authoritative" resources such

as the teacher or the textbook met this goal. Information was used in an

assignment, often according to strict guidelines. Newer conceptions of

learning require students to collaborate on multidisciplinary tasks using

multiple information resources and by regulating their own learning

(Windschitl, 2017). Information technologies can facilitate . the latter

objective but are no guarantee of a successful learning outcome. The

relationship between information seeking, information use and

knowledge building require much more exploration by researchers.

In Nigeria, and particularly Benue state, information seeking

behavior of children remains poor and poses the greatest challenge to

reading culture and poor academic performance of school children in

Nursery and primary schools across the state.

Despite the huge amount of financial and material resources

invested for the development and growth of Public libraries in Benue

state for past years through the Benue State Library Board

19
Headquarters, Makurdi, preliminary observation by the researcher have

shown that children are underutilizing the library. If this scenario is not

properly addressed the aims and objectives of establishing public

libraries by the Benue state government will be defeated and the larger

society will suffer in the nearest future. Could it be that children do not

have information needs or finds it difficult to go about seeking for

information they need? This question bothers the researcher which

warranted this investigation. It is in light of this that the study sought to

investigate the information needs and information seeking behavior of

children in public libraries using the Benue state public library as case

study.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Most children do not get the information resources and services they

need in the Public library and they are disappointed to the extent that,

most of them are not prepared to use the library again. Despite the huge

amount of money invested in public libraries by the previous and present

administrations in Benue state to encourage reading culture among

children in the state, preliminary observation have shown that parents/

guardians do complain that the information needs of their children are

not met in Benue state public library. And that, their children do not also

20
wished to revisit the library as a result of poor quality of children related

literatures available for them to study. As a result of this, children get

disappointed for not getting what they desired, their needs not met and

their information seeking behaviour not identified. If this situation

continue it will have a negative effect on the future of the children who

are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow. This scenario if not properly

addressed with stiff resistance could result to poor academic

performance of the children in Nursery and Primary schools across the

state, low patronage of the children section of the library, as well as

children developing poor attitude towards the library and reading in

general. If this further continue the aims and objectives of establishing

public libraries within the state will be defeated. The resultant effect of

this will be detrimental to the socio-economic development of the state

and Nigeria as a whole in the nearest future. This is a source of concern

to the researcher. Hence, the need to carry out this investigation to

address the issues raised above.

21
1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to identify information needs and

seeking behavior of children in public libraries; using Benue state public

library as a case study. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Identifying the information needs of children in public libraries in

Benue state.

2. Identify the ways in which children seek information in public

libraries in Benue state.

3. Identify source of information available to children in public

libraries in Benue state.

4. Ascertain the types of information children often sourced in public

libraries in Benue state.

5. Find out the challenges hindering children from accessing and

utilizing library resources and services in public libraries in Benue

state.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions are raised to guide the study:

1. What are the children’s specific information needs in public libraries

in Benue state?

22
 2. What are the ways in which children seek information in public

libraries in Benue state?

3. What are the sources of information available to children in public

libraries in Benue state?

4. What are the types of information children often source in public

libraries in Benue state?

5. What are the challenges hindering children from accessing and

utilizing library resources and services in public libraries in Benue

state.

1.5 Scope of the Study

The content scope of this research is limited to information needs and

information seeking behaviour of children in Benue State public library.

The geographical scope of this study is Makurdi local government area of

Benue state. Population scope of the study is children who are registered

with the Benue state Library Board Headquarters, Makurdi.

23
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1.1 Concept of Information needs

Information is said to be data of value in decision making. It is

critical resources that enable an organization to function and flourish. It

is first among the other corporate resources because decisions relating to

others depend on it (Akagha, 2015). But the collection, processing and

dissemination of information are not trouble free. This is basically due to

the nature of information. Information is indispensable to all processes

and is essential to natural development. It is both a national and

international resource for social, political, religious, economic, cultural as

well as technological development. Information is important as the three

basic necessities of life which are water, food and shelter and so should

be given enough priority in order to achieve what is meant for. It is

significant to note that information is useless unless it is used however,

before information can be made use of, it has to be provided and the

24
user of it has to be aware of it. In other words, the use of information

depends on its availability and accessibility to users.

Information is the act of informing or the condition of being

informed or the communication of knowledge. The American library

association glossary of library and information science (ALA) define

information as all ideas, feats and imaginative works of mind which have

been communicated, recorded, published and distributed formally or in

formally in any format. The new Webster’s dictionary defines information

as, the communication of news, knowledge obtained by search, study

etc. it can also be considered as knowledge communicated concerning

some particular facts, subjects or events. Information reduces

uncertainly and adds to human knowledge. Information can be in two

forms. Those that are pointers to other information and their sources

which it provides substantive information that is information itself.

