Accessing Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable National Development in two Selected Public Libraries in South East Nigeria.

Abstract

The dynamism in the activities of organizations has called for transformation to help and create development solutions that are culturally acceptable to society in decision making for sustainable national development. The study sought to investigate accessing indigenous knowledge for sustainable national development in two selected public libraries in South East Nigeria. The study was guided by four research questions. This study adopted survey research design. The total population of this study was 226 library staff from Anambra and Imo States Library Boards both in South-East Nigeria. The researcher adopted the entire population as sample size. Instrument for data collection was a web based structured (online Google form) questionnaire designed on a four –point rating scale.  Out of the 226 copies of questionnaire sent, 208 responses were received showing a 92% return rate. Data collected were analyzed using mean(x) scores (using 2.50 midpoint) based on the research questions and presented in tables. The result of the analysis showed: that users needed to access indigenous knowledge in public libraries for sustainable national development; the public library plays an important role in accessing indigenous knowledge by disseminating information to the community users to participate more actively in sustainable national development though the public libraries face numerous challenges in playing these roles. Based on the findings, the study recommended among other things that: public libraries should ensure efforts toward strengthening the recognition of indigenous knowledge for sustainable national development; serve as custodians of IK, preserving and promoting cultural heritage for future generations, while also facilitating access to IK for sustainable national development.