Information Use Pattern of Primary School Teachers in Rural Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigated the information use pattern of primary school teachers in rural areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. The main objective of this study was to investigate the pattern of information used by rural public primary school teachers in Plateau State for their teaching and learning activities. Quantitative research methodology was used; questionnaires and observation were the instruments used for the study. The population of the study comprised all the school teachers in rural public primary schools of Plateau State, Nigeria. The findings of the study showed that the majority of school teachers used different types of information sources and resources. School teachers in this study used the information found for reference purposes. They photocopy the area of interest, jot down the main points, read the article directly and print a copy. The findings also showed over-dependence on headmaster/school authorities, library and information centres, and printed source/resources category. Books are the most popular resources needed and consulted by the school teachers in this study. Barriers to information were identified, and the following were the recommendations made. Government should establish libraries in primary schools in rural areas, and management should create more awareness on the use of library and information resources to both the school teachers and learners through library education and training programmes such as information literacy, user education, seminars, workshops, and conferences. The management should also provide more current information resources relevant to the needs of school teachers and learners in rural areas of Plateau State,Nigeria.