Information is regarded as resources for use, and its generation and use

for efficiency and effectiveness is a very demanding and stressful task

because any information that list not organized for future use may be

wasted. Also, the relevance attached to information makes people to

seek it in diverse ways and for diverse needs. Edom (2016) stressed that

information is normally intended for use rather than interest. It is sought

25
by their final users for particular purpose in particular circumstances. It is

of maximum potential use to person who wants it when it meets his

need not only in terms of general, subjects too.

Needs can be seen as a requirement from subsistence or for

carrying out some function or activities. Thus, information needs refer to

information demands, requirements, wants or de sires for some general

and specific purpose. Need in relation to information as: a state of lack

of desirable requisition or commodity i.e. information necessary to deal

with a situation as an individual deems fit (Ogbonna, 2016). Information

users need information for problem solving, current awareness,

recreational purposes and for up-dating their knowledge. Information

need is construed in the sense of data or set of data specially required

that will enable the user to make appropriate decision on any related

problem facing him or her at a particular time (Solomon, 2012). In the

same vein, Case cited by Tamen (2019) described information need as

an individuals or groups desire to locate and obtain information to satisfy

a conscious or unconscious need. Thus, information needs refer to

information demands, requirements, wants or de sires for some general

and specific purpose. Kadiri cited by Musa (2018) describes need in

relation to information as: a state of lack of desirable requisition or

26
commodity i.e. information necessary to deal with a situation as an

individual deems fit.

2.1.2 Concept of Information Seeking Behaviour

It is a truism that children engage in information seeking in order

to attain set objectives and solve certain problems. While seeking for this

information, children exhibit several verbal and non-verbal cues. These

behavioural tendencies constitute information seeking behaviour. Wilson

cited by Job and Nwokedi (2020) observed that in the course of seeking,

the individual may interact with manual information systems (such as a

newspaper or a library) or with computer-based systems (such as the

World Wide Web). Information seeking behaviour has been differently

and separately defined by several authors as a conduct (Uhegbu, 2011,

Ossai, 2011); as an activity and as an action (Majid and Kassim, 2010).

As a conduct, (Uhegbu, 2011) described it as the way an individual

conducts himself or acts when looking for or receiving or acquiring

information. This conduct constitutes his utterances, gestures, anxiety or

anger displayed by an information seeker in his effort to purchase,

acquire or receive news, data, stories or anything that may inform or

misinform his knowledge or understanding of a concept. Information

seeking behaviour as an activity denotes several procedures of

27
identifying search terms, choosing information locating tools, carrying

out the search, locating the information, retrieval and eventual

utilization. As an action, information seeking behaviour involves a set of

actions that an individual takes to express information needs, seek

information, evaluate and select information and finally use this

information to satisfy his or her information needs. Invariably, this also

include the feelings and emotions exhibited in the assessment of the

information and decision stage of either satisfaction/dissatisfaction with

obtained information or re-search procedure.

Information seeking behaviour from Kaur and Lal (2016) is the

purposive seeking for information as a consequence of a need to satisfy

some goal. Ogba, (2013) defined information behaviour as actions,

sentiments, mood swings and psychological reasoning carried out in the

mood of information seeking by individuals; before, during and after

information seeking which determines the environment of research, the

information source, the information sourced and taken, the ability to

conclude research and the mode of using the information sourced.

Whether or not information needs are pursued depends on the

individual’s ability to identify their need and then to express the need in

terms that are searchable by themselves or a third party (Sinha, 2015).

28
Smyth cited in Musa (2018) remarked that the information seeking

pattern of an individual is determined by the individual information

environment, which consist of: background and characteristics of the

individual; the nature and type of information need with which he/she is

confronted; the type of availability of information providers; information

providers capability in responding to a request and the degree and

satisfaction perceived by an individual with the ability of one or more

information providers to respond to his/her information needs.

Information seeking according to Smyth cited in Musa (2018) is a basic

activity indulged in by all people and manifested through a particular

behaviour. It is also an aspect of scholarly work of most interest to

academic librarians who strive to develop collections, services and

structures that facilitate information seeking. In the words of Aina (2004)

the information seeking behaviour of users depends on education, access

to library and the length of time a user devote to information seeking. He

went further to say that no matter how comprehensive the resources

and services of a library are, it is important that the services are

publicized widely so that users could seek information from the libraries.

