Information Needs of Medical and Health Practitioners in Three (3) Local Government Areas of Niger State.

Abstract

This paper identifies the information needs of Medical and Health Practitioners in Agaie, Shiroro and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State. It is a survey research, which used questionnaire as research instrument. The population comprises of Nurses, Public Health officers, Pharmacists, midwives and Doctors working under Local Government Health Department as well as State Ministry of Health – but fall within the jurisdiction of the 3 LGAs under study. The study adopted random sampling technique. Findings revealed that there were more of Public Health Officers than other practitioners in the three (3) LGAs. Education and training top the list in the aspects of types and sources of information needs, information seeking behaviour as well as inadequate ICT facilities. As a way forward, the paper recommends that Medical/Health libraries be established in all the LGA Headquarters and be enriched with relevant and current information resources. The libraries should provide a specialized type of service e.g awareness services with particular emphasis on Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), Health establishments should be provided with ICT facilities, and be connected to the internet.