Information Needs of Media Practitioners in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the information needs of media practitioners in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design and questionnaire was used as an instrument for the data collection. The population of the study comprised of media practitioners who were randomly selected from some media houses in Lagos State. A total of 123 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents of the study and 97, representing 78.9% response rate, were duly completed and returned. The results of the study revealed that the most sought type of information by the media practitioners is factual information, which is needed on a daily basis. The study also revealed that majority of the respondents use the information gathered for the purpose of general knowledge and research purpose, while research report and Internet/online database were mostly used sources for meeting their information needs. Nevertheless, it was observed that inadequate library resources, low internet connectivity, and erratic power supply constitute major obstacle encountered while searching for information. Hence, it was recommended that the media houses should make concert efforts by ensuring that they are well equipped with adequate library resources as well as providing good internet connectivity and stable power supply.