Information seeking behaviour is thus the behavioural pattern exhibited

in a bid to acquire certain information necessary to bridge a gap in one’s

knowledge.
29
2.1.3 Concept of Public Libraries

A library is defined as a place, building or room where a collection

of books are kept for use. Libraries all over the world are regarded as a

national infrastructure, repository of information and thus, act as catalyst

for empowerment. The encyclopedia Americana cited in Ape (2011)

defined library as the “collection of books and other forms of records,

housed, organized and interpreted to meet broad and varying needs of

the people for information, knowledge, recreation, and aesthetic

enjoyments”. Aguolu and Aguolu (2002) defined a library as social

institutions, created to conserve knowledge, preserve the cultural

heritage, and provide information; under gird and underpin education

and research; and serve as foundations of recreation. In other ways, it is

called an Ominibus for the single fact that its users / readership is not

restricted (i.e.) it accepts and provides services to every person that may

approach it (Aju & Karim, 2014). According to the authors, a public

library is normally established by state government and may have

branches in the local government areas so that both urban and rural

dwellers may have access to its resources and services. The information

resources stocked by public libraries includes print and non-print

30
materials which may include books, reference tools, fiction and non-

fiction materials and a number of audio-visual materials.

Public libraries are libraries funded by governments (either at local

government level, state government level or federal government level)

with the tax-payers’ money and with the backing of a legislation. Thus, it

is free and open to all without any discrimination in terms of age, sex,

status or religion. Apotiade cited by Olanongbe et al (2013) submitted

that a public library is wholly designed for the purpose of rendering

information services to the general public irrespective of status,

occupation, sex, age, and these services are meant to be free or attract

little fee. Nuhu cited by Sinha (2015) posited that public libraries exist

primarily to serve the entire members of its locality referred to as its

general public. Atuti (2008) submitted that public libraries have long

been viewed as knowledge institutions because they provide the public

with spaces for information and learning and are accessible to all groups

of society, regardless of gender, age and ethnic affiliation. Public libraries

are significant institutions in the development of individual and society.

In Nigeria, many users use a public library for the purpose of self-

improvement because they are concerned with information and

education..

31
2.3 Empirical Studies

A study was conducted by Abdullahi, Igbinovia and Solanke (2015)

on assessment of information needs and seeking behaviour of

undergraduates in University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. The results of

study showed that the information resources available to the

respondents include books, periodicals (e.g. journals, magazine and

newspaper etc.) and internet services provided at the e-library. The

information sources available to them are formal and informal which

includes print, electronic, multimedia and audio-visual. Respondents

prefer information materials with appropriate titles during their visit to

the library and they adopt self-help to locate information they need as

they rarely use the catalogue to retrieving information materials.

Furthermore, other places where information is sought include the cyber

cafes, mobile surfing, online databases and personal collection. Steps

taken when information is needed is usually done by asking experts in

their field of study and discussion with their colleagues while the usage

of information is channelled towards general awareness, preparing

reading and for writing paper presentation. However, factors affecting

respondent’s usage of information ranges from inadequacy of relevant

32
library equipment, inadequate relevant library materials, lack of time,

procrastination and a host of others.

A study was conducted by Sinha (2015) titled a study on

information needs and information seeking pattern of public library users

of Barak Valley, South Assam. The survey finding revealed that majority

of the respondents (47.0 %) belongs to the age group of 16-25 years.

The study showed that the awareness about the rural/public library was

more among the respondents and the highest numbers (34.53%) of the

respondents visit public library once a week. It also highlighted that most

of the respondents (40.29%) prefer to spend at least one hour in the

rural public library. The study also reveals the fact that the maximum

demand for information from the respondents (88.44 %) were from

employment related information. The television channels (100.0 %) and

Newspapers (98.56 %) are two important sources from where the

majority of public library users (67.44%) get their desired information

needs. Majority of the respondents (86.33 %) say that the information

given by various sources are moderate. The study reveals that the

majority of the respondents (82.73%) are very much satisfied with the

information which are provided by the rural / public libraries available in

their locality; and a substantial number of respondents (64.74 %) do not

33
face any difficulties to access right information whereas very few

respondents (32.25 %) are getting problems to access right information.

The study has clearly indicated that, regarding the improvement of

information services in rural environment it is necessary to make rural

public library in every rural villages and make the rural people aware

about the need and importance of the rural public library. Now a day’s

libraries play an important role in teaching-learning, making people

informed citizens and make people aware about the various

developmental schemes being run by the States and Central

Governments. The library gives more information to rural community and

help in development of rural areas. So, the Assam Government should

take steps for the proper growth and development of Rural Public

Libraries located in under developed areas of Barak Valley, South

Assam in particular and rest of Assam in general for the overall

development of the state. It would not be out of place to mention that,

library legislation has not been enacted in Assam. Therefore an effort

should be taken from the Government of Assam for the overall

development of public libraries in Assam state especially in

underdeveloped areas for creating more jobs and extending more library

services to the society.

