THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTRES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the role of libraries and information centres in government policy implementation in Nigeria. Three (3) research questions were raised for the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study consists of all the librarians in John Harris library, University of Benin. 180 librarians formed the sample population for the study which was randomly selected to represent the total population of the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire; it was built around the research question by the researcher and validated by the researcher’s supervisor. 180 copies of the questionnaire were printed and distributed to the sample population and was retrieved on the spot after filling to ensure 100% retrieval. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The major findings of the study are as follows: the role of libraries and information centres in government policy implementation in Nigeria include: facilitation of access to information necessary for policy implementation, promotion of transparency of government 11 policy, promotion of accountability in government policy implementation in Nigeria among citizens, educating the public on the essence of the government policy and facilitation of access to information necessary for policy implementation. And the challenges facing libraries and information centers involvement in policy implementation in Nigeria include: Inadequate Resources, funding, Legal or institutional constraints impede libraries and information centers from engaging in policy implementation, Legal or institutional constraints impede libraries and information centers from engaging in policy implementation and Poor infrastructure hinder their involvement. Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are made: Libraries should be involved in policy implementation in Nigeria amongst others.