Title: The use of library and information services by Ghanaian nuclear scientists

Authors: E.A. Agyeman, E.E. Badu

Addresses: Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, PO Box 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana. ' Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 25, Legon, Ghana

Abstract: The use of library and information services by nuclear scientists in Ghana was explored with the aim of making suggestions that would help to improve nuclear information service delivery in the country. Among the variables analysed were the background characteristics of respondents, reasons for use and non-use of library services, awareness and frequency of use of existing library and information services. The methodology employed was the cross-sectional survey involving 100 nuclear scientists drawn from some research institutions, universities and government ministries in the country. The results indicate that majority of them are young, male, well-educated, affiliated to research institutions and currently engaged in the agricultural sector of the economy. The nuclear scientists use libraries mainly to fulfil their research, publication and teaching needs. Some of the nuclear scientists were found to use their organisational libraries, but the frequency of use of the libraries and other local information services were found to be low. The awareness of all library services by the scientists was not universal. The study suggests the need for a deliberate campaign by information workers in the nuclear sector to encourage the use of their resources and services.

Keywords: Ghana; information use; library survey; nuclear scientists; library and information services; nuclear information; nuclear knowledge management; nuclear energy; nuclear power; Ghana; libraries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNKM.2008.018935

International Journal of Nuclear Knowledge Management, 2008 Vol.3 No.1, pp.17 - 27

Published online: 23 Jun 2008 *

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