34
 A similar study was carried out by Olarongbe et al. (2013) on the

information needs and characteristics of users of Oyo State Public

Library, Nigeria. The findings showed that the majority of library users

were students and they needed information that supports their

education, which were sought mainly from their personal textbooks. The

majority of the users obtained their needed information from library and

the internet. The major constraint to accessing needed information was

inadequacy of relevant materials, Periodic users’ studies and acquisition

of current and relevant materials were suggested as possible solutions.

A study was conducted by Kaur and Lal (2016) on information

seeking behaviour of different types of users of public libraries of

Southern Punjab. Findings of the study revealed that the information

needs relating to respondents academic programmes 41%, general

information 25.8% and politics 6.2%, agriculture and security 4.6%,

sports 2.6%, health 1.7% and personal development 1.7% each. This

further indicates that the students who were the majority of the library

users needed information to support their academic programmes and to

pass their various examinations. Findings also showed that for

respondents to fulfil their varying information needs, 71% representing

the respondents visit the library every day. This could be due to the fact

35
that most of them were students and retired persons. 16.9% visit the

library once in two days, 10.7% visit the library about three times in a

week and 8.9% visit the library occasionally. The analysis revealed that

most respondents visited the library to obtain materials for private

studies, study using own materials, studying in peaceful environment,

reading newspaper, for other purpose, reading for relaxation and general

knowledge acquisition. This also indicated that most users while they

visited the library. In this regard, the library provided a conducive

environment for reading and studying more than providing for needed

materials (information). This explains why majority of the respondents

see library as reading centre. The various kinds of resources sought by

the respondents were presented in library. Findings of the study further

indicates that the most consulted resources in the library were

Newspapers/magazines, Novels, reference materials, textbooks, several

other kinds of resources, Government publication and Government

reports consulted materials in the library. This further showed that other

categories of users were very few in the library such as visually impaired,

deaf, handicapped, specialists, farmers, neo-literates, etc. who would

have preferred other library resources. Findings further revealed that

textbooks 22.32% were the prominent resources used by the majority of

the respondents because of the relevancy to the respondent’s

36
information needs. 21.4% were newspaper/magazine, 15.1% reference

materials, 11.6% poems, other general materials were 10%, government

publications 8% and government reports were 1.7%.The majority of the

respondents who indicated textbooks could be as a result of students

dominating in the library users following general awareness. Findings

indicates that the major constraints that hindered meeting users

information needs include lack of information retrieval tools in the library,

inadequate relevant materials, the former response may be connected

with lack of knowledge of available retrieval tools in the library by

respondents whereas the latter response against the backdrop of the

general state of neglect of public libraries. Other constraints indicated

were: Inadequate time to seek needed information, library proximity

problem, ignorance of where to obtain needed materials, hardly

conducive state of the library and uncooperative attitude of the library

staff. Others specified constraints were: erratic power supply, inadequate

toilet facilities and internet facility in the library for the users also. The

study further recommends that the state government authorities must

ensure that the minimum standard required for public libraries to provide

effective and efficient services as recommended by IFLA/UNESCO, is

adhered to.

37
 A study was conducted by Job and Nwokedi (2020) on information

needs and seeking behaviour of teenagers in Plateau State Library

Board, Jos. The findings of the study revealed among others that: Most,

Eighty- three (83) of the respondents strongly agreed that they need

information on academics with 57.2 %.; Majority, Ninety- five (95) of the

respondents strongly agreed that they seek information on education, for

assignment and examination with percentage of 65.6%.; Most, Ninety

eight (98) of the respondents indicated that cyber café with the internet

was readily available in the library with (68%).

Another study was conducted by Okonobo, Njideka and Mazah

(2015) on comparative study of information seeking behaviour of

researchers in Nigeria Libraries: Librarians

Perceptive. The study investigates researcher’s information seeking

behaviour in Nigeria libraries. Findings of the study revealed that

researchers in Nigeria libraries seeking for academic/ research

information, current awareness information, business information,

industrials attachment/employment, sports/ entertainment and personal

health information among other. It also noted that textbooks are the

major information materials consulted by the researchers in the libraries.

The results provide an insight into the challenges associated with

38
information seeking behaviour of researchers in Nigeria libraries such as

network fluctuate, inadequate knowledge of use of catalogue, insufficient

librarian, incompleteness of records, lack of time to access information

resources, nonchalant attitude of library staff and information scattered

in too many sources among other.

