Library and Information Services to Rural Communities in Orsu LGA of Imo State.

Abstract

 The work reported the results of study aimed at identifying the library and information services in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, using Awo-Idemili as a case study. A survey research, which employed questionnaire and interview instruments, was adopted. A total of 560 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the thirteen villages that make up Awo-Idemili; 260 copies of which were distributed among the literates and semi-literates while the remaining 300 copies were used as interview schedule, which were interpreted to the stark illiterates and filled out on their behalf. Out of 560 copies distributed only 300 (53.6%) copies were completed and returned i.e. 180 from the literates and semi-literates while 120 were from the stark illiterates. The result showed that majority do not know what a library stands for. It was revealed that 97.3% and 95.7% of the population do not have access to Internet and library, respectively while 66.7% and 60% also do not obtain information at all on health and education, respectively. It was recommended that government should provide basic infrastructures and facilities like libraries to at least 2-4 more communities that make up this Local Government Area considering its teeming population and the number of primary and secondary schools available in this area. Some suggestions in this regard were also made.