Similarly, Ching, Fidella, Ngadan, and Ho (2020) conducted an

investigation on information needs and information seeking behaviour of

the rural dwellers in Sarawak focusing on identifying their information

needs; examining their use of information sources; assessing their

perception of quality and accessibility of the information sources; and

determining the barriers to information seeking. Findings of the study

revealed that the rural dwellers have the highest needs in the area of

religion, health and medical, as well as entertainment, leisure, and

sports. They have the lowest needs for information about social welfare,

politics, and general/state election. The popularity of digital sources such

as the internet, social media, and mobile applications have become the

main source of information seeking of the rural dwellers, with the

traditional sources such as television, radio, and newspapers are still

being widely used. When the perception of information source quality

and accessibility is high, the frequency of using the source for

39
information seeking is also high. Poor infrastructure and limited financial

ability are cited as the main barriers to information seeking among the

rural dwellers.

A study was also carried out by Otoide (2015) on information

needs of secondary school students from selected schools in Abraka. The

results from the study as revealed confirm that information is a valuable

resource in the life of every individual even secondary school students

whether they live in urban or rural communities. The secondary school

students in Abraka need information for their academic pursuit, health

care, entertainment, friendship, religion, family care etc. findings of the

study further revealed that students need this information for learning,

knowledge acquisition, recreation, entertainment, up-to-date information

personal development, academic success and research. However,

inadequate information resources, poor library skills, poor information

literacy skills, lack of awareness of information needs and unfamiliarity

with the school library are some problems they encounter while trying to

meet theses information needs.

40
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH METHOD

The study adopted survey research design. The study was carried out in

Benue State. Benue State is located in the North-Central Zone of Nigeria

with twenty three local government areas and is been divided into three

senatorial zones: Zone A, B and C.

3.2 RESEARCH POPULATION

The population of the study comprised of Four Hundred and Ninety (490)

children were registered in the Children section of the Benue State

Library Board Headquarters, Makurdi. According to the librarian in charge

of the children section 490 children were registered (Source: Registration

41
Record of the Children Librarian Benue State Library Board

Headquarters, Makurdi).

3.3 RESEARCH SAMPLE SIZE:

A sample size of two hundred and twenty (220) children was used for

the study. This sample size of the children was determined using Taro

Yamane formula (1969). At the last stage, the children were selected

using simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data

collection is a self-developed questionnaire titled "Information Needs and

Seeking Behaviour of Children in Public Libraries

Questionnaire" (INSBCPLQ). ‘

3.4 VALIDATION OF THE INSTRUMENT

The questionnaire was subjected to face and content validation by

experts in the field of librarianship. Copies of the questionnaire were

administered to the respondents at Benue State Library Board Head

Quarters, Makurdi by the researcher. Copies of the questionnaire were all

administered and retrieved immediately after completion.

3.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS:

Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of Frequency

Count and Mean scores to answer the research questions. The

instrument which take the form of a continuum of Strongly Agree (SA),

42
Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD), were all scored

thus; SA=4, A=3, D=2 and SD=1. The Mean benchmark is calculated

thus; 4+3+2+1/4= 2.50. Therefore any item with a Mean value of 2.50

and above will be considered ‘’Agreed” or “Accepted” while those below

2.50 will be considered “Disagreed” or “Rejected”.

CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This section deals with the presentation and analysis of data

obtained from responses. Therefore, the data analysis was based on the

total number of questionnaire returned. As earlier noted sample

population for the study were 220. Accordingly, 220 questionnaire were

distributed to the respondents and 220 returned. Hence, the percentage

returned is 100% indicating reasonable high percentage.

4.1 Results

The result of the study was organized around the research questions as

follows:

4.1.1. Research Question 1: What are the children’s information

needs in public libraries in Benue state?

43
 Table 1: Mean scores of the children’s information needs in public

libraries in Benue state.

Responses

S/N Item Statement SA A D SD Mean Decision

(X)

1 Children need 68 114 33 5 3.11 Agreed

information on child

development and skills

acquisition

2 Some children need 100 66 34 20 3.12 Agreed

information on culture of

the people

3 Children need 120 20 62 18 3.10 Agreed

information for reading

and Quiz competition

4 Some children need 80 86 29 25 3.00 Agreed

information on current

affairs

5 Children need 77 46 63 34 2.75 Agreed

information on Parental

guidance

44
6 Some children need 54 99 27 40 2.76 Agreed

physical health and

safety information

7 Children need childhood/ 84 22 72 42 2.66 Agreed

adolescent information

8 Children need social 66 22 109 23 2.59 Agreed

welfare information like

home grown feeding

programme

9 Some children need 88 33 42 57 2.69 Agreed

future career information

Source: Field Survey, 2021

Table 1 above showed the mean responses to children’s information

needs in public libraries in Benue state. From the table above, children

indicated that items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were the information they

need in public libraries in Benue state with mean scores above the bench

mark of 2.50. In essence all the items were clearly agreed by the

respondents.

4.1.2 Research Question 2: What are the ways in which children seek

information in public libraries in Benue state?

45
 Table 2: Mean scores of ways in which children seek information in

public libraries in Benue state.

Responses

S/ Item Statement SA A D SD Mea Decision

N n

(X)

1 Consulting the children 160 20 26 14 3.48 Agreed

librarian

2 Personal interaction 96 89 18 17 3.20 Agreed

with public library staff.

3 One of the ways in 96 62 21 41 2.97 Agreed

which children seek

information is by

asking questions.

4 Browsing the book 89 78 9 44 2.96 Agreed

shelves

5 Reporting to staff 111 32 15 62 2.87 Agreed

6 Children go through 36 44 114 26 2.41 Disagreed

picture books to seek

information.

7 Children seek 97 60 11 52 2.92 Agreed

46
 information by

complaining with peer

group.

8 One of the ways in 80 86 29 25 3.00 Agreed

which children seek

information is through

story telling.

9 Through children 88 33 42 57 2.69 Agreed

literacy

programme

10 Through film show 10 102 80 28 2.42 Disagreed

services

available

Source: Field Survey, 2021

Table 2 above indicates the ways in which children seek information in

public libraries in Benue state. From the table above, items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

7, 8 and 9 were clearly indicated by the respondents as ways in children

they seek for information in Public Libraries in Benue state with mean

scores above the cut- off marks of 2.50 and above. While the

respondents disagreed with items 6 and 10 with mean scores below the

cut-off marks.
47
 4.1.3 Research Question 3: What are the sources of information

available to children in public libraries in Benue state?

Table 3: Mean scores of the sources of information available to children

in public libraries in Benue state.

Response

S/N Item Statement SA A D SD Mean Decision

(X)

1. Audio/ talking books. 68 114 33 5 3.00 Agreed

2. Graphics novels and 97 86 14 23 3.17 Agreed

manga.

3. Story and information 77 100 35 8 3.12 Agreed

books for all ages.

4. Comics and magazines 111 32 15 62 2.87 Agreed

5. Picture books 70 48 80 22 2.75 Agreed

6. Encyclopaedias 82 73 11 54 2.83 Agreed

7. Books for children 54 122 20 24 2.94 Agreed

48
 learning to read.

8. Stories in large printed 66 22 109 23 2.59 Agreed

formats

9. Fiction and creative 88 33 42 57 2.69 Agreed

writing books.

10. Board books for babies 100 59 50 11 3.13 Agreed

and toddlers.

Source: Field Survey, 2021.

Result from table 3 above showed the sources of information available to

children in public libraries in Benue state. From the table above, all the

items were agreed by the respondents as sources of information

available to children in public libraries in Benue state with mean scores

above the benchmark of 2.50.

4.1.4 Research Question 4: What are the information children often

sourced in public libraries in Benue state?

Table 4: Mean scores of the information children often sourced in public

libraries in Benue state.

Responses

49
S/ Item Statement SA A D SD Mean Decision

N (X)

1 One of the information children 106 40 30 44 2.95 Agreed

often sourced in public libraries is

picture books.

2 Children sourced board books for 130 14 26 50 3.02 Agreed

babies and toddlers in public

libraries.

3 I often sourced for talking books in 23 124 33 40 2.59 Agreed

public libraries.

4 Books for children learning to read 46 100 10 64 2.58 Agreed

is one among the information

sourced by children.

5 Children sourced for stories and 98 49 42 30 2.97 Agreed

information books for all ages in

public libraries.

6 Children sourced for books to help 144 9 44 23 3.25 Agreed

with homework in public libraries.

7 Audio books on CD is one of the 100 59 50 11 3.13 Agreed

information sourced by students in

public libraries.

50
8 Children sourced for stories in large 117 12 43 48 2.90 Agreed

print formats in public libraries.

9 One of the information often 98 49 42 30 2.97 Agreed

sourced by children in public

libraries is comics and magazines.

10 Current affairs books is another 86 68 26 40 2.91 Agreed

information often sourced by

children in public libraries.

Source: Field Survey, 2021.

Result from table 4 above shows the mean scores of the responses to

the information children often sourced in public libraries in Benue state.

From the above table, it is clearly indicated that all the respondents

agreed to the entire items as being the information children often

sourced in public libraries in Benue state. This is because, the mean

scores of all items are above the benchmark of 2.50. Hence the

respondents accepted the whole items as the information children often

sourced in public libraries in Benue state.

4.1.5 Research Question 5: What are the challenges hindering

children from accessing and utilizing library resources in public libraries in

Benue state?

51
 Table 5: Mean scores of the challenges hindering children from

accessing and utilizing library resources in public libraries in Benue state

Responses

S/N Item Statement SA A D SD Mean Decision

(X)

1 One of the challenges hindering 36 116 44 24 2.75 Agreed

children from accessing and utilizing

public library is lack of

awareness/ orientation programme

2 Inadequate search skills hinders 88 54 36 42 2.85 Agreed

children from accessing and utilizing

public library resources

3 Lack of assistance from the library 36 44 144 26 2.41 Disagreed

staff hinders children from accessing

and utilizing the resources of public

library

4 One of the challenge hindering 57 104 32 27 2.87 Agreed

children from accessing and utilizing

library resources is lack of

information literacy programme

5 One of the challenge hindering 116 66 20 18 3.29 Agreed

52
 children from accessing and utilizing

library resources is lack of current

materials

6 Unstable power supply hinders 144 9 44 23 3.25 Agreed

children from accessing and utilizing

public library

7 One of the challenge hindering 36 48 33 103 2.08 Disagreed

children from accessing and utilizing

library resources is because public

library environment is not conducive

for reading/ studying.

8 One of the challenge hindering 89 66 36 29 2.98 Agreed

children from accessing and utilizing

library resources is lack of

consistencies in usage of the library.

9 Another challenge is lack of 76 108 29 7 3.15 Agreed

knowledge of available sources.

10 Inability to evaluate sources of 88 67 58 7 3.07 Agreed

information is one of the challenge

hindering children from accessing

and utilizing resources in public

53
library.

Source: Field Survey, 2021

Result from table 5 above shows the mean scores of the responses to

the challenges hindering children from accessing and utilizing library

resources in public libraries in Benue state. From the above table, it is

clearly indicated that the respondents agreed with items 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8,

9, and 10 as being the challenges hindering children from accessing and

utilizing library resources in public libraries in Benue state. This is

because, the mean scores of the items were above the benchmark of

2.50. While items 3 and 7 with mean scores of 2.41 and 2.08 below the

cut-off mark of 2.50 and above were disagreed. Hence children

disagreed with item 7 and item 10 as not being the challenges hindering

them from accessing and utilizing library resources in public libraries in

Benue state.

4.3 Discussion of Findings

Based on the findings derived from the results of the study, the following

were discussed.

Findings of the study as shown on table 1 revealed that children’s

information needs are on child development and skills acquisition, some

children need information on culture of the people, information for

54
reading and quiz competition, children need information on parental

guidance, physical and safety information, information on childhood and

adolescent, children need social welfare information like home grown

feeding programme, as well as future career information. Findings of the

study is in agreement with that of Otoide (2015) who reported that

secondary school students in Abraka need information for their academic

pursuit, health care, entertainment, friendship, religion, family care etc.

the author further reported that students need this information for

learning, knowledge acquisition, recreation, entertainment, up-to-date

information, personal development, academic success and research. The

findings of the study is also in line with Job and Nwokedi (2020) who

found that teenagers need information on academics and career

information with 57.2 %.; Majority, Ninety- five (95) of the respondents

strongly agreed that they need information on education, for assignment

and examination with percentage of 65.6%.

Findings of the study on table 2 revealed the ways in which

children seek information in public libraries in Benue state to include:

consulting the children librarian, personal interaction with public library

staff, children seek information by asking questions, browsing the book

shelves, reporting to staff, complaining, with peer group, children seek

55
information through story telling as well as children literacy programme.

Findings of the study is in corroborates with that of Olarongbe et al

(2013) who revealed that public library users ways of seeking

information is through personal interaction with library staff, asking

questions in various library sections, browsing through the book shelves

and information literacy programmes in public library. Findings is also in

consonance with Job and Nwokedi (2020) who maintained that

teenagers in Plateau State Library Board Seek information through their

peer group, browsing the children library shelves, asking questions and

story-telling.

Findings of the study on table 3 revealed the sources of

information available to children in Public libraries in Benue state to

include; audio/ talking books, graphic novels and manga, story and

information books for all ages, comics and magazines, picture books,

encyclopaedias, books for children learning to read, stories in large

printed formats, fiction and creative writing books, board books for

babies and toddlers. Findings of the study corroborates with Okonobo,

Njideka and Mazah (2015) whose study reported that textbooks are the

major information materials available and consulted by the researchers in

the libraries. Furthermore, findings of the study is also in consonance

56
with Abdullahi, Igbinovia and Solanke (2015) whose study showed that

the information resources available to the respondents include books,

periodicals (e.g. journals, magazine and newspaper etc.) and internet

services provided at the e-library. The authors also reported that the

information sources available to users are formal and informal which

includes print, electronic, multimedia and audio-visual.

Findings of the study on table 4 revealed that the information

children often sourced in public libraries in Benue state are: picture

books, board books for babies and toddlers, talking books, books for

children learning to read, stories and information books for all ages,

books to help with homework, audio books on CD, stories in large

printed formats, comics and magazines as well as current affairs books.

Findings of the study is in line with that of Kaur and Lal (2016) who

indicates that the most consulted resources in the library were

Newspapers/magazines, Novels, reference materials, textbooks, several

other kinds of resources, Government publication and Government

reports consulted materials in the library. The authors further reported

that textbooks 22.32% were the prominent resources used by the

majority of the respondents because of the relevancy to the respondent’s

information needs. 21.4% were newspaper/magazine, 15.1% reference

57
materials, 11.6% poems, other general materials were 10%, government

publications 8% and government reports were 1.7%.

Findings of the study on table 5 revealed that lack of awareness/

orientation programme, inadequate search skills, lack of information

literacy programme, lack of current materials, unstable power supply,

lack of consistencies in usage of the library, lack of knowledge of

available sources as well as inability to evaluate sources of information

are the challenges hindering children from accessing and utilizing library

resources in public libraries in Benue state. Findings of the study is in

agreement with that of Kaur and Lal (2016) who reported the major

constraints that hindered meeting users information needs in public

libraries include inadequate relevant materials, lack of knowledge,

inadequate time to seek needed information, library proximity problem,

ignorance of where to obtain needed materials, and erratic power

supply. Findings of the study is also in consonant with that of Abdullahi,

Igbinovia and Solanke (2015) whose study reported factors affecting

respondent’s usage of information ranges from inadequacy of relevant

library equipment, inadequate relevant library materials, and lack of

time.

58
 CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that

children needs information on child development and skills acquisition,

some children need information on culture of the people, information for

59
reading and quiz competition, children need information on parental

guidance, physical and safety information, information on childhood and

adolescent, children need social welfare information like home grown

feeding programme, as well as future career information. Also, the ways

in which children seek information in public libraries are consulting the

children librarian, personal interaction with public library staff, children

seek information by asking questions, browsing the book shelves,

reporting to staff, complaining, with peer group, children seek

information through story telling as well as children literacy programme.

Furthermore, the sources of information available to children in Public

libraries in Benue state to include; audio/ talking books, graphic novels

and manga, story and information books for all ages, comics and

magazines, picture books, encyclopaedias, books for children learning to

read, stories in large printed formats, fiction and creative writing books,

board books for babies and toddlers. Also, the information children often

sourced in public libraries in Benue state are: picture books, board books

for babies and toddlers, talking books, books for children learning to

read, stories and information books for all ages, books to help with

homework, audio books on CD, stories in large printed formats, comics

and magazines as well as current affairs books. Finally, lack of

awareness/ orientation programme, inadequate search skills, lack of

60
information literacy programme, lack of current materials, unstable

power supply, lack of consistencies in usage of the library, lack of

knowledge of available sources as well as inability to evaluate sources of

information are the challenges hindering children from accessing and

utilizing library resources in public libraries in Benue state.

5.2 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were

made:

i. The management of Benue state library board should organise

awareness/ orientation programme for the children to enable

them have knowledge of available sources in the children’s

section of the library. This will enable the children to be aware

of the resources of the public library in order to access and

utilize them to meet their information needs.

ii. The librarians in charge of the children’s section of the library

should guide and assist the children by educating them on basic

search skills. This will enable the children to develop adequate

search skills for effective searching and retrieval of children

literature.

61
iii. The Benue state library Board Headquarters, Makurdi should

embark on information literacy programme targeted at children.

This can help the children to be aware of the resources and

services of the public library and be able to access and utilize

them effectively.

iv. The management of Benue state library board should weed

materials that are old and outdated in order to create space to

accommodate current materials that can be helpful to the

children. This will encourage the children in accessing and

utilizing the public library resources.

v. The Director of Benue state library should provide an alternative

means of power supply to the children section by procuring a

standby generator for the children’s section in case of power

failure.

vi. Parents/ guardians should encourage their children to use the

public library constantly. This will enhance the children to be

more consistent in usage of the resources available in the

children’s section of the public library.

62
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